Ahhh, Maui day spas!

Who says there’s nothing new under the sun? Maui’s spas are introducing enticingly innovative treatments. Details? Step right inside.

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maui spa treatment
Eastern Seas Therapy includes a scrub made from essential oils and salts from the Dead Sea.

Balancing Act

Story by Lehia Apana

THE TREATMENT:  Eastern Seas Therapy | Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas | 6 Kai Ala Drive, Kā‘anapali |  808-667-3200   |  Marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnmkw-the-westin-kaanapali-ocean-resort-villas

WHAT IT INCLUDES: Ancient practices meet modern luxury during this treatment inspired by Ayurvedic tradition. Now, if you’re thinking, “Ayur . . . what?” you’re not alone. My therapist, Santini Melcone, explains the basic principles of Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian wellness system rooted in the belief that everyone has a  dosha,  or energy personality type. “Ayurveda is all about finding balance,” explains Santini, and we begin. She asks me to select from three oils that each represent one of these doshas: vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (earth). “Your body is going to be naturally attracted to what you truly need to achieve that balance.” I sniff, and hand my selection to Santini. “Kapha,” she says, flashing a knowing smile. Santini explains that while it takes a detailed analysis to identify one’s doshic fingerprint, a quick glance at a person’s frame can be quite telling. For example, vata is the air element, and vata-dominant people are typically thin with delicate bone structure. “Based on your body type, you’re likely vata dominant,” she explains. “To balance that airiness, you want to bring grounding into your body, which is why I think you were drawn to the kapha oil, which represents earth.”

This aromatherapy journey is followed by a scrub using the selected oil and salts from the Dead Sea to detoxify and exfoliate the body. The grand finale is an 50-minute massage using that same oil to further eliminate toxins and unravel knotty fascia.

Ayurvedic massage
Unlike treatments that rely on intense pressure or rapid movements, this relaxing massage gently soothes every tension.

BEST FOR: Suffering from a holiday hangover? On the road to burnout? This massage is ideal for when you’re feeling sluggish or needing a jump-start. Balance is the mainstay of Ayurveda, and Westin’s Eastern Seas Therapy aims for exactly that.

THE PERKS: The Ayurvedic approach isn’t just about treating a person’s symptoms or manipulating muscles. Rather, it works by correcting one’s overall equilibrium, which then treats what ails us by enabling the body to heal itself.  Through identifying and addressing one’s imbalances, this holistic philosophy dives into mental and emotional territory, ideally achieving balance that’s much more than skin deep.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: Sure, applying an exfoliating scrub can be a DIY job, but having a therapist take over feels special. Santini combines the essential oils with salts from the Dead Sea to create a fragrant mixture. Tiny granules caress my skin, kicking out dead cells and making room for the moisturizing oils that are about to envelop me. She moves from my shoulders to toes, applying the scrub with just enough pressure to awaken my senses ever so gently. I take a quick rinse in the shower just steps away, and emerge looking and feeling positively polished.

THE COST:  80 minutes, $225


Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui | Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas | Lumeria Maui | Āwili Spa & Salon | Spa Montage Kapalua Bay

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