Months have passed since my visit to The Brando Island, but not forgotten. I used my fragrant Papaya Body Scrub this morning and was reminded of my late afternoon sojourn at The Brando Varua Spa. A daily spa treatment is included in the Brando amenities; if you have never experienced a Polynesian massage, do schedule for afternoon arrival and every day following!

A brief bike ride beneath the towering coconut fronds and you arrive at the secluded pond, the actual location where the Tahitian Royal family once withdrew to rest and indulge in relaxation routines. A natural haven, the spa villas are hidden amid the dense jungle; dragonflies and enormous Lilly pads adorn the scene from your perch above the pond. There are a few couples rooms including an intricate woven wooden sphere tucked into the tall palm, suspended like a nest in the middle of the deep green jungle canopy.An indulgent treatment included every day for one guest, The Brando and the Varua Spa will truly reset your balance. From the moment you arrive at the spectacular space, your heart rate seemingly drops as you are enveloped in the calm of this natural preserve. Quiet is only interrupted by the splash of a bird in the lagoon; act one – setting the stage for blissful nirvana. Staff silently eases you onto the most comfortable spa bed, drift off with the dream producing ambient music and the treatment commences. From this moment, I lost consciousness and when awoken, relaxed and rejuvenated I had to admit I couldn’t ride my bike back to my villa! My legs were jelly and my brain was calm. I was barely able to navigate back to the changing room to reclaim my Villa key and decided the spa robe was appropriate for the staff aided ride back to my Villa.

Woven cocoon massage room

Waiting for my buggy driver, I languidly observed the geckos clambering across the thatched roof of the pavilion – an overwhelming sense of tranquility possessed me. Generally geckos above my head send me scurrying, today, not so much.The Brando offers an escape unlike any other and the Varua Spa is an essential part of the schedule. The jar of sensual Papaya scrub will add to your luggage weight, but months later when you use it, the luggage tax will be forgotten.                              The Brando Varua Spa- Highly Recommend!