The colours of the waterfall come from the minerals dissolved in the water. As the warm, mineral-rich water flows over the rocks, it leaves behind deposits of iron, calcium and sulphur, painting the rock face in vivid shades of orange, yellow, green and purple. The result looks like someone has deliberately painted the rockface — but it is completely natural.
The gardens themselves are a feast for the senses. Huge heliconia plants with red and orange flower bracts lean over the paths, vanilla orchids climb up trees, and the air smells of tropical blooms. Banana plants, breadfruit trees and giant ferns fill every corner. Hummingbirds dart from flower to flower, their wings beating so fast they look like blurs.
Warm mineral baths have been built near the falls, fed by the same natural spring water. Bathing in warm water outdoors while surrounded by jungle is quite an experience. The botanical gardens were established in the eighteenth century and have been carefully looked after ever since, making them some of the oldest maintained gardens in the Caribbean.