The fountain of youth has not yet been found, but the bubbling mineral spa at the renowned Milk River Hotel and Spa, perched between the banks of the unassuming water source from which it takes its name and the foot of Carpenter's Mountain on the southwestern tip of Clarendon, might be very close to it.

Many have professed its healing powers. They have journeyed from near and far to soak up the curative wonders of the mineral spa.

No, there is no milk in the Milk River, but milk lovers would be fascinated by the fact that scientific analysis shows that the radioactive waters of this unique spa serve up a most intriguing offering that has far more minerals than the white liquid contains. The Milk River mineral spa has 54 times the strength of the minerals of Switzerland's renowned ultra-luxurious Baden spa and 50 times that of the well-known Vichy spa in the south of France.

The history of Milk River Bath predates slavery. In fact, legend has it that it was discovered by a slave belonging to one Jonathan Ludford, Esquire in the 18th century. The slave pounced upon the unusual spring after he had been severely punished and ran away. All his wounds were healed by the waters flowing from this usual spring. Ludford, equally amazed, forgave the slave, fenced the spring and put him to watch it. He eventually willed the land to the Crown in 1791 and, in 1794, the first baths were constructed and opened to the public.

Today Milk River Bath Hotel and Spa is a national monument as the Jamaica National Heritage Trust has included it on its list of national heritage sites.

Old-country goodness

Take the one-and-a-half-hour journey from Kingston to this quaint boutique-type facility that is situated about 10 miles south of May Pen and you will be immersed in a world of old-country goodness.

On the way, the sweet fragrance of sugar cane will caress the nostrils and the innocence of real rural living will stare you in the face. Once off the highway heading south, the journey is lined by vast acreages of sugar cane fields, interrupted only by small settlements and the ubiquitous outlay of rum bars and churches.

The newly appointed general manager of the Milk River Hotel and Spa, Diane Sommerville, sees to it that a lounge chair on the expansive verandah is suitable to seat guests. - Contributed photos

Though adventurous, it might seem from hopping and skipping over the potholes that feature prominently along the roadway after leaving May Pen, the visit will be worth it.

On arrival at the spa, you will find modest but comfortable conveniences with sensible furnishings in tranquil surroundings. Coffee-brown stained wooden floor verandas made shine from years of meticulous waxing wrap the expanse of the front to the vibrantly-coloured 20-room antique structure, allowing guests the opportunity to capture the cool westerly winds that float from over sugar cane fields on the Vere Plains and from the sea.

However, it is what is bubbling in the baths that is most beneficial. Guests staying at the hotel benefit from unlimited soaks in the therapeutic waters that flow naturally from a geothermal spring set deep within Carpenter's Mountain and channelled into nine mosaic-tiled private baths. The waters are reputed to cure a myriad of ailments, including skin conditions such as eczema; rheumatism; gout; neuralgia; sciatica; lumbago; nerve conditions; and liver disorders.

Adding to the warm and relaxing experience is the sumptuous food prepared by the resident chef, who does a fine job in exciting the palate. The presentation is restaurant quality, with a homey touch. Try a traditional breakfast of ackee and salt fish and fried dumplings or, if you prefer, boiled yam, sweet potato, green banana, pumpkin and ripe plantain. All of this is served with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee and freshly prepared fruit juice.

The experience is set to get even better! Newly appointed general manager, Diane Sommerville, outlines plans to undertake a major renovation of the facility which, when finished, would further enhance the experience and healthful benefits that many have found in the rustic surroundings of Jamaica's south coast.

"The plan is to make Milk River Hotel and Spa live up to its name as the number one spa in the world by making it the best wellness and holistic facility," she says. Importantly, too, she points out that the facility would be made disabled friendly, the group which accounts for a large portion of its clientele. Sommerville notes that the mineral water will be pumped directly into the bathrooms, allowing guests to bask in total privacy and comfort. She has set 24 months for the completion of the renovation.

The hotel-and-spa is ideal for a day, a week or weekend trip for the family, romantic getaway, adventure tour or purely for rest and relaxation. Visiting Milk River Bath is a complete package as it offers more than just bathing and resting. Those who visit can gaze at the manatees a stone's throw away in the unusually blue waters that flow in Canoe River or stare with wonderment at 'God's Well', which locals will tell has no bottom and has four rivers flowing underneath it!

A view of the vibrantly decorated dining room at the Milk River Hotel and Spa.

One of the nine baths in which guests can enjoy the bubbling mineral waters at the Milk River Hotel and Spa.