In this episode we talk about the most secluded and soul-soothing spa retreats in the South Pacific. For travelers who believe true wellness comes from disconnecting with the world and reconnecting with nature, these island escapes are the ultimate far-and-away experiences.

We venture to ultra-remote havens like The Brando, where treatments take place over a lagoon in open-air pavilions, and to the volcanic rainforests of Namale Spa in Fiji. Then it’s on to Aro Ha’s alpine detox retreat in New Zealand, where snow-capped peaks frame every breathwork session, and Vahine Island, a tiny paradise infused with the fragrance of Tahitian vanilla.

Expect insights into rare treatments—such as floating hydrotherm massages, seaweed facials at sunset, and sacred stone therapies with a view of Mount Otemanu. Plus, pro tips for booking hidden gems and secret rituals not advertised online. For those craving transformation far from the noise, this episode is your guide to the world’s most remote and restorative spa journeys.

In this episode we talk about the South Pacific’s most secluded luxury retreats—private islands where adventure meets elegance, and nature remains untouched. If your idea of the perfect getaway is to vanish into a tropical paradise known only to a few, this episode is your invitation to explore seven exclusive escapes.

We begin with full-island rentals like Motu Teta and Nukutepipi, where complete isolation is paired with bespoke service and stunning natural surroundings. Then we visit ultra-luxurious resort islands such as Vatuvara and Laucala, known for dramatic cliffs, organic farms, and unique experiences like private submarine dives or sailing across the Great Astrolabe Reef.

Listeners will get an insider’s look at the amenities and adventures that make these islands so extraordinary—private chefs, spa rituals in overwater villas, and custom excursions like deserted island picnics or expert-led snorkeling safaris. Each destination is a sanctuary for those seeking both solitude and unforgettable moments.

For adventurers who want more than just a vacation, these islands offer the journey of a lifetime—remote, refined, and radically rejuvenating. Get ready to escape far and away into the lap of luxury.

In this episode we talk about escaping the beaten path to discover lesser-known but spectacular spots for swimming with whales in the South Pacific. From the rugged coastline of Niue to the untouched coral gardens of Lifou Island, this guide is perfect for adventure seekers and wanderlusters craving intimate, awe-inspiring experiences with nature.

Discover when to plan your trip—typically between July and October—and which islands offer the most rewarding interactions with humpback whales. We cover five key destinations: Tonga’s Ha’apai and Vava’u islands, Moorea and Rurutu in French Polynesia, Niue’s unique limestone terrain, the tranquil Cook Islands, and the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia.

Each location promises its own adventure. Swim in open waters with mother-and-calf pairs in Tonga, explore the dramatic underwater cliffs of Rurutu, or enjoy a quiet moment with a breaching whale off the shores of Aitutaki. This episode also offers insider travel tips, like the best time of day for encounters and how to choose ethical, conservation-minded tour guides.

More than just a travel episode, this is a guide to transformative encounters—moments where you're not just an observer, but part of the marine world. Let this episode transport you far and away to the heart of the Pacific, where whales roam freely and memories are made beneath the waves.