In Palau, Micronesia Nature's Spa & World-Class Traditional Spa Treatments

As one of the seven Underwater Wondersof the World, Palau is blessed with one of nature’s most coveted indigenous spas, the Milky Way, as well as traditional spas and treatments at three of the destination's most prestigious resorts.

The Milky Way

This is one of nature’s most coveted indigenous spas and is one of the most popular attractions for those visiting this archipelago of more than 586 islands.

The water of the Milky Way has an other-wordly blend of white and blue-green.

The Milky Way is at the foundation of a special cove locals call the “Milky Way.” Its creamy water gives off a cloudy mystique; its bottom is covered not by the sand one might expect, but instead by white limestone mud, which gives the water a milky sheen. It is rumored that the mysterious chalky mud makes an excellent rejuvenating facial, so tour guides make it a must-see pit stop for passengers visiting the Rock Islands.

Oh, what fun to apply the white limestone mud!
George Medovoy photos

Once safely ensconced in the secluded cove, guides abruptly dive off before the boat is even anchored, going down to the floor of the inlet to return with a huge handful of the white mud. Depending on the personality of the group, guides will either start playfully slathering the pungent mud upon the passengers, which often turns into a “mud fight,” or they will pull up buckets of the healing balm, which guests can apply themselves.

Once covered in the creamy substance, passengers are instructed to relax and bask in the sun, while the clay dries and the minerals work their magic. Once sufficiently dry, literally cracking at the seams, it’s time to jump into the milky water, rinse off and relish in the benefits of this natural body scrub that is said to fetch hundreds of dollars in some of the world’s best spas.

Elilai Spa by Mandara at the Palau Pacific Resort

In Bali, the healing arts are passed down from generation to generation, from mother to daughter; from father to son. Mandara Spa was founded upon this peaceful Balinese ritual and the critically-acclaimed spa embarked upon its journey with a simple desire to pass this healing knowledge on to all those seeking solace and relaxation.

In Palau, the Elilai Spa by Mandara at Palau Pacific Resort maintains its reverence for Balinese traditions. Because Micronesia does not itself have a tradition in the healing arts, it has adopted this tradition as it aligns well with Palau’s customs.

Sailboats in the water by the beach at Palau Pacific Resort.

The Elilai Spa by Mandara is located at the secluded end of the Palau Pacific Resort, taking advantage of its peaceful, soothing surroundings. The Spa Villas are built on an elevated area overlooking the private ocean bay, comprising of two double Deluxe Spa Villas and three single Spa Villas. The double Villas feature in-room private bath, steam shower and relaxation deck. The Tranquility Centre is located next to the beach, offering an amazing ocean view, housing the Spa Reception, retail Boutique, manicure and pedicure area. For more information, visit: www.palauppr.com/luxury-palau-,spa-en.html.

There are several treatments, but the signature options at Mandara Spa – Palau Pacific Resort are as follows:

- Milky Way Escape: This luxurious package begins with a refreshing peppermint foot ritual followed by an aromatic coco vanilla body scrub to soften the skin and prepare for the detoxifying white body mud, which will set while the guest is wrapped in a comforting spa cocoon. Next, the guest will luxuriate in a Milky Way bath, soak and finish with a muscle melting warm stone massage. Rates start at $270 for a two-hour-and-twenty-minute treatment.

- Mandara Massage: The signature treatment is performed by two therapists working together with a unique blend of five different massage styles – Shiatsu, Thai, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Swedish and Balinese. Rates start at $140 for 50-minute treatment.

- Elemis Skin Specific Facial: The facial combines the power of absolutes with true premium grade essential oils to treat the skin at the deepest level, gently but surely. Specialized Eastern massage movements help to stimulate and oxygenate skin, while bringing the body and mind into balance. Rates start at $95 for a 60-minute treatment.

Mangrove Spa at Palau Plantation Resort

A perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of adventure and island activity, Palau Plantation Resort’s Mangrove Spa is popular for offering traditional treatments with warm and friendly service. Nestled in a quiet jungle environment, guests can indulge in a unique array of services, including the Relax Massage Course, Facial Treatment, Foot Spa and total body Palauan Treatment. Spa packages are available upon request. Open Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Mangrove Spa features four treatment rooms: New Spa Room, Taro Terrace, Garden Terrace, Dry Massage Room, and the Wet Massage Room.

Rates for massage range from $30 for 30-minute treatments to $120 for two-hour treatments. One of the most unique services offered is the Noni Foot Spa, in which dried Noni leaves are used to remove rough, dry skin revealing healthy, glowing skin as well as the benefits of a relaxing foot massage. Rates for this service are only $35 for ½ hour treatment. For more information and special offers, visit: www.palauplantationresort.com/spa.html.

Melusch-Dil Skincare and Wellness Center

Melusch-Dil Skin Care & Wellness Center takes pride in being the original one-stop beauty salon and spa in Palau, offering an array of pampering and relaxing procedures and convenient beautification services. This full-service spa and salon features everything from massage (signature Aromatic Aruga Massage, Swedish, Shiatsu, Therapeutic “Filipino,” foot, back and Indian Head Massage) and body scrubs to hair salon and nail services and facial treatments (deep cleansing, bionic, Jet Lag, Oxygenerating, silk peel and non-surgical facelift). Rates range from $10 for manicure or pedicure to $150 for CO2 Mask Facelift. For more information and special offers, visit: www.melusch-dil.com/.

Where Is Palau?

Located in the westernmost corner of Micronesia, Palau is an archipelago of more than 586 islands with about 20,000 inhabitants. Consistently ranked as one of the world's best dive destinations, Palau is the ultimate paradise for the adventurous traveler, boasting some of the most spectacular water features and beaches as well as the world famous Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.

Palau has more than 1,450 species of fish and 500 species of coral and has been called by some the "8th Natural Wonder of the World," while others have identified Palau as "One of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World." For more information about Palau, please visit www.visit-palau.com.