(Why don’t we feel any younger?)
Tucked into the verdant hills on the southwestern side of Puerto
Rico are the Coamo Thermal Baths (Aguas Termales de Coamo, in Spanish). Local
legend says these springs are the ones that Juan Ponce de León's declared
Fountain of Youth, though I don’t feel any younger. The hot springs are
supposed to help ease a number of physical conditions, including diabetes,
gout, circulation problems, respiratory issues, and joint pain. We came
for the mental health benefits.
The facility is small, just a small store, locker rooms, a shower
and two thermal pools – one hot and the other hotter. You’ll also find lounge
chairs and tables under large umbrellas around the pools, and there’s a spa
offering massages. There’s supposed to be a café but we saw no signs of it, though
you could buy cold drinks in the little store. Nestled amid the shrubs and
flowers are inspirational sayings to help soothe your mind. just wanted to sink
into the warm water and soothe your anxiety away.
The price was unbelievably cheap - -$5 a person (or $2 if you’re
over 60). Bring your own bath towels; none are provided.
The drive up through the mountains from Ponce was lovely. Coamo is
also the home of the renowned Coamo Half-Marathon, and the town itself has
abundant recreational trails. It’s definitely worth a half day of your time if
you’re seeking relaxation.
Visit
the Messy Suitcase
Travel Blog for photos!
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