Monday, April 20, 2009

NEW JERUSALEM MINERAL BATHS, SOUFRIERE, ST. LUCIA


LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, 1 to 5:1

DESCRIPTION:

Just a short bus ride from Soufrière Town towards Fond St. Jacques, New Jerusalem Warm Baths will be a welcomed retreat for sore muscles and a tired psyche. If you decide to walk from town to the entrance of New Jerusalem, it will be about a 30 minute walk. There is absolutely no level of difficulty to this hidden treasure, aside from a short ten-minute walk from the main road entryway back to the baths.



The baths are locally owned and managed. There are two warm baths that are equipped with seating areas and three different temperatures of water flowing from bamboo faucets from above. The pressure creates a nice warm body massage on achy muscles. This is not a crowded, nor a touristy location, so you will enjoy relative privacy and solitude.

A picnic lunch, some water, and a camera are recommended. The baths can accommodate up to 15 people comfortably. There are no time limits on your stay in the baths. There is a changing area (rustic) available to patrons and a sheltered area to leave clothes and bags. The overseer is a nice gentleman from town; his Uncle owns the property.




Public bus transport costs $1.25 EC one-way and entry to the baths is $5.00 EC.

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-The trail to the baths is not well marked, so stay attentive.

-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

MEGAN HAWKS, EC 75
This could be part of your Soufriere Day excursion. The walk down to the mineral baths is quiet and peaceful with the sound of the river and wind in the trees. You cross part of the river by stone stepping and walking over a foot bridge. You pay a gentle man who doesn’t speak at all but
understands what you say. He adds to the experience. New Jerusalem is better in the morning or later afternoon as the water is warm.




NINA DESANTO, EC 77
If you are seeking serenity for yourself or if you want to take your out of town guests, New Jerusalem fits the bill. It is a convenient place for people to get to without exerting much energy. A great spot for those who want to appreciate nature, but who don’t want to hike through the rainforest or scale rocks to get to a tucked away waterfall.

No comments: