Home-Grown Wellness
HOW COMO SHAMBHALA IS HARNESSING THE POWER OF NATURE IN FIJI
Destination 5 minute read
In Fiji, the concept of wellness is firmly rooted in nature, community and ancestral knowledge. It’s why COMO Shambhala is such a natural fit at COMO Laucala Island, offering treatments and therapies focused on connection, natural ingredients and spiritual balance. Here we share our favourite treatments.
As the country is so geographically remote, Indigenous wisdom has always been an integral part of Fiji’s holistic health system. Traditional remedies and therapies remain popular today, from circulation-boosting local massage techniques to the use of dilo oil for skin repair, or ginger for inflammation. That vital local knowledge is woven into the treatments COMO Shambhala offers, harnessing traditional remedies and ingredients to deliver our signature cutting-edge wellness with a Fijian twist.
Coconut Bath
COMO Laucala Island has thousands of acres of tropical forest, making it a paradise for medicinal plants, from wild ginger to papaya and turmeric. But most important of all are the island’s coconut palms — locally known as the ‘tree of life’ because of their many uses. A coconut bath — prepared over 24 hours — is one of the most luxurious ways to enjoy the palms.
First, our gardening team head out to pick around 60 fresh coconuts, which produces around 10 litres of coconut milk. The milk is harvested and strained then poured into an outdoor bath at COMO Shambhala Retreat. The coconut bath is a simple treatment, and all the more powerful for it: just pure, nourishing coconut milk with no additives, delivered against a backdrop of birdsong and gentle waves.
Laucala Island Signature Treatment
COMO Laucala Island’s signature treatment begins with a deep-cleansing salt scrub with nourishing honey, yoghurt and coconut oil gathered from around the island. Freshly scraped papaya pulp is then wrapped around the body and secured with banana leaves to help the fruit’s vitamin A, C and E absorb into the skin — all powerful antioxidants which promote skin renewal, brightening and hydration.
Next, a Vichy shower gently cleanses the papaya, before a therapist delivers a 60-minute COMO Shambhala massage using a calming blend of geranium, lavender and bergamot oil to ease any residual tension.
Fijian Bobo Massage
Fijian Bobo massage is a traditional deep-tissue therapy created by Fijian village healers. The technique has evolved over generations and involves firm, rhythmic strokes, kneading, and pressure-point techniques. It’s delivered using hands, forearms, elbows and feet to target every muscle layer, and helps relieve tension, improve circulation and promote energy flow.
This is more intense than your average massage — Bobo was originally used to ease warriors, fishermen and farmers after long days of physical exertion — but if you want to experience a truly Fijian tradition together with deep muscle release, this is a great option.
For more information, or to book a wellness treatment at COMO Laucala Island, please contact our concierge team or your personal 'Tau'.
