The wind is a little wild; I can hear it racing through the long grass and while I know it isn't possible, I swear I hear each blade rustle as it is touched. The ocean is crashing in the near distance, creating an orchestra of beautiful sounds. Even the birds are chirping. It is probably my blissful state, but I cannot help but acknowledge what a beautiful time this is for me, and I know that I ‚ the quintessential city-slicker ‚ am lucky to have the opportunity to be able to feel so connected to nature.

And why am I in this heightened state of awareness? It is all to do with Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji's new Bebe Spa. After spending the previous afternoon at the divine Bebe (pronounced Behm-beh -the Fijian word for 'butterfly') Spa, I am back for another round.

I had asked my therapist, Romina, to suggest a massage to follow up after my fabulous introduction, and she recommended the Balinese Massage. She was right. I am more relaxed than I have been in years, although, to be honest, I think it is a mix of her talented hands and the amazing sounds from outside which nature is conjuring up.

This is one of the unique aspects of the Bebe Spa: it has been designed to really make you feel in touch with nature, with each of the treatment rooms flowing onto a balcony which is perched to maximise the stunning location, and to allow nature to meld with inside. The resort bills their new $3 million spa as 'The Spa in the Sky' and it is one of those rare occasions where there is absolutely no marketing hype. From the green mountains to the left and right, to the endless ocean expanse in front, the views are totally unobstructed and to die for.

My husband and I are in Fiji for a quick visit of only three nights, so short in fact that we fi gured we needed a lot of time at the spa! The fi rst treatment we booked was the Dro Thani ‚one of Bebe's signature offerings. Dro Thani includes the beautiful essential oil of roses with which an aromatherapy massage is given. It is then on to a full body scrub of rose and coconut, followed by a mini-facial using the renowned spa product Pevonia. The 'piece de resistance', at least for me, was the gorgeous milk bath in the deep hydro bath on the private balcony. Did I mention that the views from here are quite simply stunning?

We visited the spa every day, and experienced everything from the stone massage, to a pedicure, and my husband even managed to get his head shaved at the fully equipped hair salon‚ complete with hairdresser extraordinaire, Ben, from Los Angeles. Three days later, we left the resort a totally different couple to the world-weary one that walked in.

While Fiji ‚and the South Pacific for that matter ‚ has certainly started to embrace the worldwide trend for spa holidays with the opening of several high-class resorts with spas in recent years, it seems that Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji‚Äôs new Bebe Spa will really help to put Fiji on the spa aficionado's radar. Nothing has been overlooked ‚ from the private and stunning locale that is separate to but easy to get to from the resort, to the gorgeous spa products (Pevonia and Pure Fiji, ensuring a nice mix), the extensive spa menu, well trained spa therapists and stunning treatment rooms, there is nothing more one could wish for on their spa holiday.

Quick Facts:

TREATMENT ROOMS: There are seven rooms, each with private open-air balconies that offer one of the best views in Fiji. Four balconies have a hydrotherapy tub, and all feature the Showers in the Sky.

MORE INFORMATION ON BEBE SPA: You can view the full spa menu online.

THE RESORT: Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji is situated on the Coral Coast, approximately two hours drive from Nadi Airport.

CONTACT: 679 650 0044 or visit www.outrigger.com

• Author
• Tanya Joslin
• Magazine
• Holidays for Couples
• October 2005