The Best Volcano Retreats That Will Change the Way You Travel

‘Volcano’ — the term immediately takes me back to when I was much younger and terrified at the sound of it. We had a school experiment once, where we created a volcano and had lava ooze out of it — and I remember thinking how cool that was. But, the little me would not have expected that volcanoes can be used to our advantage — especially not in the travel industry. That was, of course, until I heard about ‘volcano retreats’. To me, that was more shocking than watching the lava from my school experiment. But now, volcanic experiences are changing the way we travel, and it’s loved by travel enthusiasts around the world. Why? Let’s find out!

Volcano retreats, as the term suggests, are focused on active volcanoes, and they are usually set in or near volcanic landscapes. You may have already heard of geothermal hot springs, volcanic mud treatments, or even wellness rituals powered by the energy below your feet, right? Well, these are all related to volcanic retreats, and that’s still just a part of it — not all of it!

Why Volcano Retreats?

It is the norm now to spend an entire day with digital screens, be it your laptop, phone, iPad, or even TV. True, these technological advancements help ease our work on a daily basis, but it’s replacing those experiences that we used to love as kids. I hear my parents talk about how they used to run around in fields or climb trees back in the day, and I wonder if kids nowadays get to experience even half of it. Similarly, we work all day, every day, and when it comes to a vacation or a relaxing weekend, we would like to say goodbye to those bright screens — at least I would. That is where volcanic retreats come in!

Volcanoes are where the earth tends to reveal or display its rawest form, and this attracts travellers as it feels like a life lesson worth learning — there’s magic in unexpected places, and value in being the burning messes that we sometimes tend to be. Volcanoes, in most cultures, also represent rebirth and renewal, thereby making it an ideal vacation experience for people looking to let go, or go for a change in their lives. Physically, these environments are also therapeutic, not just soothing your muscles, but boosting circulation, calming your nervous system, and even detoxifying your body. While sometimes it’s about relaxing and immersing with the nature by resting up, the other times it’s about hiking to or near a volcano, sinking into volcanic mud, or even camping by a volcano.

Volcano Retreats 2025 – An Unforgettable Volcanic Experience

1. Volcano Rainforest Retreat Big Island Hawaii

This volcano rainforest or volcano forest retreat rather, is one of the best volcano retreats out there. Located 3800 feet above the sea on the slopes of the Kilauea volcano, you can have your volcano fern forest retreat experience here as you allow yourself to be refreshed by the cool air while embracing the giant ferns and the ohia trees. This volcano retreat Big Island is known for the adventures worth experiencing at the national park, and the hot tubs nestled into the misty backdrop.

2. Tabacón Thermal Resort (Arenal Volcano) Costa Rica

This resort is the only one in the area with a naturally flowing thermal river, and it is located within the most stunning private reserve in Arenal. You can take in the pretty views of the rich Costa Rican rainforest, enjoy wellness experiences at the foot of the Arenal volcano, while enjoying signature dining experiences and world-class spa treatments. This volcano rainforest retreat reviews have been great enough for them to bring home several awards in both 2024 and 2025, such as Reader’s Choice Awards, Traveler’s Choice Awards, and so on.

3. El Cráter Hotel (Pululahua Volcano) Ecuador

Just 5 minutes away from the equator, yes the equator, and the ‘Middle of the World’ museum, this hotel offers warm, spacious rooms, with breathtaking views of the Pululahua volcano, one of the only two volcanoes that are populated. This volcano mountain retreat also has a spa known for its healing energies by integrating the six elements; fire, air, water, earth, ether, and weft. In fact, they also have a restaurant allowing a 360 degree view on the surroundings.

4. Therasia Resort & Spa in Vulcano Island Italy

On the island of Vulcano in Sicily, overlooking the Aeolian sea, is the Therasia Resort & Spa. After its major eruption between 1888 and 1890, the volcano has been relatively quiet, but not dormant. This still active volcano is known for being a UNESCO heritage site with thermal and sulphurous waters and healthy elements that help you detox and de-stress. This resort excels in their gourmet cuisine as well as spa treatments, allowing you to feel the volcano, not just visit it — ‘Vulcano is not visited. It is felt.’ as they like to say it.

5. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs United States

This is considered a hidden gem of Napa Valley. Their renowned for their geothermal mineral water and authentic / original volcanic ash and mud baths. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of wine, relaxing in a geothermal pool, de-stressing with a therapeutic massage, or enjoying the night-sky views from one of their mineral pools, this will be one unforgettable experience.

What Are Volcano Retreats Really Like?

Volcano retreats are from your usual wellness retreats and normal vacations. It’s about immersing yourself in nature, feeling the raw, grounded experience to a whole other extent. This could be your chance to take a step or two back from your hectic, chaotic life, to detox and de-stress yourself. Or it could be all about a new beginning, letting go of a past that you simply couldn’t let go of, to feel a volcano beneath your feet, to known that it’s either still active or dormant, but knowing it was or is all about a new start. Whether you’re just burnt-out, looking to reconnect with a loved one, or on a journey of rediscovering yourself, volcano retreats might be just what you need.

• Here’s a small tip for you – Make sure to check the reviews of any volcano retreats that you may be considering. Some offer high-quality, luxurious, and trustworthy experiences, while some are pretty off-the-grid and wild. So choose wisely, this is not just about you feel about your travel experience, but also about you end up feeling about yourself once it has ended.

Final Thoughts on Volcano Retreats

Like I say about any travel experience, I would say the same about volcano retreats as well — travelling or experiencing something is all about immersing yourself in it. You don’t just visit a place, you’re supposed to feel it. That’s how travelling changes your life — when you truly feel it. Lucky for you, some volcano retreats, like those listed above, will offer experiences that allow you to actually feel the fire beneath the earth change something in you. Are volcano retreats worth it? They sure are! Would I visit once, twice, and keep going back? I will, and I already have! And now, it’s your turn! Would you check out a volcano retreat for your next holiday? Let me know in the comments!