In the fast paced and competitive global community that we find ourselves living in today it can be extremely difficult to truly relax and unwind. The stresses of work, of relationships and family as well as the general vicissitudes of life can all contribute towards and manifest feelings of anxiety, tension and frustration.

Sometimes stress management techniques and a few simple pleasures are enough to ease the burden but there are always those occasions when you just want to get away from it all. With this in mind I have taken a closer look at some of the best and most exclusive spa retreats in the world, institutions that offer much needed and genuinely thoughtful, attentive and rejuvenating experiences to relieve and revitalise mind, body and soul. If you feel like you are in of a luxury holiday, a stay at one of these renowned properties might be just what you need.

Four seasons resort, Bora Bora- The distant and secluded island of Bora Bora is place long associated with intimacy and privacy, so much so it has almost become a cliché. Nestled in the Indian Ocean amongst the French Polynesian Islands, Bora Bora is a haven of relaxation and respite. The award winning spa at the Four Seasons Resort harnesses the power of this incredible ecosystem, utilising local ingredients, organic products and the healing powers of the crystal clear Indian Ocean. The spa boasts a range of exclusive treatments including kahaia body scrubs with black pearl and vanilla, deep sea skin treatments and a soothing ‘sun salutation’ ritual engineered to restore moisture and vitality to the skin. The centre also provides a range of holistic body works, facial treatments and yoga. Complimentary facilities include steam room, vitality pool and a sensory and drench shower.

Pezula Resort and Spa, South Africa- Hidden away just outside the fashionable township of Knysna along South Africa’s stunning garden route, the Pezula is considered as one of Africa’s first truly luxury resorts. The award winning Pezula Spa enjoys an incredible array of facilities including a state of the art gymnasium, 12 metre heated indoor pool, outside Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, juice bar, rainforest shower, sunbeds, hair studio, nail bar and nine specified treatment rooms not to mention a post treatment room with heated massage water beds. Specialised treatments range from scrubs, wraps and massages to steam baths, milk baths and hydrotherapy.

One and Only Reethi Rah, The Maldives- Situated within 109 acres of private estate on the North Malé Atoll, this isolated island represents one of the last remaining remote paradises in the world. The spa itself was conceived by the renowned ESPA company, experts in spa design and management. Offering a fantastic array of therapies and treatments complimentary services also include fruits, delicious sorbet, ice tea, a steam room, vitality pool. The resort also maintains an itinerary of exclusive programs which include Hatha and Asthanga yoga, thai chi and cyclic meditation, thai boxing and a post workout regime.

The Sebel Reef House and Spa, Australia- Sebel Reef House is renowned across Australia as an award winning and pioneering boutique property and day spa. Nestled along the palm fringed beaches of the Northern Queensland peninsula the resort is setting new standards for holistic and innovative treatment and is already regarded as one of the leading establishments in Australasia and the South Pacific. The two story spa building is beautifully crafted to reflect the rugged rainforest environment of its locale. The intimate space offers 3 state of the art treatment rooms and a further two dual suites upstairs all equipped with the latest technologies for advanced therapies. The treatments themselves combine the ancient spirituality of the local aboriginal tribes with contemporary aromatherapy and herbalist practices.

We don’t blame you – Tahiti is a great choice and has been underrepresented on our Luxury Holiday Ideas blog.  We’re changing that with this post, though, and we aim to show you the best Tahiti has to offer in terms of fantastic luxury holidays.

First off, why Tahiti?

Quite simply, because Tahiti and Her Islands are simply stunning, providing the ultimate in relaxation for you combined with plenty of history and interesting things to do.  The country is sometimes still referred to as French Polynesia and is made up of over 118 diverse islands spanning five archipelagos.  They boast a great variety of scenery (though all beautiful and natural) and activities.

A visit to Tahiti most likely involves a resort by the beach, adventures in the water, and a bit of inland exploration to top it all off.

What to Do?

Tahiti is absolutely ideal for the nature lovers among us.  With its large variety of habitats, you’ll have plenty to explore and never feel like you’re seeing the same thing over again.  There are a variety of choices for exploring the natural landscape.  You can go on a 4 wheel drive safari through the interiors, discovering snowy mountain peaks, misty valleys, immense waterfalls, and spotting the occasional rare animal too.

If you’d rather spend time in or around the water, your options range from sailing to snorkelling to swimming with sharks and dolphins.  You might even choose to take a cruise and stay on the boat for at least part of your holiday.  Some cruise holidays are all-inclusive and even allow for you to spend time exploring on land, so this is an option well worth considering.

To get a little more intimate with the ocean floor and its great variety of marine life, you might consider snorkelling or scuba diving.  There are beautiful lagoon landscapes just waiting for you to swim through with a broad variety of colourful fish.  If you want to feed sharks (the harmless ones) or manta rays, you can do that too.

You may also wish to explore some of Tahiti and Her Islands’ history.  The islands have been host to a number of famous personalities and there are still remnants of their presence.  For example, you can visit Paul Gauguin’s grave on Atuona.  He was, arguably, the most important artist to live in French Polynesia, and as a result there is also a museum dedicated to his memory and even a replica of his house.  There are plenty of archaeological sites to explore if more ancient history is your style.

Where To Stay

The first thing you’ll need to consider when booking a Tahitian holiday is which island you’d like to stay on or whether you’d like to travel between islands.  There are a variety of great resorts available.

For example, if you choose to stay on the main island of Tahiti, you can stay at the Radisson Plaza Resort.  Located in the town of Arue, the former home of the Tahitian royal family, the resort pays homage to Tahiti’s past with framed black and white photographs depicting some of the most exciting moments in her history.  You’ll enjoy a gorgeous beach, indoor swimming pool, watersports, and a purpose-built spa and health club.  The resort has continued picking up traditions by re-establishing the Lafayette Bar, which was formerly located across the street and host to Tahiti’s vibrant night scene from the 40’s to the 60’s.

That’s just the first choice for hotels – there are many, many more.  Take some time to do your research and you’ll find a resort that’s just perfect for you and which will satisfy all of your needs.  Consider taking a break from your stressful life and book a luxury holiday in Tahiti today.