Amara, a social worker from a hectic city, arrived in Suriname with one goal: to unwind. After years of stressful workdays and restless nights, she was craving not just relaxation, but healing. What she found in Suriname was more than a vacation—it was a journey into wellness rooted in nature and culture.
Her first stop was Bergendal Eco & Cultural River Resort, located along the Suriname River. After settling into her rustic riverside bungalow, Amara joined a morning yoga session overlooking the water. The gentle sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves made it easy to focus on her breath. As the instructor guided her through poses, Amara felt the tension in her shoulders dissolve for the first time in months.
After yoga, she visited a maroon village nearby, where locals shared their traditional healing knowledge. A woman named Celina introduced her to bush medicine, explaining how Surinamese maroons use plants to treat ailments. “This is kaffir lime, good for headaches,” Celina said, handing Amara a leaf to smell. “And this is gri gri bark—it helps with stress.” Amara marveled at the connection between nature and health, promising herself to take some remedies home.
That afternoon, Amara booked a spa treatment at Torarica Resort & Spa in Paramaribo. The spa’s signature massage incorporated oils infused with Surinamese herbs like lemongrass and moringa. As skilled hands worked away the knots in her back, Amara felt the herbal scents transport her to a state of bliss. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this,” she thought.
The next day, Amara sought deeper relaxation at Peperpot Nature Park. Surrounded by lush greenery, she strolled along peaceful trails, stopping to meditate by the sound of trickling water. Her guide explained that the forest was once a plantation but had been reclaimed by nature and wildlife. “It’s a symbol of healing itself,” the guide said, gesturing to the vibrant trees and flowers growing where old structures once stood.
For lunch, she visited Blauwgrond, Paramaribo’s Javanese district, where she discovered a local favorite: tempeh sambal—fermented soybeans cooked with spicy sauce. Paired with a fresh coconut water drink, the meal felt both nourishing and indulgent.
Amara’s final wellness experience was a trip to Colakreek Recreation Park, a serene retreat where locals gather to relax in the creek’s dark, mineral-rich water. Known for its therapeutic properties, the cola-colored water is believed to rejuvenate the skin and body. Floating in the warm creek under the shade of tall trees, Amara felt a profound sense of peace. “This isn’t just relaxation,” she thought. “It’s healing.”
