A 2005 Gleaner file photo of the Milk River Hotel and Spa in Clarendon. The spa, a historical landmark, is slated to undergo a $150m facelift.

The Government is to spend $150 million to upgrade the world-famous Milk River Hotel and Spa in south Clarendon.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, speaking on a tour of the facility recently, said the mineral spa, which is located in the foothills of the rustic south coast village, is part of the ministry's 'health tourism' concept.

"This will enable this tourist attraction to be brought into the new millennium because spas are now part of the lifestyle drive of the world and they attract huge attention. This is linked to what is referred to as elite travel, which is not affected by things such as economic recession," he said.

Bartlett continued by saying that wealthy tourists were often disposed to spending big sums to regain their youthful appearance. The mineral bath is renowned for its curative powers.

"So health tourism has to be an important part of our product that we must accentuate over the next decade.

In fact, we have here in Milk River reputedly the best natural spa in the world," he said.

The minister, who is currently examining a number of different proposals for the heritage site, said he was in discussion with a number of investors who have expressed an interest in carrying out broad-based development around the immediate area, which will provide jobs and revenue for the area.