Jamaica / Special Interests / Spas & Wellbeing

Jamaica was quick to act upon the demand for quality spas. Many of the major hotels have had dedicated spa buildings for several years now. They use their lovely tropical settings to increase the sense of tranquillity and calm, some because of the building in which they are set, others because they use the island’s magnificent greenery to create a natural jungle atmosphere, or of course the shorefront, where the cliffs or a beach have a great natural atmosphere too. You can expect a full range of massage and beauty treatments in the spas and occasionally some more exotic healing activities too. Hotels often have a few favourite secluded spots in their grounds where a massage can take place if you would prefer it to your hotel room.

There are many independent therapists on the island and so if a hotel does not have massage service they can contact someone who will come to your room. These same therapists are also available to come to you if you are staying in a villa, a few of which have their own massage tables and even massage rooms. If hotels do not have their own service they can usually recommend and a secluded spot in their grounds where a massage can take place if you would prefer that to your hotel room.

Interestingly Jamaica itself has a tradition of spas that dates from long before the current fashion for them. There are two places where the islanders have ‘taken the waters’ for over two hundred years.

Milk River Mineral Bath & Spa, Clarendon -  On the south coast, between Mandeville and Maypen, you will find Milk River Mineral Bath & Spa, which is fed by hot springs from Milk River. The first mineral bath was opened there in 1794 and the waters are said to cure ailments such as gout, rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, lumbago, nerve complaints as well as liver disorders. The spa is open to the public (there is a local hotel there too) and the recommended length of time to spend in the water which is around body temperature, is between 10-20 minutes.

Bath Fountain, St Thomas - It is also possible to take the waters at Bath Fountain near the eastern tip of the island, where there is also a simple hotel. The water, which is again about body temperature, has a high content of calcium, magnesium and sodium and is high in radioactivity. It was known for the treatment of chronic diseases and skin disorders

Hotels and resorts with spa facilities in Jamaica include:

Fern Tree Spa, Half Moon, Montego Bay - Opened in late 2007, Fern Tree Spa is set around a courtyard in a specially constructed spa building. There are nine treatment rooms, which include a wet treatment room and a couples’ room, and treatments include wraps, massages, aromatherapy and reflexology and beauty treatments, some using local Jamaican ingredients.

The Spa, Round Hill Hotel & Villas, nr Montego Bay - An impressive spa at Round Hill hotel, set within a restored 18th century building looking along the north coast.

The Strawberry Hill Living Spa, Blue Mountains - An Aveda Concept Spa set in the lovely traditional plantation-style buildings, with views out onto the slopes of the Blue Mountains

KiYara Ocean Spa, Ocho Rios - Jamaica Inn's charming KiYara Ocean Spa, a wooden building in earthy colours with cracking view through the trees and out to sea from a low sea cliff.

The Caves Aveda Concept Spa, Negril - A small spa with a lovely setting on the cliff top tucked away in its own hotel compound in Negril

Villas in Jamaica with spa facilities include:

Silent Waters, near Montego Bay - A stylish hilltop villa with a number of selected areas that can be set aside for treatment.

Greatview, Rose Hall - A specific semi-open air massage room with Swedish and rain shower and a steam shower room.

Roaring Pavilion, nr Ocho Rios - A full service spa with a treatment room, relaxation terrace and a steam room, plus air-conditioned gym.