If you are looking for some tender loving health care that is not linked to any chronic illness, visit one of these popular natural healing destinations and give your body and mind a therapeutic pampering.
Kusatsu Onsen, Japan
Going by numbers (3 million visitors, annually), Japan’s Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most popular healing destinations in the world. Located two hours from Tokyo, the large volumes of top quality natural hot springs water at Kusatsu Onsen is ideal for relaxation and relief from muscle pain, hypertension and other ailments. The bathing ritual passed down since the 1600s, includes a prayer at the indoor shrine, pouring of water over one’s head, before soaking in the 118-degree temperature water for three minutes. Situated at an altitude of 1200 metres above sea level, in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu is also popular as a skiing destination during winter; it is ideal for hiking too.
Thermae Bath Spa, Britain
The English city of Bath, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, may have earned distinction for its Georgian architecture and the historic places that draw visitors from around the world, but for those inclined towards health, it is its mineral waters that make it a perfect healing destination. The Thermae Spa, overlooking the city of Bath and Abbey, has been a major attraction for more than 2000 years ago, thanks to the powers of its waters. Although the hot springs were made inaccessible for the public in 1978, owing to health risks found, it’s opening in 2006 provided a new avenue to visitors seeking thermal bathing options.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs, Iceland
When nature joins hands with health, destinations like Reykjadalur (meaning steam valley) are formed. The hot springs sit plum in the picturesque valley of Rekjadalur, which is less than an hour away from Reykjavik. Surrounded by strikingly beautiful mountains and interesting sub-arctic foliage, the hot springs are a treat to the eyes and a cure for the body. A quick hike through the Reykjadalur valley will lead one to the thermal steam vents and boiling hot pools; there is steam rising up from the ground at many places, adding to the dramatic effect of the place. There are interesting mud cauldrons around the hot springs too.
Gellert Baths, Hungary
This Art Nouveau style thermal bath, located at Hotel Gellert in Budapest, is easily one of the most spectacular historic spas in Budapest. While the décor is stunning and engaging, it is the bath that has hints of a royal ritual about it. There are several thermal pools with varying temperatures (ranging from 26 to 40 degrees C), in addition to indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Bathing here can be complemented with medical massages, sauna and steam cabin, alongside an option to indulge in an anti-ageing immersion.
Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort, USA
Mud bath as a therapy, specifically for arthritis, has been in use in Eastern and Western Europe for centuries. That it is still used as a healing process tells a lot. At Dr Wilkinson’s Spa, which is a Napa Valley institution, the objective is to help visitors relax in bubbling mud baths. Founded in 1952 by John ‘Doc’ and Edy Wilkinson, the Spa came about when Doc, a chiropractor, visited Calistoga and got enamoured by the healing properties of the place. He combined Calistoga’s pure volcanic ash and intensely mineralised hot springs with vital Canadian peat to make the mud treatment. The concoction is curated to provide maximum heat penetration and buoyancy. The ash cleanses and smoothens the skin, along with the mineral water, while the peat buoys up the body.
Polynesian Spa, New Zealand
Another mud therapy destination is the Polynesian Spa, which overlooks Lake Rotorua in New Zealand. The luxury Spa boasts 2 natural hot mineral springs and 26 soaking pools filled with soothing alkaline water. While the faintly acidic Priest Spring relieves aches and weariness from muscles, the Rachel Spring nourishes and shines the skin. The popular mud wraps here feature thermal mud, which is said to have healing properties. Over the years, the Spa has earned a reputation as an ideal retreat for athletes with its hydrotherapy and reflexology walk.