Wellness tourism and aquatic therapies in Jamaica

In order to achieve the much coveted balanced lifestyle, today more than ever personal care and health have become a priority for travelers, including vacations. The Institute of Global Wellbeing (GWI) reports that welfare tourism is on an upward trajectory. This year it is expected that almost one billion travelers from all over the world will travel inspired by well-being.
While wellness-focused journeys have experienced an increase in recent years, by 2019 travelers are focusing specifically on well-being through water. Jamaica has long been a popular destination for digital detoxification and yoga retreats, but on top of that, the island is full of unique and water-inspired experiences to be discovered by visitors.

Wash stress in the Milk River Spa
On the south coast of the island in the city of Milk River, travelers can experience some of the best hot springs in the world. Milk River Bath contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, sulfate and natural chloride, with a constant average temperature of 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. It has been found that its waters are remarkably radioactive, more than those of the main European spas, (fifty-four times the strength of the minerals in the luxurious Baden Spa in Switzerland). The thermal waters are, especially, recommended as a treatment for those suffering from rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica and nervous affections, as well as liver disorders.
The Milk River Hotel & Spa offers absolute peace and serenity amid Jamaica's lush, rural landscape with access to the Milk River Spa. As part of this spa experience, the hotel allows visitors to enjoy in private the therapeutic virtues of the spa in exclusively assigned bathhouses.

A relaxing bath in the Rockfort Hot Springs
Located in the ruins of Rockfort, just outside of Kingston, the Rockfort Mineral Bath is fed by a cold spring from the Rock River, and was first discovered in 1907. Much sought after by locals and visitors, the waters at Rockfort are radioactive and rich in minerals, including calcium and sodium bicarbonate. It is said that these minerals together with their saline content have therapeutic properties that stimulate vital bodily processes, such as blood circulation. Visitors can enjoy all the benefits of the calm waters by immersing themselves in the pool, the private Jacuzzis or one of the 11 outdoor baths.

Healing waters of Bath Fountain
Bath Fountain, located at the foot of the John Crow Mountains, in the parish of St. Thomas, has been a popular destination for naturists since its discovery in the seventeenth century. Its two springs, one cold and one very hot, contain lime, sulfur and magnesium, which gives it healing properties. It is said that the waters help in the treatment of many diseases, such as gout, rheumatism and skin conditions. At the nearby Bath Fountain Hotel, a secluded 16-room property, visitors enjoy convenient access to the running water from the mineral springs that directly feed the hotel's indoor bathrooms.

The traditional Jamaican Bush Bath
A bath with herbs is a traditional way of curing ailments in the Jamaican culture, a bath of shrubs is a treatment that travelers seeking well-being should not miss. Often prepared in an outdoor bathtub, the shrubbery uses a variety of fresh herbs, roots, leaves and fruits to treat stress, common colds, skin conditions and more. Visitors can experience this homeopathic therapy at several spas throughout the island, including the Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon or FieldSpa at Golden Eye, which offers four different baths of healing water bushes.

A wellness retreat facing the sea
On the west end of Negril, Jackie's On The Reef offers a wellness retreat dedicated to nurturing the mind, body and soul. This picturesque beachfront property offers guests endless opportunities to connect with the sea, including yoga, meditation and spa treatments. One of its most notable offers, the Watsu treatment, combines the use of water with the principles of shiatsu to create a form of body nutrition. Guided by a specialized therapist, the treatment is done in warm water to the waist, to relieve the weight of the vertebrae, which allows the spine to bend and stretch, which finally relieves the pressure of the nerves and organs. Watsu can be a deep treatment to treat the mind and renew the sense of connection and unity of a person with others.