Recommend July 2018 - 26

Health & Wellness Balance
Wouldn't you know it: it was the French-King Louis XVI, in fact-
who introduced wellness through mineral baths to Saint Lucia. In
1784, the king provided funds for the construction of a dozen large
stone baths for his soldiers after analysis of the waters found their
curative properties to be similar to those of Aix-les-Bains in France.
All this took place at the Soufriere Estate, a 2,000-acre land grant
made by the Crown in 1713 to three brothers from Normandy in
recognition of their services to France. Located in present-day
Soufriere, the estate is still owned by their descendants who have
restored the baths, part of the Diamond Botanical Gardens &
Waterfall attraction. For a small fee visitors can slip into a bathing
suit and bathe for 30 minutes in one of the outside pools; a private
bath costs a bit more, although it was probably free to Empress
Josephine Bonaparte who was said to have bathed in these very
waters bubblng up from underground Sulphur Springs.
Today, it is Saint Lucia's elegant resorts that are looking to the
country's natural sources to nurture the bodies and souls of their
guests through restorative spa treatments inspired by indigenous
ingredients-from volcanic minerals to rainforest plants. And in
addition to heavenly spas, visitors discover other wellness
options, including state-of-the-art-fitness centers and
mountaintop yoga platforms.
At the Ladera resort, for instance, the Ti Kai Pose Spa (in local
patois "little house of rest") offers pampering treatments inspired
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by Saint Lucia's volcanic history and the lush rainforest surrounding
this peaceful retreat. Guests relax for the pre- or post-treatment
period (or anytime during a stay) in the spa gardens in soaking tubs
filled with black mineral-rich waters that draw their restorative
waters from the source at the Diamond Mineral Baths.
The spas at Jade Mountain and beachfront Anse Chastanet, with
the Kai en Ciel and the Kai Belte Spa, respectively, do not bring the
"mud" from the mountain, but take their guests directly to the source
at the Sulphur Springs to sit in the stream of dark gray volcanic
water and cover themselves with mud-an experience shared
with TV viewers of "The Bachelor." At the spas, facial treatments,
body treatments and scrubs benefit from a Tropical Fruit Wrap:
coconut and papaya seeds combined for exuberant exfoliation
and deep cleansing, then a wrap with banana, papaya and golden
honey for skin renewal, followed by avocado lotion to moisturize.
Complimentary yoga classes and fitness programs are available at
both spas.
Mamma La Terre Spa caters exclusively to Fond Doux Plantation
& Resort guests, and aims to nourish the body, and soothe the
soul in its tranquil, therapeutic sanctuary. Mamma La Terre means
"Mother Earth," and the spa focuses on the powerfully restorative
powers of nature. All of the products used in spa treatments are
made from all-natural, organically grown ingredients of the purest
quality. Cradled in the embrace of Saint Lucia's World Heritage-
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend July 2018
