Even someone terrified of the ocean (like myself!) can appreciate the therapeutic properties of water. The sound of waves can clear your mind, raindrops on a tin roof induce that perfect sensation of laziness, and there is a reason many therapists buy those little artificial fountains for their offices. While many resorts import materials from around the world to create the most astonishing and serene swimming pools and Jacuzzis, there are some watering holesand Im not talking the beer-drenched varietythat no man can recreate. Here are some of the most unique water places to take a dip around the world.
Gentle Jellyfish
There is such a thing in Jellyfish Lakea lake that formed on an island in Palau. Over 12,000 years ago the island sealed itself off from the ocean, and with the absence of predators the jellyfish multiplied at a rapid rate. Approximately 10 million Jellyfish, ranging in size from a basketball to a blueberry, inhabit the lake today. Their stingers have evolved to be completely harmless, so visitors can swim amongst these crystalline creatures at no risk. Many swimmers have found the rhythmic pulsing of the jellyfish serene as they coast along the top of the water to follow the moving sun.
Photo: Heintje Joseph Lee
The Lost Waters of Dantes Inferno
From a birds eye view, this dipping destination looks terrifying. Devils Swimming Pool is a natural infinity pool located at the top of Victoria Falls in Zambia. At 420 feet above the river below, its actually safe for bathers to swim right up to the ledge and look over because a naturally rocky ledge creates a back-flowing eddie offering complete protection.
For Lovers of Titanic
You dont have to travel into pirate-infested waters to behold an actual shipwreck. Truk Lagoon in the Federated States of Micronesia serves as the underwater graveyard to 60 US Naval ships and 275 aircraft from WWII. As the lagoon is completely protected from the ocean by a coral reef, the remains are untouched by currents. Divers can swim along the deck and find gas masks and radios, and for the tough of heart, below deck youll find human remains. Inside the massive carriers are housed rows upon rows of aircrafts, bombs, torpedoes, motorcycles and train cars. Of particular historical interest is the I-169 submarine, which was instrumental in Pearl Harbor.
Photo: Nick Poling
The Greenest Swimming Pool
Not only does this misty spot offer visitors an alternative to water-guzzling Jacuzzis, it actually provides most of the electricity for the surrounding areas. The Yangbajing Hot Springs, located just outside of Lhasa City in Tibet, sit at the edge of a thermoelectric power plant at an elevation of 14,000 feeta rare location for a body of water. The water naturally rises from the earth at 84 degrees Fahrenheit and constantly emits an ethereal-looking mist.
Photo: Sycamore Mineral Springs
Smelly But Soothing
This is a real hot-tub partytwenty hot tubs are situated within the cliffs of this Northern California resort. The Sycamore Mineral Springs hot tubs are flowing with sulfur water. It takes the nose a minute to get used to, but its so worth it. Found in every cell of your body, Sulfur was used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans to induce relaxation, ease joint and muscle pain, relieve stress and aid sleep. The hot tubs still offer these and other beauty benefits, promoting the production of collagen. It almost feels prehistoric to sit in these tubs that are embedded in a mountainside. If you look over the edge, a mossy cliff drops down beneath you, a squirrel might scamper across the rim of your tub, and straight across through the Sycamore trees youll see other tub-hoppers reaping the benefits of the fragrant fluids. The largest tub seats up to 30 people--not a bad bachelorette party idea--and if you're looking for a more intimate experience, reserve one of the two-person tubs.See More Amazing Water Photos
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