- From sacred onsens in Japan to geothermally heated pools in Iceland, hot springs and thermal spas offer the ultimate wintertime comfort.
- When temperatures dip, these enchanting escapes take on an even more important role in relaxation, offering bathers a chance to offset their winter chills with warming waters.
- Experience the soothing waters they offer and uncover the ultimate cold-weather getaway at Hilton retreats around the world.
Natural hot springs are renowned for their healing powers, and for those willing to make the journey, thermal lagoons provide a charming way to soothe tired joints and bask in a relaxing, restorative retreat. That’s why this winter, savvy travelers are discovering the world’s warmest wonders. Thermal waters connect adventure seekers with the culture they crave in an environment they’ll never forget. Across the globe, these are the can’t-miss serene sanctuaries where wintertime self-care is always on the menu.
Soak Up the Spa Culture of Budapest, Hungary
Known as the “Spa Capital of the World,” Budapest is a place where bubbles are bountiful. With more than 100 thermal springs that have drawn bathers since Roman times, this picturesque city is a hygge haven come winter, when the sight of steam rising from the outdoor baths against a snowy backdrop makes soaking here extra dreamy. Head to the sweeping Széchenyi Baths to enjoy one of Europe’s largest and most iconic thermal bath complexes. Famed for its grand Baroque architecture and naturally heated mineral pools, these pools allow visitors to challenge locals to a unique version of chess, which is played on boards that float in the warm waters.
Hilton Budapest
Hampton by Hilton Budapest City Centre
Enjoy easy access to everything the city has to offer by staying at Hilton Budapest, perched in the Castle District with sweeping views of the Danube. Or relish the modern comforts of Hampton by Hilton Budapest City Centre, located a short ride from the baths and festive Christmas markets.
Seek Soothing Onsens in Kyoto & Odawara, Japan
In Japan, embracing the serenity of hot springs is a way of life. Japanese onsens boast mineral-rich waters that are naturally heated by geothermal activity, and these communal bathing spots serve as a cherished part of the country’s culture of relaxation and renewal. In winter, the steaming onsen waters become soul-soothing sanctuaries as bathers enjoy stunning environments surrounded by snow, cedar forests, and sometimes even views of the iconic Mt. Fuji.
DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station
Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa
For a welcoming experience, travelers to the storied city of Kyoto can catch a short train ride to the nearby Kurama Onsen, where open-air baths overlook a forested valley blanketed in white, before returning to the modern conveniences found at DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station. Or, for an immersive spa retreat just an hour outside of Tokyo, head to Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa, where guests can soak in the hotel’s complimentary hot spring baths and savor stunning ocean views from every room.
Ease Into the Healing Waters of Santa Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico’s high desert offers an unexpected winter retreat that surrounds travelers with red rock formations and snow-dusted mesas. Just north of Santa Fe, bubbling hotspots like Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Jemez Hot Springs invite visitors to unwind in naturally heated pools rich in healing minerals, said to rejuvenate both body and spirit. Surrounded by desert silence and star-filled skies, these peaceful retreats are pure magic in every sense, made even more enchanting during winter, when they serve as a steamy contrast to the surrounding snowy peaks and busy ski slopes.
With its blend of art, culture, and Southwestern charm, Santa Fe makes the perfect home base for this restorative escape. Here, travelers can discover world-class dining, intriguing galleries, and a dynamic stay at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder. This full-service resort combines pueblo-inspired architecture, a casino, sunset views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and spa offerings that are perfect for après-soak relaxation.
Bathe Beneath the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland practically invented the art of winter soaking, where geothermal pools and hot springs transform the icy landscape into a warm, otherworldly retreat. From the famed Blue Lagoon to secret local pools tucked among rugged lava fields, the island’s geothermal energy keeps spirits high even in the darkest months. Visitors to this northern wonderland can relax under a canopy of stars (and maybe even the Northern Lights) as they float in naturally heated waters, surrounded by the chill of the Arctic air, for a unique sensory experience unlike anywhere else on earth.
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
In the middle of it all, in Iceland’s vibrant capital, is the chic Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, which boasts 19th-century elegance and sleek modern design. Or stay close to Laugardalur, the city’s hot spring and spa hub, at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica. Both offer an idyllic escape filled with hefty helpings of local culture, hospitality, and hearty Icelandic comfort food like slow-cooked lamb stew.
