Interviews with Soakers: What Draws People to Hot Springs?

Hot springs are more than just warm pools nestled in scenic landscapes — they’re deeply personal experiences. Whether tucked in a snowy mountain, hidden in a remote forest, or part of a luxurious spa resort, hot springs seem to touch something primal in us. But what exactly keeps people coming back to these geothermal waters?

To find out, we spoke with a diverse group of “soakers” — from hardcore travelers to wellness seekers — who shared their stories, memories, and reasons why hot springs are more than just a relaxing dip. Their answers are as varied and meaningful as the springs themselves.

1. The Nature Lover: “It’s about reconnecting.”

Interviewee: Maya R., 29, environmental educator, Colorado

“When I’m sitting in a hot spring surrounded by snow-covered trees or stars overhead, I feel like I’m back in rhythm with the Earth. It’s raw, peaceful, and grounding. No phone, no noise. Just steam and stillness.”

Maya prefers remote, natural springs — often ones that require a hike or a bit of adventure to reach. For her, the appeal is the unplugged, earthy serenity.

Draw: Nature connection, mental reset, peace from digital overload.

2. The Wellness Seeker: “It’s my therapy.”

Interviewee: Carlos M., 42, massage therapist, New Mexico

“I deal with people’s pain every day, so I know what chronic stress does to the body. A soak in a mineral-rich hot spring — especially lithium or sulfur springs — helps my joints, my mood, and my sleep. It’s therapy for my nervous system.”

Carlos visits Ojo Caliente and other southwestern springs known for their mineral diversity. He believes in the holistic power of hot springs for both mind and body.

Draw: Physical healing, mental wellness, natural therapy.

3. The History Buff: “They’re ancient, and that fascinates me.”

Interviewee: Hannah T., 34, museum curator, Virginia

“I once visited a hot spring in Turkey and realized humans have been soaking for thousands of years. Now I look for that same depth in U.S. springs — like Berkeley Springs, where George Washington bathed. It’s like time-traveling through water.”

For Hannah, hot springs are windows into human history. She’s fascinated by ancient use, sacred traditions, and the cultural stories behind each one.

Draw: Historical significance, cultural connection, timeless ritual.

4. The Digital Nomad Couple: “It’s our way to slow down.”

Interviewees: Jess & Leo, 30s, travel bloggers

“We’re always on the move, switching time zones, editing content. But when we hit a hot spring, everything slows down. No itinerary, no laptop — just us and the water. It resets our pace and reconnects us to each other.”

Jess and Leo plan hot springs into their travel itineraries worldwide — from Iceland to Japan to the Pacific Northwest. They say it’s the best kind of intentional pause.

Draw: Slowing down, romantic time, digital detox.

5. The Off-the-Grid Adventurer: “It’s the reward at the end of the trail.”

Interviewee: Noah K., 25, wilderness guide, Oregon

“There’s nothing better than hiking five miles into the forest and finding a steaming pool at the end of the trail. It’s the ultimate reward — your body’s tired, you’re sweaty, and then boom: nature’s spa. Nothing artificial. Just wild water.”

Noah gravitates toward primitive and less-traveled hot springs, often in national forests or wilderness areas. He loves the contrast between rugged trekking and gentle soaking.

Draw: Post-hike reward, wilderness immersion, primal experience.

6. The Healing Seeker: “It became part of my recovery.”

Interviewee: Susan P., 58, breast cancer survivor, Arizona

“After my chemo treatments, my body ached in ways I didn’t know were possible. A friend took me to a hot spring in the desert, and I cried — not from pain, but from release. The heat and minerals helped me begin to feel human again.”

Susan now visits hot springs regularly for both physical and emotional healing. She says it’s where she reclaims parts of herself that felt lost during illness.

Draw: Post-illness recovery, emotional healing, spiritual cleansing.

7. The First-Timer: “I didn’t expect to feel so calm.”

Interviewee: Derek L., 22, college student, California

“I went with friends to a hot spring near Mammoth. I didn’t think much of it — just thought it’d be cool. But after sitting there under the stars, I realized I hadn’t felt truly relaxed in months. It hit me in a good way.”

Derek didn’t grow up around hot springs or natural wellness, but after one visit, he’s hooked. He now keeps a list of springs he wants to explore around the West.

Draw: Stress relief, sense of wonder, new discovery.

So, What Really Draws People to Hot Springs?

Across ages, backgrounds, and life experiences, one thing is clear: hot springs offer something deeper than just a warm soak. They’re places of:

• Connection — to the Earth, to history, to others, or to oneself
• Healing — physical recovery, emotional release, or spiritual comfort
• Stillness — a rare break from modern hustle
• Ritual — a pause that many turn into a practice

Each hot spring holds not just geothermal heat, but a story waiting to be told — sometimes yours.