Where to Experience Traditional Fijian Massages in Fiji
Fiji is at the forefront when it comes to relaxation. Some major R&R is the main reason why travellers flock to the Fiji islands! One of the best ways to get the ultimate relaxation experience is by taking advantage of the international award-winning spas peppered across Fiji’s islands. But don’t just settle for your standard “Swedish Massage” that you’ve probably tried a thousand times. When in Fiji, try a traditional Fijian massage. There are two main types of Fijian massages, which have been passed down from generation to generation: the soothing and body-healing bobo massage and the deep-tissue barefoot Fijian massage. In this guide, you’ll find out where to experience these types of Fijian Massage in Fiji.
Plus, while you’re here, check out the 20 Best Spa Resorts in Fiji.
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Try a Fijian Massage at Least Once
Imagine sinking into a state of pure bliss as skilled hands (and feet!) work their magic on your tired muscles. That’s exactly what awaits you with a traditional Fijian massage! This centuries-old practice isn’t just a treat for your body; it’s a journey into the heart of Fijian culture. Ready to discover why you should add this experience to your Fiji bucket list?
- Some traditional techniques use the masseuse’s feet – much more effective than using hands and elbows.
- You can choose between treatments with natural Fijian massage oils or those that don’t require you to remove your clothes at all – you decide!
- Massage oils are sourced from Fiji using only natural ingredients and truly tropical aromas.
- Fijian massages are a natural pain relief and relaxation technique that has been used for centuries, even after the introduction of Western medicine into Fiji.
- You can experience a Fijian massage in one of the many stunning venues across Fiji.
Intrigued? We thought you might be! Keep reading to discover the best places to indulge in this heavenly Fijian tradition.
© FijiPocketGuide.comWhere to Experience a Bobo Massage in Fiji
One of the most common and utterly blissful traditional Fijian massage types you can find on spa menus in Fiji is the Bobo Massage. The Bobo Massage is an effective way to enhance total well-being, with techniques combining long strokes, kneading and palm-over-palm motions.
Why Get a Bobo Massage
Isolated on remote Pacific Islands for centuries, the Fijians have relied on the land and created their own techniques to sustain the health and well-being of their people.
After a hard day of working, whether it’s weaving, fishing or even the straining work of climbing a tree to collect coconuts, even Fijians, a seemingly relaxed group of people, have needed to find ways to release tensions in the body and revive their muscles.
For centuries, islanders have been going to their village’s masseuse to help ease the pain of the body’s day-to-day struggles.
The result? A technique using the feet to get a full, deep-tissue massage that not only relieves pain but is utterly relaxing.
The technique that the Fijians use for massages may differ slightly from village to village, but is now collectively known around the world as the “Fijian” or “Bobo” massage. Experiencing one is a must-do when visiting Fiji!
Where to Get a Bobo Massage in Fiji
Shangri-la Fijian Resort & Spa, Yanuca Island on Viti Levu’s Coral Coast, blends a Bobo Massage with rich exotic oils including the Fijian medicinal herbs of Makita and Macou. They also offer a Fijian Shell Massage and Fijian Soothing Wrap.
At the Nanuku Resort on Viti Levu’s Pacific Harbour, Bobo Massages are also on the menu, as well as other holistic healing traditions used by Fijians.
For a more affordable spa menu, head to the Island Surf Spa & Beauty at Hotel BulaBard in Wailoaloa, Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, and on the road to Denarau Island. Along with their extensive range of massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, tinting and braiding, is the Bobo Massage.
On Denarau Island, Oasis Spa is a tranquil oasis that boasts soothing decor and multiple rooms for couples and individual treatments, of which a traditional “Bobo Massage” is available. Whether you’re after a quick pamper or a full day of relaxation, Oasis Spa has you covered!
Finally, one of the best resorts for a health and wellness escape, the Daku Resort on Vanua Levu, offers the Bobo Massage, as well as the “Fijian Champissage”, which focuses on the head, neck and shoulders.
For the full list and more about the Bobo Massage, head over to our complete guide, What is a Fijian Bobo Massage + 10 Spas You Must Try.
© FijiPocketGuide.comWhere to Get a Barefoot Fijian Massage
In spas all over the world, barefoot massages are better known as a “Fijian Massage” thanks to their origins right here in the Fiji islands.
The Fijian foot massage is a type of deep-tissue massage that works much more effectively than a deep-tissue massage done with the hands or elbows. Skilful masseuses use different parts of the foot to apply different pressures, releasing tension and increasing circulation, mobility and flexibility.
How Does a Fijian Foot Massage Work?
Foot massage techniques differ depending on the masseuse’s preference or what traditions have been passed down in their village. The first thing to note is that Fijian massages do not involve walking on the back.
Masseuses will either have one foot on the ground and massage with the other foot, sit in a chair to use both feet or hold onto an overhead bar or rope in order to apply just the right amount of pressure.
Experiencing a Fijian foot massage can be extremely effective due to the different pressures applied by different areas of the foot. The base of the heel and sole of the foot provide gentle pressure, while the toes give concentrated strokes.
The sides of the feet, as well as the metatarsophalangeal joint (the joint between the toes and foot), can go deeper into the muscles.
Finally, the feet have many nerve endings, similar to the hands, so a skilful masseuse can feel for the sore areas with their feet.
What Are the Benefits of a Fijian Foot Massage?
- Fijian massages offer fast relief from pain
- You often only need one session to feel pain relief
- Fijian massages are made to make you feel relaxed during and after the session
- You don’t need to take your clothes off for most foot massages
- Oils are not essential
- Many Fijian massages use a combination of hands and feet to experience the best of both worlds if you want to.
Where to Get a Barefoot Fijian Massage in Fiji
Just a short drive from Nadi in the city of Lautoka is The Fiji Orchid with its own spa bure. Its signature massage is the traditional barefoot Fijian Massage so trying it is a must!
Alternatively, get off the beaten track at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on Vanua Levu. As part of their full spa menu, the resort spa offers the barefoot Fijian Massage identified on the menu as the “Bula Mai”. They also do the Bobo Massage.
© FijiPocketGuide.comSpas Using Fijian Plant Extracts
The last important aspect of a Fijian massage that you might want to look for is those that use natural and locally sourced massage products.
What makes the massage oils in Fiji so special? They use locally sourced natural ingredients, such as nut and coconut oil and flower extracts.
Using Fijian massage oils gives the added benefit of hydrating and nourishing the skin while directing anti-oxidants, vitamins, and Omegas in areas of the skin where the skin needs them the most.
On top of all of this, the aromas of the oils help put you in a deep state of relaxation.
Fijian massage products are used in spas and massage parlours worldwide. Any regular spa-goer will recognise brands like Pure Fiji.
Where to Get a Massage in Fiji Using Natural Fijian Spa Products
We haven’t come across any spa in Fiji that isn’t using spa products that use local spa products or those naturally derived from Fiji. However, there are a few special spas worth noting.
Located just five minutes from Nadi International Airport, Nama Spa offers a luxurious retreat for travellers using its own line of spa products made from Fiji seagrapes, adding a unique touch to your pampering experience.
COMO Laucala Resort on Laucala Island, just of Taveuni, is where you’re likely to find the freshest ingredients from their very own Spa Garden. Guests are encouraged to pick their own herbs, spices, flowers and fruits to make essential oil in their Spa Kitchen.
No doubt you will have heard about Pure Fiji’s products, using natural Fijian ingredients. Experience these popular massage products in action at the Pure Fiji Day Spa in Suva.
Turtle Island Fiji, the luxury resort located at the Blue Lagoon in the Yasawa Islands, provides Polynesian-style massages combined with pure and natural Fijian massage oils. Natural products are also used for their facial and body scrubs.
© FijiPocketGuide.comWhy the Environment Matters for a Fijian Massage
While the Fijian massage is a technique being used more and more in spas all around the world, nothing quite beats experiencing a Fijian massage on the islands of Fiji.
The warm tropical weather, the typical Fijian masseuse who naturally gives off an aurora of relaxation, and the sights and sounds of the Fijian islands complete the whole Fijian massage experience.
Fijian spas and spa resorts often have specially positioned massage areas for ultimate relaxation, whether it’s on the waterfront under the shade of a palm tree or in a private room tastefully decorated with traditional Fijian artefacts.
Check out our 25 Best Spa Resorts in Fiji, as well as the 20 Best Spas in Fiji, to see the best locations for experiencing a Fijian massage.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5 More Ways to Relax in Fiji
Aside from relaxing with a Fijian massage, there are more ways to relax in Fiji:
- Indulge in a retreat and wellness program
- Relax by the beach or pool
- Unwind in a natural hot pool
- Go on a yoga retreat
- Make your own Fijian essential oils…
… Find out the best places to relax in Fiji with our 10 Best Ways to Relax in Fiji.
More About Getting a Fijian Massage
That’s it for our guide to getting a Fijian massage; for more information about relaxation and wellness in Fiji, check out the following articles:
- 20 Best Spas in Fiji
- 10 Feel-Good Fiji Eco Resorts
- What Does Fiji Time Mean? (& What You Need to Know About It)
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
![10 Best Spas on Denarau Island 💆🏻♀️ [2025]](https://fijipocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Massage-1-CREDIT-Fiji-Pocket-Guide--e1726615283921-900x490.jpg)