Just about every Bahamian has a childhood “bush medicine” story that they can share – whether good or bad – and then there’s the fact that the “bush” has been touted for generations as a cure-all for whatever ailment, rash, or lethargy a person may be plagued with. While many people in their youthful years may not have appreciated being encouraged to partake in “the bush”, many have since come to appreciate the botanicals.

And Mandara Spa at the Atlantis is now heralding Bahamian indigenous products with its Bahamian-inspired treatments – The Bahamas Botanical Collection which is rooted in the “island culture”, which it has coupled with its iced bush teas.

“Bahamians have used indigenous plants for medical and health-related purposes for hundreds of years. In our spa environment, we incorporate features into our spa programming to optimize health, vitality, relaxation, and well-being … and we want to provide authentic Bahamian experiences – that means Bahamian-inspired services that feature native ingredients to The Bahamas,” said Youlanda Deveaux, regional vice president, resort operations, Caribbean and Latin America.

Mandara has curated for its spa guests, an experience they consider the ultimate island spirit – infusing teas and treatments using the healing properties of native ingredients.

“We are taking the pairing of bush teas with spa treatments as seriously as a sommelier would take a fine wine pairing with a great Michelin or five-star rated dinner,” said Deveaux.

Bahamian lullaby is a massage to relax and soothe, featuring soursop leaf, fever grass and hibiscus flower.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian