The world's dreamiest bathhouses revealed

Seeking slower moments on your travels? Soak in the serenity of these dreamy bathhouses around the world.

From the opulently adorned hammams of Marrakech to the forest-nestled onsens of Japan, the world’s enduring love affair with communal bathing celebrates a timeless ritual of escape. There are few experiences as mollifying as sliding into the hot waters of a deep and spacious bath, particularly when that bath is set among historic, grand or naturally beautiful surrounds. The offline luxury of visiting a bathhouse offers travellers a rare moment of muscle-soothing tranquillity and reprieve from the bustle of life beyond its grounds.  

These bathhouses present some of the world’s dreamiest settings in which to unwind. 

Fonteverde, Tuscany, Italy 

Italian hospitality meets pure wellness at Fonteverde. (Image: The Leading Hotels of the World)

At any time of year, the warm thermal waters of Fonteverde – a luxury accommodation offering and day spa – provide an idyllic spot to soak, float and take in the scenery of the Tuscan countryside. Here, visitors and guests can choose between a series of thermal pools, set indoors and out. By night, candles light the ‘Bioaquam’ pool waters’ edges, in which massaging jets release weary travellers’ woes. Those who wish to linger longer can book themselves in for a holistic wellness retreat at the resort, too. 

Hammam Al Ándalus Madrid Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain

Middle Eastern influences are evident across Spain – from the famed mosque-turned-cathedral of Cordoba to Granada’s Alhambra, the former heart of the Muslim kingdom in Spain. Besides these architectural landmarks, the tradition of the hammam or bathhouse remains popular. Hammam Al Ándalus Madrid Plaza Mayor, with its contemporary take on the ancient Al Ándalus baths, may sit in the centre of Spain’s capital city, yet it offers a moment of uninterrupted peace. Take time out in its Arab Baths, or explore its pampering bathhouse services, including massages and stretches. 

7132 Therme, Vals, Switzerland

The thermal baths are made blissful by highly mineralised water that comes out of the St. Peter spring. (Image: Julien Balmer)

Whether you’re in the village of Vals for a day trip or staying at 7132 Hotel, the strikingly designed thermal baths at 7132 Therme present an inimitable and deeply calming escape. Award-winning Swiss architect Peter Zumthor designed the acclaimed thermal baths, built from 60,000 slabs of locally sourced quartzite, which are considered so remarkable that they were granted protected heritage status soon after their construction. The warming, mineral-rich waters of these baths stem from the St. Peter spring, promising a bathing enthusiast’s haven. 

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Grindavík, Iceland 

The Retreat’s Lagoon’s warmth is bounded by centuries-old lava canyons. (Image: The Retreat/Ari Magg)

The waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon are a popular attraction with good reason – and The Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon, alongside its day spa, is an idyllic bathhouse hideaway. The waters of The Retreat Lagoon, used in treatments at the resort’s subterranean spa, are said to possess healing qualities. Visitors can opt for an in-water massage or a spot of aqua therapy, too. Immerse in the iconically sky-blue waters of the lagoon, and make a nourishing night of it at The Retreat’s Michelin-starred dining destination, Moss Restaurant. 

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, England 

Thermae Bath Spa’s unfussy wellness approach stems from its rich history.

A well-known, historic bathhouse, Thermae Bath Spa (in the city of Bath), allows guests to bathe in the naturally heated, mineral-steeped waters of this picturesque locale, just as the Romans and Celts did more than 2,000 years ago. Loved by Londoners seeking a getaway to recharge, and locals wanting to gather and rest, Thermae Bath Spa is also home to a Wellness suite that combines Roman and Georgian steam rooms, relaxation spaces and an ice chamber. Its open-air rooftop pool gives bathers the chance to soak in not only the warm waters but also the storybook views of the sandstone city and its many steeples surrounding the baths.

eriro, Ehrwald, Austria 

You’d be remiss not to take a dip in one of the baths surrounded by majestic mountains. (Image: Small Luxury Hotels of the World)

A nine-suite alpine hotel in the Austrian Alps, eriro boasts some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring views from its warm pools. Perched on an elevation of 1,550 metres, this bathing hideaway offers a choice of three unique pools of varied temperatures, alongside a selection of saunas and a spa. Its Sela pool presents a dimly lit, ambient space with a ‘singing bowl’ creating sound waves, its warmest Taja pool draws on Japanese onsen influences, and its Sunna pool serves as a glass-walled observation platform with a 360-degree view of the Tyrolean Alp peaks. Choose your own bathing adventure. 

Les Bains de Marrakech, Marrakesh, Morocco

With its quintessentially Moroccan design, complete with geometric-patterned ornaments, this aesthetically pleasing bathhouse is destined to conjure a case of wanderlust among the wellness-seeking set. Those searching for a memorable yet zen-inducing travel experience can tap into Moroccan bathhouse culture at Les Bains de Marrakech, a Hammam-style spa that groups together a selection of steamy baths, soothing mud treatments, relaxing massages and fortifying facials.

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı, Istanbul, Turkey 

The artfully restored bathhouse offers a beautiful glimpse into Turkish culture. (Image: Cengiz Karlıova)

This is where the history buffs go to get bathed and buffed. Where better to experience the cleansing nature of a Turkish bathhouse than in its birth country? Though it may boast contemporary conveniences, the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı was built between 1578 and 1580. Here, visitors can spend hours luxuriating in and by the baths, enjoying a traditional Ottoman-style scrub, and reclining on a hot marble platform. The bathhouse also offers hammam treatments for children.

Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula, Australia  

Peninsula Hot Springs has built a reputation for luxurious baths in geothermal waters.

This geothermal bathing destination may be more outdoors than most bathhouses on this list, but its nature-surrounded site is nothing short of dreamy. Be it an early morning, twilight or moonlight dip, visitors can choose from 70 different bathing experiences that are bound to bring solace. While in the area, many bathers like to slink into the hilltop pool for panoramic views over the Mornington Peninsula. The waters here rise from 637 metres below the ground and flow into its many pools, which are infused with minerals and trace elements. 

Hoshinoya Guguan, Taiwan 

The baths at Hoshinaya are supplied with hot spring waters that offer a multitude of skincare benefits. (Image: Hoshino Resorts)

There are many bathhouses and hot springs experiences to be enjoyed in Taiwan, but the Hoshinoya Guguan bathing experience, encircled by verdant mountains, is particularly special. The tranquil setting at this resort sets the tone for a restful getaway, and its accommodation is centred on honouring the hot spring water that flows through this sanctuary. The baths throughout the resort are filled with soft, low-alkaline, hydrogen carbonate hot spring waters that are touted to provide skincare benefits.