World's dreamiest bathhouses

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

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

7132 Therme Spa — 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 — 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

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

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.

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Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı, Istanbul, Turkey

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

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

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.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

The world’s dreamiest bathhouses revealed