Discover the Monoï Route of Tahiti
The island of Tahiti, a natural paradise
Tahiti, located at the heart of French Polynesia, is a highly sought-after travel destination. This group of islands in the Pacific Ocean is famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, bordered by palm trees. The Monoï Route, which crosses the archipelago of the Windward Islands, offers a spectacular tourist itinerary.
What is Monoï?
Tahiti Monoï is an oily product with a delicious scent, recognized for its therapeutic properties. This oil is a source of pride for the people of French Polynesia, who produce it from natural ingredients such as tiaré flowers and coconuts.
What is the Monoï Route?
The Monoï Route is a major tourist route that offers visitors the opportunity to discover Tahiti's sacred oil. It includes 26 different stops, allowing travelers to discover Monoï in all its aspects, from its origin to its many uses.
Monoï is also closely linked to Tahitian customs and traditions. The Monoï Route therefore allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of the archipelago. During the learning sessions, you will meet the greatest experts in oil production, allowing you to understand the mysteries of its creation while enjoying the magnificent landscapes of Tahiti. The Monoï Route is also perfect for sustainable tourism. The exceptional biodiversity of Tahiti is indeed widely known.
In summary, the Monoï Route of Tahiti is an immersive journey into the natural, cultural, and botanical world of the archipelago. You will be able to discover the ingredients and production of Monoï, learn about Tahitian customs and traditions, and explore the floral biodiversity of the island. You will also have the opportunity to visit historical sites and enjoy views of the mountains and Ōpūnohu Bay. All of this makes the Monoï Route a unique experience for nature lovers and those who enjoy discovery.
The botany of the Monoï Route
Monoï oil is traditionally made, and the Monoï Route offers 10 stops to discover the plants that are the source of this fragrant oil. Across the archipelago, you will visit natural sites where tiare flowers are cultivated and breathtaking coconut plantations.
During the botanical workshops, you will identify around thirty plants used in the making of oils in French Polynesia. You can also visit the island's greenhouses and learn more about medicinal plants. You will also discover the art of floral decoration by following course modules.
The Monoï Road in Tahiti also offers access to historical sites in the archipelago, such as Ōpūnohu Bay and Mount Tohiea, which offers a breathtaking view at an altitude of 1,207 meters.
The production of Monoï on the island of Tahiti can be explored through the Monoï Route.
This guide features 10 steps to understand the production process of this naturally scented oil. You will see how the coconut is transformed into oil using traditional Polynesian techniques, including at Marae Arahurahu in Paea and at Robert Peretia’s in Papara.
In addition, you will discover the industrial production of Monoï in the laboratories and perfumeries of the island. The Tipaerui Valley, right in the heart of the Polynesian capital, is another place not to be missed. Also visit the island's soap factory to discover another side of the Monoï production while enjoying the view of the mountain.
Relaxation and well-being on the Monoï Route and at Bounty Lodge
The Monoï Route also offers moments of relaxation and well-being. You can discover the different Monoï markets. The Papeete market is an essential meeting place, where you can discover both traditional and industrial Monoï sales.
The Bounty Lodge offers a traditional Tahitian massage Taurumi with warm monoï oil for an unforgettable experience of relaxation and well-being. Enjoy these moments of relaxation by the sea to redefine the concept of relaxation. The Tahiti Monoï Route is full of surprises and discoveries.
The origins of Monoï
The Monoï was born from the alliance between coconut oil and the flower of the Tiare Tahiti. This skincare and beauty product was already used by the Mā'ohi. However, it was from 1940, when the perfumery Tiki began to market the oil made according to traditional rules, that Monoï gained real recognition. Today, many companies offer Monoï in various forms such as sunscreen, shampoo, or shower gel. Its hydrating power and exotic fragrance make it a product appreciated worldwide.
Our Well-being Treatments with Tahiti Monoï in the comfort of your room at the Bounty Lodge
Tahitian Massage of one hour
Full-body massage with warm Monoï oil. It works deeply on the muscles. A relaxing and energizing massage.
Tahitian Ritual Massage ® of 2 hours 30
Exfoliating scrub with Polynesian exfoliants of your choice, combinable on the entire body – white sand from Bora Bora, black sand from Tahiti, coconut powder and pulp, vanilla powder. Followed by a traditional Tahitian massage with warm monoï oil. This massage brings a rich Polynesian sensory experience, softens and gives radiance to your skin. Acts as a muscle relaxant and provides overall body relaxation.
View our Massage and Well-being TreatmentsThe creation of the Monoï Route
The Monoï Institute created the Monoï Route to reveal the benefits and secrets of making this sacred oil. This itinerary includes 22 fascinating stops on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea, offering the opportunity to visit botanical workshops, watch a demonstration of traditional Monoï production, and even receive a massage with warm Monoï oil.
The Monoï Route offers a dive into Tahiti's ancestral traditions while exploring the island's magnificent landscapes, from tiaré fields to the lush mountains of Moorea. It is a unique opportunity to discover French Polynesia in an authentic and unforgettable way.
https://youtu.be/miwh31a-ZGcThe 22 stops of the Monoï Route
This is an excellent opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in Polynesian culture, learn about the history and production of Monoï, and experience the products through various institutes and spas. The Monoï Route is a unique itinerary offering an immersive and sensory experience, a true journey into the world of Monoï.
Few travelers take the time to complete the entire Monoï Route, but any trip to Tahiti should include at least 2 or 3 stops from the itinerary. The 22 stops are divided into three main themes: culture, production, and use:
- Culture through tiaré fields, the botanical workshop, or the medicinal plants conservatory (stops 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20)
- Production through the laboratory, perfumery, oil mill, or soap factory (stops 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16)
- The use throughout the markets, institutes and Spas (stops 1, 3, 7, 21, 22)
4 bonus steps on Moorea
Since 2013, due to the success of the Monoï Route in Tahiti, the Monoï Institute decided to add 4 additional stops on the neighboring island of Moorea:
- The agricultural vocational high school of Opunohu where a workshop allows us to discover the different production methods of Monoï.
- Tahiti Arômes, where you can visit one of the largest tiaré plantations in all of French Polynesia.
- Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa where travelers come to be massaged according to Polynesian traditions.
- Atitia Center where you can witness a demonstration of artisanal monoï production in a botanical garden.
Map of the Monoï Route in Tahiti
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- monoi road map
Book your accommodation at the Bounty Lodge to follow the Monoï Route in Tahiti in several stages.
Located right in the heart of the Monoï Route, the Bounty Lodge offers luxurious accommodations, including a comfortable villa with a private pool and three fully equipped bungalows with a shared pool. The entire property can be privatized for your stay in Tahiti.
Located in Arue, near Papeete in a peaceful and private neighborhood, the property surrounded by lush greenery offers a panoramic view of the ocean. It is located just 5 minutes from the perimeter road and 5 km from the city center of Papeete.
The lodge offers a variety of activities on-site and nearby, such as massage sessions, yoga, snorkeling, and excursions. Popular points of interest in the area include Pipine, Papawa, and Te Rua Pua. The nearest international airport, Tahiti Faa'aa Airport, is 12.1 km from the lodge.
Book Accommodation at Bounty Lodge
