| Hot springs are hailed as a means of relaxation, leisure, and healing through the application of heat and the unique compositions of minerals in the water. Hot springs can be found worldwide, mostly in volcanically active areas where people have been using the resource to create resorts defined as "hot springs" or "geothermal resorts". Resorts vary with respect to size and services but the principle of most resorts, including geothermal resorts, is the creation of an environment that will promote and enhance a feeling of well-being and enjoyment. The purpose of this study was to explore geothermal resorts and describe their design and programming variation. The research data was based on a literature review and over twenty case studies of geothermal resorts in Iceland, the United States, Japan, and New Zealand. Data was analyzed with a cross-case investigation, which looked for patterns regarding facilities and services. The results of this study suggest that geothermal resorts can be categorized into three groups: health, mixed-use, and recreational geothermal resorts. These categories are based on a combination of elements, such as pool types, specific services, rules regarding certain behaviour, and site development and site planning approaches. These elements that can be used as indicators of the design intent of the geothermal resort. |
