Home to world-class spas, the Islands of Tahiti, are situated in some of the most natural beauty in the world. The scent of plumeria, ginger and tiare (Tahiti’s national flower and a member of the gardenia family) drift through the air, creating around-the-clock aromatherapy. The shallow, crystal-clear lagoons and tropical afternoon rains are invigorating.
Even before the first man-made spa was built, visitors returned from Tahiti rejuvenated by the combination of natural elements. Now, Tahiti offers a unique complement of world-class spas that will relax and re-energize.
Manea Spa, the flagship spa for Pearl Resorts, has locations at Pearl properties on Tikehau, Moorea, and Bora Bora. The spas are designed to reflect the spirit of Taurumi, the Tahitian word for massage and for a philosophy that emphasizes healthy living. All-natural products are used in treatments, such as sandalwood, tiare, ylang ylang, and monoi. The Manea Spa at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort is built on stilts above a small lake in the resort’s lush gardens.
The Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm, at the InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, is the world’s first spa to use deep sea water in therapy treatments. Thanks to the bathymetry of the surrounding ocean, the hotel is able to pump in mineral-rich sea water from a depth of over 3,000 feet, which is then reheated for the spa. Past volcanic activity of the area has infused the water with minerals and vitamins that give it revitalizing and restorative properties. Among the treatments available are such indulgent names as “Relaxing Pearl Rain Massage” and “Marine Deep Sea Hydromassage Bath with Chromatherapy.”
The Hélène Spa at the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa is famous for treatments based on Polynesian techniques. Exotic treatments include an outdoor rain shower, a full-body wrap in banana leaves (with a selection of clay, papaya or pineapple emollients) and a four-handed massage, just to name a few.
“The Spa” at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti on the main island of Tahiti offers exclusive, home-made preparations that are based on ancestral recipes using natural local ingredients such as indigenous fruit and flowers and Tahitian vanilla, as well as mineral-rich black sand of Matavai bay.
Le Spa at the Sofitel properties on both Moorea and Bora Bora offer open spaces situated on the lagoons but offering seclusion on a spa setting created from Polynesian wood, pandanus and Moorea stone. Treatments include traditional Polynesian techniques and products such as Carita and Decleor.
Situated on top of a black lava rock cliff above a sacred cove, with a breathtakingly beautiful view of five South Pacific Islands, Hina Spa at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, emphasizes health for the body and the planet. The Spa signature treatment is the “Million Dollar View Massage” that is a massage table for two on a black lava cliff with a thatched roof covering overlooking the breathtaking lagoon of Bora Bora.
The Spa Miri Miri by Clarins at St. Regis Resort Bora Bora is the only spa in Tahiti to occupy its own private island. The Spa Miri Miri features Tahitian and Pacific Rim treatments in seven elegant suites.
With its soaring 100-foot ceiling, The Spa at the Four Seasons Bora Bora is balanced by the powerful rhythms of the Pacific Ocean and the secluded tranquillity of the island’s lagoon and features open-air treatment decks amid the kahaia tree. Raised walkways, suspended above a plantation of pandanus trees, lead to the Spa’s seven air-conditioned treatment rooms. A spacious couples’ suite with glass floor suspended above the lagoon’s pristine waters provides absolute privacy over the tranquil lagoon. Guests can also combine their chosen treatment with the natural healing energy of Bora Bora’s climate in one of two open-air treatment pavilions, nestled deep within the tropical grove. Other amenities within The Spa include sensory steam rooms, whirlpools with both ocean and lagoon views, a fitness center looking out over the ocean and a secluded, open air overwater yoga deck.
Le Spa at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti incorporates the area’s signature black sand into its treatments. Three double treatment rooms, a Vichy shower, and a cosmetic room provide a peaceful haven where travelers can rejuvenate and refresh.
M/s Paul Gauguin cruises Tahiti’s Society Islands year-round and is home to the legendary Carita Spa. Staff are supervised and trained by the Carita Organization in Paris. On-board services include massage, thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, wraps, steam room treatments and a full range of beautifying services.
With a range of cruise and hotel spa offerings available to complement its natural outdoor spa experience, Tahiti is the ultimate island destination for relaxation and rejuvenation—a place where your spa experience is limited only by your imagination.
