A Festive Season Under Polynesian Warmth
At home
The Beauty Ritual
Chapter 4
European explorers in the 18th century marveled at how Polynesians cared for themselves, often bathing in the sea or in the river, regularly adorning themselves with flesh flowers and applying mono’i, coconut oil infused with fragrant tiare flowers on their hair and skin. These navigators of the high seas bearing firearms and metal tools were seen as holders of magical powers, feared and revered by the high ranking ari’i, Polynesian chiefs. Hoping to receive some of their mana, the ari’i welcomed visitors whose ships moored near their district as honored guests, inviting them to feasts and traditional dance performances.
Under the spell of these captivating scenes, navigators and sailors returned from their expeditions misunderstanding the depth of Polynesian culture and its key elements. Many told tales of a simple and charming people entirely dedicated to hedonistic pursuits. This created the enduring myth of the Tahitian vāhine, living a carefree life, led by pleasure in a distant tropical paradise.
Inspired by the timeless grace of Polynesian women, Nalani’s beauty routine, goes beyond the seductive representation of the vāhine and reclaims a true legacy of self-care, offering a path to renewal.
Variations of this exfoliating scrub have been passed down through generations, transforming simple, natural ingredients into a luxurious ritual.
Grated coconut, rich in natural oils, hydrates and soothes the skin. Coarse sea salt gently exfoliates, its grains infused with minerals that restore balance and vitality. Flowers, like the delicate frangipani, evoke lush gardens, leaving the skin lightly perfumed and the spirit refreshed.
Every element carries the essence of the islands—pure, nourishing, and in harmony with nature.
At Varua te Ora Spa, we believe that your body is your home—a sacred vessel deserving of care and respect. Set in our serene haven, on the atoll of Tetiaroa, the experience becomes more than a treatment. It’s an invitation to pause, to feel beautiful, and to honor the connection between your body, the water and the earth.