Family Bonds

As I surrendered my hands to a manicure, I caught the eye of my daughter one chair over, ankle deep in warm water during a pedicure.

“I’m in heaven,” she grinned, and I readily agreed.

Even on vacation, such mother-daughter bonding is a precious commodity, so the news of the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s YSpa program deserves two big polished thumbs up.

YSpa, with body treatments designed for younger travelers, is a relatively new addition to the offerings at the 22-acre Waikiki resort’s Mandara Spa.

“The interest in kids and teen spa programs has really grown in recent years,” said Hilton Hawaii regional director of marketing Lora Gallagher, a mother herself. “Not only do mom and dad need a relaxing rejuvenation while they are in Hawaii, but the kids want to be a part of that process as well.”

Whether the adolescent client is dealing with dating blues, exam anxiety or an acne attack, YSpa’s menu of services has been tailored to help make those worries disappear. Treatments include the 25-minute Heavenly Massage, focusing on aromatherapy back work which can address the pain caused by school backpacks. During the Surfers Scrub, a 25-minute exfoliation process, a mixture of fresh limes, lemon and ginger re-energizes growing clients after a tiring day of play.

YSpa’s ear-to-ear services include the 50-minute Fabulous Fruity Facial, which calls on an organic mixture of nature’s bounties to clean and moisturize young faces. Meanwhile, the 50-minute Acne Attack blasts away blemishes courtesy of a revolutionary oxygen facial.

The YSpa Menu caters to teens 16 years and older, but that doesn’t mean little sisters can’t tag along. Mandara Spa’s salon presents services for all age groups, including the 25-

minute Magical Manicure and the 45-

minute Sole Mate, a pedicure with pizzazz. Girls, pre-teens and teenagers alike can indulge in hair care like the Beach Babe (a deep conditioning hair ritual followed by a French braid) and the Stylin’ Session (a funky cut and color after a personalized consultation with the stylist).

Of course, Mandara Spa offers extensive menus exclusively for adults. But take it from this mom: An intergenerational trip to the spa creates memories that last long after the nail polish has chipped away.