LAST week we looked at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and its significance as one of the country’s unique treasures that attracts a lot of locals and tourists.
About a few kilometres from the garden lies another hidden jewel, the Sabeto mud pool and hot water spring.
The TIFAJECK Sabeto Hotspring and Mudpool has been attracting a lot of people and offering visitors a rare opportunity to indulge in a therapeutic natural spa, also known as the Sabeto mud baths.
Locals believe the sulphur in the hot springs has healing properties and is a popular spot for visitors.
The Sabeto hot springs has three pools set in lush natural surroundings and visitors can have fun applying rejuvenating mud or immerse in the warm spring pool and discover authentic Fijian warmth.
Located halfway between the major cities of Nadi and Lautoka on the main island of Viti Levu, the Fijian mud baths are a must-do holiday experience.
History
Despite not being sure about the origins of the hot water pools, TIFAJECK Sabeto Hotspring and Mudpool company director and landowner Reverend Ilimeleki Susu said they were told by their forefathers that the pools were discovered in 1943.
“This was during the World War II when the American soldiers found this place and realised that these hot water pools can also be used for bathing,” he said.
“The former late Tui Sabeto found out about the place and brought in a Japanese scientist to study this place and he found out that the pools could be expanded to a big pond.
“The land where the hot water pools and mud pool are located is owned by my family and we are now running the business with the assistance of family members.”
Mud pool ritual
The mud bath spa ritual goes like this — don your swimwear and enter the thick, muddy pool first and relax.
Hop out and cake yourself in mud and allow it to dry in the sun before hopping back into the muddy bath and then over to the clear spring to clean up.
The pool temperatures vary from 60 degrees Celsius to warm.
The social experience of getting dirty with locals and other travellers is quite levelling, and given the rise of Fiji as a destination for nuptials, the mud baths are also a popular and unique pampering ritual to share with a wedding party.
Mr Susu said they witnessed that the mud pool was a good therapeutic treatment for the skin.
“Your skin will look and feel different if the mud pool is used because mud produced from hot water is different from any normal mud,” he said.
A naturally occurring phenomena, he said, the warmth of the geothermal springs comes from a volcanic source with the unmistakable odour of sulphur, which is thought to convey therapeutic properties.
He said it was proven that it could restore lost hair for bald-headed men.
When compared with other hot springs in the world, Mr Susu said, plants and grass around their mud pool and hot spring were not affected by the hot temperatures of the unique sites.
“In some places, grass and plants around the hot spring die from the hot temperature but for ours in Sabeto, the grass and plants are green and healthy.”
Benefits
Mr Susu said their business started in 2001 and greatly benefited his family. This tourism operator recorded a profit of more than $100,000 last year, a huge leap from earnings of less than $100 a week when it started in 2001.
Apart from booked visitors, TIFAJECK Sabeto Hotspring Mudpool now earns more than $2000 a week from walk-in visitors alone.
The name of the company was formed by joining the initials of family members.
Mr Susu said they started from scratch and were slowly climbing up the ladder. The business had also created employment for nearby villagers.
“The site is popular with locals and visitors and a chance for some good, clean fun. It is administered by a local village for a nominal fee of $15 for upkeep. The site has basic changing and toilet facilities and is a little out of the way, but worth the effort.
“You’ll receive a guided tour of the area before you get to immerse yourself in warm mud.”
Plans
Mr Susu said they were planning to build villas around the area as part of their plans to grow the business.
The area has a vacant land for this initiative, which would take place when they finalise documents.
He said they would require building a reception area for the operation with a hall that could cater for tourists when they bring their traditional request to use the mud pool.
Meanwhile, Mr Susu said they were working closely with government to achieve this business expansion.
* Next week: Fiji’s best steakhouse ventures into authentic Indian cuisine.
