Stunning Beach: Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Okay, this one might be a sly addition. But Hot Water Beach, located on the far reaches of New Zealand’s laid-back paradise that is the Coromandel Peninsula, is one of the only places on the planet where you can sink into natural hot pools in the sand even when it’s chilly. Thanks to geothermal activity beneath the sand, the water is still warm even when it’s below 59ºF (15ºC) outside. While a free, homemade hot tub on the beach isn’t likely to be your little secret, the best part about this spot for cold weather enthusiasts is that colder days usually means fewer crowds.

Don a swimsuit, bring a spade and dig yourself a personal hot pool in the sand. The water can reach around 140ºF (60ºC), so bear in mind that if you visit in winter your surrounding environs will seem much colder. Make sure you check the tide charts too – you won’t want the sea rushing in mid-spa, although it can be refreshing to feel the whip of cold air and ocean spray at a safe distance. Sink in to your steaming hot tub and watch the powerful surf from afar.