1. Jigokudani, Japan
He knows there’s nothing quite like taking your achy, weary limbs (whether they’re human or primate) and easing them into a pool of steamy water on a chilly winter’s day.
Hot springs occur wherever groundwater heated by geothermal energy bursts up through the Earth’s crust. They can be found all over the world, from England’s Bath to Japan.
Sadly, the snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park have claimed this particular hot spring paradise as their own.
It’s not safe to venture in for a dip alongside them, but they don’t mind people visiting the park to take pictures, or watch their bizarrely human-like behaviour.
The monkeys live higher up in the Nagano mountains and make their way down the slope in the mornings to play, snooze, bathe and relax in the warm water, before heading back home to the forests in the evening, like pleasure-seeking day trippers.
A strict monkey heirarchy operates within this bathing community – observers say there is a monkey “bouncer” who guards the hot springs to make sure only monkeys with the appropriate social status can get in.
Those without enough clout are left to shiver on the edges of the water.
If you want a piece of the ‘onsen’ (Japanese for ‘hot spring’) action, there’s a rustic spa at the Korakukan Jigokudani inn, with communal and private hot spring baths just down the hill from the Monkey Park.
Sometimes one or two of the snow monkeys even pop in here, presumably just for a change of scene.
If you’d prefer not to share your bath with the furry critters, it’s better to book one of the indoor pools instead.
If you do find yourself up close and personal with one (and there aren’t many situations more close and personal than sharing a bath), just remember not to touch, smile at or make eye contact with them, as these are seen as acts of aggression in the wild.
Admission is £4.
jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
2. MÝvatn, Iceland
While most tourists flock to Iceland’s more famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, the Mývatn Nature Baths are cheaper and often much quieter, too.
The water is a blissfully warm 36-40°C and rich in skin-soothing minerals.
You have a choice of either swimming in the lagoon (pictured above) or sliding into one of two baths, where steam from 2500m below the Earth’s surface rises up through holes in the floor.
3. Ardabil, Iran
These hot spring baths can be found near Iran’s northeast border with Azerbaijan.
A dip here is considered to have great medicinal benefits, especially for skin conditions. Men and women bathe separately.
The city of Ardabil is also famous for the Unesco World Heritage-listed shrine to the original leader of the Safavid Empire, which ruled Persia from 1501 to 1722.
4. Yellowstone, US
It’s the colours of the Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park – shades of tan, orange, yellow and bright white – that make it such a unique place to visit.
Feeding from Norris Geyser Basin, the water might look inviting, but it’s far too hot to swim in.
Those desperate to get wet can head to the Gardner River, also known as The Boiling River, to take a dip during daylight hours – meanwhile, everyone else can follow the easy walking trails.
5. El Tatio, Chile
This geyser field in northern Chile is one of the world’s largest and is surrounded by volcanoes. To see it in the best light, you have to get here by 6am – it’ll be absolutely freezing but is definitely worth the effort.
At this time of day, each geyser is covered by a column of steam that condenses in the cold morning air. There are over 80 active geysers here, that generally erupt to just under a metre, although the highest measured eruption is said to be 6m.
Photos: Thinkstock, Getty
