One of the hardest parts of my job is being able to answer What is your favorite? (pick a category) in Hawai’i, that is always such a hard question to answer, or to narrow down because there are so many wonderful candidates for every category whether that be spa,restaurant,luau,activity or island. Everyone has a different hot button that they really need to include on their vacation to have a wonderful time, for me including a visit to the spa is always at the top of my list. Hawai’i has so many wonderful spas it was hard to narrow down to a short list of five of my favorites, but here goes:
Number 1
Kapalua Spa
Kapalua Spa -Located at The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, on the shores of Kapalua Bay-(Maui) is truly a seaside sanctuary. From the moment you enter the bamboo garden, the sound of water helps to transfer you to a place of serenity and calm. Embracing the healing properties of water and natural minerals from the islands with signature treatments such as Journey through the Ocean and ‘Awa & Cacao Lomi Wrap. Body and skin therapies are available such as Ali’i Kula Lavender Scrub and Organic Ocean Facials, a full menu of massages including Lomi Lomi(A healing art form from old Hawai’i meaning to rub) which can be preformed in 19 single and couples treatment rooms including 10 outdoor private bungalows that are truly amazing. Follow up your treatment in the tranquil relaxation rooms with sauna,steam,or cold rain showers.
Other Spa amenities include: A full service beauty salon,fitness facility with state-of-the-art Kinesis Circuit System, Yoga studio overlooking Kapalua Bay, Saline Lap Pool and sunning deck, a juice bar and retail boutique. For more information contact them (808) 665-8282
Number 2
Mauna Lani Spa
Mauna Lani Spa– Located at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows, Hawai’i Island, is a past recipient of the prestigious honor of being rated #1 spa in Hawai’i by Islands and Hawaii Magazines (2009)
Each Hawaiian experience at Mauna Lani’s luxury day spa begins with a rejuvenating foot soak and signature “fire and ice” tea service. Hawaiian experiences such as LomiLomi Massage, LomiLomi Hula Massage(great for couples) Opu Huli Massage, Pohaku Pa’a(Hawaiian Hot Stone) or choose one of their signatures Fire and Ice Pa’akai therapy.
Lava Sauna Experience: Open air sauna, warm llilli stones under your feet, a mixture of black volcanic clay is given to you so you can smooth it on your skin-when the mud dries-your stress dries too and is rinced away under a private outdoor rain shower, followed by re-moisture to your skin with signature oils.
Lava Watsu Experience: built amongst ancient lava tubes,this unique pool harnesses the energy of the land, features soothing skin temperature salt water, underwater acoustics, tranquil lighting and a waterfall- all the while the therapist supports you, stretches and massages you as you lie passively in warm salt water, bringing you to a state of total tranquility (great for expectant mothers).
Located in the Mauna Lani Sports Club: 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743 Phone (808) 881-7922 Email [email protected]
Number 3
Spa Falls
Spa Without Walls at the Fairmont Orchid,Hawaii Island listen closely and you can hear the water rushing through Spa Falls.Whether you choose to have your spa experience in one of eight private outdoor waterfall hale(huts) perfectly situated within Spa Falls,one of the six amazing oceanfront hale or one of four indoor treatment rooms a day spent at the Spa Without Walls will most certainly leave you feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.
As if you need another reason to love Kona Coffee, one of their signature treatments is the Signature Big Island Kona Coffee Exfoliation Treatment which will enliven your senses and renew your skin in a way you have never experienced. A mini massage and misting with luscious vanilla cream and spritz tops off this aromatic renewing experience (done indoors only). HIWAHIWA – with infusions of Big Island Wild Orchids and Gardenias is another of my favorites at this spa.
Customized Massages include LomiLomi, Sports,Deep Tissue and Pohaku-Wela (hot stone) massage therapy just to name a few
Full service salon and spa boutique to take home some of the signature spa products used during your service is available .
Fairmont Orchid is located 1 North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743 Phone (808) 885-2000
Number 4
lap pool
Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai’ Resort and Spa – Honoring a culture rooted in the balance between wisdom and nature, Anara Spa weaves traditional healing customs into treatments to inspire lokahi- unity,harmony and balance.
Hawaiian Escapes-inspired by traditional healers who practice herbal medicine,massage and spiritual healing are provided in your private garden hale and begin with a tropical foot bath (great for couples as well). My favorite is Kaua’i Clay – brings elements from local rainforest together to connect you to the healing energy of Kaua’i – beginning with local ‘awa root (used to ease anxiety and insomnia) is polished over your body with coconut oil and warm stones. Followed by a nutrient rich mask of volcanic clay to detoxify and balance your system, followed by a soothing massage with botanical lotion – amazing!
This award-winning 45,000 square foot spa is the largest in Kaua’i and includes a 24-hour StayFit gym, open air yoga and fitness classes – A full menue of massages, body treatments and facials are available as well as a full service salon and spa boutique.
Located: Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa, 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa,Hawaii 96756 Phone (808) 742-1234 Email: [email protected]
Number 5
Kahala Spa
KahalaSpa located at the Kahala Hotel & Resort , Honolulu,Oahu(named one of the Top 20 Resort Spas-Hawaii 2012 by Conde Nast Traveler Readers).
If you are seeking an overall feeling of complete relaxation and rejuvenation you will find it at the Kahala Spa-they put a special emphasis on Hawaiian healing techniques and cultural practices,you can just feel the spiritual energy or “mana” here. A visit to the Kahala Spa is a luxurious experience-they had me hooked forever after the Ho’omaka(a cleaning and detoxifying sea salt foot scrub)
Signature treatments such as Lovely Hula Hands -a four handed dancing of hands you experience during this version of the traditional Hawaiian LomiLomi massage.
Kahala Spa has nine spacious treatment rooms-each appointed with its own relaxation area,glass enclosed shower and deep soaking tub. Spa therapists are experienced in a wide variety of blobal healing techniques and therapies, respecting ancient traditions as practiced by Hawaiian and other Asian cultures.
Kahala Hotel & Resort , 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 For more information contact the resort (808) 739-8888.
Did you know there are many benefits from getting massages?
1. Massage dilates the blood vessels and improves circulation, relieving congestion throughout the body.
2. Massage relaxes muscle spasm and relieves tension.
3. Massage acts as a mechanical cleanser,stimulating lymph circulation and hastening the elimination of toxic debris.
4. Massage encourages the retention of nitrogen,phosphorus and sulfur that are necessary for tissue repair.
5. Massage simply makes you feel good.
So next time you wonder if spending that extra money on spa treatments when you are on vacation is worth the investment, just know you are really doing something beneficial.
For more information on these resorts and spa Contact: Linda Dancer Direct Line: 931-337-0770 Toll Free: 1-888-811-1888 ext 331
