I slowly dip my foot in, unsure of how warm it will be. There’s no one around; I’m surrounded by bamboo walls. It’s warmer than I thought. And I keep going. Here, in Wotten Haven, warmth is everything. The heat guides you. It heals you. And it reminds you that this place is unique—in Dominica as elsewhere. 

This is Wotten Waven, the quirky and unique village in southern Dominica that is the Caribbean’s hot spring capital—one of the most colorful and character-filled villages I’ve ever visited in the Caribbean. 

And yet, it feels like you're far away from it all. That's what makes Dominica so wonderful. 

The heat is rising 

On an island with nine volcanoes, it’s no surprise that the ground beneath your feet gets warm. And here in Wotten Waven, the underground world offers a multitude of mud pools and sulfur springs, some open-air, others tucked away in rustic spas like the popular Tia’s Cottages—which was my first experience in Wotten Waven—a spa run by the friendly Tia, a local character. 

This small, hilly town is full of quaint bed-and-breakfasts, craft shops, tiny bars, and fascinating people, all with views of the valley and the rainforest. 

I fell in love with this city the moment I arrived; it’s one of those places that really gets to you—it’s so different, so raw, so real. And so very Wotten Waven. 

Choosing a Spa 

Water is truly therapeutic—or so they say. The locals say these are healing waters, beneficial for everything from pain to inflammation. You’ll feel rejuvenated as soon as you step out—at least, that’s how I felt.

There are countless spas to choose from, some of which are purely transactional, while others offer a more experiential approach. 

One of them, named Da S’Cape , offers a mix of hot and cold pools, giving you an even wider selection. You can also try the private pools at Ti Kwan Go Cho . 

You really can't go wrong, and as you stroll through town, you'll get a sense of which spa suits you best—and a few moments later, you'll find yourself in the dark brown, deliciously warm water. 

Spend the night 

Even though I wouldn't suggest staying here for more than a night or two, coming here is a real journey into another world—spend the evening in one of the treehouse-style cottages in Tia and you'll be immediately immersed in Dominica's enchanting natural world—the sounds of the forest, the scents of the valley. 

I visited Tia’s, and I’d say it’s the best option if you want to be here when the sun sets. 

If you'd like to explore this part of Dominica, the The best option by far is the Fort Young Hotel, in Roseau, the capital. It’s a wonderful hotel where I’ve stayed several times and which recently underwent a major renovation (the food is excellent and the bar is even better). Rooms are currently only 233 $. 

Getting to Wotten Waven 

It takes only about 20 minutes by car to reach Wotten Waven through the mountains. The road is winding, but also very scenic. 

Flight to Dominica 

I’ve always said that Dominica is perhaps the most naturally beautiful place in the Caribbean, and I still believe that. For years, it was also one of the hardest places in the Caribbean to get to. Fortunately, the situation has changed dramatically, with new flights from Miami on American Airlines and a direct flight from Newark on United Airlines . In addition, there are new flights departing from San Juan on Caribbean Airlines and, soon, on Contour Airlines.