Page 43 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2026

parts of the world, the geothermal heated groundwater
that rises from the earth’s crust creates naturally heated
and mineral-rich water streams, which people have
learned to channel into structured baths.
According to Skúli Mogensen, founder of
Hvammsvík Hot Springs & Nature Resort in Iceland,
this geothermal water is good for skin, heals sore
muscles, helps with arthritis-related pain and sleep,
and is “the best cure for hangovers.”
While the scientific studies on passive heating are
still in their infancy, they have shown that both body
and mind can benefit from immersion in hot water.
When immersed in hot water, our bodies need to
adjust to the change in pressure, which similarly to
exercise results in greater cardiac output and lower
resting pulse rate. These changes radiate through the
system, triggering relaxation, reduced anxiety, and
lower blood pressure.
Travel for a Hydrotherapy Oasis
No spa is the same in Iceland. Sky Lagoon, for example,
is located near Reykjavík on the shores of the Atlantic
Ocean. The infinity edge pool and black rock forma-
tions set an unearthly backdrop as visitors experience
a seven-step healing ritual. skylagoon.com
Hvammsvik Hot Springs, on the other hand, blends
into the rural mountainous environment, both
visually and physically, with one of the pools prone
to submerging in ocean water. “When designing the
springs, we were highly inspired by the Sagas and
Icelandic history… from the natural look and feel of
the springs to the geothermal steam room,” shared
Skúli Mogensen. hvammsvik.com
In Germany, Baden-Baden has been synonymous
with thermal therapy since Roman times. The water
that feeds the 12 hot springs rises from deep layers of
an extinct volcano, called Mercury. The two main
thermal spas are Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Spa,
spanning 5,000 square metres. Friedrichsbad Spa
combines grand Roman bathing culture with Irish
hot air baths across 17 stations of a 145-year-old
Renaissance-style bathhouse. The thermal water in
Baden-Baden contains over 3,000 dissolved minerals,
setting the foundation for a full body regenerative
experience. baden-baden.com
In Canada, more spas are opening with many hotels
renovating their existing facilities (i.e. Fairmont Chateau
Lake Louise), as boutique properties are incorporat-
ing spas. Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix, Québec,
has had one from day one. The spa sits on the edge of
a farm, with Scottish cows adding melodic mooing to
the ambience. germainhotels.com
Many spas across the country are standalone
properties in unique locations. Strøm Nordic Spa, for
instance, has five locations, all set near urban centres
like Québec City and Montréal. Every Strøm has
multiple saunas, steam rooms, and hot pools with
most situated in serene nature. stromspa.com
PHOTOS: HVAMMSVIK HOT SPRINGS | HÔTEL & SPA LE GERMAIN CHARLEVOIX | BIANCA DES JARDINS/STRØM NORDIC SPA
Spa Etiquette
• Towels and robes are usually provided, but bring your own sandals.
• Pack a few extra essentials:
– hair ties
– sunglasses
– sun protection or
– a cozy hat
• In a dry sauna, place a towel on the bench for hygiene and to
protect the wood.
• Read the spa’s FAQs in advance to ensure you’re properly prepared
for your visit.