Szechenyi Bath is the Disneyland of thermal baths – it’s the biggest and most popular in Budapest and one of the biggest natural hot spring baths in Europe. The iconic yellow bathhouse contains a labyrinth of heated indoor and outdoor pools, spas and saunas. It’s big and busy, full of tourists taking selfies and locals playing dominoes at special tables set in the pool (yup). Winter is a magical time to visit, when the steam hovers above the surface buffering you from the pitter-patter of snowflakes.

Much quieter than Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Veli Bej Bath is on the opposite side of the river in Buda. Recently refurbished, this classic Turkish bath is one of the city’s oldest Ottoman bathhouses. There are five pools of varying temperatures to soak up the region’s healing thermal waters. Follow the locals who dash between pool, sauna, steam room and freezing plunge pool, for the authentic experience.

This stunning hammam with its domed ceilings and ornate decoration was the last bathhouse to be built in the Ottoman Empire and is a must-visit in Istanbul. Strategically located in the old town near the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar, it’s the perfect place to refresh after a day of exploring and eating. Prepare for an invigorating body scrub on the central marble slab after you douse yourself at one of the marble fountains, and opt for the oil body massage to finish for silky clean skin.

The blue lagoon is a spectacular geothermal spa whose mineral-rich waters are said to have healing qualities. Situated in the middle of a lava field located between Reykjavik and the airport, there are natural grottoes, steam rooms and an on-site restaurant and hotel, so it’s easy to spend a whole day soaking in the iridescent baby-blue waters.

Japan is situated on a volcanic bed, which means there are hundreds of natural hot springs across the country. Communal bathing is an intrinsic part of Japanese culture whatever town you are in, so leave your modesty at the door and enjoy the washing ritual of ‘onsen’. In Tokyo, there are literally hundreds of options, but Yama No Yu Onsen is a retro bathhouse worth a visit because it looks the same as when it opened in the sixties. A beautiful tiled mural of Mt Fuji sets the scene and there’s a small jet bath and a steam room. Beyond Tokyo, the towns of Yufuin and Hyogo are a popular onsen resorts that elevate bathing. Yufuin is surrounded by mountains and is an excellent stop for a rotenburo (open-air bath), while Hyogo is home to Kinosaki, a traditional spa town on the Sea of Japan, which has seven local hot springs and charming local ryokan (guesthouses) to stay in.

Originally built by the Romans in 75AD, the preserved baths in Britain’s spa capital of Bath are set upon a natural thermal spring that still flows. Explore the world heritage-listed site then head to the newly built Thermae Spa for a sunset dip in their rooftop thermal pool, which has spectacular views over the city. Tip: Buy fast-track tickets to avoid the (long) queues.