south pacific: niche islands
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LUXURY/SPAS With four-star being the minimum category at resorts on the better- known islands and a fair proportion of fi ve-star accommodation, the South Pacifi c can certainly appeal to the most discerning customers. Major resort groups are present, mainly in Fiji and to a lesser extent Tahiti, including Sofi tel, Westin, Radisson, Sheraton, Hilton, Shangri-La and InterContinental. But many of the boutique luxury hotels are unknown to agents not specialising in this region, underlining the importance of using tour operators. Hideaway resorts are very much the essence of the South Pacifi c, and in some cases tiny islands have just one resort, meaning guests have the island to themselves. A key differentiator for Rarotonga in the Cook Islands is that being so small hotel guests often dine around each night rather than staying put. Even in the luxury resorts,
accommodation may have a similar design to much simpler beach rooms, but with all the added luxuries such as air-conditioning and even spa baths. For example, Le Lagoto Resort on Savaii, Samoa is built to resemble a beach ‘fale’. The spa offer is also well developed in the main destinations, importing
therapies from other parts of the world such as Asia but also offering treatments and ingredients that are home-grown. Herbal remedies, oils and treatments have been used for centuries in Samoa, the Koko Samoa Scrub being one. At Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Resort and
Spa, nonu leaves, fl owers and juice are great for soothing the skin. The islands of Tahiti could well be described as one natural 24-hour spa, with traditional Polynesian massages using Monoï oil, which is now a major part of most high-end spa offerings. Spa experiences with individual
USPs include the Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm, at the InterContinental Resort; and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, claimed to be the world’s fi rst spa to use deep sea water minerals. Fiji also offers plenty of choice with Senikai Spas Fiji being a chain operating in hotels and resorts. Yoga is another option.
HONEYMOONERS AND WEDDINGS The South Pacifi c might be one of the most romantic destinations in the world, but access can be problematic especially if you don’t want a stop-over en route. This is why the Cook Islands have an advantage, as you can leave London on Sunday afternoon and arrive on Monday morning with just one-stop on Air New Zealand fl ights via Los Angeles. The Cook Islands claim to be the
only South Pacifi c destination with such a smooth transit using one airline, and with fully legal weddings and simple paperwork, you can allow just two days from arriving to getting married anywhere you choose. You are not restricted to hotels, but can marry on beaches or even on deserted islands, and then stay there overnight with just the couple and no-one else. Weddings and honeymoons are
Above: Hammock time on a Samoan beach. Left: The bright white sands of the Cook Islands
one of the biggest markets for Tahiti Tourisme out of the UK, as since 2010 it has been legal for
sellingtravel.co.uk
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