Wow, is it newly popular? Didn't notice an increase in popularity as been going to hot springs and such for my entire life. Is it because my dad was raised in Europe? Doubtful as he didn't go to any spas or bath houses.

Has it become more popular now because of information? Use to have to buy books to find hot springs and now they are on the internet. Some places have been ruined due to easy access to information. Many places have disappeared due to urban sprawl and the constant shaping of land by private land owners. Once many hot springs accessible to those in the know (in nature) and now locked up and fenced out the public. Most or many of the hot springs in nature are next to cold water as well and are always part of the experience. Hot water and refreshing cold water.

So perhaps more of us are seeking bath houses resorts because our public hot springs are no longer accessible?

ALL of it is soooo healing! Studies on sauna, mentioned on overly popular idiot pod casts, probably contributing to the new interest. Hard to do a cold plunge without a hot sauna or hot tub waiting for you.

The cold plunge new obsession may be well attributed to Wimhoff fame. He lost his wife and in his desperation and grief he discovered healing in ice waters. He then shared this healing with youtube and retreats and has become quite trendy. BUT for good reason, have you been in a cold plunge? Do you know how good your muscles feel with just 30 seconds of ice cold? It's one of the most amazing experiences. And it's challenging, so the human also feels a sense of accomplishment and pride for being able to be cold by choice.

This is in response to "quick takes" but i've only begun my long answer.

I love hot springs and spas and saunas and steam rooms. It is a huge passion of mine and am glad to hear - it's becoming more popular. CAN NOT IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT hot water and cold plunges. Sometimes i prefer winter pools to summer, even though less time in the water, the cold can heal and invigorate like no warm pool can do.

Often have wondered how do people survive without Korean day spas (hot baths, cold baths, sauna, steam, salt sauna, clay sauna, ice rooms, warm jade, infared, etc). Blows my mind that many cities don't have access to bath houses. In California, we have Korean Day Spas and they are AMAZING. I can't imagine living in Southern California without these days spas. Some are 24 hours and have made my life better for traffic avoidances.

Natural hot springs are the best. Was in Texas recently and my only complaint was not knowing where the hot springs are located, if there are any?

Good news if bath houses are becoming popular, will be easier to travel!!!

nature and environment