Rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor and also highly recommended on other review sites, there’s no reason not to take this tour if you’re ever in the Nadi region of Fiji. Situated halfway between Nadi and Lautoka on the western half of the main island of Fiji, surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Sabeto Valley, the Sabeto mud bath is thought to have therapeutic properties and is a great way to enjoy the Fijian culture.
The Deal
My wife and I were there during the non-peak season (February), and so were the only ones there during our tour. Again being welcomed with a warm smile, the guide helped us “get our mud on” making sure no part was missed. The mud itself was warm, gooey, and somewhat refreshing.
Taking handfuls of mud from a can and mud pool and slathering it on yourself, and throwing it at your partner can be rewarding—I wondered if this is what they meant about it being a therapeutic mud bath.
Our guide was even having a good time himself, as he watched us play in the mud. He grabbed my iPhone and started taking random pictures of us so that we can always reflect on this time should we ever need more “therapy” back home.
Once the mud had dried on us, we were escorted to the first of three pools ranging in temperature from 60°C to warm. This was where we washed ourselves clean. Perhaps it really was the mud, or the temperatures of the pools varying in warmth, but it was quite rejuvenating coming out of the last pool.
After you clean yourself up, you get the opportunity to see and buy local arts and crafts from multiple vendors who line their goods on the table, sitting on the sidelines. They make for great souvenirs to take home.
While we were the only ones there, peak season will have you share the mud bath experience with a group of strangers, which in itself can be a socially enriching experience as well. Be sure to come out to this hidden gem if you’re ever in the Nadi area of Fiji.
They do not have an official presence on the internet, but for more information and pictures of Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, head over to the (unofficial) Facebook page, or the TripAdvisor page!