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The spa experience you need to try if you're addicted to the internet

I have a confession to make – I’m addicted to the internet, specifically my phone.

Often I’ll just find myself scrolling needlessly through social media not even digesting anything I’m looking at. I’m basically staring at a screen, for the sake of staring at a screen.

However all that opportunity to stare at absolutely nothing of relevance on my phone disappeared when I was in Fiji.

I unexpectedly had the internet taken away from me for nearly a whole day – and I admit, at first I had a bit of a freakout, just like many did today with Facebook and Instagram being down.

Staying at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa last year, I was given the opportunity to try out their overnight spa package, Dusk Till Dawn, at the expense of the hotel.

The package involves an overnight treatment and stay in the Shangri-La’s Chi Spa in their Fiji resort and it really is an oasis of relaxation.

The Chi Spa at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort is separate from the rest of the resort, to ensure optimum relaxation. Source: Supplied
The Chi Spa at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort is separate from the rest of the resort, to ensure optimum relaxation. Source: Supplied

When I arrived at around 4pm, of course I had my phone in tow in order to post to my Instagram stories to make all my friends and family back at home jealous.

I was ushered to my treatment room, and home for the night, and first on the agenda was a cleansing soak in the outside bath with views to die for.

Naturally as I was enjoying the sea view, watching the world go by I interrupted this blissful moment of relaxation to whip my phone out – Instagram time it was.

One of the few photos I took. Source: Supplied
One of the few photos I took. Source: Supplied

I went to post a story of the enviable views, but then realise where were the WiFi bars in the right-hand corner of my phone I relied on so much when I was abroad. They were no where to be seen.

Frantically I went to my settings to see whose internet I could connect to to post my oh-so important Instagram photo, but there were zero options for connection.

I was there in my relaxing bath, in the middle of paradise with the shocking realisation I would be without my beloved friend the internet for a good 16 hours. (Side note: I realise I could have switched my data on my phone, but I wasn’t about to pay those extortionate international charges to Telstra.)

Then I had an alarming thought, what if I actually take this opportunity to switch off from the world? Something I try to do time and time again, but never succeed at.

After taking some snaps – because regardless of my want to zen out, I still wanted to share my luxe experience with my family and friends – I put my phone down, and actually picked up my book and started reading.

Sipping on my fruit cocktail and munching on the seasonal fruit I was served, I was in a zen-filled bliss.

It was then time for me to have an aromatic herbal steam to prepare me for my all-over body skin polish. After being scrubbed down to a T, I felt like a smooth grecian goddess.

Then it was outdoor shower time, followed by a traditional Fijian Bobo massage which was heaven.

The heavenly oasis I experienced for the night. Source: Supplied
The heavenly oasis I experienced for the night. Source: Supplied

After all my treatments were done, it was time for me to sit down and indulge in my deliciously light dinner – chicken breast with glass noodle salad, and fruit for dessert.

It could have been a prime opportunity for me to go on my phone, even if just to play some mindless games but instead I got back to my gripping book – the Crazy Rich Asians book is a must read.

I drifted off into a natural sleep, not looking at my phone once and not even knowing what time it was, and awoke the next day totally refreshed – which, of course, isn’t hard when you’ve had a series of relaxing treatments.

It was then time for breakfast on the private balcony, followed by a customised facial which left me feeling like I was one of Rihanna’s Fenty highlighters because I was glowing that much.

At around 9am, it was time for me to depart my relaxation oasis and I still hadn’t even taken a second thought about my old friend the internet.

The Dusk Till Dawn treatment is a bespoke spa package only available at the Shangri-La Fiji – it costs around $320 for a single and $600 for a couple.

While it’s by no means cheap, if you have the opportunity to visit and love a good spa treatment, this is an experience that should definitely be on your bucket list.

Plus, if you’re an internet addict like me, you’ll be thankful to have some screen-free time – even if it is only for a short while.

This reporter’s spa treatment was provided by the Shangri-La Fijian Resort & Spa for the purpose of this review.

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