Categories: Polynesian Arts & Culture

Interested in experiencing more Polynesian culture? We’ll introduce you to a local expert who will help craft an authentic experience customized just for you. From guided tours of ancient grounds on a motu to fireside storytelling, our expert will share experiences and stories that deepen your appreciation, understanding, and love of Polynesia. Contact our concierge for more information.

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Our spa sits on the very land where Tahitian royal families came for centuries to partake in beauty rituals. Now, as in the past, sarongs called pareu are worn as you traverse elevated walkways among lush tropical foliage to partake in modern treatments based on ancient rituals.

On Tetiaroa, a massage is so much more than a simple body therapy. Your arrival at a secluded space is just the beginning of your journey through a holistic experience to find your own harmony with nature, the Polynesian culture and people.

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The Tahitian language is melodic. We’ll teach you how to introduce yourself then share a few other phrases you can use around the atoll. Before you know it, you’ll be saying ’Ia ora na to everyone you see.

Polynesians have a love of music which they’ll share with you through the instruments they play. We’ll show you how to strum a few chords on a Tahitian ukelele or tap out a few beats on a pahu, a traditional Polynesian drum. In no time you’ll be able to play a simple melody, with our team singing along,as you take center stage in a Polynesian jam session.

Centuries of practice have taught Polynesians how to weave palm fronds into everything from roofs and baskets to hats and works of art.

Over time, the fronds fade to a light natural brown but retain all of their strength and durability. We’ll share how ancient traditions are still used today as you create your own woven work of art.

Out on the beach, with soft music playing live in the background, we’ll show you how to twirl and twist a pareu, a traditional Polynesian sarong into a shape, then soak it in a variety of colors to create a tye-dyed masterpiece. Hang it to dry, take it home, then wear it to the beach, the pool or anywhere you want to share a bit of your Polynesian spirit.

This is not the carefully choreographed Polynesian song and dance you’ve seen in other places. This is natural, authentic, from the heart, and from the soul.

We’ll teach you a few basic dance steps, then set it to live music and singing by our team. In this place and time, it’s you, not a care in the world, just a smile on your face as the moment is forever etched in your memory.