Allow the sun-warmed water to embrace you

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Mud volcano madness

Remember when you were little, and you sneaked out back of the house, turned on the hose and splashed around in the mud? Remember the feeling of adventure, the excitement of being naughty, and the thrill of knowing that at any moment you’d be caught?

Well, you’re all grown up now, and not only are you free to be as daring as you like, but here in Trinidad, a mud bath will do wonders for your skin while soothing away your stress.

There are several active mud volcanoes in Trinidad — at least eighteen at last count — but the most popular is the L’Eau Michel mud volcano, a major attraction for both visitors and locals seeking its legendary healing properties.

At first glance it looks like a wide expanse of grey clay that might probably appeal to a potter, but strip down to your swimsuit, immerse yourself up to your neck, and let the healing oils and bathwater-warm clay do its work. If you’re lucky, you might catch a little mud volcano action: they’re known to spew jets of mud into the air when the fancy takes them.

The La Brea Pitch Lake — the eighth wonder of the world

Trinis have always had a love affair with the La Brea Pitch Lake … after all, it’s the touchstone of the nation’s thriving energy industry. In 1595, while on his search for El Dorado, Sir Walter Raleigh found pitch to caulk his ships before moving on. La Brea is also a site of great importance to Indigenous peoples, who tell dramatic creation myths about it: stories of vengeful Gods pitted against hapless humans.

The Pitch Lake is an unlikely candidate for one of the most healthful and healing sites in Trinidad. The enormous black expanse of pitch and tar is dotted with shallow pools of water, upon which float gorgeous water lilies and sturdy grasses.

Sink into one of them and allow the sun-warmed water to embrace you. Almost immediately, you’ll begin to feel its much sought-after healing properties. The waters there contain sulphur and other minerals that are excellent treatments for skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. And don’t be surprised if you see elderly locals meticulously “sapping their knees” with the warm water, as they swear by it as a treatment for arthritis and joint aches.

It is essential, however, to always hire a guide to get you safely across the lake, as there are some sticky areas which may turn out to be gooier than they look. So be safe, have fun, and welcome in the wellness.

Waterfalls are for splashing

Maybe crystal-clear waters are more your groove, and in that case, you’ll be happy to know that Trinidad has several waterfalls, mainly concentrated in the Northern Range, which are easy to access and delightful to experience. Even if you live here, we invite you to ask yourself: when last did you make a beach ‘lime’?

Among the most popular are the Maracas, Rincon, Rio Seco, Paria and Matelot, which are regularly visited, especially on weekends by avid hiking clubs and nature lovers. The waterfalls are more active during the rainy season, of course.  Some are quite shallow, inviting you to simply stand beneath the pounding water and enjoy a bracing back massage. Others are surrounded by deep pools that have been carved out by Nature over the centuries. Here, the cool sapphire water simply calls out to you: “Come on in! The temperature’s perfect!”

Always make sure to engage a qualified guide on these treks, as you may have to hike an hour or two through the forest to get there. And remember that the route is as important as the destination: take lots of photos and keep an eye and ear out for the teeming wildlife all around you.

Taking in the salt

Mention any ailment to a Trini, whether it be the common cold, backache, arthritis or malaise, and you’re almost guaranteed to get the same response: “Go take in some salt.”

We’re talking about our beaches, of course, the spiritual home of every Trini seeking wellness, wholeness, and a mental and physical reset. There are too many beaches to name, but among the most popular are Maracas, Las Cuevas and Blanchisseuse in the north; Toco, Manzanilla, Mayaro and Guayaguayare in the east; Macqueripe, Vessigny  and Clifton Hill in the west and Quinam and Columbus Bay in the south.

What do they all have in common? Easy. There’s the soothing, rhythmic lull of the waves that immediately draw you in with the seductive power of a siren’s song. The tang of salt in the air so heady you can taste it on your tongue. The feel of sand scrunching under your bare toes as it draws your tension out of your body and into itself, freeing your mind.

It’s little wonder that beaches are held in reverence by our people, spoken of with pride, and prescribed with confidence for almost everything that ails you. Stand at the water’s edge and listen...you can almost hear the voice of the Mother of the Waters, promising that once you fall into her arms, everything will be all right. Her healing will be yours.

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