Hotpot spas are officially a thing! They might look gross, but they are the self-care upgrade we deserve

Have you heard of a hot spring spa filled with jalapenos and chillies? Sounds unreal, right? But if it showed up on your For You page, would you scroll or book a ticket? At first glance, this may sound like a prank or a dare, or something you would see in a fever dream after scrolling too long on Instagram. But a spa in Harbin, China, is exactly doing that, and Gen Z can't stop watching it!

The viral Maple Leaf Village Hot Spring Resort has caught the attention of netizens for its hotpot-style spa pools; one that looks like a giant hot pot filled with real jalapenos and another that is packed with thousands of Orbeez. Not only that, but there is even a fish spa where tiny fish nibble away dead skin. All this, plus outdoor hot tubs in sub-zero temperatures, for roughly Rs 2500. So why are people – especially younger audiences – obsessed? Because this isn’t just a spa. It’s an experience.

Traditional spas come with a certain vibe: quiet, expensive, and slightly intimidating. Here you are not sure where to sit, what not to touch or whether you are relaxing 'correctly'.

But hotpot spas flip that completely.

Floating in Orbeez feels like stepping into childhood again. Sitting in a jalapeno-filled pool feels absurd enough to laugh about. The fish spa is equal parts gross and fascinating, exactly the kind of thing Gen Z loves to document.

On the other hand, for a generation that loves to associate themselves with enjoyment rather than silence, this kind of playful relaxation just makes more sense.



Gen Z grew up online, seeing minimalist cafes, aesthetic gyms, ice baths, sound baths and everything in between. Normal doesn't cut it anymore.

A hotpot spa works because it’s:

• Visually bizarre
• Instantly shareable
• Easy to explain in one sentence

For Gen Z, it is never just about relaxation; it is about the story. Research shows that this generation values unique, memorable experiences over material things, with a large majority preferring real-world adventures that are different from the norm and worth talking about later.

A spa filled with jalapeños or Orbeez gives people something to laugh about, share with friends, and remember long after the steam fades. In a world where ordinary is easy to forget, unusual experiences are the ones that stick – and that’s exactly why Gen Z can’t help but be fascinated.

We always look for experiences over traditional, static 'places' (like luxury homes or physical office spaces and Instagram worthy cafes and more) because they value self-fulfillment, personal growth, and emotional connection. Even a research by Zipdo says, "73 per cent of Gen Z travellers prioritise experiences over possessions." While around 59 per cent of Gen Z travellers seek unique and authentic cultural experiences, even opting for off-the-beaten-path activities.



Hotpot spa is popular because it's less about just eating and more about the experience. It's interactive, customisable and naturally social – you cook your own meats, veggies and seafood in a bubbling pot of broth right at the table. With roots going back thousands of years in Asia, hotpot turns a simple meal into a communal event where everyone gets involved, laughs and shares the moment together.

In China, hotpot-style spas, featuring themed pools infused with herbs, spices, or peppers and designed to resemble giant steaming hotpot dishes, offer a distinctive and relaxing wellness experience.