Say the words “Hawaii spa treatment,” and most people think of lomi lomi massage. While it’s true that the traditional island healing technique remains remarkably effective today, Hawaii’s resort spas are coming up with plenty more ways to help guests unwind.
Some of their new offerings put an unconventional spin on age-old philosophies and ingredients, while others go the New Age route. Either way, the ultimate goal is relaxation.
Presented here are five noteworthy additions to hotel spa menus, each of which takes a distinctive path to health and wellness.
Float Therapy, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
As the latest lure in Grand Hyatt’s Anara Spa, the Float Pod invites clients to drift in a solution of water and Epsom salt, keeping them buoyant and providing health benefits. The lack of gravity decompresses the spine and joints, aids recovery from exercise and quiets the mind.
Guests can choose to have the pod open or closed, with or without music. The Float Therapy treatment is particularly appealing after an active day of exploring Kauai’s outdoor splendors ($55 for 30 minutes).
www.hyatt.com
Modern Cupping, The Modern Honolulu, Oahu
As a healing practice, cupping has been around for thousands of years. These days, Lather Spa at The Modern Honolulu is keeping it relevant for contemporary travelers. Using dry, warm cups, the therapist creates suction on various parts of the body, which assists in pain reduction, detoxification, joint mobilization and lymph drainage.
Guests can add the procedure to one of the massages at Lather Spa, which specializes in aromatherapy ($25 for 15 minutes).
www.themodernhonolulu.com
Nanea Ritual, The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, Maui
The Westin’s Spa Helani named this new treatment after the Hawaiian word for relaxation. Inspired by local customs and plants, it features an exclusive oil with a Hawaiian sandalwood base. Guests can personalize the blend by adding oils made from island flowers, notably tuberose and gardenia. With the help of lomi lomi techniques and smooth, heated lava shells, the therapist massages the body with rhythmic patterns to release tension and calm restlessness ($250 for 80 minutes).
www.westinkaanapali.com
Sound Therapy, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hawaii Island
Part of the new menu at Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara, this centuries-old approach to healing uses sound to subdue the mind and rebalance the body. The therapist taps copper bowls with a small mallet, producing a range of frequencies, then places the humming bowls on different areas of the client’s back. Their vibrations soothe the senses on an unconscious level. It’s a sublime add-on to any massage ($85 for 25 minutes).
www.princeresortshawaii.com
Taro Honey Body Therapy, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii Island
A staple of the Hawaiian diet, taro has deep roots in local culture. Now, Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Kohala Spa is tapping the plant’s restorative qualities.
At once exfoliating and hydrating, the therapy calls on other island ingredients as well, such as coconut milk to cleanse and condition the skin; organic honey for softening; aloe vera for hydrating; kukui oil for moisturizing; and banana for a rich source of nutrients.
The rest of the day, guests can use the spa’s extensive facilities ($150 for 50 minutes).
www.kohalaspa.com
