Don’t you just love a jacuzzi. This is probably one of my favourite cruise photos, a really hot day in May sipping G&T in the hot tub on the beautiful ship Balmoral

The only thing better than a hot tub has to be a thermal pool and I’ve visited a good few of those too, my favourite was definitely the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, New Zealand

I visited here before boarding Arcadia in Auckland and lying in a hot pool looking out over the bird sanctuary after a hard days hiking was pure bliss. Bringing your own towels and drinking water, you’ll need it, makes entrance cheaper but you can even hire a swim suit if you need to

In Iceland I didn’t visit the Blue Lagoon, but instead went to the local pool in Reykjavik behind the cathedral, which was lovely but not quite Polynesian Spa standard! It was very good value though, under £10 and I stayed all afternoon. I’d planned to visit the lagoon with my daughter last year, but have just discovered another option in Reykjavik , Nauthólsvík beach, boasts both thermal pools and a heated beach, the sea water is supposed to be 15-19 degrees! Entrance is 650 ISK though June & July appear to be free. It’s supposed to be a 45 minute walk from Reykjavik but the number 5 bus will take you there and the nearest stop is Nautholl

On a sunny day expect it to be popular with locals! Changing rooms, showers and toilets are all available

Another hot spring that ‘claims’ to be in walking distance of Reykjavik is the Kvika foot bath, it’s beside the Grotta Lighthouse, but honestly I’m not convinced that’s walkable looking at the map! I learned early on to take ‘walks’ in Iceland with a good pinch of salt, they are either miles long or vertical ascents, or both! This spot is said to be fabulous for watching the sunset or the northern lights

Another Thermal pool I loved was the Gellert Baths in Budapest, in Hungary

This one is an easy walk from the centre of Budapest, but I took the hard route, walking up Gellert Hill first before rewarding myself with a trip to the Baths. I stopped off at the Market for some Langos on the way back, hereby undoing all my good work with all that exercise! Gellert has indoor and outdoor pools in varying temperatures from icy to hotter than I could handle! Changing rooms are shared and a little basic, but a great pool

Budapest is popular for river cruises, I’d definitely like to try one of those in the future!

Until the world opens up again I’ll thank my lucky stars for the outdoor hot tub at the Manor House Hotel and dream of visiting more thermal pools including the outdoor ones in Iceland