“Wander, and leave a trail of freedom wherever you go.”
-Marty Rubin
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Jess and I have been consistently exploring the beautiful parish of St. Thomas, and each visit deepens our love for its hidden gems and rich heritage. Our most recent adventure was no different, beginning with a quick but familiar stop at Poorman Corner in Yallahs for fresh fruits—a tradition of ours whenever we pass through.
We arrived at Bath Mineral Spring, also known as Bath Fountain, just as the crowds began rolling in. Despite the increasing bustle, we made time to relax and soak in the magic of this culturally significant site. This was my third visit, but Jess's first, and I was excited for her to experience its legendary waters.
Bath Fountain’s story is steeped in history. According to legend, it was discovered in the 17th century by a runaway slave named Jacob, who was healed from leg ulcers after bathing in the spring. By 1699, the land was sold to the Government of Jamaica, and a hospital was soon built to offer treatments using the spring’s therapeutic waters. Visitors flocked to Bath, transforming it into a renowned spa town. The mineral-rich waters—naturally hot and cold, and full of sulphur, lime, and magnesium—are believed to relieve ailments like gout, skin issues, and rheumatism. Trust me, a dip here feels like a spiritual reset.
We crossed the bridge into the bushes, passing through a pine farm before walking along the river.
Natural pools dotted the way, but we saved those for another day.
We vlogged our journey with laughter echoing through the trees, documenting each step until we finally reached the entrance to the first waterfall.
We paused at the entrance of the first waterfall, captivated by its inviting charm, and took a quick photo to capture the moment.
With a sense of curiosity guiding us, we ventured deeper into the thick, untamed bushes, eager to discover what secrets nature had in store.
Standing before the waterfall, I was completely mesmerized by its serene beauty and powerful presence.
This trail has three reachable waterfalls, and Jess was finally seeing them for herself. Jess and I made our way back to the car after realizing she had left the camera battery behind.
On the way, we decided to grab some banana and peanut porridge mix, since lunch wouldn't be ready in time and our stomachs were already grumbling.
Despite it being loaded with things I usually avoid—like sweetened condensed milk—it tasted surprisingly good. Guilty pleasure or not, we thoroughly enjoyed every spoonful.
With our bellies satisfied and the camera battery finally in hand, we returned to the trail, ready to continue our adventure.
At last, we caught our first glimpse of Fish Dunn Waterfall—tucked away like a hidden treasure, its cascading waters calling us closer.
Jess fell in love with the waterfall instantly, completely enchanted by its raw beauty and peaceful energy. As for me, I stood there in awe, soaking in the sound of rushing water and the cool mist that kissed my skin. There was something magical about Fish Dunn Waterfall—something that made time feel like it stood still.
I happily took on the role of photographer for the day, capturing every magical moment. We created loads of content before Jess headed off to start preparing lunch and dinner.
I dove into one of my favorite parts of content creation—taking photos. There's something deeply fulfilling about capturing the essence of a place through my lens, and this moment was no exception.
This waterfall is truly breathtaking—a perfect blend of serenity and wild beauty, nestled in nature’s quiet embrace. The sound of the water echoed through the trees like nature’s own lullaby. The cool mist kissed my skin, refreshing and pure, while the scent of damp earth and river stones filled the air. It was a moment of stillness and wonder I wished I could bottle forever.
Fish Dunn Waterfall leaves me speechless with every visit.
But don’t let this beauty fool you—when the rains disappear, so does its charm. In dry seasons, the once powerful cascade fades into a trickle, and the vibrant scene transforms into a quiet, almost unrecognizable space. So I made sure to soak in every bit of its beauty, knowing it wouldn’t last forever.
Like many waterfalls and springs in St. Thomas, this one is seasonal, flourishing after rain but quickly fading during dry spells. Allen Spring and Cooper Hole are natural springs that tend to dry up during the drier months. Joy Batty Hole, White Rock, and Spring Bank Waterfalls are undeniably beautiful, but they too vanish without consistent rainfall. While more reliable, Reggae Falls doesn’t always roar with its usual force. However, Bagaboo Waterfall—hidden deep within the hills of St. Thomas—is a rare gem that flows year-round, rain or shine.
According to legend, the spring was discovered in the 17th century by a runaway slave named Jacob, who suffered from painful leg ulcers. After bathing in the mineral-rich waters, he experienced a remarkable improvement in his condition. Word of the spring’s healing powers spread quickly, and it soon gained a reputation for its natural therapeutic benefits.
By 1699, Colonel Stanton—the landowner at the time—sold the 1,130-acre estate to the Government of Jamaica. Recognizing its value, the government developed the site and constructed a hospital that offered free treatments using the spring's waters. This initiative turned Bath into a fashionable spa town, attracting visitors from across the island seeking relief and rejuvenation.
Today, the Bath Mineral Spring is revered for its hot and cold water sources, naturally rich in minerals such as sulphur, lime, and magnesium. These elements are believed to ease ailments like rheumatism, gout, and various skin conditions. The spring’s naturally high temperatures are also thought to enhance its healing effects, making it a cherished wellness destination in Jamaica.
After capturing all the shots my heart desired, I headed over to join Jess in our makeshift outdoor kitchen. The aroma of fresh herbs and spices filled the air as we teamed up to cook one of our favorites—curry shrimp.
We started by sautéing garlic, onions, and scallions in a sizzling pot over the open flame. The curry powder bloomed beautifully in the oil, releasing a rich, warm scent that mingled with the freshness of the river breeze. Jess added the seasoned shrimp, which quickly turned a vibrant orange as the flavors came together. We threw in some thyme, a dash of coconut milk, and a touch of Scotch bonnet for that signature Jamaican heat.
Cooking beside the waterfall made everything feel more magical—nature’s soundtrack played in the background, and the gentle mist from the falls added just the right touch of coolness to the warmth of the fire. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience—made with love, laughter, and the rhythm of the river.
The sun was setting fast, and we had to move quickly to finish up before darkness settled in. The golden light filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over the river and painting everything in soft amber hues. It was one of those fleeting moments where nature feels almost cinematic—peaceful, yet pressing. We moved with purpose, knowing the light wouldn’t last, but also pausing just long enough to soak in the beauty of the evening’s embrace.
To complete the meal, we added perfectly fried ripe plantains on the side—crispy on the edges, sweet and golden in the center.
It was the perfect touch of comfort to balance the bold flavors of the curry shrimp.
After a few minutes, everything was ready, and the aroma alone was enough to make our mouths water. We paired the curry shrimp and fried plantains with fluffy white rice, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and cool slices of cucumber. The mix of warm, spicy flavors with the refreshing crunch of the veggies created the perfect riverside meal.
We found a flat rock near the edge of the river, just close enough to feel the mist from the waterfall but far enough to keep our food dry. With the sound of the rushing water in the background and the golden hour light dancing on the surface of the river, we dug in. Every bite felt like a celebration of nature, simplicity, and good company.
Each bite of curry shrimp paired with the sweet plantains felt like a reward for the day’s adventure—flavorful, comforting, and made even more special by the natural setting. Dining beside the waterfall wasn’t just about the food; it was about the moment—the peace, the satisfaction, and the beauty all around us.
I snuck away to grab more photos of the waterfall—I couldn’t help myself.
The lighting, the setting, the magic... I was greedy for every shot, knowing I wouldn’t be back in St. Thomas for a while.
As darkness fell, we made our way back to Bath Mineral Spring for a well-deserved reward: a night massage by our trusted therapist, Jahchucia. The experience was incredible.
The gentle sound of the river, the moonlight above, and the warmth of the mineral spring made this my favorite massage experience ever. Honestly, I never want a day massage again!
Would you try a moonlit massage at Bath Mineral Spring? Have you explored any of St. Thomas's hidden waterfalls? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks for joining me on another unforgettable journey.
Until the next adventure—blessings and waterfalls always!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.