Cultures around the world have bathed in the earth’s natural springs for centuries, knowing all too well the innumerable health benefits that awaited in the warm, mineral-rich spa waters. Follow in their footsteps and forget packed itineraries and chemical-laden beauty treatments — nature has all you need to get back to a stress-free you, all while nurturing the environment.
HEPBURN BATHOUSE AND SPA
Hepburn Springs, Australia
The naturally occurring mineral springs of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have been known for their therapeutic properties since 1894. Bliss out in the traditional communal heated mineral pools or with a therapeutic and beauty treatment, including private mineral bathing in 100 per cent mineral water. Drawn from the source, the therapeutic elements of the water are at their most potent. Naturally occurring calcium, silica, magnesium, bicarbonate and iron in the waters help increase circulation and release toxins.
Entry A$23. Treatments start at A$65.
SCARLET HOTEL
Cornwall, England
The Scarlet’s natural pool uses a living reed bed as a filtration system; microorganisms and plants balance the water chemistry ensuring clean, clear and hygienic conditions for an exhilarating outdoor, fresh water swimming experience. The pool is planted with flora to keep with the natural surroundings. There’s a granite diving slab, perfect for soaking up the rays. The hotel’s Indoor pool is also chemical-free with views to Mawgan Porth beach. The Ayurvedic inspired spa uses Tri-Dosha, Voya and homemade, chemical-free ingredients.
Treatments from £35
FREGATE ISLAND PRIVATE
Seychelles, France
The original luxury eco-hideaway, Fragate Island Private is a private paradise. Exemplary preservation, protection and nurturing of the natural environment, and the utmost in exclusivity for guests, are high priority here. This three-kilometer square island has seven beaches and just 16 luxuriously appointed villas, positioned to ensure privacy, each with a private infinity-edged pool.You won’t find commercialized spa products and merchandise. The Rock Spa is a truly natural Seychellois spa experience, with 95% of the spa’s treatment ingredients grown on the island. Madame Dibwa and qualified therapists blend Raspay medicinal plants traditionally used by Seychellois healers into products free from any chemical or artificial ingredients.
Room rates start at 26,00 per night.
CARASANA
Baden Baden, Germany
Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest mountains, the thermal water here was discovered by Romans 200 years ago. It flows from twelve springs, reaching temperatures of up to 68°C. Caracalla Spa is famous for its thermal springs and its spacious interior which houses a rock grotto with hot and cold water, a regenerating aroma steam bath and a saltwater inhalation room. Experience the ultimate in Roman bathing culture combined with Irish hot-air baths at the Friedrichsbad. Opened in 1877, this temple of wellbeing was considered the most modern bathing house in all of Europe.
Prices start at 14,00
COMO SHAMBAHALA ESTATE
Bali, Indonesia
Water is a key element in COMO Shambhala’s therapeutic healing processes. The estate is built around The Source, a natural spring that has long been long revered by locals for its healing properties. Water from The Source fills the Kedara (water garden), located past the forest towards the edge of the River Ayung.Indulge in four treatment bales, relaxation areas and fresh pools.The lap and hydrotherapy pools are fed from the Source, are chlorine-free and use a bio-energy water treatment system to keep the water soft and clear whilst retaining minerals boosting properties of the water.
Room rates start at US$310
OJO CALIENTE SPRINGS
New Mexico, USA
Native Americans in New Mexico deem Ojo Caliente Springs as sacred, thanks to its healing waters, mud pools and mineral baths. Journey two hours drive from Albuquerque, to an unhurried pace and authentic Pueblo-style accommodation.Ojo Caliente is home to four types of mineral water: lithium, iron, soda and arsenic, with 10 pools filled combinations of waters with temperatures ranging from 80-109 degrees.
Rates start at US$12
ALDER-THERMAE
Tuscany, Italy
Plunge into the thermal baths, healing waters at this Tuscan beauty. Try treatments such as Argillae, the Etruscan clay bath, which dates back to ancient ceremonial traditions where the body, while floating in the water, is gently manipulated to release tension. Dip into the Grotta Salina, an underground salt bath where lights and aromatherapy induce a complete sense of wellbeing. Favorite treatments here include Shiatsu, reflexology, Reiki and hot stone massage.
Daily rates start at 207
THERMAE BATH SPA
Bath, England
Travel to the heart of the historic city of Bath to bathe in the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters just as the Celts and Romans did nearly 2,000 years ago. Britian’s original natural thermal spa, water here is naturally hot and straight from the earth at 46 degrees centigrade. It also boasts more than 40 minerals and trace elements. Other highlights include an open-air rooftop pool with views of the city and surrounding hills, steam-rooms, relaxation areas and more than 50 complementary therapies and treatments.
Treatments start at £38
