The spa at the Oberoi Resort, Mauritius. Photo courtesy Oberoi Resort.

It must have been the coconut. After the most delicious massage I've ever enjoyed, I awoke covered with curly white aromatic shavings like a giant macaroon.

I had fallen asleep as my petite masseuse administered the "paillasson" at the spa in the Oberoi Resort on Mauritius. The therapy involved the entire coconut - first, a full body scrub with the coir husk, then a peeling with the soft, white interior and finally, a rub with scented oil.

Bliss!

But, now, my time was up and she wanted me awake and gone to my frangipani-scented shower.

Reluctantly, I rolled off the table and wrapped myself in the plush terrycloth bathrobe, slipping my feet - even they had been coconut oiled -- into the scuffs. With one last wistful glance at the waterfall out the window, I headed back to the dressing room.

One reason to visit a resort is to step out of the ordinary. Instead of deadlines and traffic, there's leisure and tranquility. If there's a spa on site, all the better. An appointment with someone whose only job is to pamper body and soul is a gift beyond measure.

The Oberoi Mauritius is all about retreating from reality. First of all, it's on the island nation of Mauritius - one of those places that will cause your friends to stare at you blankly as they try to place it on the globe. (Hint: look for a small island that's south of the equator and east of Africa.) Nobody's likely to run across you accidentally when you're surrounded by the Indian Ocean! (CONTINUE...)