Sparring Partners

Six Senses, Fiji

The spa at eco-friendly Six Senses resort on the island of Malolo takes a holistic approach to pampering. Surrounded by a lush tropical gardens the spa embodies the philosophy that well-being is linked to rejuvenating benefits of nature. Stepping out of the jungle and into the calming lounge you can choose to visit the nail bar or the alchemy bar where you can blend your own local ingredients for a treatment in one of their four luxurious bures. For a more integrated approach the spa offers a wellness consultation and assessment for a personalised program including suggested lifestyle adjustments and oneon-one meditation sessions. Swoon worthy treatments include a muscle relieving hot lava shell massage and a indulgent gold leaf facial.

Do try: The Fijian bobo massage with herbal poultices. A warm massage with herbs picked from the spa garden designed to increase circulation, release toxins and ease muscle tension.

Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa

Fofo Spa and Sauna at Samoa’s luxury Taumeasina Island Resort offers a tranquil and rejuvenating escape with world class spa and beauty treatments that embrace Samoa’s traditional practices.

Soothing massages combine Swedish and local techniques using native oils of Layu and Nono. For those that like a firm massage the Taumeasina Signature Massage is an intense but therapeutic experience using the Lomilomi technique with a bamboo stick. Premium marine Thalgo and local Mailelani products are used for beauty treatments.

A range of beauty treatments are also available including facials, manicures and pedicures.

Do try: The Papaya Peel Natural Facelift Facial. An effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles that conditions the skin for a soft and smooth appearance.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji

Likuliku Lagoon Resort’s spa is called Tatadra meaning ‘house of dreams’ and it certainly lives up to its moniker. The adults only resort, also located on Malolo boasts Fiji’s first overwater bungalows. The spa’s treatment rooms however sit on the island each one offering a view of the lagoon, the negative ions and sound of lapping waves adding to the serene environment.

It is true luxury here, every detail thought of. The therapies incorporate indigenous rituals and there is a focus on natural beauty treatments using Pure Fiji products. Tatadra’s Fijian massages by their specially trained therapists are a must when visiting.

Do try: The Twilight Tadra. A decadent couples treatment including champagne, massage and a hydrating milk bath.

Namada Spa and Wellness, Ramada Suites Fiji

You don’t have to be a guest at the Ramada Suites in Fiji to experience the Namada Spa and Wellness centre, which is great given how many resorts in Fiji are only open to in-house guests these days.

Namada is located in the booming WailoaIoa area of Nadi, on the beach and close to the airport.

This area is home to some terrific accommodation, restaurants and bars and since 2022, the Namada Spa.

I am lucky enough to have Sheetal as my massage therapist, I opt for the 90 minute full body massage, a mix of stretching, pressure point manipulation and other techniques designed for deep relaxation and tailored to address the specific needs of your body.

After a blissful hour and a half of being pushed, pulled and having my muscles rubbed into submission with Fijian coconut oil I lift my head to gaze across the pool area at Ramada Suites, feeling like a different person to the one that entered the room.

I could happily spend all day here, but my partner is picking me up for our next Fijian adventure so I wander back to the spa reception, resigned to leaving.

That’s wheen Sheetal suggests my partner order a beer from Club 57 upstairs while I have a much needed pedicure.

“In fact, why don’t you order a cocktail and have it while we take care of your feet?” She wisely suggests.

Namada Spa has several treatment rooms, some overlooking the pool, or you can have a massage out by the beach in a cabana. There are pedicure chairs and manicure tables for quick touch-ups too.

Pure Fiji and Naturally Fiji products are available for sale too. There were four therapists there the day I visited (all up I spent nearly four hours at Namada while my partner enjoyed the rooftop Club 57 sunset views – win win).

It is well priced with qualified therapists, great products and an extensive spa menu.

Do try: A full afternoon here! The seaweed cocoon wrap is amazing as is the sugar scrub. I’d start with those, then a full body massage and deluxe pedicure. It’s difficult not to fall asleep during these treatments, even if you ask for a firm massage. Their technique is really amazing – restorative and relaxing at the same time.

And do order a cocktail from Club 57 upstairs.