Forget infinity pools and overheated spas – travellers are increasingly chasing the thrill of an icy plunge instead.
As the wellness travel trend shifts towards more adventurous experiences, cold-water swimming and wild bathing are having a serious moment, with holidaymakers seeking out crystal-clear lakes, sea pools and glacial waters, often amidst spectacular natural settings.
Now, a new study has ranked the world’s best cold-water escapes by analysing more than 54,000 Google reviews across dozens of destinations.
From Slovenia’s picture-perfect Lake Bled to the dramatic lochs of the Scottish Highlands and Canada’s electric-blue alpine lakes, the ranking reveals where travellers are finding the most invigorating swims on the planet.
The research behind the ranking
