The Riverside Press-Enterprise
SPA CENTRAL
Massages, scrubs, oils, masks and more can be had at Maui’s Wailea resorts
“Sheer bliss.” These were the only words I could muster after a sublime, 90-minute “awa” couples treatment at the Willow Stream spa in Maui’s Wailea resort region. Inside this elegant retreat in the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lani, two expert massage therapists gently kneaded our travel-weary muscles using traditional native Hawaiian techniques and locally made spa scents, oils and scrubs that left us with an inner glow that lasted for days.
There are five luxurious resorts in South Maui’s Wailea region offering extensive spa and wellness centers, and this sun-kissed coast has become a prime destination for Hawaii travelers seeking exceptional spa splurges. These seaside retreats offer a wide menu of treatments, including traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi (healing hands) massage and pohaku massage, which uses heated lava rock and Himalayan salt stones paired with healing botanical oil blends.
After several days of pool and beach lounging, ocean swimming, island sightseeing and long coastal hikes, my wife and I were more than ready to treat ourselves to the Willow Stream spa regimens. After enjoying a sauna and steam room in separate facilities for men and women, we donned white robes and were escorted to a subtly lit, mood music-enhanced treatment room. It was instantly peaceful and calming.
Our side-by-side, full body treatment began with a 30-minute exfoliation using a Maui cane sugar-citrus scrub and was followed by an hourlong massage using an awa (also known as kava) salve. After our session was over, we walked back into the world with a newfound sense of relaxation and wellness — and, of course, smelling like a tropical bouquet. Ready to hit the spa? Here are our recommendations for Wailea’s offerings:
Awili Spa & Salon, Andaz Maui at Wailea
Awili says it specializes in creating customized treatments designed with personal wellness goals in mind. All 90-minute treatments include a 30-minute full body massage. Choices include “Wrap” (a heated hibiscus, kelp and clay mask wraps your body in a warm cocoon to detox and purify), “Quench” (a hydrating and firming Vitamin C body polish and antioxidant-rich vitamin C mask moisturize and revitalize dull, dry skin) or “Exfoliate” (locally made sugar scrub and hydrating body butter renew dull, dry skin).
For a super spa splurge, try the all-inclusive “Unite” five-hour treatment, in which couples unwind in a private, ocean-view spa suite. A detoxifying hibiscus clay body wrap is followed by a choice of Hawaiian aromatherapy treatments and personalized massages. Afterward, spa guests enjoy an included poolside lunch in a private cabana and head to the nail salon for manicures and pedicures with an ocean view. Details: hyatt.com/enus/spas/awili-spa-and-salon/home.
APRÈS-SPA >> Andaz has two excellent restaurants, Kaana Kitchens and Morimoto Maui, but the best post-spa dining treat is the resort’s Feast at Mokapu luau, set on the resort’s grassy lawn overlooking Mokapu Beach. While taking in interactive storytelling and hula perfomances, guests can indulge in an ohana-style meal of 15 locally inspired dishes. Prices are $340 for adults, $180 for children. Details: feastatmokapu.com
Kilolani Spa, Grand Wailea
Kilolani Spa at the sprawling Grand Wailea resort opened Feb. 28. The $55 million, 50,000-square foot facility focuses on the kaulana mahina (Hawaiian moon) calendar’s core concepts, featuring a holistic approach to wellness with treatments steeped in traditional Hawaiian practices. Details: spa.grandwailea.com
Drawing inspiration from the kaulana mahina — which divides each month into three helu po, or moon phases — Kilolani says it creates space for healing, rejuvenation and restoration and encompasses 40 treatment rooms, including couples suites, a meditation lounge, reflection lounge, halotherapy-infused infrared saunas and hydrothermal gardens.
The spa features native botanicals, holistic bodywork treatments and mindfulness practices. Treatments range from Hawaiian beauty facials to traditional massages such as lomi pohaku, lomi lomi and hoomalie (pohaku and lomilomi combined).
APRÈS-SPA >> Botero Lounge offers craft cocktails, fresh sushi and a range of inventive dishes amid nine larger-than-life sculptures by artist Fernando Botero. For a fine dining experience in a lagoonside setting, check out the resort’s Humuhumunukunuku puaa (named after a type of local fish) restaurant, known for its extensive seafood menu.
Olakino Wellness Experience & Mandara Spa, Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott
Wailea Beach Resort’s newest pool setting, Olakino, is for adults only and is designed to relax and rejuvenate mind, body and soul. The experience includes culinary refreshments and 10-minute mini massages in a private poolside setting. The small, infinity saline pool has ocean views, in-water chaise lounges, shaded loungers, double daybeds and luxury cabanas. Details: marriott.com
There are four themed areas of focus at Olakino: Lai (tranquil, harmony) promotes a sense of calm and peace designed to settle mind and body into a tranquil state. Ala (awaken) rejuvenates the senses with invigorating and intentional movement workshops. Ao (to acquire knowledge) seeks “to delve into healing arts and cultural traditions from wellness practitioners and teachers.” And Konea (restored) focuses on guided fluid movement practices to restore overall wellbeing. As part of the all-day Olakino experience, guests savor offerings like wagyu skewers and local salads. Poolside cabana massage treatments, including sound therapy using brass “singing” bowls from Nepal, for singles and couples are available by reservation.
The Balinese-inspired Mandara Spa inside the Wailea Beach Resort’s lobby level aims to embody the island’s natural beauty and sense of aloha. Overlooking the ocean, Molokini crater and the
island of Kahoolawe, the 9,153-square-foot facility features 11 treatment rooms (some are oceanview single treatment rooms) and deluxe couple’s suites for body treatments and massages. A relaxation area, steam room, lockers and showers are in the center of the spa and are separated for men and women.
Facial treatment starts with a deep cleansing, exfoliation and extractions and finishes with a hand, arm and scalp massage and an application of oil. Treatments include a “Fire & Ice” massage using heated basalt stone complemented by icecool gels billed as gently detoxifying the body, alleviating stress and easing aching muscles.
A coconut poultice massage uses coconut compresses, warmed to release natural emollients rich in vitamins E and K, to nourish and moisturize the skin. The poultices are then applied to pressure points to relax muscles and release tension. Other massage offerings include traditional Balinese, Hawaiian body scrub, lomi lomi and kuuipo (couples), Thai and reiki (Japanese) treatments.
APRÈS-SPA >> Satisfy post-spa hunger at Humble Market Kitchen by Roy Yamaguchi, the resort’s signature restaurant. Guests can savor Hawaiian-inspired fare in an airy atmosphere with panoramic beach and ocean views.
Maui Spa, Four Seasons Maui
Maui Spa offers a variety of massage techniques, from traditional Hawaiian to Swedish to lymph drainage and sleep-promoting treatments. Not to miss are the two Hawaiian treatments: the lomi pohaku, and lomi mohala using an herbal oil blend aimed at melting away tension with rhythmic forearm strokes, allowing a feeling of mohala, or “heart opening.” The treatment concludes with a foot scrub using a locally made organic gingerturmeric salve. Details: fourseasons.com/maui/spa
APRÈS-SPA >> Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar has a stunning oceanfront setting and coastal Italian cuisine under the Hawaiian heavens.
Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Kea Lani
The women’s (wahine) side has three showers to use before your spa treament: ua noe (morning mist), ua naulu (afternoon rain) and ua hekili (evening storm). The men’s side (kane) features wai huihui (cool down) and ua loku (power) showers.
APRÈS-SPA >> The fabulous new Pilina (“connections” in Hawaiian) has the longest oceanfront bar in Wailea. The breezy, open-air interior features custom furnishings, some made from gorgeous Hawaiian monkeypod and koa wood. It’s a great place to watch the sun set and enjoy aina-driven cocktails made with local spirits, such as a custom rum blend from the Big Island’s Kuleana Distilling and a golden ale from Maui Brewing Co., plus additions such as bee pollen from the Big Island and lavender from upcountry Maui.