There are healing places, as in, the restorative properties of a hotel balcony whilst sipping a glass of pinot grigio with your spouse after your little one is dropped off at the kids’ club. And then there are capital-H Healing places of the enchanted ilk. These magical destinations, from mineral springs in the Empire State to primordial forests in Japan, fit the uppercase bill. Some may possess powers said to soothe various ailments, while others may restore your spirits. Whatever the tonic on offer, prepare for magic at these incredible spots around the world—no pinot grigio required.

The Dead Sea, Israel

Besides being absolutely breathtaking, this landlocked salt lake has long been touted for its health-giving properties. From slathering the black mud over your skin for exfoliation and alleviating skin conditions like psoriasis, to its professed natural power to remedy asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other issues, the body of water also boasts a low content of pollen and other allergens. Another unique feature? At 400 meters below sea level, harmful UV rays are filtered through an evaporation layer above the Dead Sea, the ozone layer, and an extra atmospheric layer. Consequently, sunbathers can absorb the beneficial effects of vitamin D from the sun’s rays, without risk of sunburn.

And lest we omit a little mythic tale, it’s also believed that Cleopatra journeyed here with her ancient Egyptian entourage to bathe in the waters and let the gentle waves do their thing. This healing ritual continues to modern times, as countless wellness seekers arrive at this site to pile on the storied mud.

Yakushima Island, Japan

If forest bathing is good for the soul, then being one with nature under the watchful shade of centuries-old trees must really supercharge your cells. This special mountainous rainforest region covering one-fifth of the island is a popular “power spot” in Japan, celebrated for its healing ability. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site, 35 miles south of the southernmost tip of Kyushu Island, each peak is worshipped as the home to gods, and there are many holy shrines around the island. A giant cedar tree known as Jōmon Sugi, estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old, resides here and is said to be the single oldest tree on the island. Jōmon Sugi, along with many millennia-old trees, is reported to possess remedial properties.

The Healing Hole, Bimini, The Bahamas

A freshwater pond unlike any other, accessible only by boat, this tranquil space is situated in East Bimini. The cold channel of freshwater, swirling together with warm saltwater outside the Bahamian mangroves, is purported by some to be quite the healing remedy. Finding this mineral-rich location on your own can be challenging; thus, hiring a guide in a shallow boat to lead the way is advisable.

Notably, neurophysiology researcher Dr. Richard Wingate tested the Healing Hole’s composition, finding it contains high levels of lithium, sulfur, and magnesium. Lithium is used to treat mood disorders, magnesium helps with muscle function and energy production, while sulfur is necessary for overall bodily function, making the Healing Hole a triple wellness solution.

Taos, New Mexico

Getting to a health resort isn’t tough, especially one equipped with natural mineral springs bursting with healthful properties. At Taos’s Ojo Caliente, one of the oldest health resorts in America, you can enjoy the craggy desert cliffs and Cottonwood-studded bosque (a type of forest in the Southwestern United States), while indulging in dips in the mud, arsenic, or Kiva pools, each pillar of healing. Ojo Caliente’s claim to fame lies in its apparent status as the only hot springs worldwide with four types of sulfur-free mineral waters, including iron, arsenic, soda, and lithium. The iron-rich spring is believed beneficial for immune health, while the arsenic spring is recommended for those searching for arthritis and ulcer pain relief. Hop into the rock-enclosed soda pool if you’re hoping to calm your frazzled mind, or the lithium-rich pool for potential help with digestion and depression.

While in town, head to El Santuario de Chimayo, renowned for its so-called “holy dirt,” located in a round well within a small room, claiming health benefits in every drop. They don’t call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment for nothing!

Salt Flats, Jan Thiel, Curaçao

The moment you arrive at this Dutch-Caribbean island, the spiritual hum is practically palpable. Yes, the wild flamingos are breathtaking, but they don’t hold a candle to the transformation alleged to take place at these storied salt flats. Guests will find it almost impossible to sink to the bottom of these natural mineral pools—much like the Dead Sea—due to the high mineral concentration and revitalize in these invigorating waters on the Eastern end of the island.

Thanks to Curaçao’s “dushi” (meaning sweet in the native tongue) magic, a spiritual transformation at healing vortexes around the island is pretty standard. Bathing in these salt flats may alleviate skin flare-ups, enhance your self-awareness, and cleanse you of any lingering negative energy.

Saratoga Springs, New York

Geyser Island Spouter? Hayes Well Spring? Charlie Spring? This charming town, named after its famed spring waters, is home to several mineral-rich springs. In Saratoga Spa State Park, bike or walk your way around the verdant acres to sample various springs that contain iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and more. Allegedly, these waters can treat skin conditions, assist with digestive issues, and make you feel rejuvenated. Guests have visited Saratoga Springs to “take the cure” since the 1700s. Besides touring the springs to drink the waters, you can also enjoy a private mineral bath in the bubbly, carbonated waters at the Roosevelt Mineral Baths and Spa, providing a blissful treatment that lasts years.

Spotted Lake, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The town of Osoyoos is home to the mineral-rich Spotted Lake, known to the First Nations People of the Osoyoos area as Kliluk, a sacred spot utilized for healing over centuries. This shimmering and shifting blue-green-yellow lake appears otherworldly; the spotted surface changes in the hot summer months as the minerals in the water evaporate. It also contains some of the highest quantities of calcium, sodium sulfates, and magnesium sulfate in the world. Additionally, the lake boasts incredibly high levels of eight other minerals and small doses of four more, including silver and titanium.

Each circle or “spot” in the water is alleged to have its own medicinal and healing properties. The land surrounding the lake remained privately owned for 40 years, but in 2001, the federal government acquired it for the Okanagan Nation, thereby protecting it from development. Out of respect for this sacred area and for the native communities living here, visitors are not permitted beyond the viewpoint, but the view from the highway remains stunning.

Ibusuki Sand Bath, Kagoshima, Japan

What’s a sand bath, you ask? Kagoshima Prefecture’s Ibusuki sand bath onsen is the only natural sand bath in the world. Along this scenic coastline, people from Japan and beyond have traveled for over 300 years to lie in a shallow hole on the beach. Since volcanic hot springs line the shore, the sand is heated to a toasty 122-131°F.

This unique form of restorative therapy has scientific backing. The Faculty of Medicine at Kagoshima University has found that these sand baths improve blood circulation and decrease bodily inflammation. It’s no wonder many locals regularly visit for this Japanese-style sauna treatment. Exploring this tantalizing option could leave you feeling renewed.

Niagara Falls, New York

As anyone who has visited these towering falls can attest, the views are nothing short of spectacular. However, did you know that waterfalls are believed to be a natural source of negative ions, with Niagara Falls considered one of the world’s largest sources? For those unfamiliar with earthly particles, negative ions are electrically charged molecules in the air that may positively influence mood and stress levels. In other words, the cascading water at Niagara Falls releases negative ions into the air, potentially infusing your heart and soul with a feel-good feeling.

Lithia Fountain, Ashland, Oregon

Journey to Lithia Park, nestled along Ashland Creek in Southern Oregon, to discover a fountain filled with Lithia water, named for the natural lithium oxide deposits found in the spring. These waters have been revered for their health-supportive properties since the late 19th century, and in 1911, Ashland personnel discovered it was located next to the second-most lithium-loaded spring water. Authorities decided to pipe the spring water into town, creating a multi-spouted drinking fountain near the city center. Since 1982, it has been designated a landmark by the American Water Works Association.

Therapeutic properties ascribed to the sulfur and other minerals in the springs include alleged benefits in curing skin diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, sore muscles, and poison oak. Whether or not you believe in the spring water’s detoxification abilities, it’s safe to assert you’ll feel calmer and less burdened by daily stressors at Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden, a wonderful spot to experience this mystical H2O. The property has implemented a process of aeration to minimize the strength of the pungent sulfur odor while preserving the beneficial minerals. During your visit, you can drink the water or bathe in it. Relaxing by the landscaped pond in the wine garden with this rejuvenating water is an experience like no other. Who said healing can’t accompany moments of indulgence?