23 of the most beautiful natural pools and springs in the world

If you’ve ever stumbled through a dirt track lined with shrubbery or driven hours inland in unfamiliar territory, to be greeted by the sight of a lush pool of sparkling green water you’ll truly understand the magical healing properties of water. It’s a well-documented fact that humans simply gravitate towards bodies of water – no matter if that comes in the form of the ocean, a naturally occurring swimming hole or even a series of mineral-rich hot springs – we all know the power of a refreshing dip or soak in a outdoor bath. And who can blame us really, when we rely on H2O so much for survival?

With that in mind, we’ve scoured the globe for a collection of the most scenic, rejuvenating and downright stunning natural pools and springs that are worth visiting. Sure, they may involve some intrepid trekking to get to, but we promise that no matter how remote the location, once there, you’ll be swiftly rewarded for your efforts. From famous swimming spots in Italy to lesser-known gems in Guatemala, take pleasure in knowing that a lot of these places exist purely as mother nature intended – and they’re now here for us to enjoy.

Cascate del Mulino Saturnia, Tuscany, Italy (above)
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Blue Lagoon, Iceland
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Cambugahay Falls, Lazi, Philippines
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Cenote Ik-Kil, Yucatan, Mexico
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Cenote Samula, Mexico
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Figure 8 Pools, Royal National Park, Sydney
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Fuentes Georginas, Zunil, Guatemala
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Giola, Thassos, Greece
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Grotta Della Poesia, Puglia, Italy
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Grutas Tolantongo, San Cristóbal, Mexico
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Gunlom Plunge Pool, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
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Hamilton Pool Preserve, Austin, Texas, USA
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Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA
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Hidden Beach, Marieta Islands, Mexico
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Las Grietas, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
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Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Barreirinhas, Brazil
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Ma’in Hot Springs, Jordan
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Pamukkale, Turkey
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Queen’s Bath, Kauaʻi, Hawaii
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Semuc Champey, Lanquin, Guatemala
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The Blue Grotto, Capri, Italy
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The Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
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To-Sua Ocean Trench, Lalomanu, Samoa
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