Skip to main content

Nugget & The Travertine Terraces

The best Jacuzzis aren't found in the fanciest hotels or the most exquisite homes, but rather, they were crafted and sustained by nature itself. These hot spring terraces have been around for many years, providing luxurious baths for all visitors and today, they are top tourist destinations around the world.
PAMUKKALE, TURKEY
Literally meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, Pamukkale is located in the Denizli Province of Southwestern Turkey. Its name was derived from the shimmering, snowy-white limestone surface which were shaped into calcium-rich hot springs. These springs are some of the most beautiful and photogenic in the world and judging by pictures, I can see why. There are 17 hot spring travertine terraces in which bathing is permitted; bathing is allowed - my favourite thing about here. 
Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419749627760761453/
CLIFFSIDE POOLS, MEXICO
The Las Grutas de Tolantongo is a natural spa resort and box canyon found in Hidalgo, Mexico. Being surrounded by volcanic mountains, water is heated through various channels inside the mountains and flows into rivers which naturally cascades into the rock pools below. Enhanced by man-made carvings, the travertine rock pools hang over the cliff side, creating the perfect infinity pools. With the combination of a fantastic view and warm infinity pools, I don't think I'd ever want to leave here.
Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/464363411561619187/
HOT SPRINGS OF SATURNIA, ITALY
Is there anywhere in Italy that isn't magical? Saturnia is a small town tucked away in North-central Tuscany, Italy. The presence of thermal bath springs has made this town a popular tourist attraction. The springs were created from two outdoor waterfalls, Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello. Legend states that the magic spring of warm, sulfurous water was a result of Saturn, the Roman god, sending a thunderbolt  to earth to pacify mankind from war. I'm not sure how well that planned turned out for him, but I love its result of these springs.
Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/407083253790792281/
HUANGLONG VALLEY, CHINA
The scenic view of the Huanglong Valley is found in Songpan County, within the Sichuan Province. Calcium carbonate deposits formed terraces of travertine pools which cascades so beautifully in the valley of the forest. These winding yellow pools shimmers as it reflects sunlight and reminded locals of golden scales on a dragon's back. This feature gave Huanglong its name which means "Yellow Dragon". The diverse ecosystem, mountainous landscape and limestone formations have made Huanglong a main tourist attraction of China.
Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/370350769336617276/
BADAB-E SURT, IRAN
Located in the Mazandaran Province in Northern Iran, Badab-e Surt comprises of numerous travertine terraces which cascades down the mountainside. The springs were formed from the flowing of mineral-enriched waters which comes from 2 distinctly different springs. The first spring is small and contains yellow, salty tasting water whereas the second is larger, containing orange, sour tasting water due to iron oxide sediments. The combination gives Badab-e Surt its striking mixture of orange, red and yellow colours.
Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/45739752441537899/
It's impossible to not fall in love with these natural wonders. Its colours, its formation, its unique beauty leaves no question why these are such popular tourist destinations. Where would I love to go? Turkey and Saturnia. Pamukkale is so pristine and beautiful and anywhere in Italy has to be magical. COMMENT BELOW and share your favourites!
Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Pinterest for additional pictures on these amazing places.

Comments

  1. Saturnia Italy...that's my pick. Breathtaking!!! Who needs a man-made jacuzzi when we can enjoy this God given haven.. Excellent info nugget and that video was jus enthralling..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the video makes u want to dive and soak in those springs! I know the feeling...
      Seems like you need a European tour ;)

      Delete
  2. They're all so beautiful but I really love the terraces in Italy the most

    ReplyDelete
  3. i wish i can make terraces outside my home! these are quite lovely nugget ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :) glad you like my article curtis!
      which one u like the most?

      Delete
    2. i like all.. i just love terraces! lol

      Delete
  4. :O :O :O :O :O
    I want to visit all!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. These places are so unbelievable. Mexico pools are my fav, I can't imagine how great it'll be to soak in them with those beautiful views

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cliffside pools is so wow. Maybe not a good place to visit if you're planning to have a baby soon..

    ReplyDelete
  7. wow! i never knew these places existed! love your review nugget :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. China!! your blog has so many stuff on China, making me want to visit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i know! they have pools, terraces, fields, so many stuff

      Delete
  9. Awesome Post!!! For the perfect island getaway there is no place like Boracay! Find the cheapest hotel rates, promos, and activities with Viaje Royale! Bringing you the best deals and the most affordable prices since 2009.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi, this is really nice post. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post. Keep it up.
    Travel Application Development India

    ReplyDelete
  11. Every country has famous tourist attractions. I love Dubai for its famous Dubai Dolphinarium, Dubai Frame, Glow garden and many more. I have read a blog on a website of Dubai Visa which I enjoyed as it gave me insight of Dubai.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Other Travel Nugget Posts:

Nugget & The Waterfalls

Waterfalls are some of the most spectacular  tourist attractions  which should be included on everyone's bucket list. Putting together this list felt near impossible as each waterfall has its own  unique features  and there's so many around the world, but here are some of the  top waterfalls  around the world.  PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK, CROTIA Plitvice Lakes National Park  is Crotia's most popular tourist attraction and I completely understand why. Unlike the other waterfalls featured, Plitvice is made up of sixteen  inter-connected crystalline lakes  where terrains cascades into each other via beautiful waterfalls. The  emerald and turquoise   have been compared to lakes in JuiZhaiGou Valley from  Nuggets & The Lakes . What I love about this destination is that the falls are not only popular during the summer, but during the winter as the lush green forests transforms into the most beautiful  winter...

Nugget & The Blue Holes

Looking for an underwater adventure? Blue holes are usually found in shallow coastal areas and the darker the shade of blue, the deeper it goes. The Travel Nugget won't venture into these depths for 2 reasons. Firstly, diving in these places has a prerequisite of logging over 25 dives so an extreme amateur, like the Travel Nugget, can't. Secondly, the mystery of the creatures that lurk in dark, deep waters scare me. GREAT BLUE HOLE, BELIZE The Great Blue Hole of Belize is the most popular blue hole and I have no idea what its appearance reminds me of. It measures over 300 meters across and 124 meters deep. The blue hole rests in the middle of Lighthouse Reef where an island of corals encircles the shallow area, giving it a beautiful turquoise colour. Many visit by boat and aerial tours while the more adventurous opt for skydiving into the waters. I imagine myself screaming at the top of my voice until I touch the water if I ever attempt that one but maybe, just maybe, ...

Nugget & Unorthodox Places

I may not exactly want to visit all these places, but their  uniqueness and weirdness deserves them a right to be blogged about by the Travel Nugget. They're definitely places to go to if you're seeking an adventure. GRUNER SEE, AUSTRIA Gruner See or "Green Lake" is a lake found in the village of Styria, Austria. The name originated from the beautiful emerald green colour of the water. However, the pretty colour isn't the main reason why I'm interested in this spot. During the winter, the lake is merely 3 to 7 feet deep and people enjoy the surrounding county park facilities. However, as Spring approaches and the temperature rises, the snow melts away and the water is collected in this emerald basin transforming it into a beautiful version of a snapshot from the 1995 movie, Waterworld. The water level rises to a maximum depth of 39 feet which swallows the park and many scuba divers explore this water-world. Venturing under these waters, the theme song ...

Nugget & The Exotic Islands

These tourist destinations are the definition of perfection when it comes to the island vacations . They offer picturesque landscapes , breathtaking views and so many wonderful activities . If you work hard, study hard, have a hectic life, these are the places you need for the ultimate relaxing vacation . See the top five reasons why they deserve a place on your travel list! MALDIVES ~   Beautiful over-water bungalows sitting on crystalline blue waters ~  Amazing underwater wildlife and reefs and mass gathering of manta rays ~  Otherworldly blue glowing beaches (as featured in Nugget & The Beaches ) ~  Maaya Thila - popular dive site to swim with whale sharks ~  Epic sunsets over the Indian Ocean Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/521432463090776973/ BORA BORA ~   Beautiful over-water bungalows sitting over turquoise lagoons ~   Aqua Safari - explore the ocean floor of an aquatic paradise ~   Exciting ...

Nugget & The Caves

I never thought that I'd be interested in going into caves. I think batman scarred me growing up and made me think caves are just dark holes, infested with bats but I was so wrong. Here are some of the most amazing caves around the world, each carrying unique features. ICE CAVE, KAMCHATKA Does the pictures of this ice cave below remind anyone else of cotton candy or the passage to a fairytale world ? Yes, I'm sure it does. This magical cave is located in  Kamchatsky, Russia  where the entire landscape is constantly changing due to active  volcanoes  and  glaciers . The location is described as being alive and having  a beating heart .  This  ice jewel  was carved by a volcano-fed river which is sourced from a hot spring from the  Mutnovsky volcano  which flows through the glacier. Its cotton candy  colours  are a result of the  refraction of sunlight t streaming through the ice walls. Photo credit:...