It’s not surprising that people leave Fiji feeling more beautiful than they did on arrival – landscapes this stunning can only be good for the soul (and complexion). Mother Nature gave the country something of a head start – volcanic mud, oceanic minerals, vitamin-packed fruit and veg, and lush tropical blooms never did anyone’s looks any harm – but the earth-respecting locals are also to thank for Fiji’s beauty-boosting properties. Visitors to Fiji can pick from more than 33 world-class spas, including outposts from Pure Fiji and Senikai Spas. (Between beauty treatments, don’t forget to gulp down plenty of Fiji Water, sourced from a natural artesian aquifer in Viti Levu.)
Senikai Spas
Senikai Spas was founded by Debra Sadranu in 1998, encompassing an array of pampering spas across Fiji and the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre near Nadi Airport, which offers treatments and relaxation areas to inbound and outbound tourists (as well as appreciative locals) wanting to unwind between flights. Senikai Spa has developed its own range of Essence of Fiji products, harvested sustainably by women in Fijian villages; the brand has also released a new Nama range of ultra hydrating moisturising creams, made from iron-rich, grape-like nodules sourced from Fijian waters, and aimed at women aged 35 and above. Senikai Spas takes beauty seriously: the brand owns a Spa Academy that provides training for local women – and men – from low-income backgrounds, giving them access to industry experts and the opportunity to gain future employment in the beauty industry.
Pure Fiji
Pure Fiji is another Fijian wellness success story: treatments champion cold-pressed Fijian coconut, deep-sea plants, protein-rich nuts and tropical flowers. The brand is known for its blissful spas and world-class products, including skin-polishing sugar scrubs, nourishing hand-made soaps and moisturising coconut lotions. Like Senikai Spas, Pure Fiji has a deeply rooted respect for Fiji and its local communities, practising wild harvesting, setting up community projects, funding scholarships for children and providing training and small-business mentoring via village-based projects, such as the production of botanical extracts, paper-making and basket-weaving. Pure Fiji’s list of ingredients is longer than our arm span, but here a few of the key components that make the brand’s products so soothing…