Christmas countdown: a trip to Chuan Spa for a taste of the Tropics

One of my favourite local beauty destinations – and one I’m always recommending, without fail – is Chuan Spa at The Langham. Every treatment have ever experienced there has been first class, and they are always introducing new ones that are as luxurious as they are unique.

They are always looking to incorporate a local element to their treatments if it suits too, and the latest to be added to the line up is the most incredible

Polynesian-style treatment called the Polynesia Spa Ritual.

It’s the work of the highly respected Thalgo spa brand, who has drawn inspiration from Polynesian beauty rituals to create something completely indulgent and unique, that has to be experience to be believed.

Polynesia has given Thalgo its main active ingredient for the range: the Algomonoi, a combination of algae and Monoi. There is perfect harmony between Tahitian Monoi, with its protective and hydrating effects, and the brown algae, rich in trace elements such as magnesium, which has excellent de-stressing properties.

The experience itself takes two hours and encompasses four steps, each being a stopover on a Polynesian island. I popped in to try it one rather gloomy Auckland afternoon, and seriously felt like I’d been on a tropical escape when my time was up! The full rundown of what to expect is thus:

1. Taha’a – The Vanilla Island

The treatment begins with a stop on the Vanilla island with an Exotic Island Body Scrub.  This exquisite scrub of Bora Bora white sand, sea salt, and coconut extract mixed with soothing Monoi and Vanilla oils smoothens and softens your skin, making it soft and radiant. My therapist Jasmin was an absolute expert when it came to wielding this scrub, leaving my skin soft as the baby’s proverbial and smelling amazing.

2. Manihi – The Lagoon Island

The voyage continues on the Lagoon Island with  “Lagoon Water” Bath Pebbles positioned beneath your back while you luxuriate in a sapphire blue-hued, tiled bath. The effervescent pebbles generate hundreds of relaxing micro-bubbles on contact with water, and also release their beneficial active ingredients to protect and moisturise the skin.  I spent around 15 minutes in near darkness and seriously didn’t want to get out.

3. Bora Bora – The Island of White Sand

Next up was the Mahana Massage, a slow yet powerful massage with pouches of warm sand. This sends relaxation deep into the muscles and is a bit like a hot stone massage with a twist.

4. Raiatea – The Sacred Island

The voyage ends with an application of Polynesia Sacred Oil, enriched and scented with Tahitian Monoi.  This leaves your skin with a yummy pearlescent glow and – once again – smelling like heaven.

The cost of this slice of gorgeousness: Single NZ$260.00 or Couple NZ$495.00, making it a great Christmas or New Year’s treat for yourself or a friend. So what are you waiting for? We’ve booked in to spend New Year’s Eve at The Langham this year and I may just swing by for another!

As a special promotion to launch the new Thalgo Polynesia Spa Ritual, from 1st Dec 2012 to 31st Jan 2013 you can enjoy a “Taste of the Tropics”, with a 90min Thalgo Polynesia Spa Ritual treatment and a mini pedicure OR foot massage (30 mins) for only $220.  **Available Monday to Friday 9am to 10pm**