Day spas, resort retreats, even private-island extravagances… it's all here.

By Sarah Muñoz

From a powerful four-hands therapy amidst a vivid swirl of Caribbean colour to a slow and tender rub in the comfort of your own guest room, the BVI's spas provide a wide array of choices to invigorate, soothe and heal, with dramatic vistas offering a glorious departure from one's routine. The chain of islands' inspiring landscapes create an enticing ambience to be pampered, with top-notch spas and powerful treatments adding a sprinkle of joy to your escape.

Spas here take advantage of indigenous flora to add some local spice to your experience of island gratification. Much of the local plant and marine life — and even goat's milk — bestow a special glow or extra helping of healing to body and mind when mixed into wraps, facial masks and more. Imagine, for instance, a eucalyptus-infused foot soak with a sugar scrub, followed by a honey facial to revive your complexion! Citric fruits such as lemon and grapefruit are used to exfoliate, control excess oils and heal the skin, while others such as mango, papaya, avocado and coconut make great moisturizers (the papain enzyme found in papaya is also wonderful for softening the skin). The high concentration of antioxidants and minerals in seaweed also provides a great base for body treatments. And besides the islands' bounty — let's not forget the soothing murmur of the ocean around you, a free perk for all visitors of the BVI — the region's influx of cultural influences has seeped into the BVI's traditional techniques to provide a decadent experience for all who venture to one of our spas.

A Spa to remember

Regardless of where you stay, you're bound to find a memorable treatment or massage not too far away. Many large resorts and hotels feature on-site facilities with such spa-creature comforts as private cabana rubs, chocolate wraps in-suite or poolside aromatherapy massages. There are also a number of independent spas around the islands where you can spend an hour or a day, or even have an expert masseuse come directly to your lodgings (make sure you book all desired services ahead of time).

The Sea Spa at Myett's in Tortola's Cane Garden Bay literally brings the healing properties of the sea and surroundings to your feet. Private tents sit right on the beach, and natural ingredients make their way into many a treatment. Its Relaxation Massage is a popular favourite, performed by a powerful expert's deft fingertips. This is bliss as it should be served — naturally!

In Road Town there's The Bougainvillea Clinic, which specialises in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, yet also has spa-inspired services. This all-encompassing centre is staffed by certified physicians and features a range of more invasive options — from eye surgery to a body lift — yet also offers a number of "lighter" treatments: microdermabrasion to freshen skin affected by spotting and scarring; Restylane to fill in fine lines; and ultra red light treatments to deal with hair removal.

Capturing the lavish, fancy-free feel of Virgin Gorda, Little Dix Bay, A Rosewood Resort, brings together a delectable spa menu for guests' happiness and replenishment. Guests can choose to be pampered in their own suites, under the Caribbean stars or by the beach. The resort even features a Cliff Spa Suite, which includes private facilities for indoor and outdoor treatments, as well as a whirlpool and inspiring views of the sea and nearby islands. Among Little Dix Bay's signature treatments is the Cool Aquastones & Aloe Therapy, a soothing tonic and massage for post-sunning bodies, and the Virgin Gorda Goat Milk & Honey Wrap, a fresh body mask of local honey, bananas and goat milk. Other "musts" here once you've had your share of sun are the Aloe Mint Glaze to re-hydrate and cool your skin and the Luscious Lips, which exfoliates and heals lacklustre pouts with citrus.

The Spa in Virgin Gorda's Leverick Bay Marina serves up a wealth of exotic treatments — from aloe facials to the Island Cooler (a body scrub with natural sea salt from Salt Island followed by an aloe body wrap). The Spa features an ethnically diverse staff that has brought together treatments and knowledge from around the world, including Indian-style massages and Reiki (which helps balance the flow of energy in the body). It can provide services to clients off-site, including yachts and hotels, yet its homey location has a wet room, sauna and treatment rooms for those who'd rather stop by.

For the most private of indulgences, head to The Spa at Peter Island Resort and revel in the island's luxurious ambience. The 10,000-square-foot spa has a full spa menu, 10 treatment rooms plus two outdoor bohios, a relaxation pool and hair salon. Couples seeking tandem pampering can head to a Spa Suite and relax in hydrotherapy soaking tubs before receiving top-notch massages on adjacent treatment tables. The Spa also offers Kur sessions in which natural resources are used to exfoliate, massage and lead tired bodies into Caribbean euphoria.

Bougainvillea Clinic
P.O. Box 378
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 494-2181
Fax: 494-6609
This small, privately owned hospital specializes in aesthetic, reconstructive and general surgeries. Founded more than 30 years ago, the Bougainvillea Clinic has a long-established reputation for excellence, discretion and care among an international clientele. In addition to cosmetic surgery, general medical and emergency care is provided, should the need arise.

Myett's Sea Spa
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Tel: 495-9649
Fax: 495-9579
E-mail: myettent@surfbvi.com
Website: www.myettent.com
Extend the bliss of your holiday with a relaxation massage at Myett's Sea Spa. Customized to suit your needs, this gentle but firm massage will relax your mind and body, bringing you into balance with the rhythm of island living.

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