Spa in the Trees

Imagine a massage perched in the air between two Caoutchouc trees looking out at the opalescent blue-green lagoon of Bora Bora. At the recently opened Maru Spa at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa in French Polynesia, you’ll find yourself perched twelve feet in the air in their spa treehouse, which is surrounded by a luxurious island jungle dotted with coconut palms and fragrant gardens. Manoi oil, the perfumed Polynesian coconut oil (which the Polynesians consider sacred) is known worldwide for its benefits for both skin and hair and is the basis of all Maru spa treatments. Indulge in the signature two-hour Tahitian Rainstorm (Te ua Maohi), which begins with a sand scrub made from the powdery white sand of the lagoon. A warm tropical rain shower follows, during which a therapist will perform a Tahitian massage utilizing long, smooth gliding strokes. You’ll then be cocooned in warm rich marine mud, designed to rehydrate your skin, and surrounded by the fragrant odors of ylang-ylang, tiare (the Tahitian gardenia), frangipani, and jasmine “all of which are indigenous to‚  Tahiti. When you’re finished, purchase some of the spa’s own Tahitian-based products to take a bit of this treehouse retreat home.

For more information call (800) 860-4095 or visit www.boraboralagoon.com

Margie Goldsmith

March/April 2006