Getting a tattoo at the Bounty Lodge
Treat yourself to the most beautiful souvenir from French Polynesia
Enjoy your stay at the Bounty Lodge and get tattooed, in partnership with Eric Gresset, a professional tattoo artist, one of the greatest Polynesian tattoo artists, internationally recognized with over 35 years of experience around the world.
Plan the time needed to get tattooed
Give us your basic idea to get an estimate of how long it will take for your tattoo to take shape. Send us your tattoo project by email to get your estimate.
Keep in mind that the larger the piece, the longer it will take to take shape on your body. For example, a full back with a lot of detail may take 10–12 hours of work, split into two sessions of 5 hours each, if you can endure 5 hours straight. Sometimes it's also necessary to wait for the healing process before making the necessary touch-ups, so that your tattoo is perfect!
Tatau, the Polynesian tattoo
More than a trend or a style, it is a mindset. The Polynesian tattoo represents the character and history of the tattooed person, it tells your story, your joys and your sorrows.
During your first meetings with Eric, everything will be focused on you and your story, and then will come the moment to bring it to life on your skin.
Your tattoo sessions take place in a dedicated studio equipped with sterilized devices, air-conditioned and meeting all sanitary standards for your comfort. After your tattoo session, you can relax by the pool at the Bounty Lodge, just 400 meters from the tattoo studio.
Eric Gresset, Polynesian Tattoo Artist
Originally from the Australes (Rurutu), Eric has been practicing tattooing for over 35 years. A specialist in peue (braiding) and Polynesian tattooing, his unique and completely personalized art allows him to meet all requests and styles. His listening skills and his mana (his power) allow him to understand and draw what your soul whispers.
More than just a tattoo, dare to meet a charismatic, mystical man who is well known in his field.
The origins of the Maohi tattoo
It was at the end of the 18th century that the word 'Tatau' was brought to the West by the navigator James Cook upon his return from his voyages to Polynesia. The word and practice of tatau are common in many Polynesian cultures. It was in 1769 that the word 'tattoo' entered common Western language, and in 1858 that the word 'Tatau' was officially 'Frenchified' to become 'Tatou,' just as the word 'Tabou' came from the Polynesian word 'Tabu,' meaning forbidden.
In Polynesian, the word Tatau means to strike, derived from the Tahitian word Ta-Atua, which is the combination of the words Ta (drawing inscribed in the skin) and Atua (spirit).
For Polynesians, tattooing was an outward sign of strength, power, and wealth. Chiefs and warriors were most often tattooed all over their bodies.
Banned by missionaries during their conquest of the Pacific islands at the end of the 18th century, the Polynesian tattoo has recently reemerged among Polynesians who wish to celebrate their origins and culture.
A complete artist
Eric is not only a tattoo artist, but an artist in the broader sense, sculpting on stone and wood, and painting and drawing in his spare time when he can express himself freely.
By getting tattooed in his shop, you will have the privilege of visiting his private art gallery.
You can view and purchase some of his works on the site acte4.art
