Together Time

Sep 27, 2008

A couple enjoys a his-and-hers massage at the Mandara Spa at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

For a vacationing couple, the journey to Hawaii takes at least five hours. That doesn’t include the extra time and energy spent getting to and from airports, navigating security lines and picking up a rental car. After the high amount of stress associated with such a trip, a his-and-hers spa experience can be the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with each other.

"Our resort welcomes many honeymooners and guests celebrating anniversaries, so it was a perfect fit to include couples treatments in our spa," said Jerry Ferreira, director of Na Hoola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. "It allows the couple to spend some much-needed quality time together in a setting that evokes peace and relaxation."

Spas have the ability to bring a spiritual and physical sense of serenity to each individual, said Ferreira.

"In a spa, everything surrounding the guests is tranquil, so naturally their bodies are enveloped by the aromas, the setting and, in our spa, the view of Waikiki Beach," he said. "As more and more males discover that spas are not just for the women in their lives, couple’s massages are definitely on the rise. The first spa experience for anyone may be a little uncomfortable, since the clients are out of their element. But, they grow more at ease if they’re experiencing it with someone they love. For the first-timer, the setting of the couple’s room is a great way to explore the benefits of massage."

At Na Hoola Spa, the two-hour Couple’s Retreat starts with a body scrub using a blend of Hawaiian salt and exotic macadamia nut oils, followed by a kukui (candlenut) coconut moisturizer. The treatment, which culminates in a side-by-side massage, costs $420 per couple. Clients can also book a 50-minute couple’s massage for $235 and 80 minutes for $360.

SpaHalekulani, at the elegant Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, recognizes the growing popularity of his-and-hers spa treatments with its Romance Remembered package. It begins with the spa’s signature foot pounding ritual, followed by a couple’s massage and dual custom facials. Couples can unwind in the spa’s traditional Japanese furo, then kick back on the SpaHalekulani terrace while savoring champagne and decadent delights prepared by hotel chefs. Side-by-side spa manicures and pedicures provide the finishing touch to this shared extravagance, complete with a parting gift ($1,300 per couple).

One of Waikiki’s newest facilities, Moana Lani Spa at the Moana Surfrider, features two oceanfront areas catering to clients who want to experience services together. The couple’s suites include whirlpool tubs, private restrooms and inspiring views of Waikiki beach. Duos can book most any of the spa’s services together, including the hour-and-40-minute Dream package that combines a massage with a classic facial ($220 per person). For an additional $75 each, they can add on a 25-minute whirlpool bath experience.

For a campy twist on a couple’s spa treatment, suggest the Exploration in Chocolate at Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Mandara Spa. The appetizing 2½-hour experience begins with side-by-side massages in a deluxe twin spa suite. Couples continue their private journey together with a pot of rich chocolate body scrub that’s good enough to eat. The indulgence ends with a custom-prepared aromatic bath ($450 per couple).