Hot and cold therapy index

With many benefits—from reducing muscle pain and swelling to boosting the immune system—it’s no surprise to see that hot and cold therapies have boomed in popularity worldwide in recent years. 

With celebrities such as Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford endorsing hot therapy (and the U.S. cold therapy market expected to be worth over $5 billion by 2033), this trend shows no signs of slowing down. 

Experts suggest that hot therapy like saunas and hot springs can improve aches and pains along with improving cardiovascular health, while cold therapy, including cold plunges, can improve general wellbeing, boost the immune system and contribute towards better mental health. 

But what destinations offer the best natural hot and cold therapy? Icewear set out to discover where offers the best natural hot and cold therapy by analysing over 54,000 Google reviews for positive keywords such as “authentic,” “relaxing,” “transformative” and "invigorating" for over 60 worldwide locations. The results show which locations offer the best natural hot and cold therapy experiences to try on your travels. 

Key findings:#

• Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa in New Zealand is the world’s best hot therapy destination with 71.1% of positive reviews.

• This is followed by Thermae Bath Spa in England (70.3%) and the iconic Blue Lagoon in Iceland (68.7%) in second and third place, respectively.

• Lake Bled in Slovenia is the world’s best destination for natural cold therapy with 76.8% of reviews celebrating a positive experience. 

• This is followed by Moraine Lake, Canada (72%) and Cairngorm National Park, Scotland (72%) in joint second place.

• Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand is the world’s most beautiful cold therapy destination with half (50%) of the reviews celebrating its beauty.

• The research crowned Thermae Bath Spa in England as the world’s most relaxing hot therapy destination, with almost a quarter of reviews (23.4%) highlighting its relaxing qualities.

World’s best locations for natural hot therapy#

If you’re dreaming of a warm and inviting natural hot spring, Icewear's research has found where offers the best experience to guests through a proprietary analysis of the positive reviews for each destination. 

Best hot therapy destinations#

1. Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa, New Zealand#

With a history stretching back over 800 years, Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Spa is one of New Zealand’s most culturally significant geothermal sites. Long used by the Māori people, its mineral-rich mud and steaming pools are believed to help soothe inflammation, relieve arthritis and improve skin health. Icewear's research shows that 71.1% of the most recent reviews describe a positive experience, with visitors frequently using words such as “amazing,” which appeared in 15.7% of reviews.

2. Thermae Bath Spa, England#

Thermae Bath Spa combines modern luxury with ancient history, offering Britain’s only natural thermal waters. With spring temperatures averaging a toasty 113°F, it provides a deeply warming experience year-round. Beyond relaxation, it provides a unique experience for history lovers, as archaeological evidence suggests human activity around these springs dating back to at least 8,000 B.C. 

Icewear's research found that 70.3% of recent reviews reported a positive experience, with “relaxing” appearing in 23.4% of the positive feedback.

3. Blue Lagoon, Iceland#

Few hot therapy destinations are as instantly recognisable as Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, which continues to captivate travellers from around the world. With 68.7% positive reviews, the lagoon is famed for its milky-blue geothermal seawater, rich in silica and algae minerals known for their skin-soothing and restorative properties. Set within a dramatic volcanic landscape, the experience blends striking visuals with therapeutic benefits.

4. Chena Hot Springs, USA#

Nestled in the Alaskan wilderness near Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs offers a rare opportunity to soak in mineral-rich waters while surrounded by vast, open landscapes. The outdoor wading pool maintains an average temperature of 106°F, making it particularly inviting in colder months. 

Icewear's analysis found that 65.1% of the most recent reviews shared a positive experience, with 11.9% of visitors specifically highlighting the beautiful natural scenery as a key part of their enjoyment.

5. Széchenyi Baths, Hungary#

Located in the heart of Budapest, Széchenyi Baths is not only one of Europe’s largest spa complexes but also one of its most social. Featuring numerous indoor and outdoor pools, the baths blend hot therapy with a lively atmosphere, where visitors often linger for hours. Icewear's research found that 64.5% of the most recent reviews reflected a positive experience, reinforcing its reputation as a must-visit wellness destination.

World’s best locations natural cold therapy #

On the opposite end of the thermometer, this Icewear study explores the world’s top natural cold therapy destinations. From icy plunges to invigorating open-water swims, these locations showcase the full spectrum of cold therapy experiences.

Best cold therapy destinations#

1. Lake Bled, Slovenia#

According to our research, Lake Bled in Slovenia is the top destination for natural cold therapy, with 76.8% of the most recent reviews reflecting a positive experience. Additionally, 37.1% of positive reviews reference the area’s exceptional natural beauty, a claim supported by its recent recognition as Europe’s most beautiful place.

=2. Moraine Lake, Canada#

The research identified Moraine Lake in Canada as the second-best destination for cold therapy with 72% of positive reviews. Described as a “stunning turquoise gem” the lake provides both striking natural beauty and optimal conditions for cold-water immersion, alongside opportunities for hiking and wilderness exploration. 

=2. Cairngorm National Park, Scotland#

Cairngorm National Park, set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is home to several wild swimming lochs that are ideal for cold-water dips. The research found that 72% of the reviews here relay a positive experience. 

With its often bracing conditions, experts advise swimmers to pack plenty of warm clothing for after their swim. If you’re planning a visit to Cairngorm National Park, Icewear recommends wrapping up with wool insulated clothing for excellent temperature control while effectively managing moisture. 

4. Banff National Park, Canada#

In Banff National Park, Canada, visitors can experience the contrast of cold-water swimming across several natural lakes, alongside the option to unwind in nearby hot springs. Icewear's research found that 71.2% of the most recent reviews were positive, with many highlighting the sheer beauty and sense of awe inspired by the surrounding landscape.

5. Lake Tahoe, USA#

Stretching over 22 miles in length, Lake Tahoe, which sits on the border of California and Nevada, is one of North America’s largest alpine lakes and is renowned for its exceptionally clear, cold waters. Icewear's research found that 67.7% of recent reviews were positive, with many visitors drawn to the lake’s invigorating swimming conditions and striking mountain scenery.

Most beautiful hot and cold therapy destinations#

As part of the research, Icewear counted how many reviews included the word "beautiful" to identify which locations were most frequently praised for their scenery.

The most beautiful natural therapy destinations#

1. Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand#

When it comes to natural therapy destinations that leave visitors in awe, some places stand out not only for their restorative waters but also for their breathtaking scenery. Topping the list is Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand, where 50% of positive reviews mention its beauty. Set against a backdrop of jagged mountains carved by ancient glaciers, the lake’s crystal-clear waters and dramatic alpine surroundings make it a favourite for both cold-water therapy and outdoor exploration.

2. Rambergstranda, Norway#

Close behind is Rambergstranda in Norway, with 49.1% of reviews highlighting its stunning coastal vistas. Across the Atlantic, Lake Superior captures attention with 47.1% of positive reviews noting its natural charm. As the largest of North America’s Great Lakes, its vast waters and forested shoreline provide a sense of tranquility that perfectly complements cold-water immersion.

3. Lago di Braies, Italy#

In Europe, Lago di Braies in Italy’s Dolomites is celebrated by 43.9% of reviewers for its fairy-tale beauty. The emerald-green waters framed by towering peaks offer both a visually stunning setting and a calming space for visitors seeking rejuvenation.

4. Peyto Lake, Canada#

Similarly, Peyto Lake in Canada is admired by 41.8% of reviewers, with its vibrant turquoise waters and dramatic glacial surroundings creating a picture-perfect destination for both cold-water therapy and reflective moments in nature.

Most relaxing hot and cold therapy destinations#

As part of this research, Icewear analyzed reviews for mentions of the word "relaxing," highlighting the locations visitors most frequently describe as soothing and rejuvenating.

The most relaxing natural therapy destinations#

1. Thermae Bath Spa, England#

Some natural therapy destinations are celebrated not just for their beauty but for the sense of calm and rejuvenation they provide. At the top is Thermae Bath Spa in England, where 23.4% of positive reviews describe the experience as relaxing. Visitors can soak in naturally heated waters while enjoying the historic spa town of Bath, making it an ideal destination to unwind both physically and mentally.

2. Banjar Hot Springs, Indonesia#

In Indonesia, Banjar Hot Springs offers a tropical retreat for those seeking restorative relaxation. With 21.9% of reviews mentioning how relaxing the experience is, the geothermal pools are surrounded by lush gardens, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.

3. Lightning Ridge Bore Baths, Australia#

Australia’s Lightning Ridge Bore Baths is also highly regarded, with 20.1% of positive reviews highlighting its calming effect. The warm mineral waters, paired with the quiet outback setting, provide visitors with a unique opportunity to disconnect and recharge in a peaceful environment.

4. Krauma, Iceland#

Iceland’s Krauma ranks next, with 19.4% of reviews noting its relaxing qualities. Fed by geothermal and glacial waters, the baths combine Icelandic innovation with natural beauty, offering hot pools and saunas that help soothe both body and mind.

5. Caldas de Outariz, Spain#

Finally, Caldas de Outariz in Spain rounds out the list of top five, with 18.4% of positive reviews describing it as relaxing. These thermal pools offer a blend of natural scenery and warm, mineral-rich waters, making it a perfect spot for stress relief and gentle therapy. 

Methodology#

To identify the best natural hot and cold therapy destinations, Icewear compiled a global list of 87 locations using a combination of online research and existing travel blogs. Locations with fewer than 500 reviews were excluded, resulting in a refined list of 65 destinations.

For each location, Icewear collected the most recent 1,000 Google reviews. For destinations with fewer than 1,000 reviews, all available reviews were included. In total, the dataset comprised over 54,000 individual reviews, all collected in January 2026.

Using text analysis, each review was scanned for positive descriptors such as beautiful, relaxing and amazing. To ensure the integrity of the results:

• Any false positives, such as phrases like “not relaxing” or “not beautiful," were manually removed.

• Only English-language reviews were included to maintain consistency across all locations.

This approach allowed Icewear to systematically quantify visitor sentiment and highlight which destinations are most frequently praised for their beauty, calming qualities and overall positive experiences.

Sources#

1. https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/cindy-crawford-halle-berry-julianne-hough-swear-steamy-wellness-trend 

2. https://vitality-pro.com/biohacking/cold/statistics-trends-cold/ 

3. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/are-saunas-good-for-you 

4. https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/cold-water-therapy 

5. https://www.hellsgate.co.nz/about 

6. https://www.thermaebathspa.com/about-us/the-waters-of-bath 

7. https://www.thermaebathspa.com/about-us/spa-history/ 

8. https://www.bluelagoon.com/day-visit/the-blue-lagoon 

9. https://chenahotsprings.com/pool-house/ 

10. https://szechenyibath.com/ 

11. https://www.timeout.com/europe/travel/most-beautiful-places-in-europe 

12. https://www.banfflakelouise.com/experiences/moraine-lake 

13. https://www.visitcairngorms.com/go-wild-wild-swimming-in-the-cairngorms-with-our-10-top-tips/ 

14. https://banff.ca/105/Swimming

15. https://visitlaketahoe.com/ 

16. https://www.glc.org/lakes/lake-superior/ 

17. https://banjarhotspring.co.id/about-us/ 

18. https://ourense.gal/turismo/en/recurso/estacion-termal-de-outariz/