Top 10 Natural Mud Baths in the World
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When it comes to mud treatment for your skin, mud masks aren’t the only option available to you! Depending on where you live, you may be able to treat your skin to the most natural form of a mud mask – a mud bath!
That said, it’s essential to remember that not all mud baths are created equal. There are some that are far better for you and your skin than others, which is why we have curated a list of some spots that you can’t risk missing when planning a round-the-world mud bath tour.
1. Hell’s Gate
Yup, we know – the name doesn’t exactly sell this addition to the list, does it?
However, Hell’s Gate is a must on any serious mud bather’s list. This bath is located in New Zealand and is also known as “the center of the Earth.” Aside from being great for the skin, it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, so you’re sure to encounter a crowd if you visit during peak season.
The mud bath has been in use for nearly 1000 years, and the Maori believe it helps revitalize the whole body. The “bath” is a geothermal reserve that sprawls over 50 acres and includes private mud baths, sulfur spas, and more. There are three types of mud: white, which helps treat burns, black, which is said to be great for arthritis, and grey, which is used as an exfoliator.
2. Nha Trang, Vietnam
This scenic location is known not only for its many mud baths but also for its great mineral hot springs. If you’re truly looking to treat yourself, we recommend the I-Resort Spa, which is possibly the fanciest way to enjoy a mud bath in Nha Trang.
The mud baths at this location boast a variety of minerals to benefit your skin, including bromine, which helps make your skin feel soft and velvety. Most locations offer both communal and private mud baths, depending on your preferences, as well as a host of other spa services like massages. Depending on which location in Nha Trang you choose, you may even be able to enjoy the mineral springs post-mud bath!
3. Bormio, Italy
Like Nha Trang, Bormio also boasts a host of different mud baths for you to choose from. The area has been a haven for mud-lovers since the Romans first discovered the properties of mud in this area 2000 years ago, and the baths have been in use ever since.
Aside from being great for your skin, the mud from these baths is also considered to be effective in treating arthritis and muscle contractures. In fact, the mud is mixed with the waters of the many hot springs in Bormio before being applied for maximum benefit, and it is considered to be so effective that it is even covered under the Italian NHS.
4. The Milky Way Lagoon, Palau
If you’ve never heard of Palau, you’re probably not alone. However, this gorgeous Micronesian island chain is perhaps one of the most beautiful countries you’ll ever visit – and comes complete with stunning mud baths.
At the Milky Way Lagoon, mud baths are done differently. You don’t enter the lagoon and swim in the baths – instead, you dive to collect the white limestone mud that is within your grasp before applying it all over yourself. The mud will leave you feeling refreshed and glowing, and locals claim that it can even help you look up to a decade younger!
5. The Dead Sea
No tour of mud baths around the world can be complete without visiting what is perhaps the best known such bath around – the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea has been used as a health resort for thousands of years. The mud and water are not only ten times saltier than the ocean, they also boast 21 key minerals – over half of which are unique to this body.
Furthermore, as the lowest place of Earth, the area boasts higher oxygen levels and weaker UV rays than most other places, which further increases the benefit for your skin. There are numerous mud baths around for you to enjoy. You can either choose a communal option directly from a beach or opt for a more personalized experience via one of the many resort spas nearby.
6. Lake Techirghiol
Located in Romania, the waters of this lake are five times saltier than those found in the Black Sea. Combined with the mud found near the lake, the waters have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, skin issues, and more. With this lake, you don’t need to worry about finding an official spa – you can jump in when you feel like it! However, if you prefer the comfort of a resort spa, the nearby town of Eforie Nord offers various treatments with Lake Techirghiol mud.
7. El Totumo
Though El Totumo is an active volcano, it’s not a volcano of the type you may have heard of – this volcano is a mud volcano! According to local legend, it was initially a lava volcano before a priest tamed it by sprinkling holy water into it.
For generations, the volcano has been both a mud bath and a tourist spot. The mud bath itself is 50 feet high and 15 feet in diameter. It is a communal bath, so you’ll be sharing with other tourists. Local attendants will offer massages, and once you are done, they will guide you to a place where you can rinse the mud from your body.
The mud in this volcano is mineral-rich and contains sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, and more. It is said to help detoxify the body, treat joint problems, help clear skin blemishes, and much more.
8. Boryeong
This addition to our list isn’t strictly a mud bath – it’s more a South Korean mud festival that takes place every July in Boreyong. The festival attracts thousands of people and is considered to be one of the most popular celebrations in the country. Aside from fun and parties, the festival includes mud pools, fashion shows with “mud costumes,” and more. If you’re a lover of all things mud masks and mud baths, this experience is one that cannot be missed.
9. Calistoga
A city in California, Calistoga is rich in both vineyards and mud baths. If you’re looking for a side of relaxation with your beauty rituals, this is the option for you. Local legend has it that the mud and hot springs in this area were first used by the Wapo Indians to promote healing and relaxation.
The first modern spas were built over six decades ago, and the local mud baths have been popular since. They are said to exfoliate your skin and help with other concerns such as circulation issues and body aches. There are numerous baths available, including couples’ options, so you’re sure to find something that suits you in Calistoga.
10. Dalyan
Found on the Southwest coast of Turkey, legend holds that Cleopatra herself frequented the mud baths in this area. At this mud bath, you first enjoy the mud – and then cleanse yourself in the nearby sulfur springs.
The mud is salt-rich and has a high density. It is thought to be a great aid for relaxation, as well as a way to treat both eczema and arthritis. Most visitors to the area find that a boat tour is the most enjoyable way to experience the area – these tours include visits to a mud bath and thermal spring, as well as a tour of some of the local sights.
Malibu Mud Dark Sea Face and Body Mask
While a tour of some of the world’s best natural mud baths sounds great, it’s often not possible for many people. With work and family responsibilities keeping you busy, it can be challenging to make the time to travel the way you want.
That’s where Malibu Mud, Dark Sea Face and Body Mask comes in. This mud and clay mask is formulated from 10 all-natural ingredients, including Dead Sea mud, kaolin, and bentonite. All ingredients are clearly labeled, and there are never any surprises.
The mask comes premixed, so you don’t have to spend time getting it to the right consistency. It is both a face and body mask, so you can use it on all areas of your skin. More than that, it’s so nourishing and hydrating that you can use it every day and make it a part of your daily skincare routine!