HOT SPRINGS · 2-HOUR EXPERIENCES
The good 2-hour experiences run on timed slots and fill up early. Below: the 6 to book ahead, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend two hours at Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool with access to 18 geothermal rock pools, sensory caves, aromatherapy areas, and a cold plunge. Choose a daytime family session from age five or an adults-only Twilight session from age 16. Robes, towels, and lockers cost extra.
“Pools are set in beautiful surroundings and setting. Was well organised, not overly crowded. Staff were super friendly.”
At VerdmontItalia near Acqui Terme, Ariela guides a small group of up to eight through handmade pasta or stone-baked pizza. You mix, knead, shape, cook, and eat your meal under the portico with salad, local wine, dessert, and a recipe to take home.
“my wife and I took a cooking lesson of how to make pasta with Ariela, and we loved it! Atiela was so welcoming and explanatory. We enjoyed learning from her, and she is a great hostess! The experience was absolutely superb.”
At a historic ryokan in Hakone, an experienced calligraphy teacher shows you how to hold the brush, prepare ink with real onsen water, and write on traditional paper or a uchiwa fan. The two-hour session includes tea, materials, a take-home bag, and a group size capped at eight.
“I was sightseeing nearby with a friend, and I saw information that you could experience calligraphy, so I dropped by. It was a very meaningful experience that was hard to do ☺️☺️Auto-translated”
You’ll ride seven ziplines through Dry Gulch Valley with a small group of up to 12 people. Guides provide equipment training, then lead you through five valley lines, a prize game, a short walk, and a final double zip reaching up to 50 km/h. Closed-toed shoes and moderate fitness are required.
“Fun and exciting. The guides were very experienced and kind. Guides were funny and had many laughs. We had a Wonderful time.”
You get private pickup in greater Reykjavik, a clean air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi and bottled water, and Comfort Admission to the Blue Lagoon. Plan on about four hours in all, including roughly two hours at the spa. Your driver also handles the return trip.
“Although it is a very touristy place, you have to experience it while in Iceland. We had a private tour which included admission which made it very easy. Our driver gave us a lot of information about the area as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and would definitely recommend it.”
Spend two hours at Honoyu Ujina, a natural hot spring about 20 minutes from central Hiroshima. Guide Kazuki can explain onsen etiquette, while you enjoy indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna, and a carbonated spring. Pickup, admission, towels, and hair dryers are included.
“This was simply a full relaxing experience . What a gift! Kazuki, my guide picked me up and explained to me how Onsen baths work. The onsen we went to is located in the city. It has outdoor (highly recommended) and outdoor bath facilities. It also has a big sauna. Do not miss this opportunity to pamper yourself.”
A terrace, a lagoon, a bath house or a crater at dawn.
