Milk River, South Coast
General History: The town of Milk River is associated both with the river of the same name, and the mineral spring also found in the area. The river itself is a main source of the water that irrigates the vast agricultural regions of the Clarendon plains, but is largely un-navigable and infested with crocodiles. The mineral springs contain some of the most radioactive waters in the world, but although they bear the same name, the springs do not originate from the river, but from a source near to Round Hill.
The waters at Milk River Bath are highly radioactive, nine times as radioactive as the waters in Bath, England, fifty times as radioactive as those at Vichy in France, and fifty-four times those in Baden in Switzerland. On average, the waters here are a consistent 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, and contain high levels of magnesium, calcium, sulphate and natural chloride.
The mineral waters flow directly from a source in a rock and are especially recommended for use by those suffering from rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica and nerve complaints. The waters, however, are so hot and radioactive that patrons are warned to stay in for no more than ten to twenty minutes at a time, and then for no more than three baths per day.
Interesting Story: It is said that the curative waters of the spa were discovered in the eighteenth century during slavery. Legend has it that a slave, owned by one Mr Jonathan Ludford of Clarendon, committed an offence for which he was brutally whipped and locked away in a dungeon. Imprisoned and severely wounded, and vowing never to be a slave again, he broke out of his chains and escaped. Days later, presumed dead by his fellow slaves, the man returned to the estate in full health, healed of the wounds he had received only a few days before.
In an effort to convince others to run away with him, he told a tale of a remarkable salty spring in which he had bathed. Everyone who saw him was amazed at his recovery, and soon, word reached the owner of the estate who had ordered him punished. Ludford himself was astounded at the recovery, and promised to grant the slave freedom if he revealed the location of the spring. The slave lead a party to the location, and Ludford promptly acquired the spring and the lands around it, and started the Milk River Baths.
Upon his death, Ludford bequeathed all property and land to the government and people of Jamaica to benefit all who needed it. Since the first baths opened in 1794, thousands of people have visited Milk River to heal themselves of a variety of ailments.
Famous For: The Milk River Bath is one of the most radioactive mineral springs in the world. Its curative waters are reputed to provide healing for almost all illnesses and over the years, thousands flock to the spa 鈥?many repeat guests 鈥?to experience this phenomenon.
Must See: Of course, the spa at Milk River is the biggest attraction, but not far away is the famous Farquhar's Beach (commonly called ';the beach'; by locals). Farquhar's Beach is actually a bay enclosed by a seasonal sand bar that separates the small saline lake from the open sea. Here you can buy lobster, shrimp, or fish from the boats that come in intermittently during the day, but the thrilling find in the area are ancient Taino caves. In these caves, pottery shards line the floor and centuries' old paintings on the cave walls add life and create a connection to the people who once inhabited this island. Please do not remove items from or desecrate the caves, they stand on Taino holy ground and are part of Jamaica's delicate archaeological Heritage.
Say Hello To: Anique Walters works the front desk at the Milk River Hotel and Spa. She will be happy to share information on the facilities offered at the spa and on the history of the area.
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http://www.jamaicans.com/tourist/jletter鈥?/a>Milk river bath hotel jamaica?
possibly not more than 50 US but would u want to stay there... ask about the repairs being done... and bring your own food... or eat out...somewhere!!
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