10 Different Cold Plunges to Dip into This Year

Cold water therapy dates all the way back to Ancient Greece, and was even said to be used by Hippocrates, the father of medicine himself. Now, the custom has transcended borders, evolving into a diverse range of cultural variations, but the tradition still remains strong where it all began. Case in point: The walking cold plunge at Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort in Halkidiki. Meant for improving blood circulation, relaxing sore muscles, increasing energy levels and tightening pores, it’s the perfect companion to the resort’s natural hot water pools fed by subterranean thermal springs.

Originating in 2nd century B.C., the Romans boast one of the most sophisticated bathing cultures the world has ever seen. Within the sprawling Roman baths, there were specific chambers designed for different water experiences, as they believed in the transformative, fortifying power of extreme temperature variations. At Hotel de la Ville’s sumptuous Irene Forte Spa, the bathing options more than live up to this storied reputation. With a hydrotherapy pool, kneipp foot baths, cold plunge and ice fountain, the hotel spoils guests with choices on how to indulge.

While Scandinavia is widely known for their sauna culture, the cold plunge also plays a vital role in the overall wellness experience. With their frigid winters and crisp lakes, these countries have forged a unique connection with cold-water immersion, and swimming isn’t merely a summertime activity; a cold bath (or ‘kallbad’) is also a favorite outdoor pastime in autumn and winter. In line with these traditions, Grand Hôtel Stockholm‘s Nordic Spa offers a cold-water pool for a refreshing post-sauna dip.

No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to a traditional onsen, or natural hot spring bath. These geothermal springs have been cherished for centuries not only for their therapeutic properties, but also for their role in relaxation and social interaction, and cold plunging is often added to the experience. The benefits are especially appreciated at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, where after a long day of enjoying state-of-the-art ski-in/ski-out facilities, guests can unwind with a rejuvenating soak in one of several onsens, followed by an icy dip in the cold plunge.

No one loves a polar plunge quite like Canadians, and Nimmo Bay Resort, open May through November in the remote inlets of BC’s Great Bear Rainforest, is the perfect spot for a brisk spring swim. Guests can enjoy the ultimate natural hot-to-cold therapy—perched on a floating dock and only reachable by swim, kayak, boat or paddleboard, the one-of-a-kind Finnish sauna is set up for intermittent dips straight into the Pacific Ocean. Back at the lodge, two outdoor hot tubs beside a cascading waterfall invite you to soak away any remaining cares in the world.

Photo credit: Nimmo Bay / Jeremy Koreski

Nestled between Plose mountain and the Dolomites in the South Tyrolean Alps, rustic-chic Forestis has cornered the market on all-natural wellness. Although they do have a standard cold plunge indoors, the experience is far more magical in the soaking tub situated next to the outdoor forest sauna, which gets refilled by a wooden tube plugged straight into the side of the mountain to release its glacial waters. Their exceptional spa also includes four other saunas, an indoor-outdoor heated pool and a long menu of organic treatments.

Spa enthusiasts will surely flock to The Lodge at Blue Sky’s new cold plunge experience—the perfect addition to the Edge Spa’s already robust menu of transformative treatments. Using spring-fed water from the creek and led by a Wim Hof-accredited expert instructor, the experience guides guests through various breathing techniques that allow them to reap optimal benefits from the brisk dip. Wim Hof, better known as The Iceman, developed the Wim Hof Method after claiming multiple world records for his ability to withstand extremely cold temperatures. After the plunge, the fire-warmed Edge Sanctuary offers a cozy respite where guests can safely bring their body temperature back to a normal resting state.

Covering 17,000 square feet, Rosewood Mayakoba’s Sense spa is a private oasis of relaxation tucked away on its own private island. Treatments draw on ancient Mayan healing techniques and indigenous ingredients made from local plants. One such treatment is their signature Temazcal Experience, a traditional healing ceremony performed in a sweat lodge by the resort’s resident shaman. Once the ceremony is complete, a quick dip in the cold plunge pool is the perfect way to cool off and achieve all the benefits of contrast therapy.

Perfectly timed for the stressful holiday season, Fairmont Pacific Rim announced the launch of their newest wellness retreat, The Nordic Spa, in November. Comprised of two state-of-the-art cold plunge tubs and an aromatic cedar plank sauna, the outdoor thermal spa invites guests to embark on a journey through extreme temperatures while surrounded by Vancouver’s iconic harbour and mountain views. After the self-guided cycle, spa-goers can retreat to a relaxation area of sofa lounges, fire pits, patio heaters and glittering lights.

At Amanoi, a remote retreat set within the rugged landscape of Vietnam’s southern coast, guests can bring the resort’s renowned wellbeing experience to the convenience and privacy of their own accommodation. Overlooking either a serene lotus-covered lake or the surrounding mountains, the two Wellness Pool Villas offer total tranquility with their own private spas. Each has a double treatment room, outdoor swimming pool, steam room, Jacuzzi and cold plunge pool, plus two dedicated therapists on hand for daily treatments and massages.

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Photo credit: Loggers Lodge / Tanveer Badal