Koro Sun’s Rainforest
sandwiched between banana leaves
ATROPICAL holiday means rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. These three "R" words are at your disposal the moment you take a stroll through Koro Sun Resort's age-old forest sanctuary, home to one of the world's best kept secrets.
It is in this tropical jungle paradise that the resort's spa facility is snuggled to give guests a taste of (as I later discovered) one of Fiji's most sought after and unique spa experiences – the Banana Leaf Body Wrap.
The thought going to the spa hardly ever fancies me, but when I heard about being wrapped in banana leaves in a rainforest, I instantly found the idea appealing.
For centuries indigenous Fijians have used banana leaves in food preparation and cooking. They used it in lovo to help retain heat, extract moisture from food and give off an irresistible aroma.
Indigenous Fijians have also been endowed with the natural gift of massaging called bobo to heal sicknesses, remove exhaustion and restore the body, mind and soul's vitality, for hundreds of years.
Today, this traditional knowledge and talents, plus modern massage techniques inspired by the spa cultures of Europe, makes all packages available on the resort's spa menu exclusive and unforgettably satisfying.
Like other treatments at the Rainforest Spa, the banana leaf body wrap is a journey rather than mere pampering. It combines beauty, therapy and a cultural experience that starts when a buggy drops you at the edge of the forest. From here, a spa staff will meet you and take you on a guided tour past lofty native trees, cascading freshwater streams, ginger bushes and perfumed clusters of ylang ylang blossoms known locally as mokosoi.
The walk is an opportunity to ask questions about the native flora and fauna of Fiji, the local seasons and weather, as well as the country's endemic, extinct and extirpated species. If you listen carefully, you might hear the barking imperial pigeon which inhabits tropical moist lowland and montane forests of the country. This fruit-eating bird species is endemic to Fiji. Very much like the marine underworld, the forest is a unique place, with its trees, fruits, flowers, plants, ferns, insects, reptiles, mammals and birds. It has its kaleidoscope of colours, from the very dark to the very light brown and green, a beautiful bevy of forms and sounds.
Every gift of nature on the way to the Rainforest Spa cottages has a unique uplifting and revitalising effect on the mind by inspiring it with positivity, vigour and images of beauty.
By the time your body is kneaded gently by soothing fingers and natural botanicals are allowed to inject their vital nutrients into the skin, your body - whether burdened by jet lag or stress, will quickly feel balanced and renewed.
If you have over exposed yourself in the sun, oil with dilo extracts used at the spa will help repair and rejuvenate burnt skin Traditional Fijian massage uses rhythmic motion and deep muscle stimulating techniques that produce inner healing and prevent illnesses. These techniques have been passed down many generations.
"We don't play recorded music that mimic natural sounds at the spa. The cascading streams, swishing branches and bird calls, such as pigeons and parrots provide the natural music you will hear during your coconut-oil massage," spa staff Melania Lavekau says.
The massage is done on a mat of oiled banana leaf harvested from organic backyard gardens. The therapists will work through knotted, tired and aching muscles.
Once this is complete another banana leaf is used to wrap the body like a sandwich to allow perspiration, the opening of skin pores and the release of body toxins and impurities. Banana leaves eliminate the use of artificial blankets and once used, they are disposed in a compost to allow nutrients in them to return to the forest.
Coconut shavings or seaweed is used to polish and give your skin a sensational exfoliating effect that leaves the skin looking healthier and brighter. A sugar scrub cleans the skin and "opens" it up to breath and shine.
"Our rainforest spa is popular among our guests and many make
bookings as soon as they try out our welcome food soak while checking in," says Lavekau. Yes it is worth mentioning that every guest at Koro Sun is given a surprise foot soak which involves a scrub using desiccated coconuts and a massage to relieve tense and tired feet. At the spa, I often drifted to sleep mode while Lavekau's hands worked magic on my hands, leg and face. My best moment was when she ran her fingers through my hair and massaged my scalp. It felt so good and reenergizing.
To promote the "authentically Fijian" concept, everything at the Rainforest Spa is natural and home-grown, and products used during spa treatments are made with fresh ingredients such as organic fruits and essences.
Other spa treatments available include scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures, all with a tropical twist.
"You can have a good massage anywhere, but having it in the shade of a peaceful and virgin rainforest is heavenly. That is what we mean when we say that at Koro Sun you can have an authentically Fijian experience," Lavekau adds.
"Our spa is not just about pampering the body to make you feel invigorated and recharged. It is also an opportunity to learn about the local culture and wildlife. That is why it begins with a walk through the forest."
The Rainforest Spa is an adventure on its own. All you have to do is get ready to see, hear, feel, and smell the essence of the islands.
What can visitors to Koro Sun expect soon?
Resort owner, Jack Young says there are plans to have a night spa which features kava drinking and other amazing features. "This is another exciting development we are introducing and it's all part of our quest to give our guests that satisfying authentically Fijian experience."
At the end of the banana leaf body wrap, I finally knew why spa has become an integral part of the resort holiday experience. I also realised what I have missed in a long time and why I definitely need regular spa pampering in 2020.