Ancient Spas, Secret Hammams, and Volcanic Hot Springs: the World’s Most Unique Bathing Rituals!

Across the world, the tradition of bathing in natural hot springs, thermal baths and communal spas has been an essential part of wellness, culture and social life for centuries. From the elaborate Roman thermae to Japanese onsens, Middle Eastern hammams and Scandinavian saunas, each culture has developed unique bathing facilities and practices influenced by geography, history and medicinal beliefs.

In Europe, thermal spa towns like Baden-Baden (Germany) and Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic) have long been destinations for hydrotherapy, while Iceland boasts naturally heated geothermal pools. The Middle East and North Africa are home to ancient hammams, with Morocco, Turkey, and Iran preserving elaborate steam bath traditions. Asia’s spa culture varies from Japan’s meticulously maintained onsen and sento to Korea’s lively jjimjilbangs and India’s Ayurvedic healing baths.

The Americas and Oceania feature thermal springs in volcanic landscapes, from New Zealand’s Rotorua to Costa Rica’s Arenal, often tied to Indigenous traditions. Meanwhile, Mexico’s temazcal ceremonies and Argentina’s wine spas offer unique cultural twists. While the core purpose of relaxation, healing, and socializing is universal, each region has developed distinct rituals, treatments, and etiquette, making global spa cultures incredibly diverse yet deeply interconnected.

The Art of Bathing

Origins of Bathing Rituals

Europe

1- Austria

Austria has a long tradition of thermal baths dating back to Roman times. The country is home to several famous spa towns, such as Bad Gastein, Bad Ischl, and Bad Hofgastein, known for their healing mineral waters.

Austrian spas focus on wellness, combining modern hydrotherapy with traditional alpine healing practices. Many Austrian spas, like Rogner Bad Blumau, feature architecturally stunning designs, blending into the natural landscapes.

Unique to Austria is the combination of thermal baths with winter sports, allowing visitors to relax in warm mineral waters after skiing in the Alps.

2- Belgium

Belgium is home to Spa, the town that gave its name to spas worldwide. This area has been a center for hydrotherapy since the 16th century, attracting European royalty seeking the healing properties of its iron-rich waters.

Thermes de Spa is the main attraction today, offering thermal pools, mineral treatments and steam baths.

Belgium’s spa culture uniquely incorporates local traditions like beer baths, where visitors soak in hops-infused water, benefiting from its antioxidants.

Belgium has medieval bathhouses, such as in Bruges, where historical bathing traditions blend with modern wellness techniques. Some historical hammams in Belgium have been repurposed as commercial buildings or cultural venues.

3- Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is famous for its historic spa triangle—Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně—which date back to the 14th century.

Czech spas focus on drinking mineral water as well as bathing, with unique treatments like carbon dioxide baths and mud wraps.

Karlovy Vary is known for its hot mineral springs, while Mariánské Lázně specializes in natural gas treatments and peloid therapy (mud baths).

Czech spa towns often have elegant colonnades and historic hotels, offering a luxurious old-world experience. The country also has beer spas, where visitors can bathe in warm beer while drinking fresh brews.

4- France

France has been a center of hydrotherapy since Roman times, with famous spa towns such as Vichy, Aix-les-Bains and Dax.

French spa culture blends thermal treatments, thalassotherapy (seawater therapy), and luxurious beauty treatments. Vichy, known as the “Queen of Spas,” is famous for its carbonated mineral baths and skincare products derived from its waters.

In contrast, Dax specializes in mud therapy for joint health. France’s Mediterranean region also has hammams influenced by North African traditions.

French spas are often integrated into high-end resorts, offering a mix of medical and leisure-focused wellness programs.

5- Germany

Germany’s spa culture dates back to the Roman period, with many towns named “Bad” (meaning “bath”) indicating their thermal water heritage.

Locations include Baden-Baden, Wiesbaden, and Bad Kissingen. German spas emphasize medical wellness, with treatments prescribed by doctors and covered by health insurance.

Baden-Baden is known for its Roman-Irish baths, while Bad Wörishofen pioneered Kneipp therapy, which involves alternating hot and cold water treatments for circulation and immune health.

Germany’s sauna culture is also unique, with strict etiquette regarding nudity and relaxation rituals. Many spas, like Therme Erding, offer massive indoor and outdoor thermal pools.

6- Greece

Ancient Greeks considered bathing both a social and healing activity, with notable historic sites like the Loutra Edipsou hot springs, used by Aristotle and Hippocrates. Santorini and Ikaria have volcanic hot springs rich in minerals.

Greek spas today blend ancient hydrotherapy principles with modern wellness, often incorporating olive oil and herbal treatments. Many spas are located in scenic settings, such as Vouliagmeni Lake, where underwater thermal springs mix with seawater.

Greece also has a history of hammams from the Ottoman era, found in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.

7- Hungary

Hungary is known as the “Land of Spas”, with over 1,000 hot springs. Budapest, often called the “Spa Capital of the World,” has famous baths such as Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas. Hungarian thermal waters are rich in minerals and often used for medical treatments.

The country has a mix of Turkish-style baths, Art Nouveau spas and Roman baths.

Hévíz Lake, the largest thermal lake in Europe, is a major attraction. Unique to Hungary is the practice of “sparty” (spa party), where historic bathhouses transform into nightlife venues with music and light shows.

8- Iceland

Iceland’s spa culture revolves around geothermal hot springs, with the Blue Lagoon being the most famous. Natural baths like Mývatn Nature Baths and Secret Lagoon are also popular.

Icelandic spas emphasize silica-rich waters, which are beneficial for skin conditions. Many spas integrate Viking bathing traditions, which involve alternating between hot and cold water for circulation benefits.

Iceland’s geothermal pools are often located in stunning natural settings, offering relaxation with breathtaking views.

Unlike other European spas, most Icelandic hot springs are naturally occurring and open-air, making them a year-round attraction.

9- Italy

Italy’s Roman thermae were among the most sophisticated ancient bathhouses, with cities like Baths of Caracalla and Bagni di Pisa still known for their healing properties.

Today, Italy’s top spa towns include Saturnia, Montecatini Terme, and Sirmione, where visitors enjoy sulfuric hot springs. Italy uniquely integrates mud therapy, vinotherapy (wine-based treatments) and thermal caves.

The Grotta Giusti in Tuscany offers underground hot spring baths inside a natural cave. Italian spas often emphasize holistic wellness, incorporating Mediterranean diets, herbal remedies and massage techniques.

10- Portugal

Portugal’s thermal spas date back to the Roman era, with famous locations such as Caldas da Rainha, Termas de São Pedro do Sul, and Furnas in the Azores.

Portuguese spa culture incorporates volcanic mineral waters, seaweed therapy (thalassotherapy), and wine-based treatments (vinotherapy).

Furnas Valley in the Azores is unique for its hot spring-fed natural cooking, where food is slow-cooked underground using geothermal heat.

Portugal also has Moorish-style hammams, particularly in Lisbon, blending Arabic bathing traditions with Portuguese wellness practices.

Middle East and North Africa

11- Algeria

Algeria has a rich spa culture influenced by both Roman and Ottoman traditions. The country is home to over 200 thermal springs, many of which were used by the Romans for healing. Notable locations include Hammam Meskoutine, Hammam Debagh, and Hammam Bouhadjar, known for their high sulfur content.

Algerian hammams (public bathhouses) are an important social tradition, especially for women, and often include traditional black soap scrubbing (Savon Noir) and rassoul (clay) treatments.

Unlike European-style spas, Algerian bathhouses are deeply tied to cultural rituals and often have separate sections for men and women.

12- Egypt

Egyptian bath culture dates back to pharaonic times, when Cleopatra famously bathed in milk and essential oils. The Romans later introduced thermae, and today, Egyptian hammams reflect a mix of ancient, Ottoman and modern influences.

The most famous hot springs include Siwa Oasis, Bahariya, and Hammam Pharaon (Pharaoh’s Bath), which is known for its steaming natural cave.

Egyptian spas often feature Nile-based treatments, black seed oil massages, and herbal steam baths.

Many hammams in Cairo and Alexandria still follow Ottoman bathing rituals, emphasizing deep exfoliation and traditional kessa glove scrubs.

13- Iran

Iran has one of the oldest documented bathhouse cultures, with historic Persian hammams still standing in cities like Isfahan, Kashan, and Yazd.

Traditional Persian baths (Garmabeh) use a multi-room system where bathers gradually adjust to different temperatures. Unique elements include rosewater infusions, saffron baths, and korsi (heated stone beds).

Iran also has several famous natural hot springs, such as Sarein and Damavand, which are popular for their therapeutic properties.

Unlike Middle Eastern hammams that are primarily social spaces, Persian bathhouses historically served as community centers, often adorned with intricate tilework and murals.

14- Iraq

Iraq’s bathing culture dates back to Mesopotamian times, with ruins of ancient Sumerian and Babylonian bathhouses still visible today. The Romans expanded Iraq’s bathing infrastructure, and later, Islamic civilizations introduced hammams.

Famous hot springs include Hammam Al-Alil near Mosul, known for its sulfur-rich waters. Iraqi hammams focus on deep cleansing, steaming, and herbal oil treatments.

Unlike Turkish and Moroccan hammams, Iraqi bathhouses are smaller and more private, often used for pre-wedding purification rituals. Due to recent conflicts, many historic bathhouses have been neglected, but there are ongoing restoration efforts.

15- Jordan

Jordan is famous for Hammamat Ma’in, a series of natural hot waterfalls used by the Romans and mentioned in biblical texts. The Dead Sea, one of the world’s most mineral-rich bodies of water, is another key spa attraction, offering mud therapy, salt scrubs, and buoyant floating experiences.

Jordanian spa culture blends Bedouin healing traditions with modern wellness, including treatments using black Jordanian mud and mineral salts.

The country also has historic hammams in Amman and Madaba, which follow Ottoman-style bathing rituals. Unlike most hot springs, Hammamat Ma’in combines waterfalls with therapeutic pools.

16- Lebanon

Lebanon’s spa culture is deeply influenced by Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman traditions. The country has over 50 hot springs, including Afqa, Anjar, and Chouf, known for their medicinal properties.

Beirut and Tripoli have historic Ottoman hammams, such as Hammam Al Abed, where visitors experience steam baths, olive oil massages, and kessa scrubs.

Unlike Turkish hammams, Lebanese baths often incorporate fragrant cedarwood oils, reflecting the country’s famous cedar forests. Lebanon also has modern luxury spas along the Mediterranean coast, offering thalassotherapy (seawater treatments).

17- Morocco

Morocco is known for its hammam culture, offering a holistic hammam experience with a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and skin, with bathhouses found in nearly every city.

Hammams, such as Hassan II Hammam in Casablanca and Hammam Mouassine in Marrakech, follow a ritual of steaming, exfoliation, and clay-based treatments.

Moroccan spas uniquely incorporate argan oil, black soap, and rose water treatments. The country also has natural hot springs, such as Moulay Yacoub near Fez, which are high in sulfur and used for skin conditions.

Unlike Turkish hammams, Moroccan baths emphasize long exfoliation massages using the kessa glove and ghassoul clay wraps.

18- Syria

Syria has some of the oldest hammams in the world, dating back to the Umayyad period. Hammam Nur al-Din in Damascus and Hammam Yalbugha in Aleppo remain cultural landmarks.

Syrian hammams use olive oil soap, steam purification, and traditional massage techniques. Unlike Moroccan hammams, which focus on exfoliation, Syrian baths emphasize relaxing and aromatherapy, using damask rose-infused waters.

While the Syrian civil war has damaged many historic bathhouses, restoration projects aim to preserve this centuries-old tradition.

19- Tunisia

Tunisia’s spa culture dates back to Roman times, with thermal baths in Carthage and Dougga still standing. The country has numerous hot springs, such as Korbus and Ain Draham, known for their high sulfur content.

Tunisian hammams resemble Turkish and Moroccan baths, with steam rooms, black soap treatments, and deep massages. Unlike Moroccan hammams, Tunisian bathhouses often integrate sea salt scrubs and henna-based treatments.

Tunisia is also known for its thalassotherapy centers, particularly in coastal areas like Hammamet and Djerba, offering seawater-based healing treatments.

Asia

20- Armenia

Armenia has a long tradition of mineral baths, with Jermuk being the most famous spa town.

Armenian spa culture is unique for its carbonated thermal waters, which are used for both drinking and bathing.

Unlike hammam-based traditions, Armenian baths focus on hydrotherapy and mineral absorption, often combined with wine therapy from the country’s ancient vineyards.

21- Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is famous for its unique Naftalan oil baths, a tradition dating back over 1,000 years. Unlike traditional mineral baths, these petroleum-based baths are believed to have medicinal benefits, especially for joint pain and skin conditions.

The country also has natural hot springs in Masalli and Istisu, offering sulfur and mineral-rich waters. Azerbaijan’s Persian and Ottoman-influenced hammams, such as Taze Bey Hammam in Baku, incorporate steam bathing, salt scrubs, and tea rituals.

Unlike other Middle Eastern hammams, Azerbaijani baths often emphasize medical treatments, blending Soviet-era hydrotherapy with traditional bathing practices.

22- China

China’s hot spring culture dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), with Emperor Xuanzong favoring Huaqing Hot Springs in Xi’an.

China has hundreds of natural hot springs, including Chongqing, Guangdong, and Lushan, which are rich in minerals. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spas incorporate herbal-infused baths, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Unlike Japanese onsens, Chinese hot spring resorts often have multiple pools infused with different medicinal herbs. China also has a strong tea bath tradition, where tea leaves are used for detoxification and skin nourishment.

23- Georgia

Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, gets its name from its sulfur baths, which have existed since the 5th century. The Abanotubani bath district features Persian-style domed bathhouses that use naturally heated sulfur water.

Georgia’s spa culture is unique for its blend of Caucasian, Persian, and Russian influences, with treatments such as black wine baths and mud therapy from Lake Tsalka.

Unlike Turkish hammams, Georgian baths emphasize individual soaking rather than communal steaming, making them more private. The Borjomi region is also famous for its carbonated mineral springs, used for both drinking and bathing.

24- India

India’s spa traditions are deeply tied to Ayurveda, with natural hot springs found in Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh), Vajreshwari (Maharashtra), and Bakreshwar (West Bengal). Unlike Western-style hydrotherapy, Indian spas focus on holistic wellness, incorporating herbal baths, milk baths, and Panchakarma therapy (detox rituals).

Many hot springs are linked to Hindu temples, making them both spiritual and medicinal. India also has Turkish-style hammams, such as the Hammam-e-Qadimi in Bhopal, which still follows Mughal-era bathing rituals.

Unlike Japanese onsens, Indian hot springs are often viewed as sacred and used for ritual purification.

25- Indonesia

Indonesia’s hot spring culture is tied to its volcanic landscape, with famous springs like Batur Hot Springs (Bali), Ciater (West Java), and Banjar Hot Springs (Bali).

Traditional Indonesian spa culture emphasizes Javanese lulur scrubs, herbal steam baths, and Balinese massage. Unlike Western-style spas, Indonesian treatments focus on aromatic healing, using jasmine, coconut, and turmeric pastes.

Indonesia also has a unique tradition of flower baths, where petals are infused into hot water for relaxation. Many of the country’s hot springs are located in scenic rice terraces or near Hindu temples.

26- Japan

Japan’s onsen culture dates back thousands of years, with hot springs categorized by mineral composition. Famous locations include Hakone, Beppu, and Kusatsu. Japan also has sento (public bathhouses), which are different from onsens as they use heated tap water instead of natural hot springs.

Another unique aspect of Japanese spa culture is the sand bath (sunamushi), where people are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand for detoxification.

Unlike Middle Eastern hammams, Japanese onsens emphasize serenity and nature, with outdoor rotenburo (open-air baths) offering mountain or ocean views.

27- South Korea

Korea’s jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses) are social hubs offering steam rooms, saunas, and heated salt baths. Unlike Japanese onsens, jjimjilbangs are 24-hour communal spaces, where people can sleep overnight in heated rooms.

Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul is one of the most famous. South Korea also has hot springs in Busan, Jeju, and Dogo, often infused with ginseng, green tea, or pine extracts.

The Hwangto (yellow soil) sauna, which uses clay-based heat therapy, is a unique Korean treatment. Unlike European spas, jjimjilbangs often include gaming rooms, libraries, and even karaoke areas.

28- Traditional Turkish Bath Experience

The traditional Turkish bath experience, or hammam, is a centuries-old ritual that remains an integral part of Turkish culture. Stepping into a hammam is like stepping back in time, where the art of bathing is elevated to a ceremonial practice. The journey begins in a warm room, known as the “hararet,” where the bather acclimates to the heat and humidity. The warm water and steam work together to open pores and relax muscles, setting the stage for the next steps.

Following this initial relaxation, the bather moves to a hotter room, where they lie on a heated marble slab called the “göbek taşı.” Here, a skilled attendant performs a vigorous exfoliation using a coarse mitt, known as a “kese,” to remove dead skin cells. This is followed by a soothing soap massage, where the body is enveloped in luxurious, fragrant suds. The combination of warm water, steam, and massage promotes deep relaxation and a profound sense of well-being.

The experience culminates in a final rinse with cool water, followed by a period of rest in a cooler room. This gradual transition from hot to cool helps to close the pores and invigorate the body. The traditional Turkish bath is not just about physical cleansing; it is a holistic ritual that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit, making it an essential part of Turkish self-care and wellness practices.

The Americas

28- Argentina

Argentina’s thermal spa culture is concentrated in Termas de Río Hondo, Mendoza, and Patagonia. Unlike European spas, many Argentine hot springs are located near glaciers and deserts, offering unique temperature contrasts.

Mud baths and volcanic ash scrubs are commonly used treatments. Argentina also has wine spas, where visitors soak in Malbec-infused baths to absorb antioxidants.

Unlike Japanese onsens, Argentine hot springs are often integrated into luxury resort experiences, combining natural healing with wine tourism.

29- Canada

Canada’s hot springs culture is shaped by its Indigenous traditions and alpine landscapes. The most famous locations include Banff Upper Hot Springs (Alberta), Takhini Hot Springs (Yukon) and Harrison Hot Springs (British Columbia).

Unlike Asian onsens, Canadian spas focus on outdoor soaking in rugged, natural environments, often surrounded by forests and mountains. Indigenous Canadians have long used thermal waters for spiritual healing, a practice that continues today.

Canada also has a growing trend of Scandinavian-inspired spas, such as Nordik Spa-Nature in Quebec, which feature cold plunge pools and saunas.

30- Mexico

Mexico has a long history of temazcal (Mayan and Aztec steam baths), which are used for spiritual and physical cleansing. The country has many natural hot springs, including Grutas de Tolantongo, Hierve el Agua, and Ixtapan de la Sal.

Unlike Western spas, temazcal rituals involve guided steam ceremonies with shamans, using volcanic stones and medicinal herbs. Mexican spas also feature agave-infused treatments and Mayan clay baths.

Unlike European spas, Mexico’s hot springs are often embedded in jungle landscapes or near ancient ruins.

31- United States

The U.S. has a diverse hot springs culture, from the geothermal pools of Yellowstone to the historic bathhouses of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Unlike Asian onsens, American spas often emphasize wellness tourism and adventure, with thermal springs integrated into hiking and national park experiences.

Famous spa towns include Glenwood Springs (Colorado) and Calistoga (California).

American hot springs often cater to luxury travelers, offering high-end mud baths, salt therapy and mineral pools.

Oceania

32- Australia

Australia’s hot springs are mainly found in Victoria, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. The Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria is one of the most famous geothermal retreats.

Australian spa culture incorporates Indigenous Aboriginal healing traditions, including eucalyptus-infused steam baths and desert clay wraps.

Unlike European spas, Australian hot springs often include outdoor rock pools in natural bushland settings, creating a wild, open-air experience.

33- New Zealand

New Zealand’s hot springs are linked to Māori traditions, with famous sites like Rotorua, Hanmer Springs, and Polynesian Spa.

Māori believe hot springs have spiritual healing properties, and many spas offer mānuka honey treatments and volcanic mud wraps. Unlike Japanese onsens, New Zealand’s hot springs often have a strong sulfuric smell due to their high geothermal activity.

The country also has naturally heated beaches, such as Hot Water Beach in Coromandel, where visitors can dig their own hot spring pools in the sand.