The Caribbean's Steamy Secrets
Forget turquoise shores and swaying palms – the Caribbean holds a hidden treasure, a tapestry of steaming geothermal havens nestled amidst volcanic landscapes and vibrant coral reefs. These natural hot springs offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, inviting you to experience the islands beyond the postcard scene.
From the indigenous Taino people who revered hot springs as sacred places of healing to European colonists who built bathhouses around them, the Caribbean's geothermal waters have long held a captivating allure. Today, their legacy lives on in local traditions, historical sites, and the restorative power they offer to visitors.
Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.
The Best Time for a Thermal Getaway
Each season offers its own unique charm at the Caribbean's natural hot springs:
Dry Season (December-April): Enjoy sunny skies, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds. Perfect for exploring the surrounding landscapes and soaking in the warm embrace of the springs.
Green Season (May-November): Witness the lush landscapes come alive with vibrant greenery. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and slightly higher temperatures, ideal for cooling off in the springs.
Festival Season (February-March): Experience the vibrant culture of the islands during Carnival and other celebrations. Some hot springs host special events and festivities during this time.
Hurricane Season (June-November): Consider weather forecasts and stay informed about potential storms. Some springs may close during this time.
Health Benefits
The Caribbean's natural hot springs vary in their mineral content, each offering unique therapeutic benefits:
Sulfur: Found in springs like Grenada's Bathway Beach, sulfur is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" present in springs like Saint Lucia's Sulphur Springs can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Silicon: Found in springs like Dominica's Boiling Lake, silicon can benefit skin and hair health by promoting collagen production.
Calcium: Springs like Puerto Rico's Hot Springs of Coamo are rich in calcium, which can strengthen bones and improve joint health.
1. Ti Kwen Glo Cho (Dominica):
Dominica is a volcanic island which births a myriad of wonders, from sulphur springs to ocean floor vents and boiling lakes. Ti Kwen hot springs is one of these. There are quite a few hot springs on island, but Ti Kwen is by far one of the best ways to experience the healing thermal waters of the island.
Ti Kwen Glo Cho is located at the very top of the village of Wotten Waven, which is famous for its hot volcanic springs. There are more Spas in the village which are worth a visit.
A quaint family establishment, the hospitality at Ti Kwen makes the springs even more of a remarkable experience. The lush gardens complement the stone pools, and refreshing fruit juices from the bar are a well needed thirst quencher after a hot soak. Ti Kwen’s Mini Zoo is also a delight for kids, making the location more than just a natural sauna, but a comprehensive nature experience.
Experience the healing properties of Ti Kwen’s Glo Cho, or hot water. Submerge in therapeutic sulphur water from steaming hot to refreshingly cold, amidst green forest cover, exotic flowers and mountain breeze.
While in the area, enjoy a tour of rainforests, Carribean cooking class, or snorkeling as the ocean bubbles from geothermal activity below you.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Crystal-clear pools, natural sulfur scent adds to the volcanic mystique.
Ease of Access: 2 stars - Requires a moderate hike through the rainforest, some steep sections.
Ability to Be Alone: 4 stars - Secluded pools near the lake, main area sees moderate crowds.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, including a "lukewarm" option.
Health Benefits: 5 stars - Rich in sulfur and minerals, potential benefits for skin conditions and muscle pain.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Limited options near the springs, bring essentials, accommodation further away.
2. Screw's Sulphur Spa (Dominica)
About 20 minutes outside Roseau is Screw’s Sulphur Spa. You walk down about 40 stone steps to the 3 main pools, each a different temp ranging from hot tub to bath water. There is also a cool pool if you want. The pools ranged from about 4-6” deep, and were big enough to swim a little.
Open from Tuesday through Sunday, the spa also offers massages and volcanic mud wraps.
There is a basic changing area, but no lockers. Entrance fee is $10 each, and you can stay as long as you want. The pools are surrounded by stone work and tropical plants, it was very nice.
The water is an orange/brown tint from the minerals and it did stain the lining in my swimsuit. We were given a plate of fresh fruit at the end, and you could buy Kubuli beer and water for $4 bottle.
While in the area, enjoy a tour of rainforests, Carribean cooking class, or snorkeling as the ocean bubbles from geothermal activity below you.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean pools with distinct sulfur scent, mud baths add a unique experience.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Paved road access, short walk to pools, ample parking.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, especially during spa treatments, individual tubs available.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, mud baths are naturally warm.
Health Benefits: 5 stars - Rich in sulfur and minerals, beneficial for skin conditions, arthritis, and detoxification.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Spa services, restaurant, and resort amenities within walking distance.
3. Blue Hole Mineral Spring (Jamaica)
Blue Hole Mineral Spring, in Brighton, Westmoreland, which is about half an hour from the town of Negril. Blue Hole is the new hotspot for the people who call themselves ecotourists. They are looking for unspoiled beauty; the least amount of disturbance to the natural environment and places not trampled by tourists.
Thirty-five feet deep, and another 24 to climb down the ladder to get into its cobalt blue water, I am convinced it is not purely the natural spring and its medicinal qualities that visitors like me will return for.
Visitors have two options for experiencing the waters of the attraction; They can either jump from the top, or make the 30 foot venture inside, by metal ladder, or for the less adventurous, splash about in the swimming pool which is fed with water from the mineral spring.
The mineral-rich mud found at the Blue Hole is said to have numerous benefits for the skin, including detoxifying properties and the ability to help with conditions such as eczema and acne. Visitors can slather themselves in this natural mud, let it dry in the sun, and then wash it off in the spring waters, leaving their skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. This is a must-do for anyone interested in natural health and beauty treatments.
The Blue Hole Mineral Spring also boasts a bar and restaurant and also caters to weddings and other special events. For those who want a serene place to dine at night, they can call in and make reservations and have dishes of their choice, cooked to order.
As of 2024, the entry fee for adults is approximately $20 USD, while children under 12 years old can enter for $10 USD. For locals, there may be discounted rates available, so it is always a good idea to check ahead. The spring is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving visitors ample time to explore and enjoy all the activities available on the property.
When you’re done enjoy snorkeling nearby at Seven Miles Beach or the Rastafari Herb Tour.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Clean spring with noticeable algae growth, surrounding creek offers clearer water.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Moderate hike through the jungle, some uneven terrain.
Ability to Be Alone: 4 stars - Secluded spring, few visitors due to off-the-beaten-path location.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, refreshing dip in the nearby creek.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief in a stunning setting.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Limited options near the spring, bring essentials, accommodation requires advance booking.
4. Diamond Hot Springs (St. Lucia)
Located in Soufriere, Diamond Botanical Gardens, Waterfall and Mineral Baths, is a six-acre award winning private park offering a peaceful natural retreat from the outside world. Experience the beauty and lushness of the tropics with the park’s diverse range of tropical plant, flowers, birds and insects. Visit the colorful waterfall for that perfect photo op. Relax in the warm soothing waters of the mineral baths.
The two original private baths are hidden away off the path and were restored with a water temperature that may require you to add cooler water to bring to a comfortable range. Additionally, there are three public pools that feed from the overflow of the original tanks up the hill.
In 1784, the Baron de Laborie, who was at the time Governor of St. Lucia, sent samples of the mineral water to Paris to be analyzed by the “Medicine du Roi”. The waters from the Diamond Springs were found to have the same properties as the famous Aix-les-Bains in France and Aix-la-Chapelle or Aachen in Germany.
King Louis XVI was impressed by Medecin de Rois analysis of the waters. He allocated the necessary funds to have a stone building containing 12 stone baths erected. The baths were put to good use for several years, but during the Brigands War circa 1794- 1798 that followed on the heels of the French Revolution, the bath house, like so many other buildings, was destroyed.
Natural minerals found in the area include, Kaolinite and Quartz and smaller quantities of Gypsum, Alunite, Pyrite and Geotite.
While in Soufriere, take a tour of private islands, take a food and rum tour, or take a trip on a bamboo raft. It’s hard to find a place to stay without a beautiful view in St. Lucia, but we like Samfi Gardens.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Crystal-clear pools, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Requires a moderate hike through the rainforest, some uphill sections.
Ability to Be Alone: 4 stars - Secluded pools along the trail, moderate crowds at the main pool.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, natural variations add to the experience.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, potential benefits for muscle recovery and skin health.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Limited options near the springs, bring essentials, accommodation further away.
5. Bongo Baths (Dominica)
In Wotten Waven, British-owned Bongo Baths is comparable to Ti Kwen Glo Cho, but a little more on-the-beaten-path. Relax under the shade of the forest trees, with nothing but the sound of wild birds and water cascading over rocks.
There are multiple pools of varying temperatures all sourced from local mountain springs, and the vibe is more “outdoor spa” than anything — you’ll even get a fruit plate brought out to you while you relax. After a warm soak, chill underneath a waterfall in the cozy waterfall pool.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Clean pools with a noticeable sulfur scent, volcanic setting adds to the experience.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Paved road access, short walk to the pools.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, especially during weekends, but multiple pools offer some privacy.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, natural variations add to the adventure.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, potential benefits for skin and muscle issues.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants and shops within walking distance, lodging options in Roseau.
6. Tia’s Hot Springs (Dominica)
Tia’s Bamboo Cottages and Spa, located in Roseau, St. George, Dominica, offer a unique and authentic island experience.
With private pools at the top of the hill and a larger communal pool at the bottom — some shaded, some in the open sun, all varying temperatures — Tia’s has a wide range of options. It’s more no-frills than Bongo Baths (it’s one of the original springs on the island), but that just means more local flavor and authenticity.
Experience the ultimate relaxation at Tia’s Main Pool, the largest and most popular pool with a capacity of 75 guests. Experience the ultimate in privacy and relaxation with Tia’s 2 Private Hot Water Pools.
Experience inclusivity and relaxation at Tia’s Hotwater Pools with the wheelchair-accessible pool. For just $10 USD per person, all visitors can enjoy the soothing waters and serene surroundings.
While in the area, enjoy a tour of rainforests, Carribean cooking class, or snorkeling as the ocean bubbles from geothermal activity below you.
6. Bubble Beach Spa (Dominica)
The Bubble Beach Spa is a completely different hot spring experience to the others on my list. These hot springs are right on the beach at Soufriere, next to St Mark’s Church and with the green backdrop of Scotts Head in the distance. A volcanic spring sits beneath the sand, and a local bar owner known as Mr Bubble has constructed a series of pools out of sandbags to trap the hot water inside.
These beachfront pools are completely free to visit, but there is a donation box which I strongly recommend donating into, and if you’re not donating, consider stopping into his beach bar which is directly by the pools. Mr Bubble is rebuilding his business after it was destroyed by Hurricane Maria, and every little helps. Also- I’m told the rum punch is fantastic. On Sundays there’s normally a big cookout for after church has finished, and anyone and everyone is invited.
While in Soufriere, take a tour of private islands, take a food and rum tour, or take a trip on a bamboo raft. It’s hard to find a place to stay without a beautiful view in St. Lucia, but we like Samfi Gardens.
7. Bubbling Spring Mineral Bath (Jamaica)
Bubbling Spring Mineral Bath is ideal for ailments such as arthritis pain, back pain, pain in the knees and hips, swollen feet, headaches, reduces redness of the skin caused by sunburn,etc and for recreational purposes.
This one is at the bottom of the list because it tends not to be kept up well.
Activities include: Water volleyball, Paddle boats, Water slide, Sand slide, Kiddies pool, Go carting, Table tennis, Merry go round, Swings, See-saw, Football and more.
Are you traveling in other parts of Latin America? Take a look at more hot springs in Colombia, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Carribean, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
