Living it up at Spa Laucala

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Fiona Harper drops in on one of the most exclusive spa resorts in the world.

“Miss Fiona, your treatment is complete,” therapist Eloise whispers ever so softly in my ear, gently caressing my soul back into the conscious, oh so unwelcome, real world. Cocooned beneath over-sized fluffy towels, time passes at a soporific pace, lulled by the trade wind-rustled palm fronds as much as the skilled, soothing ministrations of Eloise’s soft hands. Laucala Island (pronounced Lorthala), declared of the 100 best hotels and resorts of the world by Hideaway Hotels guides, lives up to its alluring promise of intimate, indulgent elegance.

Arriving at Spa Laucala casually pared down to sarong and bare feet, I’ve enrolled in a Spa Journey based on traditional Fijian rituals, combining South Pacific traditions with modern techniques.

Branching off from the alfresco lounge, four secluded spa suites have their own changing pavilions hidden in the garden, while two-person sized stone baths are concealed behind reassuringly dense foliage.

Stepping across the boardwalk straddling the water lily dotted lake, once in the privacy of the spa suite I seem to have lost the ability to make any decisions. So I opt for the recommended Bombo massage on my first visit and arrange to continue my journey the following day with a Hot Stone massage.

Beyond the non-existent walls of the suites nestled amidst the forest high up on Nawi Hill, the cerulean Pacific Ocean below provides the inspiration behind the spa philosophy of healing through water. The tropical sun filters through the canopy as the essence of lemongrass, vanilla and tropical blooms waft across my inert body that feels so relaxed and jelly-like that I wonder if I still have the use of my legs.

Earlier, enticed by these scents, I had visited the perfume pavilion in the Spa Garden & Kitchen, the soul and spirit of the spa, if not the entire island.

Personal care lotions, soaps and shampoos are prepared and bottled according to age old recipes for use in the spa, beauty salon and in guest pavilions.

From four signature scents, I choose Wainimate (an uplifting herbal medicine using local curing botany) to accompany me on my Spa Journey, though I’m also tempted by the beguiling aromas of Molikaro, (cultivated citrus fruits), Senikau, (tropical blooms) and Qele (indigenous roots, woods and spices).

 

 

Fresh topical fruit and coconut are the elemental essence of each product, with scents subtly changing throughout the year depending on growing seasons. Starting with a base of fresh virgin pressed coconut oil harvested from Laucala’s Plantation, utilising cold pressed soap making and aromatherapy techniques, ravishing, luxuriant products are created utilising garden produce.

The ability to infuse and then adapt this pure coconut oil to traditional recipes is the elemental essence of the products. In the absence of chemical preservatives, therapists continuously concoct fresh healing lotions and potions, presented in quaint, recycled glass bottles. Island guests can take the opportunity for tutoring to create their own distinct essential oils, soaps or lotions, enabling them to transport the distinct aromas of Laucala home with them.

Peeling my now loose-limbed body off the table, I retreat to the relaxation lounge for chilled lemongrass tea and fine slivers of crisp watermelon, smiling like a crazed lunatic. Lolling in an almost zombie-like state of absolute bliss, it takes some time for me to realise that Eloise is probably wondering if I’m ever going to leave. Seemingly floating an inch above the bare earth, I slip back into my sarong, still sans shoes, looking for my keys to the Club Car I arrived in.

In no condition to concentrate on driving back down the hill to my pavilion, clever Eloise has anticipated my state of mind and arranged for a driver to deliver me safely home. Just one small element, of pre-empting guests’ needs before they’re even aware of it themselves, that makes Spa Laucala truly extraordinary.

Recommended Treatments

Fijian Bombo Massage – using the therapist’s whole body, hands, knees, elbows and feet, the purpose is to unblock stagnation and regain the body’s rhythm.

Fijian Hot Stone – warm river stones combine with massage oils and mineral crystals dissolve tension, melt muscle pain and restore the inner balance of mind and soul.

 

Spa Files

Spa Laucala is available to houseguests only on Laucala Island, a private island retreat in north east Fiji
Email: info@laucala.com
Web: www.laucala.com