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Ready to soak away all the stresses of everyday life? The best way to do it is by visiting a hot spring resort. 

Sometimes, a good soak in a hot spring bath is all you need to relieve all the tension away. Natural hot springs are known for containing minerals that help soothe the muscles and stimulate healthy bodily responses. As you’ll find out, the vast majority of these resorts are located in Japan, which is affectionately thought of as the hot spring capital of the world.

So if you’re thinking of visiting one soon, we’ve compiled the best hot spring resorts that will make your vacation extra special. 

Learn more about our points consulting services!

1. Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort (California)

Ventana Big Sur - An Alila Resort

Ventana Big Sur – An Alila Resort. Image Credit: Ventana Big Sur

Ventana Big Sur is an all-inclusive Californian resort with everything from beautiful mountain views, to magnificent pools, stunning redwood forests, panoramic ocean sights, and fantastic amenities to ensure your stay is as amazing as ever!

Located off Highway 1, Ventana Big Sur is tucked inside the redwood forest making it the perfect choice for travelers who want to be surrounded by nature yet still be within an hour’s drive from a city.

All 59 rooms in the property are housed in wooden buildings with a cabin-like feel. Each one has an outdoor area with seating so guests can enjoy the fresh air. Inside the rooms are wood paneling, rich rugs set atop tiled floors, and various wood and leather furniture. 

Entry-level rooms start at 414 square feet with large windows to let in light. Bathrooms include separate soaking tubs with glass and stonework shower areas to create luxury in a cabin setting. 

The outdoor heated pools in Ventana Big Sur are a highlight. One pool, The Meadow, has an infinity edge, while the second pool, The Mountain Pool, has access to an on-site Japanese hot bath or onsen. Other amenities include two restaurants, an art gallery, a spa, and a 24-hour gym. 

Ventana Big Sur is a World of Hyatt Category 8 property, which means you can redeem 35,000 to 45,000 Hyatt or Chase points per night for a stay here. 

As an all-inclusive resort, Ventana Big Sur commands a high cash price for its rooms, starting with $1,800 up to $2,808 per night (average of $1,500. 

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2. The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko (Japan)

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko

Being inside The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is like living in a minimalist’s dream.

Set amidst a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Nikko National Park – this luxury escape is found just 2.5-hours away from the hectic bustle of Tokyo life.

Surrounding the resort are untouched forests, gorgeous mountain peaks, waterfalls, and stunning temples and shrines. 

Taking inspiration from the beautiful surroundings, each room is kept chic, luxurious, and distinctly minimal. Beautiful stones and wood with crisp white linens and lots of natural light decorate the rooms. 

All 94 guest rooms come with large balconies offering a stunning view of the outdoor landscape. There’s a patterned glass door to keep the elements out while still offering views for miles. 

Four restaurants are on the property. The Japanese Restaurant provides all-day dining while Lakehouse offers Western cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.  There’s also The Lobby Lounge, for light bites, and The Bar, for cocktails. 

Make sure to visit the Spa at Ritz-Carlton for treatments showcasing the Nikko heritage. There’s also a hot spring on the property if you want to experience an authentic Japanese onsen. 

This superb Marriott Bonvoy resort lets you book a free night starting with 82,000 to 104,000 points per night. 

Like any stay at the Ritz, prices can get steep. The prices start at $689 and go up to $1,495 per night (average $790).

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3. HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa (Japan)

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa. Image Credit: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

Located close to the historic Nijo Castle, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto has a lot of history.

It used to be the home of the Mitsui family, an aristocratic family that has preserved the 300-year-old gate, The Kajimiya Gate, from the original property. This is the same entrance gate guests use when they arrive at the hotel. 

While the hotel may be historic, inside, it is modern and minimalist. All 161 rooms bear touches of traditional Japanese aesthetic though. There are large comfy beds with a rich green carpet on the floor. Neutral colors on the wall with mostly wood furniture are also inside. 

A spacious desk sits next to a large window and the bathroom features twin sinks, beautiful marble finishes, and a stone bathtub. Parfum Satori bath products are also provided. 

For amenities, the Thermal Spring SPA is a must-visit. It’s found on the basement first floor of the hotel and uses natural hot spring water. Unlike traditional onsens where you have to be naked, the resort allows guests to wear a swimsuit when bathing.

There’s also a gym, a library, a tea room, and a large 1,300 square meter garden at the hotel. 

For the pleasure of staying here, spend 65,000 to 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a standard room. 

For cash bookings, the rate starts at $542 to $1,489 per night (an average of $787). 

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4. Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel (Japan)

Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel. Image Credit: Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Located next to the Katsura River, Suiran is A Luxury Collection Hotel. It’s set deep in the Arashiyama district, an area where Japanese noblemen once frequented.

Some of the original buildings are still standing and have been transformed into parts of the restaurant as well as the lobby. Surrounding the property are manicured Japanese Zen gardens, trimmed with precision down to the last leaf. 

As expected of Japanese luxury, the rooms are elegant with modern amenities like a coffeemaker, TV, and a Toto toilet. Tatami mats and yukatas with wooden clogs are also provided for guests.

Bathrooms are as elegant as the rooms themselves. They all have Japanese fittings but with modern comforts and bath products from Laboratories Remede.

Rooms on the ground floor have access to a private garden while those on the upper floors contain balconies with great views of the mountain or the garden. 

Unlike modern hotels in the city, Suiran offers facilities suitable for the area. The natural gardens and groves are complemented by 2 open-air bathhouses or onsen. The first, Raku, is created from cypress, and the other one is, An, which has been crafted with rocks. These can be reserved for private use. 

Dining at Suiran is offered in two places, Kyo-Suiran has a traditional setting and a 12-course menu. Meanwhile, Cafe Hassui, offers afternoon tea, Japanese sweets, and snacks. It’s located in the original building. 

Suiran is a top-tier Marriott Category that lets you redeem 64,500 to 120,000 points per night. 

A standard room at the Suiran costs $574 to $780 per night (average $690).

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Nugget of Advice:

Stay at Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel for a relaxing and nature-filled getaway near Kyoto. AuPACS clients on a paid booking here can receive exclusive VIP benefits like suite upgrades, hotel credits, and even complimentary breakfast.

5. Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa (Japan)

Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa

Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa. Image Credit: Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa

The Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa is set on the foothills of Hakone Mountain. It has sweeping views of Sagami Bay and is surrounded by natural hot springs perfect for a relaxing stay. 

Just a short 35-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, the resort and the Odawara area is a popular holiday destinations for local tourists looking to get away from the city.

The standard rooms in the property contain plush beds with a modern aesthetic. Like most Japanese hotels, everything is a bit minimalist. Chairs and couches are placed by large windows giving guests a view of Sagami Bay, the lush property grounds, or the surrounding mountains. 

A bathroom with a separate shower room is completed by Peter Thomas Roth toiletries giving you a spa-like feel.

Hilton Odawara offers 3 restaurants along with 2 lounges. Brasserie Flora is the signature restaurant while Garden Restaurant Casareccio and Poolside Restaurant Aquafe, are seasonal restaurants that open only during the warm season. 

The Bade Zone is where you’ll find Hilton Odawara’s onsen. It contains 11 pools, a steam room, and a sauna. Aside from that, there’s a gym and Aqua Beautè Spa

This resort is a member of Hilton Honors, and it can cost anywhere from 40,000-95,000 Hilton points per night for a standard room reward here.

For a night’s stay at the Hilton Odawara, cash rates start at $179 to $1,76 per night (average $270).

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Nugget of Advice:

Looking for other posh, Instagram-worthy hotels you can book using points? Check out the guides we put together on the best resorts in the Caribbean, Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii! And don’t worry about planning that special occasion because we’ve got the best honeymoon resorts you can book using points, too.

6. The Westin Rusutsu Resort (Japan)

The Westin Rusutsu Resort

The Westin Rusutsu Resort. Image Credit: The Westin Rusutsu Resort

First built in 1993, The Westin Rusutsu Resort is a 23-floor tower. This resort tower is found close to theme parks as well as the mountain, so you get the best of both worlds when it comes to attractions. 

Most of the attractions are within a 30-minute drive from the property including Fukidashi Park, Mount Yotei, Lake Toya, and Kimundo Waterfall

Standard bedrooms are comfortable and modern. There’s a twin bed or a large king with white linen covers and sheets. Bathrooms come with robes, toiletries, and private toilets, along with a separate shower and tub. All rooms have a sitting area with windows looking out to a view of the mountain. 

There are several dining options on offer like the formal restaurant, Kazahana. There’s also a breakfast buffet served in the Atrium area.

Those who want to ski and snowboard have easy access to rental shops in the hotel. There’s also an option for dog sledding and snow rafting at the Rusutu Resorts Snow Activity Land if you’re looking for something different. 

The resort onsen is also a must-try in the hotel. There’s a sauna, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool. What’s more, the hotel offers a light show each night. 

This premier resort charges 50,000 points to 70,000 points per night for a standard room. 

The room price for a stay at The Westin Rusutsu Resort starts at $201 to $1,435 per night with an average of $640.

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7. Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse (Japan)

Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse

Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse. Image Credit: Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse

The Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse gives you a beautiful and relaxing dip at the foothills of the gorgeous Hokkaido mountains. 

Part of a group of luxury townhouses, this all-season, Small Luxury Hotels of the World resort plays host to skiers from across the world since the powdery mountain and amazing ski facilities are some of the best in Japan. 

Kasara Niseko Townhouses are all built with easy outdoor access. Each one has a garage and heated ski storage. There are 3 bedrooms, a kitchen, a seating area, and a dining area. There’s also a traditional Tatami room, balcony, and a Japanese-style bath for guests to enjoy. 

The resort has ski-in/ski-out access. Just walk a few meters and you should be at the Mori-no Chair, giving you an easy way to get to the mountain.

There’s also a lap pool including a spa. A restaurant, bar, and coffee shop are also on-site. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants a short taxi or car ride away. 

To book a reward night at this glorious hotel, redeem at World of Hyatt’s Category 8 tier, which is 35,000 to 45,000 points per night.

Staying at a Kasara Niseko Townhouse costs $700 to $830 per night (average $750).

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8. The Mist Hot Spring Hotel (China)

The Mist Hot Spring Hotel

The Mist Hot Spring Hotel. Image Credit: The Mist Hot Spring Hotel

Found in the city of Xuchang, The Mist Hot Spring Hotel is strategically located in Henan Province, considered China’s most popular hot spring destination. 

The area is known for its beautiful sites. Some of the nearby attractions include the Yanling National Exposition Garden of Flowers and Plants, a 24-minute drive, and the West Lake Park, less than 40-minutes away. 

What’s fascinating about this property is it’s been architecturally designed to incorporate the hot springs so the hotel is often surrounded by a rising mist from the spring. The hotel’s design alone rivals some of the most lavish properties in the world.

There are 51 rooms on the property. Standard rooms include a balcony, minibar, premium bedding, flatscreen TV, and coffeemaker. The bathrooms are large and spacious with standalone tubs.

Both indoor and outdoor pools are available at the hotel. There’s also a fitness center, several restaurants, and an onsite spa with 8 treatment rooms including one designated for couples only. 

This World of Hyatt Category 5 property can be booked for free with 17,000 to 23,000 points per night. 

For room prices, cash rates start at $750 to $780 per night with an average of $775.

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9. Sowaka (Japan)

Sowaka, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Sowaka, A Luxury Collection Hotel. Image Credit: Sowaka, A Luxury Collection Hotel

What was once known as a “ryotei” (Japanese restaurant) in the 20th century has been transformed into a gorgeous small luxury hotel in one of Japan’s most stunning locations – Kyoto. 

The Sowaka Kyoto combines the beauty of the traditional with the marked elegance of the modern. Sowaka is located at Higashiyama, a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto and within walking distance to Kiyomizu Temple

There are 23 stylish and elegant rooms at the hotel. All the rooms are arranged around the center courtyard with sleek, long hallways lined with green carpet.

Traditional elements like paper sliding doors lead to comfortable large beds with cashmere bedding. Modern elements like cedarwood speakers, warm orange lamps, comfy sofas, and balconies overlooking the courtyard.

Bathrooms are modern with Japanese bath products made from camelia oil. Plus, the water is drawn from the spring water underground. 

In the hotel, guests can enjoy La Bombance Gion, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Served here is Japanese cuisine incorporating seasonal ingredients.

The hotel also arranges local Kyoto tours including a night’s stay at Kodaiji Temple. Finally, there’s a wonderful spa where you can enjoy the natural hot spring water of the area. 

Sowaka is a World of Hyatt Category 7 property, requiring 25,000 points to 35,000 per night depending on the season. 

A night at Sowaka costs $352 to $828 per night (average $550).

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10. Yasuragi (Sweden)

Yasuragi

Yasuragi. Image Credit: Yasuragi

Stay in Yasuragi and you can still enjoy an authentic Japanese onsen even if you’re in Sweden. Just 20 minutes from Stockholm, this award-winning hotel is surrounded by beautiful sea views and by woodland.

Inside the hotel, every detail is made to look like a traditional Japanese ryokan or inn. Expect to see lots of natural oak items like wood, patterned tiles, and even concrete. The hotel is designed to be light and airy, echoing an inviting vibe where all the stress melts away. 

There are 191 rooms on the property. Standard rooms are minimalist in color, with neutral shades, low beds, and diffused lighting courtesy of paper lampshades.

Rice paper sliding screens for the windows and bathrooms with a wooden tub and traditional washing stations are also in each bedroom. 

Yasuragi has 3 restaurants on the property. There’s a choice of vegan, Japanese-inspired food, and a teppanyaki restaurant. Perhaps the most stunning amenity is the Kyoto-inspired swimming pool with concrete “alleyways” leading to separate treatment areas. 

Since Yasuragi is a partner hotel of Choice Privileges, you can redeem around 45,000 Choice Privileges points per night to book a stay here.

The price for a stay at Yasuragi is $550 during the average season. However, in the peak months, the price is $650 and in the low season, it costs $460. 

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11. Karuizawa Marriott Hotel (Japan)

Karuizawa Marriott Hotel

Karuizawa Marriott Hotel. Image Credit: Karuizawa Marriott Hotel

Once known as the Laforet Club Hotel Nakakaruizawa, it was rebranded as a Marriott property in 2016. Now known as Karuizawa Marriott Hotel, the property is close to the Harunire Terrace and surrounded by lots of nature. 

Twenty minutes via car is a wooden chapel surrounded by beautiful trees called the Karuizawa Kogen Church. To get to one of the biggest leisure parks in Karuizawa, you can head to Shiozawa Lake

Rooms at the Karuizawa Marriott Hotel are modern yet minimal. They feature indulgent beds with comfy white linens and carry either twin beds or traditional futons on tatami mats.

There are wooden floors with large windows to help bring the outside in. A private bathroom with a tub and free toiletries from THANN, a Thai cosmetic brand, is available. 

For amenities, there’s a 24-hour gym, a spa with beautiful open-air onsen baths, a restaurant with a grill-style menu, and a lobby bar. It’s worth noting this is the first dog-friendly Marriott hotel in the area so if you have pets, it’s a great place to visit. 

You’ll be able to redeem Marriott points for 42,000 to 63,000 points per night.

In the low season, the price for a standard room is $250 to $597 per night (average $350).

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12. Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenji (Japan)

Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenji

Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenji. Image Credit: Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenji

Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenji is located in Shizuoka, Japan. Mt. Fuji is right next door and stunning hot springs surround the property.

There are other attractions as well. Aside from the view of Mt. Fuji, the Mishima Sky Walk is only a 25-minute drive. This large bridge is 1,312 feet long and takes about 10-minutes to cross. 

Inside the hotel are 128 rooms featuring a combination of Japanese and Western aesthetics, with some rooms containing their own private onsen.

The decor is modern with wooden floors, large king beds, and a table for dining. The bathroom has a shower with a separate water closet fitted with $5,000 Toto toilets. 

For amenities, the hotel has a communal hot spring bath. There’s also a bedrock bath where you can have soothing lava stones to keep you relaxed. In addition, there’s a gym, a tennis court, as well as a golf range. 

A Marriott Bonvoy. you can book free nights starting with 30,000 points to 40,000 points per night. 

The cash price for a standard room here in the low season is $170 to $620 (average $420).

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13. Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa (Japan)

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa. Image Credit: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

The Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa is a 10-minute walk from Hakone Gora Park. It’s also within short driving distance from key spots like the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, the Miyagina Hayakawa Breakwater Cherry Blossoms, and the Hakone Open Air Museum. 

Considered to be the most “western” resort in Hakone, the rooms are clean and minimalist. A king-sized bed is covered with hypoallergenic bedding together with blackout drapes and plump pillows. A balcony sitting area is available along with a desk for work and another armchair for reading. 

Bathrooms sport an all-marble construction with spacious showers and a tub. Cedarwood furniture with touches of modern appliances, all hidden away is also found in the rooms. 

For amenities, there are two large, Japanese hot baths indoors. The IZUMI & Onsen is the largest one in Hakone and is worth visiting.

The Dining Room is the main restaurant on site. It offers both Japanese and French cuisine with an emphasis on using local ingredients. 

The Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa is a popular Hyatt property, and it’s redeemable at the Category 6 level, which is 25,000 to 29,000 points per night. 

Staying at the Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa for a night in a standard room is $290 to $844 per night (average $350).

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14. Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa (Costa Rica)

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa. Image Credit: Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

Considered to be Costa Rica’s most stunning thermal spa, the Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa is a premier wellness resort. 

It’s located right at the base of the Arenal Volcano and has a total of 18 springs pumping mineral water into the resort. Surrounding the property is a tropical rainforest, making the setting of the hot spring resort quite magical!

There are 103 rooms with most of them containing a terrace that overlooks the garden or offers a volcano view.

Each standard room is elegant with modern furnishings. There’s a large king or twin bed with luxurious linens. Bathrooms are decked in marble with rainfall showerheads and a tub. There’s also a nightly turndown service for guests. 

A highlight of the resort is the spa and its thermal hot springs. While the hot springs are open to the public for a fee, hotel guests have full access and can use them anytime.

There’s also a restaurant and coffee shop as well as a poolside bar. A fitness center with sauna and spa services is also available at the hotel. 

As our sole hot springs resort in Central America, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World property can be booked at World of Hyatt’s Category 5 pricing, which is 17,000 points to 20,000 points per night. 

During the low season, the standard room price is $356 to $650 per night (average $450).

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15. Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel (Japan)

Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel

Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel. Image Credit: Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel

The Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel is a stunning resort property by the beach. 

Nearby, you can explore the Shirahama Energy Land and Shirahama Beach, just a 4-minute walk away. Head a bit further and you’ll reach the Shiraham Undersea Observation Tower. If you take a car, you can reach Engetsu Island within 8-minutes.

The rooms are spacious with beautiful twin beds and comfortable white linens. Sleek touches of wood on the floor as well as on the headboard, add a natural touch to the room. 

There’s a Japanese-style sitting area behind sliding doors. This same space has a large window overlooking a beautiful view outside. Bathroom amenities are complete with toiletries including a bidet, private toilet, and a shower/tub combination. 

Take a dip at the hotel’s outdoor pool or their hot springs. There’s an amazing spa on the property as well. A restaurant is also on-site along with a 24-hour gym. 

Fortunately, this hotel is a Marriott Bonvoy hotel that lets you redeem a free night for 38,000 to 40,000 points per night.

For a night’s stay at The Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel, it costs $201 to $576 per night (an average of $350). 

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16. Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka (Japan)

Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka

Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka. Image Credit: Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka

There’s nothing more relaxing than a stay at Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka. This beautiful resort sits with a view of the stunning Mt. Fuji. 

While secluded from the daily hustle, the hotel is located in a touristy part of Mt. Fuji. This is an advantage since the surrounding area also has several attractions including hiking and biking trails, the Lake Yamanaka Community Plaza Kirara as well as the Fujisan Juku no Mori Amphitheater. 

Rooms at the Fuji Marriott Hotel feature large fluffy king or twin beds. There’s a Japanese-style sitting room where you can dine or relax. A fridge, TV, and large closet are provided along with coffee and tea. 

Bathrooms contain a separate tub for soaking or a shower. In Japan, bathing is traditionally done sitting down so a stool with toiletries is provided. Another small room leads to a private toilet with a bidet. 

There’s a single onsite restaurant, Grill & Dining G. You can order meals or dine via buffet. Two hot spring baths or onsen are on the property, one is indoors and the other is outdoors. In addition, there’s a gym and tennis court. 

To experience Mt. Fuji’s luxury here, you’ll redeem 30,000 to 40,000 points per night for a standard room. 

A room at the Fuji Marriott Hotel during the average season is $182 to $537 per night (average $250).

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17. Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort (China)

Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort

Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort. Image Credit: Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort

It’s hard to miss the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort. After all, it’s not every day you see a building that looks like an inverted horseshoe. This amazing hotel is set around Taihu Lake, a freshwater lake located just 2 hours from Shanghai. 

Inside the hotel are stretches of marble, Swarovski-decorated chandeliers, and blocks of jade. The 27-story building contains 321 rooms divided into two towers.

All the guest rooms come with unique interiors like green marble floors, red leather-lined electronic bidet toilets, and large circular tubs that overlook the stunning view of the lake. 

There are 6 restaurants and bars on the property with most of the dishes being local cuisine. Both Yue and Feast are the ones with all-day dining as well as club sandwiches and salads.

There’s also a large fitness center with modern equipment as well as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. A spacious spa with a 17,000-square-foot wedding island is in front of the resort, surrounded by the lake. 

This iconic resort lets you book free nights costing 37,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. 

A stay at the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort in the low season costs $196 to $295 per night (average $200). 

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18. Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel (Japan)

Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel

Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel. Image Credit: Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel

Less than 10-minutes by train from Kyoto, Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel is surrounded by gorgeous calm waters with lovely brown sand.

The Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel sits right in front of Lake Biwa. From the lobby, you get high ceilings with neutral wooden decor and marble floors. Lovely colored artwork is splashed on the walls while an elegant bar is off to one side. 

The standard room here is large with dim, romantic lighting. Big windows open to the view of Lake Biwa. Wooden floors, a sitting area, and a large king or twin bed are also in the rooms. 

In the bathroom, there’s a separate area for a shower and toilet. Some rooms also include a built-in onsen. While the onsen is modern, the water flowing through is pumped from a natural hot spring.  

The hotel also has a public bath with hot spring water for guests. A heated swimming pool, a gym, a basketball court, and a laundry area are other amenities guests can enjoy.

Japan’s premier property on Lake Biwa can be booked using Marriott points from 37,000 to 40,000 points per night. 

The cash price for the standard rooms here starts at $135 to $420 per night (average $250).

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Wrapping Up

Experiencing a hot spring bath in any of these luxurious resorts is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Why not take the plunge and book a stay with any of these resorts today for free using points.  They’re the perfect solution if you want pampering and lots of relaxation. 

Safe travels! 

Full Disclosure:
Advertiser Disclosure: We’ve partnered with UpgradedPoints.com to help make the best recommendations on our favorite credit cards. We may receive a referral bonus from card issuers if you apply for cards through these links. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.
 
Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Any offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
Featured Image Credit: The Mist Hot Spring Hotel

 Frequently Asked Questions

In the United States, most of the Western states have some of the best hot springs around. This includes:

  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Washington
  • Oregon
  • Utah
  • New Mexico
  • California
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • Idaho

It depends. There are hot springs that are unsafe to swim in because the water temperatures are too high. Most hot springs in resorts and hotels are safe though so, in essence, you can swim in them. However, they are often designed for a relaxing dip or soak instead.

In the United States, the largest hot spring is found in Yellowstone National Park. It’s called The Grand Prismatic Spring.

Yes, the soothing warm temperature of the water helps relax the muscles. There are also minerals present in hot springs like calcium and sodium bicarbonate which promote good blood circulation.

Ideally, you can soak at least 15-minutes max at any one time and up to 3 times a day. However, if you’re sweating too much or your heartbeat becomes irregular, that’s a signal you should get out right away.

Yes, hot spring water is fairly safe as long as the warm temperature is stable. Some hot springs whose water cools down to normal temperature will be prone to getting the same bacteria as regular water though.