Magic Waters

Healing H2O found ’round the world — curing a lot more than the weekday blues.

Words by Britt Mattie

For eons (that's a long time), humans have been hip to water's almost magical healing powers. As in all great love affairs, we've traversed coastlines, traveled across continental divides — just to feel close to a big body of blue. It's likely at least a few of you have used some form of this earthly element as nature’s antidote for a little therapy or TLC. Treat sunburns and sore muscles? Sure. Refresh a foggy brain? Oh yeah. Cure a nasty hangover? You bet. Wash away your sins? Worth a shot. Covering 71 percent of the planet, and 100 percent of these pages, water just might be the closest thing we’ve got on this floating marble to real magic. From ancient springs and salt-laden lagoons to mystical falls and cosmic tides, if you’re in search of spiritual redemption, or just a dose of liquid delight, jump on in. The water's fine. 

Please swim, surf, soak responsibly.

Jamaica's Blue Lagoon

Somewhere on the island of Jamrock (where a certain coming-of-age ’80s film starred two Hollywood teens), an extinct volcanic crater now glistens with a strikingly deep, cerulean lagoon. So deep it was once believed to be bottomless (science came around to debunk that fun theory). The local watering hole, aptly called “Blue Hole” by locals, blends cool freshwater springs with the warm currents of the Caribbean Sea, creating two distinct temperature zones and a fizzy phenomenon not unlike popping a can of bubbly. The water’s true mystique, however, is its fountain-of-youth-like claims. Spoiler alert: includes anti-aging effects, aphrodisiac properties and fertility. Talk about getting your mojo back.

Greetings from the Dead Sea

Leave your flotation tanks at home. You can bob to the surface with just your body weight in the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. But if you’re not using its exfoliating mud mask for dewy-soft skin and a nourished scalp, then are you really alive? The Dead Sea is second only to Dr. Pepper’s signature 23 flavors, with an impressive elixir of 21 essential minerals (12 of which are only found here). Despite its morbid moniker, brine bathers seek the detoxing abilities of this landlocked lake for a salty salve of cosmetic and medicinal bennies. The good stuff to make you feel not dead. Queen Cleopatra herself was a fan, and who are we to argue with royalty? Recommended float time: 10 to 15 minutes. 

The Waves of Hawaii 

The rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean has a way of working wonders on our psyche — especially for those on a board to ride it. Ever hear of the Blue Mind Theory? It’s the idea that being in, on, or near the water improves our mental health and well-being. And somewhere out in the Pacific, with its own damn time zone, there is a particular island chain with a whole lot of blue. Maybe you’ve heard of it. It’s been known for centuries as a deeply spiritual and healing place to find peace, connection, and happiness. So you can bet your banzai that all that intrinsic goodness floating around the sea and air, doubled-down with the physical gains of surfing, means you’ve got a big wave of wellness coming down the line. Now that’s the (Aloha) spirit.

Nigeria's Waterfall Cave

Don't let anyone tell you can’t be cranky near a waterfall. But you may find yourself hard-pressed to be so. The ever-calming white noise of cascading showers, the cool mist in the air from their endless descent — it’s what “Alexa, play sleep sounds” are made of. Just standing near one can lift our dampened moods and kick stress to the curb. Should you ever find yourself in the village of Awhum, there happens to be one of sacred significance hidden within a massive outcrop of granite. Many defy a certain lyrical warning and make the pilgrimage to cleanse their souls in the divinely blessed cave’s waters, believed to have mystical, purifying powers and the ability to ward off evil spirits. What’s the downfall, TLC?

Bondi Icebergs Pool

Photo by John Ryan Casillan | Unsplash

Some corners of the world hold a little extra magic and wonder. And Down Under is one of them. A certain saltwater pool, fed by the Pacific Ocean, is protected from any big ships on their maiden voyage striking and sinking into it. Pretty sure that’s what the lifeguards are for. During Sydney’s winter reign, the waters become quite chilly. But a bracing plunge or invigorating freestyle swim is just the tip of Icebergs. A few things you might expect from cold-water hydrotherapy include, but are not limited to: muscle recovery, better blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and a delightful shot of dopamine. Sounds like a forecast that should shape up to be a real g’day. 

Japan's Bath Houses (Onsens)

We’re not saying the Japanese are one of the healthiest, longest-living populations on the planet because they take more hot baths than any other culture in the world. But there’s a chance it has something to do with it. Other than keeping your B.O. at bay, steamy tub time is said to detoxify the body of pathogens, kick-start your metabolism, upgrade your immune system, and take the proverbial edge off. You can toss the melatonin, too, because onsens are likely to induce a deeper night’s sleep. Anything for those extra Z’s. Oh, and turns out – soaking is prime time to disconnect from your devices and give meditation a go. Who knew? A dip a day keeps the doc, and drama, away. 

Turkey's Warm Mineral Springs

Just the sight of this geological marvel will send you. The ancient Roman spa city of Pamukkale gives way to gleaming white travertine terraces and a palace of thermal pools. Definitely not the worst scenery in the world. But the real magic happens once submerged beneath its salutary, wet surface. If you happen to need a restock on all the do-good minerals, come here to load up on calcite, sulfate, magnesium, and more. These Turkish springs are rumored to clear up everything from skin irritations and a wonky gut to achy arthritis and a busy brain, with just a quick soak. The Romans knew what was up.

Mexico's Sacred Cenotes

Don’t freak out, but we’re about to mention human sacrifice. It’s not us, it was the Mayans. Maybe you’ve heard of them in history books, or more likely, an episode of Ancient Aliens. They believed cenotes to be holy portals to the underworld back in the day, commonly using the deep-water wells for their water supply and occasional sacrificial offerings. Civilization has come a long way since then, with cenotes now a pleasant diversion, if not enlivening experience. The exposed limestone sinkholes are now a dramatic setting for natators on holiday in the Yucatán, and an underwater playground for skilled freedivers, where the visibility is as high as the stoke to explore hidden cave formations. Would be lying if we said our snorkel wasn't already on.

Icelandic Geothermal Pools

Go figure, the “land of ice and fire” is home to a heck of a lot of hot tubs. Not from Costco. But get this — they come straight from the Earth’s magmatic crust. This Arctic island is a real hot spot for thermal bathing. No $1.50 hot dogs. Instead, a mineral-infused tonic for the mind/body/soul. Chances of Iceland’s spa-like springs relieving your muscular aches? High. Possibility of curbing your anxiety and opening up that stuffy nose? Also high. Likelihood of making your flight home once you’ve discovered there are over 160 natural pools and hot springs throughout the country? Damn near zero. We like our odds. PSA: You're technically cooking, so be advised not to linger more than 20 minutes. 

Keep Your Glass Half Full

Tips and tricks for the mind, body, and soul 

Photo by Steven Diaz | Unsplash