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As we get older, getaways of any kind become more and more sacred. It's a chance to relax, de-stress, and enjoy life without having to worry about responding to that "urgent" email (it will still be there when you're forced to snap back to reality, trust us). And, since the time we spend away from our desks and detached from our phones is something to truly cherish, we can't spend it doing just anything.
Sure, you can book a trip to a spa like everyone else, but who wants to blend in when you can stand out? Take your vacay to the next level and visit one of the many hot springs around the world. Balneotherapy, or "taking the waters," involves bathing in mineral-rich waters, which are believed to cure everything from psoriasis to arthritis — a treatment that has been practiced since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It's even been said that Cleopatra was so obsessed with the curing qualities of the Dead Sea's mud and water that she pressed her lover Mark Antony to conquer the region so that she would have access to an endless supply. A girl after our own hearts, if ever there was one.
These natural wonders not only have their vanity-driven benefits, but most of them also come with stunning landscapes. When it comes to one-for-the-books vacations, nobody delivers more than Mother Nature herself. So, if you still have some vacation days left this year (which is probably most of you), use them to rejuvenate in the hot water beaches of New Zealand, or the wine-colored hot springs of Colorado. Click through to see our picks of the must-see destinations. Your skin will thank you.
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