More Than 30 Mud Baths You Can Visit For Beautiful Skin
Playing in the mud isn’t just for kids, but us adults want a little more reason to play with mud. Luckily many hot springs have mineral-rich mud from volcanoes and underground that can refresh our bodies.
Mud baths and mud spas have many health benefits, including reducing stress, improving circulation, easing muscle tension, and promoting healthier skin. The minerals found in the mud–like magnesium, potassium, and calcium–are thought to benefit the body.
Typically, mud baths and spas involve literally soaking in a pool of warm mud, which is then washed off after a certain period of time. Some spas offer additional wellness treatments, such as massages and facials, to complement your mud bath.
Mud baths and spas are generally safe, but there are some precautions to remember, like ensuring that the mud used is clean and free of harmful bacteria. If you have certain medical conditions, such as open wounds or skin infections, you should probably avoid mud baths.
Bulgaria - Pomorie Mud and Salt Baths
Bulgaria has over 700 natural mineral springs to explore, making it second only to Iceland, though it’s far less known for the feature.
While primarily known as a seaside resort on the Black Sea, Pomorie also boasts unique therapeutic mud and highly saline mineral water from Lake Pomorie. This combination offers distinct health benefits, particularly for dermatological and musculoskeletal conditions.
Pomorie’s mineral water and mud (found in the salty Pomorie Lake) are quite famous for the very flattering effect they have on the skin. Lake Pomorie is a natural ultra-saline lagoon (over twice as high as that of the Black Sea).
Pomorie was an island that was connected to the mainland by the formation of two sandy slopes - to the west and to the north. Today the lake is separated from the sea by the northern sandy slope, which is about 5 km long and 50 m wide.
From what I was told nearly every hotel in Pomorie offers SPA treatments and mud baths and there is also a balneological centre where you can go for various procedures. But let’s be honest getting mud right from the source is more fun, and it’s free!
Cover yourself with a thick layer of mud from head to toe (it’s good to apply it in the roots of the hair as well). Then roll in the sand (it is black because of the minerals it contains) and then bury yourself in the sand as much as possible from your body under the sand.
Colombia - Volcán De Lodo El Totumo Mud Baths
If you are visiting hot springs in Colombia make sure to visit this active mud volcano in northern Colombia to bathe in the dense, warm mud and then bathe in a nearby lagoon.
According to local lore, the volcano used to spew fire and lava but was turned into mud by a local priest who believed it was the work of the Devil and endeavoured to banish him by sprinkling holy water into it!
Visitors to Volcán De Lodo El Totumo can climb to the top of the volcano and descend down into the crater, which is filled with warm, thick mud. The mud is said to have various health benefits, including improving circulation, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
Once inside the crater, visitors can enjoy a mud bath, smearing the mud all over their bodies and relaxing in the warm, soothing water. Local attendants are available to help visitors apply the mud and offer massages, making for a truly unique and relaxing experience.
After the mud bath, visitors can climb out of the crater and rinse off in a nearby lagoon. The lagoon is also a popular swimming spot, and many visitors choose to cool off in the refreshing water after their mud bath.
Overall, Volcán De Lodo El Totumo is a fun and unique attraction for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Colombia. Whether you’re interested in the health benefits of the mud or simply want to enjoy the novelty of bathing in a mud volcano, it is definitely worth a visit.
Costa Rica - Rio Negro Hot Springs
The Arenal region of Costa Rica boasts world-famous thermal hot spring pools and volcanic mud baths. Resorts like Tabacon, Eco Termales, and The Springs Resort are some of the many options that offer luxurious mud bath experiences surrounded by lush rainforests and breathtaking volcano views.
Located in Guanacaste, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is known for its geothermal activity. The active volcano here (named after the park) allows visitors to enjoy therapeutic mud baths followed by a refreshing rinse in nearby waterfalls and natural pools, kind of a natural spa treatment.
The Rio Negro hot springs are located in the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica, near the town of La Fortuna. These natural thermal springs are nestled in the heart of the country’s lush rainforest and are a popular attraction for visitors seeking relaxation and therapeutic benefits. This picturesque region in Costa Rica’s Central Valley offers a tranquil setting for mud baths and hot spring relaxation. The Orosi Valley is ideal for those seeking a quieter and less touristy experience.
Crystal-clear waters of the Rio Negro River flow near ten pools filled with mineral-rich thermal waters heated by the volcano.
The hot springs are in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and the Rio Negro River. The water temperature varies depending on the location, but it generally ranges from warm to hot, making it a great place to relax and unwind. Some hot springs even have underwater seating areas and natural steam rooms, adding to the unique experience.
In addition to the hot springs, Rio Negro also features several waterfalls and natural pools that visitors can enjoy. The most popular waterfall is the Pailon del Diablo, which means “Devil’s Cauldron” in Spanish. This waterfall is located near the town of Baños and is a stunning sight to behold, with water cascading down a narrow gorge and creating a misty atmosphere.
Greece - Xerokambos Beach
The use of hot springs in Greece dates back to ancient times. From the Minoans and Mycenaeans who revered their therapeutic powers to the Romans who built elaborate bathhouses, these geothermal wonders have been woven into the fabric of Greek history.
If you want to try the mud, you’re looking for Xerokambos Beach, also called Argilos (clay) Beach.
This is where you will find the healing clay. Here it’s in the form of soft limestone known as Pliocene marl.
This is what the bathers use to lather themselves in the soothing clay. Apart from the clay, you will find golden sand and pebbles while the crystal clear water will not leave you unmoved. The spot is actually a small bay with shallow, turquoise waters.
Honduras - Sambo Creek Hot Springs
Sambo Creek, located in Atlántida, Honduras, offers a captivating blend of pristine beaches and lush tropical landscapes, perfect for any nature enthusiast. This vibrant coastal village is nestled between the azure Caribbean Sea and the verdant Pico Bonito National Park, making it uniquely picturesque.
If you are in Honduras for vacation don’t miss the mud baths at Sambo Creek hot springs. Entrance fee for the Hot Springs is $25 US dollars per person. The service includes a 30 minute massage, a mud bath and time to relax in the hot springs.
Indonesia - Domas Crater
If you are visiting the popular Sari Ater hot springs in Indonesia don’t miss your chance for a mud bath.
Tangkuban Perahu Mountain is a volcano and it has the height of 2084 meters above the sea level. In terms of width, it is around 3320 km. One of the most favorite sites to explore is Ratu Crater (which is the biggest).
However, these days, tourists often come to Damas Crater for its hot spring. Some visitors even carry some eggs and cook them in it! As an alternative, they may enjoy mud bathing in order to soothe their skin.
Israel - Dead Sea
The heavily salt-saturated waters of the Dead Sea are renowned for their powers to heal physical ailments and has been used this way for centuries.
Tourists flock to the region to cover themselves in the famous mineral-rich mud and enjoy the long lasting benefits days later.
Italy - Bagni di San Filippo
While in Italy, take a glass of wine and walk to some free mud baths at Bagni di San Filippo. You can navigate to Fosso Bianco right by the paid spa and keep going to the left.
At the bottom of many pools, you'll find a rich deposit of thermal mud that is excellent for face and body masks so sit down.
Jamaica - Blue Hole Mineral Spring
After you’re done enjoing the beautiful blue waters in the carribean try out the soft white mud from the Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is completely encased in karst limestone – a soft white mud that filters and imbues the up-welling water with mineral elements that are prized by many for its purity, healing and restorative properties.
Many people report results ranging from very relaxed to invigorating from the mineral massage or scrub available on the property using Blue Hole’s soft mud You may also want to try it.
The mineral-rich mud found at the Blue Hole is said to have numerous benefits for the skin, including detoxifying properties and the ability to help with conditions such as eczema and acne. Visitors can slather themselves in this natural mud, let it dry in the sun, and then wash it off in the spring waters, leaving their skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. This is a must-do for anyone interested in natural health and beauty treatments.
Korea - Boryeong Mud Festival
When you’re done with visiting Korea’s hot springs you can play in the mud. When it comes to skincare, no one gets more creative than South Korea. Believed to soften skin and give it that coveted glisten, mud has been properly celebrated here for centuries.
Every July, there is even a festival dedicated to the stuff. Boryeong Mud Festival takes the love for mud to a whole new level, celebrating it with face painting, mudslides, mud pools, bouncy castles, and events which travelers can (and should) attend fully covered in mud.
Malaysia- Ayer Hangat
Once you are done visiting Malaysia’s urban jungle and beautiful beaches, chill out with some mud baths. Experience the only mud bath in Langkawi.
Steeped in legend, Ayer Hangat hot springs boasts therapeutic mud baths and traditional Malay massage, offering a cultural experience alongside relaxation.
Mexico - Blue Clay Beach
The clay beach really is something of a myth around Sayulita in the Nayarit region of Mexico's Pacific Coast. There’s almost nothing online about it, and after asking tons of locals, it became apparent that most people living in the area have never even heard of the beach.
This is located at Playa del Barro but it’ll take you the day and a 4x4 to get there comfortably. You’ll want to use the greenish clay, but even then it’ll be gritty with sand, so expect some exfoliation.
Mexico - Huatulco
Head to Playa La Bocana.
When you arrive at the small Malecon boardwalk (found at the main entrance to the beach), wait for the mud bath ladies to greet you.
There are a couple ladies who are descendants from the Zapotec people and they still use the ancient mud recipe passed down from their ancestors.
New Zealand - Hell’s Gate
Explore New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience and discover more than myth and legend. This land has healing properties and has fascinated people for centuries.
One of the highlights of Hell’s Gate is the Mud Bath Experience, where visitors can soak in warm mud pools that are believed to have therapeutic properties. The mud is rich in minerals that are said to be good for the skin, and the heat from the mud is said to help relax and soothe the muscles.
In addition to the mud baths, Hell’s Gate also offers a variety of spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. These treatments use natural ingredients from the geothermal park, such as geothermal mud and sulphur water, to help detoxify and rejuvenate the body.
The geothermal park is also fascinating, with bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and boiling hot springVisitors can take a guided tour of the park to learn about the geology and history of the area and to see some of the unique features up close.
Palau - Milky Way Lagoon
This spot is what fairy tale wanderlust dreams are made of.
In a secluded area only accessible by boat, you’re greeted by vibrant turquoise warm water.
Not only is it picturesque swimming hole, it’s got silky white clay at the bottom. Bathers come here to lather up and leave feeling rejuvenated and younger! Locals claim that bathing in the white limestone mud found on the waters floor will make you look ten years younger.
Panama - Anton Valley Hot Springs
If you are finished enjoying Panama’s beautiful beaches and waterfalls, get dirty with some volcanic mud.
Bathe in hot thermal water pools at Anton Valley village’s thermal springs and indulge in a therapeutic volcanic mud bath. The setup is simple: a winding trail leads through a handful of mineral pools, each with slightly different temperatures and depths.
The mud here is the main draw. Slather it onto your face and neck, then let it dry while dipping your toes into a shallow pool nearby. It’s said to cleanse, exfoliate, and gently reboot your skin.
Portugal - SPA Salino Mud Baths
If you are visiting hot springs in Portugal, don’t miss the SPA Salino Mud Baths is a wellness centre located in the small town of Rio Maior. The mud used in the baths is extracted from the local salt pans. It is rich in minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are believed to have healing properties for various skin conditions and joint pain.
Visitors to SPA Salino can enjoy a variety of treatments, including mud baths, massages, and hydrotherapy. The mud bath experience typically involves applying a layer of warm, mineral-rich mud to the body, followed by a period of relaxation to allow the mud to work its magic. After the mud has dried, it can be rinsed off in a shower, leaving the skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated.
In addition to the mud baths, SPA Salino also offers a range of other wellness treatments, such as hot stone massages, aromatherapy, and reflexology.
The centre is set in a tranquil environment, surrounded by gardens and natural salt pans (there is a handmade salt company here), providing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Romania - Lake Techirghiol
Romanian legend has it that an old man got stuck in the mud while crossing Lake Techirghiol and to his surprise, upon getting out, he realized that his eyes were cured and he could see like a young man again. Since then, locals have frequented the lake hoping to feel rejuvenated.
A popular summer vacation spot, Lake Techirghiol makes for a great day trip for those who want to see if the legend is true and experience Romania’s vibrant and affordable Black Sea coast.
Serbia - Prolom Banja
If you are visiting hot springs in Serbia try out Prolom Banja. The waters are rich in sulfur, sodium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for joint health, skin conditions, and muscle relaxation. ts main characteristics are alkalinity, presence of ozone and silicon acids, as well as low concentration of fluorine (below 0.2 mg/l).
Curative mud, created by mixing the thermal water and soil from around the spring “Pupavci”, is used for mud baths and mud wraps for treatments.
Spain - Formentera
With its well-known neighbor Ibiza close by, in Spain’s Baleric Islands, you will find Espalmador Island.
This island is north of a more well known Formentera Island. This an uninhabited island which boasts beautiful coves and a unique natural mud bath experience.
The mud bath is actually located in the middle of a salt plain inland and not right on the beach.
St. Lucia - Soufrière
Sulphur Springs Park in St. Lucia is rich in hot springs, bubbling mud and fumaroles, which are steam vents from volcanic activity.
Access here is relatively pain free, as you can actually drive in most of the way. You can either participate in a guided tour or explore the area on your own.
One of the highlights is taking a dunk in the hot mud bath!
A primitive concrete ‘pool’ has been built to contain some of the mud for visitors’ enjoyment. It’s heated from the geothermal underground heat
Thailand - Phon-Rang Hot Springs
When visiting Thailand’s hot springs, beaches, and temples don’t forget to try out it’s special mud. Nestled near the Gulf of Thailand, Phon-Rang offers unique mud pools in addition to hot spring pools. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of mud baths amidst scenic coastal views.
The mud and waters are rich in sulfur, sodium, and other minerals, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, joint pain, and detoxification.
Dry season (November-April) offers sunny weather and ideal conditions for both mud baths and soaking.
Tunisia- Ain Atrous Hot Springs
Ain Atrous is a natural hot spring located near the town of Korbous in the Nabeul Governorate of Tunisia.
Arrive early to secure your spot and try the local "algues et boue" treatment for a revitalizing mud bath experience.
Turkey - Dalyan Mud Baths
One of the area’s most popular attractions, the mud baths are rumoured to have been used by Cleopatra, who credited her beauty to frequent use of them!
Taking a dip in the Dalyan Mud Baths in Turkey is often compared to the same healing properties found in the dead sea. The mud baths are located in a nationally protected area, so you’ll have to get here through a tour.
Visitors to the mud baths start by coating themselves in a layer of warm mud, rich in minerals and believed to have cleansing and rejuvenating properties for the skin. After letting the mud dry and absorbing the minerals, visitors wash it off with warm water from a nearby natural spring.
In addition to the mud baths, the Dalyan area is also home to natural thermal springs. These springs offer a relaxing and therapeutic soak in warm, mineral-rich water. The springs are believed to have healing properties for various ailments, such as rheumatism, skin disorders, and respiratory issues.
United States - Calistoga Hot Springs
If you are in northern California, don’t miss out on the many mud bath options. Try out Calistoga hot springs and rejuvenate in one of the four geothermal mineral pools, enjoy a therapeutic massage, or indulge your inner Bohemian with volcanic ash mud baths in their spa.
With over 62 years of service, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs is an iconic wine country bathhouse. Visitors can experience Calistoga’s distinctive mineral waters and volcanic ash, highlighting the health advantages of hot mineral springs and mud treatments. This well-kept, accessible resort prioritizes guests’ well-being and offers three hot-spring-fed swimming pools and a spacious picnic area.
The “Works” mud bath treatment is what they are known for! Mud bath treatment, a mineral whirlpool bath treatment infused with Epsom sea salts, and a facial mask, geo-steam room, blanket wrap, and a 60-minute Swedish massage.
United States - Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Club Mud is a unique feature of Glen Ivy Hot Springs, a resort located in Temescal Valley, California, USA. It is a mud pool where guests can immerse themselves in warm, nutrient-rich mud, which is said to have therapeutic properties for the skin.
The mud used in Club Mud is sourced from the resort’s mineral-rich clay pits, which are located nearby. The mud is warmed to a comfortable temperature and kept in a shallow pool, allowing guests to apply it easily to their bodies.
Once applied, guests can relax in the sun while the mud dries and begins to draw out impurities from the skin. After about 20 minutes, the mud can be rinsed off in a nearby shower, revealing soft and smooth skin.
In addition to Club Mud, Glen Ivy Hot Springs offers a variety of other spa treatments and amenities, including hot springs pools, mineral baths, and massages. The resort also features beautiful gardens and a restaurant, providing guests with a complete wellness experience.
United States - Montecito Hot Springs
If you are visiting southern California, you will want to stop at Montecito Hot Springs to enjoy the heat, but also the benefits of the mud that few know about. I was sitting near the top of the springs when a man next to me started to dig into the bottom of the springs. His hands came up with nearly black mud and I, like many near me were wondering what he was doing. He proceeded to smear the mud on his face and arms. He said he had been doing this for years - probably why he looked 30 but was really 80.
If you visit, know that parking might be challenging. To get to this hot spring, you will have to park in a residential neighborhood with multi-million dollar homes and potentially battle with springgoers and homeowners alike.
To get to the springs you’ll take a 2.5 mile well-maintained dirt path. You are walking near the creek that goes to the hot springs for most of the hike.
United States - Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
The mud in the mud baths is a blend of mineral-rich clay, thermal water, and essential oils. It is believed to have therapeutic benefits for the skin, including detoxification, exfoliation, and hydration. The mud is applied to the body in a private outdoor pool, which is filled with warm, mineral-rich water.
After soaking in the mud, guests can rinse off in a nearby shower before continuing with the hot spring soaking and other spa treatments. The hot springs at Ojo Caliente are known for their high mineral content, which is said to have numerous health benefits, such as soothing sore muscles, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
United States - Pagosa Hot Springs
The Springs Resort is excited to welcome resort guests and hot springs visitors to explore an immersive new terrathermal wellness experience at the pools – Mother’s Mud at Mud Beach! Our Mud Experience is a unique, hands-on way to enhance your soaking journey with added wellness benefits. All guests are invited to partake in the experience by visiting the Wellness Host located at the resort’s Mud Beach beside the Burg pool along the banks of the San Juan River.
The resort’s wellness team has crafted a special blend of Calcium Montmorillonite, (Bentonite) green clay from the Mojave Desert, using water from our Mother Spring to create “Mother’s Mud” a mineral-rich, therapeutic mud that is the perfect consistency for a luxurious, yet effective, full-body application. Connect with mother nature in a profound way and leave with your skin feeling restored and revitalized.
Vietnam - Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park
When visiting hot springs in Vietnam you should try to get a little dirty with its mud baths. The Nui Than Tai hot spring complex offers a variety of pools with varying temperatures, catering to all preferences.
Enjoy waterslides, mud baths, and other fun activities. The mineral mud bathing space of Than Tai Mountain is made up of natural stone tubs carved with meticulous patterns, interwoven with rows of fresh green trees.
But don’t expect this to be the most relaxing mud bath experience as you are immersed in a theme park like setting and may have to listen to the sounds of screaming children on waterslides. But just bring your ear plugs from your hotel and close your eyes.
When you are done, check out their herbal and milk baths for a different experience.
Vietnam - Amiana Resort Nha Trang
Nha Trang has long been famed for its natural mud bath and herbal treatments and has the one and only luxurious private mud bath with ocean views in Nha Trang.
The Amiana Resort Nha Trang is a luxury beach resort famed for its unique, natural mud baths and herbal treatments. The resort’s mud baths feature mineral-rich mud sourced from nearby hot springs and are believed to have a range of health benefits for the skin and joints.
Guests can choose from a variety of mud bath experiences, ranging from a basic mud bath to a deluxe package that includes a mud bath, hot spring soaking, and massage. The mud is applied to the body in a private outdoor pool filled with warm, mineral-rich water.
After soaking in the mud, guests can rinse off in a nearby shower before continuing with the hot spring soaking and massage. The hot springs are in a tranquil outdoor setting surrounded by lush tropical gardens, providing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
In addition to the mud baths, the Amiana Resort Nha Trang offers a range of other wellness treatments, such as facials, body scrubs, and aromatherapy massages. The resort also features two swimming pools, a private beach, and a restaurant serving Vietnamese and international cuisine.
