Exploring the world’s best clothing-optional hot springs can be a transformative experience for travelers who appreciate both natural beauty and a liberating atmosphere. These springs combine scenic surroundings with unique cultural experiences, allowing visitors to soak in thermal waters in settings where social norms are relaxed, and connection to nature takes precedence. Whether in the rugged terrain of California, the mystical landscapes of Japan, or the serene beaches of Jamaica, clothing-optional hot springs offer an escape from everyday life, inviting visitors to unwind and rejuvenate.
Here’s a guide to some of the most renowned and scenic clothing-optional hot springs around the globe:
Harbin Hot Springs – Middletown, California, USA
Located in the forested mountains of Northern California, Harbin Hot Springs is more than just a collection of pools; it’s a holistic retreat that emphasizes relaxation and community. Guests are welcomed into a serene, clothing-optional environment with an array of amenities, including warm mineral pools, steam rooms, and cold plunges to create a well-rounded hydrotherapy experience. Surrounded by nature trails and cabins, Harbin also has healing arts sessions, yoga classes, and meditation spaces, making it popular among spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike. The springs are revered for fostering respect and mindfulness, ensuring that visitors feel comfortable and at peace in this clothing-optional oasis.
Blue Lagoon – Grindavík, Iceland
Nestled in a vast lava field, the Blue Lagoon’s vivid blue, mineral-rich waters offer a stunning contrast to Iceland’s rugged landscape. Though not strictly clothing-optional, the Blue Lagoon encourages a relaxed approach to bathing, with open showers and communal dressing areas that reflect the Icelandic culture of natural wellness. Known for its silica and algae-infused waters, the Blue Lagoon offers various in-water experiences, such as mud masks and in-lagoon massages. This geothermal spa, set against snow-capped mountains and volcanic terrain, combines wellness with luxury and has year-round appeal due to its comfortable temperatures, providing a scenic and healthful escape.
Takaragawa Onsen – Gunma, Japan
Surrounded by mountains and rivers in the Gunma Prefecture, Takaragawa Onsen offers one of Japan’s most picturesque settings for a hot spring experience. This onsen is famous for its large, mixed-gender outdoor pools where clothing is optional, allowing visitors to soak in nature while respecting local bathing traditions. Each season offers a new view: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and a snow-covered landscape in winter. Takaragawa Onsen is unique in that it balances traditional Japanese architecture with nature’s raw beauty, creating a tranquil and timeless experience for bathers.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs – Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
Nestled within the Colorado wilderness, Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers several natural, stone-lined pools of varying temperatures that blend seamlessly into the surrounding forest. At night, the springs become clothing-optional, creating a more intimate, peaceful atmosphere for those looking to relax under the stars. The park’s rugged charm is heightened by its rustic facilities, including small cabins for overnight stays and basic amenities. Surrounded by towering pine trees and mountainous landscapes, Strawberry Park offers a back-to-nature experience that feels remote, yet accessible. Its secluded environment draws adventurous visitors who appreciate the simple beauty of natural hot springs.
Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort – Puerto Morelos, Mexico
This adults-only, clothing-optional resort is situated on the quiet shores of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, and provides both privacy and luxury. Known for its sophisticated yet sensual atmosphere, the resort features warm pools and hot tubs overlooking the Caribbean, with beach access and a relaxing, non-judgmental environment. Daily themes and activities keep the experience lively, while the spa and wellness services allow guests to relax fully. The combination of tranquil scenery and upscale amenities makes it ideal for couples looking for both intimacy and relaxation in a tropical paradise.
Travertine Hot Springs – Bridgeport, California, USA
Just outside the small town of Bridgeport, California, Travertine Hot Springs features naturally formed pools with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This rustic, clothing-optional spot includes several pools varying in temperature, fed by geothermal springs that carry healing minerals. Travertine Hot Springs is known for its accessibility, natural rock formations, and breathtaking landscape, which offer bathers a serene escape into nature. The pools themselves are sculpted into travertine rock, creating a truly unique, secluded setting for soaking. The location’s rugged beauty and remoteness attract travelers seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the environment.
Tabacon Hot Springs – Arenal, Costa Rica
Located in Costa Rica’s lush Arenal region, Tabacon Hot Springs offers a network of natural thermal pools amidst the rainforest. The springs are clothing-optional, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere that aligns with Costa Rica’s eco-friendly, “Pura Vida” spirit. Fed by the active Arenal Volcano, these springs vary in temperature and are surrounded by exotic flora and waterfalls, making them feel like a hidden Eden. The experience here is as much about wellness as it is about immersion in nature, with natural mineral waters that soothe the body. Tabacon combines comfort with wilderness, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Orvis Hot Springs – Ridgway, Colorado, USA
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Orvis Hot Springs is a completely clothing-optional facility offering a mix of indoor and outdoor pools. Known for its relaxed, natural ambiance, Orvis has seven pools of varying temperatures, including the Lobster Pot, which is one of the hottest. Set against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains, this off-the-grid location is popular for its scenic views, quiet atmosphere, and commitment to chemical-free water. The resort also offers massages and wellness services, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a holistic escape. With its welcoming community vibe, Orvis is popular among locals and travelers alike.
Couples Sans Souci – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Couples Sans Souci is a romantic, clothing-optional resort on Jamaica’s northern coast, featuring natural mineral springs and a secluded beach area. The au naturel beach is open from morning until sunset, allowing guests to experience the therapeutic benefits of the warm, mineral-rich waters in private. The resort’s design embraces the island’s lush landscapes, with waterfalls, lush gardens, and ocean views enhancing the tropical atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including beachside pools and a spa, making it a perfect choice for couples seeking tranquility in a luxurious setting.
Kraus Hot Springs – Nahanni National Park Reserve, Canada
For a remote and wild experience, Kraus Hot Springs is a true adventure. Located within Nahanni National Park Reserve, accessible only by boat or seaplane, these hot springs provide a rugged, untouched setting along the banks of the South Nahanni River. The springs are clothing-optional, and their remote location makes them ideal for adventurers seeking solitude. Surrounded by dense forest and dramatic river landscapes, Kraus Hot Springs offer both mineral-rich water and the thrill of wilderness. The journey to the springs is a significant part of the experience, drawing intrepid travelers who value unspoiled nature.
Each of these clothing-optional hot springs offers a distinct atmosphere, from luxury and romance to rugged adventure and deep relaxation. Whether you’re looking for tropical beaches, alpine forests, or remote wilderness, there’s a perfect spot to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy nature to its fullest.