Shot glasses break and sarongs wear out, but a tattoo is forever. At Polynesian resorts such as the Intercontinental Resort and Spa Moorea , you can immortalize your jaunt to the South Pacific with a traditional Tahitian tattoo, etched with combs made from bone, shell or shark's teeth. The modern word tattoo comes from the Polynesian word ta (strike) & the Tahitian word tatau (to mark something). It also echoes the "tat tat" sound of the ancient technique, in which a tattoo artist taps the comb's 20 or so needles onto the skin, inserting black ink into the punctures. You can choose vibrant symbols from the sea -- like a dolphin, which represents wisdom -- to honor the legend of Tohu, the Tahitian god of tattoo. Or choose symbols that flaunt your wealth, rank and genealogy, just as the Polynesians did in ancient times. Whether it's your own rite of passage or simply a symbol of beauty and strength, this souvenir will last a lifetime. moorea.intercontinental.com

Rate Information

• Tattoo rates starting at 60,000 xpf depending on size and detail. mooreatattoo.com