My husband and I arrived in Tahiti early in the morning and made our way to the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. We knew a visit to the property’s Deep Nature Spa would be the perfect way to start our honeymoon. Even with the first appointment of the day, we were still too early to begin our treatment — and check into our room — so we took this time to explore the resort.

Set on more than 29 acres of lush tropical surroundings, the InterContinental boasts a variety of guestroom styles, including overwater bungalows. Two infinity pools, water activities, multiple restaurants and bars entice guests. After acclimating ourselves by walking the length of the property, we opted for a light breakfast at Te Tiare restaurant. We enjoyed a sampling of fresh fruit, French pastries and traditional Tahitian dishes before making our way to the spa.

Located in the heart of the resort, a short walk from the lobby, Deep Nature Spa connects to the fitness center. Calming music and a lobby of white marble tiles with blue accents greet visitors. We checked in, and the attendant showed us to the changing rooms and showers in preparation for our massage. We each received a sarong and flip-flops in a straw beach bag and a key to a locker for our belongings. Once outfitted, we received a brief tour of the spa facilities including a steam bath, rainfall shower, relaxation room and cold plunge pool.

Deep Nature Spa utilizes a combination of Algotherm spa products and Polynesian Hei Poa products. The French brand Algotherm marine cosmetics taps into the nutrients found in the South Pacific’s deep-sea waters. Hei Poa products are made from a Polynesian tradition of soaking tiare (gardenia) flowers in coconut oil. The spa combines modern technology and techniques with ancient rituals and natural ingredients to deliver a uniquely Polynesian experience.

A variety of treatments and packages are available. Facials vary in intensity and length of time. Each treatment can be customized to your skincare needs. Popular add-ons for facials include eye and lip contour treatment; a self-heating hand mask; and a head, neck and shoulders massage. Deep Nature Spa offers a variety of body treatments designed for specific needs ranging from after-sun care to jet lag care. The nourishing scrubs and wraps soothe and replenish skin. Experience a Polynesian massage: Choose from classics like the deep tissue massage, unique experiences like the Polynesian taurumi massage or opt to customize your experience.

Can’t decide? Select from the Discoveries menu for a session with multiple popular treatments. Well-being packages combine treatments with spa facilities access and special meal options. In addition, spa passes with access to the relaxation room, cold plunge pool and steam bath are available for those not interested in a spa treatment. A special spa menu is also available for children ages 6–12.

I experienced the spa’s signature treatment, the Tahitian Wave massage. We made our way into the treatment room, and our therapists helped us get situated. The 80- minute treatment began with an invigorating full-body scrub. Starting at my toes and working up to my neck and shoulders, my therapist gently applied the thick tiare scrub in soothing motions. The product exfoliated and cleansed my skin. I felt as though the tension from the long flight was being lifted and any residual stress was receding. I particularly enjoyed the scrub application on my shoulders and neck, areas typically receiving less focus during body scrubs I’ve experienced. We were directed to the in-room shower to rinse off the product and prepare for the massage. My skin felt silky smooth and ready for the next portion of the treatment.

Therapists at Deep Nature Spa use traditional Polynesian massage techniques. I began the next part of the Tahitian Wave treatment lying on my back. My therapist followed the path of the scrub, starting at my feet and moving toward my neck. Her movements mimicked those of the ocean waves — a relaxing back-and-forth motion. She used the towel beneath my head to slightly raise my head just above the headrest and gently stretch my neck with a rolling motion. I had not experienced these techniques before and enjoyed the variation of movements.

Next I turned on my stomach, where I breathed in tiare fragrance from a small container of water and flowers directly below the massage table. I slipped into a deeper state of relaxation as my therapist began to massage my upper body. She gave special focus to my back and shoulders, as I indicated them as problem areas. As the massage came to a close, I simultaneously felt relaxed and reinvigorated.

Following the treatment, we stopped in the steam bath. The hot room helped ease the last lingering tension of the flight. At a comfortable temperature, I opted to skip the cold plunge pool. Still in a state of bliss, we made our way to the relaxation room. The attendant helped us to tea and cool water as we settled into the comfortable lounge chairs. The room opens to a patio overlooking the turquoise waters and the island of Moorea off in the distance. We lingered in the room too long, not wanting the experience to end.

DEEP NATURE SPA TAHITI

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
B.P. 6014
98702 Tahiti
French Polynesia
tel 689 40 86 51 10
tahiti.intercontinental.com