On the island of Raiatea, a mother and her daughter invite guests to return to their roots.
Vicky and Eva have created their own haven of peace, a forty-five minute flight from Tahiti on the island of Raiatea.As a teenager, Eva Bourgeois didn’t appreciate her luck. “When I was 13, I didn’t understand my mother’s lifestyle, the garden, the distance. I learned about the wealth of her choice. I wanted to share our vision with those who need it in 2020.” The 250-hectare estate belongs to Vicky’s great-grandmother, on which she learned to farm for food. planting vanilla, cocoa and coffee. The island is full of history. It is the first inhabited in the region. It fits die, (holy place, editor’s note)the most spectacular in Polynesia. “Before colonization, my great grandmother was a great chief and we are here on royal land. When the settlers came, half of this land was confiscated.”
After a childhood in New Caledonia and young years in Tahiti, Vicki decided to return and live in the land of her ancestors in 2010. A return to her roots, which she did not alone, but accompanied by her mother and her daughter. “Three Women for the River” Just cross the park and go down a small path. you hear it before you see it. It’s the river that flows just a few minutes from their house. Upon arrival, Vicki offers her guests to relax in the stream and cover themselves with the natural scrub that she prepares, no a noise apart from nature, a non-existent telephone network, lush vegetation… everything combines to experience an extraordinary disconnection. Every day, different activities enrich this special moments.
Vicky’s vegan cooking courses
Mathias Lind
In 2000, at the age of 63, Vicky had to face breast cancer and travel to France for treatment. This ordeal radically changes the way she takes care of herself and her interest in the healing power of plants grows.She decides to switch to an all-vegetarian diet and share these lessons with her guests. All meals are mainly from the vegetable garden and the experience is only available on a full board basis.If eating healthy is not an option at Niu Shack, Vicky’s variety and great dishes will please everyone, even those who are used to loving meat and fish.
The cooking class is easy to book, and is open to everyone.You have to schedule a four-hour class starting at 9 a.m. Then everyone sits around a table surrounded by dogs and cats, the first residents of the place, and we taste is the varied and balanced cuisine taught by Vicky. At the end of the meal, you leave with your recipe and our host offers an invigorating bath in the river.
If you are not staying full board and just want to take a cooking class, the price is 7000 Pacific Francs or 59 Euros.
Yoga nestled in the trees, customized
Louise Gilles Compagnon
When we arrived, we met Naiki for a yoga class in a private or group setting in the treehouse near the vegetable garden, which can accommodate up to eight people. A traditional “river ritual” allows for total relaxation. “We’ve developed a natural cosmetic that adapts to your skin type. We’ve used Marquesas sandalwood powder, which softens and soothes irritation. Then, coconut pulp is nourishing and exfoliating for the side, and finally brown sugar so that the composition is biodegradable and can enter the river.Ylang-ylang oil, enveloping and soothing, floral adds aroma to cooking and “calms” a person on a sensory level.
At Niu Shack we emphasize the five senses, the river becomes the theater in which our well-being is displayed. Then he does a back scrub and those areas of the body that are hard to reach. other. Stratification is not a paid service, but more of an appointment.”
A yoga class lasts about an hour. Trained in Yin, Vinyasa, and Hatha, he offers practices based on his felt needs. Some clients know exactly what they want to practice, but the only constant is integrating poetry into their culture.” Acknowledging nature is a Polynesian value that can be shared through song and yoga manathe spiritual energy that is in our valley allows us to be nourished within.”
If the number of participants increases, the price does not change. Calculate 10,000 Pacific Francs or 100 Euros.
Naiki massages, relaxation and ukulele
Louise Gilles Compagnon
Massages are customized; practitioners give their opinion on what a person needs.Naiki has no map and prefers to adapt her massage to the people she meets. The meeting lasts at least an hour and a half or even two hours, depending on the needs. “I often play a musical instrument at the end. Often ukulele. It is still more practical to move to the top of the valley. For large groups, I have a team of masseurs that I travel with and we arrive with our yoga tables. Trained in India, Switzerland, France and Morocco for years, Naiki has traveled the world to participate. in her classes, both yoga and massage.
Charge 10,000 Pacific Francs or 100 Euros per service.
How to get to Niu Shack?
Their valley is located in Raiatea, nicknamed the holy island. Raiatea Airport is located on the main island in the municipality of Uturoa. 15 km from the airport, on the west coast, you will find a path that leads to the Niu hut. for the loaded ones.That’s Vicky driving her 4×4 to pick up her guests.
How to book a night?
Eva and Vicky offer an immersive stay in partnership with the local travel agency Turquoise TO. If you want to stay at Vicky’s, you must allow a minimum of three nights with full meals. However, you can book the day’s activities directly through their website.
It’s 20,000 pacific francs (168 euros) per night and 30,000 pacific francs (252 euros) per night.
Source: Le Figaro
