In my last blog I found out that bathing in seawater has so many incredible benefits to health that it even has the official name of thalassotherapy. I’m not sure if bathing in hot sulphur water has such a technical term but I am certain that it is just as healing.

Hot sulphur springs are a natural feature of many Caribbean islands, especially the Lesser Antillian islands of St. Lucia, Martinique, Grenada, St. Vincent and some of the other more mountainous islands. These volcanic islands were formed millions of years ago as the tectonic plates of North America and the Caribbean slid over each other. The tectonic sliding continues to this day and gives rise to the many locations where sputtering steam vents and sulphur springs can be found.

The origin point of most of these sulphur springs is a bubbling stew of grey/black water that is boiling temperature and would scald the skin immediately on contact. When the boiling cauldron bursts through the Earth it definitely makes for good sight-seeing but the main attraction point in my mind is the baths of hot water that are created after the water has traveled or been channeled enough distance away to make it suitable for a delicious soak.

A common comment made about sulphur springs is that they smell of rotten eggs. I actually think the natural smell of sulphur water is not nearly so pungent and has a rather pleasant fragrance. But even if the smell does make you think twice about bathing in it, I would definitely urge you to ignore your olfactory system and plunge in. The delightful treat of a natural Caribbean sulphur spa provides healing to mind, body and spirit. Natural sulphur waters have been shown to ease symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis, gout and skin complaints such as eczema and sunburn. Surrounded and bathed by nature eases away stress and tension and many of these springs around the world have been referred to as fountains of youth. I know that I honestly feel complete cellular rejuvenation after any trip to the springs and recommend them highly!