Dodging the on-coming traffic on both sides I ascend a hill to reach the oasis I have been looking for.
In a beautifully-enclosed garden compound is the Lotus Day Spa, a surprising tranquil place in the middle of the bustling city of Port Villa in Vanuatu.
I had come here to escape the husband, who was busy looking for things to do. I by passed the spa at the resort and found this little place of serenity.
A friendly member of staff met me at the door and showed me the menu, which consisted of an extensive range of treatments from massages, facials and body treatments. I opted for one of the ‘Lotus Journey’ packages and entered into a realm of bliss.
My three-hour treatment started with a Sea Salt and Lavender Scrub, followed by an hour of massage, a relaxing facial and a delightful foot therapy called Footprints in the Sand.
Throughout the process I could feel my body letting go and being replenished with the natural products used. The process put me into deep meditation, a much needed rest.
Lotus Day Spa is the only independent Day Spa of its class in Port Villa and is located on a small back road from the main street.
The building itself is a restored French provincial home. Surrounded by a tropical garden, the architecture has a touch of Balinese ambience and features a six treatment rooms and a cafe.
Lotus uses La Gaia products, which sources from organic locally grown ingredients, combined with herbs and fruits picked from the gardens of the premise. The Cafe Mocha Body Scrub uses local Tanna coffee and locally grown Cocao is both delicious by sound and sensational on skin.
Besides the straight forward beauty treatments, Lotus Day Spa also offer bridal and pre-natal pampering, as well as couples packages.
For the ultimate experience, choose the Perfect Day package and enjoy breakfast, range of treatments and a gift pack to take home.
Lotus Day Spa won the 2010 Best New Business from Vanuatu Tourism Awards. Bookings can be made online prior to your arrival in Vanuatu, so there is no need to worry if you are only visiting for a short time.
After my treatment I was shown to a table at the attached Lotus Tea House with a pot of herbal tea, where I could easily spend another few hours with a good book.
I couldn’t resist asking what’s on offer on the menu and my hostess listed a few wholesome meal items and added “or if you want to feel like a royalty, we can give you a pedicure while you sip on a glass of bubbly!”
Now that sounds like real luxury to me.
+678 28811
Have you had a spa treatment in the Pacific islands? How was it? Let us know in the comments below!
