Soothing Hot Springs & Thermal Retreats to Thaw Out in This Winter

• 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

• Hilton has signed two new properties under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brands: Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point
• Set to open in 2026, the two hotels will bring Hilton’s world-class hospitality to the Aseer Region

ABHA, Saudi Arabia – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced it has signed two hotels under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts and lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brands in Abha city’s iconic The Point development. The properties have been signed with Red Sea Aseer Fund, a fund made up of unitholders from Red Sea Markets and the Tourism Development Fund, and a project developed by SEDCO Development and managed by Saudi Fransi Capital. The announcement follows the signing of Hilton´s Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Tourism Development Fund to develop iconic leisure tourism destinations in the Saudi Arabia.

Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point will feature a combined total of 250 guest rooms, suites, and residences, paired with state-of-the-art facilities for guests to enjoy. The shared amenities are complete with an indoor pool, fitness centre, spa, multiple dining outlets, and a children´s pool and kids club. The hotels will also be well-positioned to cater for large-scale leisure and business events, with 600 square metres of outdoor event space, a 500-square-metre ballroom, and 250 additional square metres of meeting space.

Work on Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point has already received a number of prestigious accolades, particularly for the interior design of the properties, winning "Highly Commended" in the Saudi Commercial Interior Design Awards, Interior Design of The Year: Concept category; "Best Future Concept" in the Commercial Interior Design Awards: Hospitality category; as well as "Highly Commended" in Global RLI Awards, RLI Future Project.

Located in The Point, the hotels will be adjacent to a mixed-use urban centre featuring world-class retail, food, and family entertainment offerings, as well as medical and sporting facilities. Less than 15 minutes from Abha International Airport – and with road networks leading to the surrounding cities of Jeddah, Makkah, Jazan, Riyadh, and Taif – the hotels are set to become a well-connected, frequently-visited urban destination, and position Abha as a leading leisure tourism destination in Saudi Arabia which is targeting 10 million visitors annually.

Commenting on Hilton’s growth in Saudi Arabia, Carlos Khneisser, vice president, development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said. “Saudi Arabia’s rapid evolution continues to provide exciting growth opportunities for Hilton, and we’re working with our owners to introduce more award-winning hospitality brands in locations throughout the country. Unlocking and pioneering destinations is part of Hilton’s DNA and these latest signings are strong examples of our diversified growth in up-and-coming, large-scale developments as well as our commitment to grow in secondary cities with our world leading portfolio of brands.”

Commenting on the signings, Mohammed Alawi, chairman of the Executive Committee, Red Sea Markets Co Ltd, said, “Hilton has continued to meet Saudi Arabia’s drive for travel and tourism, and the recent signings of these properties in Abha are strong examples of the company’s commitment to development in secondary cities and to cater towards an ever-evolving tourism demographic and more diversified product offering. We’re thrilled to be partnering on Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point and look forward to expanding Hilton’s world-class hospitality to more guests across Saudi Arabia.”

With plans to more than quadruple its presence in Saudi Arabia over the next few years, Hilton is leveraging key real estate developments, including business and leisure travel destinations, to underpin the expansion of its domestic portfolio.

Hilton currently operates 16 hotels in Saudi Arabia with plans to open over 50 new hotels across 10 of its brands, making the country the company’s largest pipeline market in the EMEA region. Projects include the introduction of new brands such as LXR Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton. The company plans to grow its portfolio in Saudi Arabia to a total of more than 75 properties over the coming years.