The Lap of Luxury: Maui Resort Spas

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but every body needs some over-the-top indulgence now and then.

5392
awili spa apothecary
The apothecary reception area offers a world of exotic scents.

The Perfect Blend

THE TREATMENT: From toes to nose . . . this was a custom, à la carte spa immersion designed to pamper, revive, and beautify. ‘Āwili Spa & Salon | Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort | Maui.Andaz.Hyatt.com | 808-573-1234

WHAT IT INCLUDES: In Hawaiian, ‘āwili means “to mix, blend, intertwine.” So what could be more fitting than combining some of ‘Āwili Spa’s most popular offerings? My day began with the Apothecary Blending Experience, followed by an Essential Massage and Organic Facial, lunch served at a poolside cabana (which I enjoyed while still wrapped in my robe), manicure, pedicure, scalp massage, makeup, shampoo and blow dry.

day spa essential oils
Our publisher picks chai for her base scent; grounds it with earthy scents of amber, tobacco and bay leaf; and sweetens it with ylang-ylang (similar to jasmine).

BEST FOR: This is the ultimate gift to give to a bride, a mom, or any other woman who deserves a day of total relaxation that ends with looking beautiful. (And what woman doesn’t deserve it?) I arrived around 10 a.m. and finished after 4 p.m.—not an experience for the hyperactive, but certainly the fantasy spa day most of us dream of.

THE SURPRISE: I admit to being a little skeptical of the Apothecary Blending Experience (I’m not a fan of perfume), but my guide through the olfactory mapping was so expert, I soon found my path to the perfect scent for me. Once I was ensconced in the sunlit therapy room, each lovely stroke of my masseuse’s expert hands, combined with this personalized oil, transported me to a state of bliss. If this is aromatherapy . . . it works.

WHY IT’S WORTH IT: The massage melted away all my cares and aches, and left me lamenting having to get off the table . . . until my therapist announced she would also be doing my facial and I would not have to move a muscle. In true ‘āwili fashion, she moved expertly from body treatment to facial, incorporating one with the other. While my face enjoyed a warm, moisturizing mist, she went back to bodywork, and while a nourishing mask soaked into my thirsty skin, she attended to my hands, arms and feet. I emerged after two-plus hours, totally relaxed, with glowing skin (and smelling divine), only to be led to a private cabana for lunch.

LEAVE GORGEOUS: After lunch, it was all about beauty and fun. I was led back to the spa, this time to the salon, and into a big, comfy massaging chair positioned to take in the ocean view—truly a cocoon of relaxation. Both my hands and feet enjoyed expert attention, as my manicurists provided a scrub, exfoliation and massage, then applied the polish of my choice. Their company was as much fun as the service. While my polished toenails were drying, I enjoyed an indulgent scalp massage followed by a hair wash and blow dry. Beautifully applied makeup completed my transformation. Voila!

maui makeup team
Pampering comes with a view as manicurist Caroline applies a gel, while Melissa artfully does Diane’s makeup.

AMENITIES: ‘Āwili is full service—nothing is overlooked. In addition to treatments, guests enjoy access to a wonderful sauna, steam room, plunge pool, relaxation room and (my favorite) tranquility pool.

THE COST: À la carte prices for above services: Apothecary Blending Experience $35 | essential massage (60 minutes) $185 | organic facial (60 minutes) $185 | shellac manicure $85 | pedicure $85 | scalp ritual using Beauty Ritual Oil from Kuleana Beauty Line $30 | makeup $85 | blow-dry bar $70 | full day (not including lunch) $760

‘Āwili Spa also offers packages, the most luxurious being the five-hour Indulge Journey for $610. Includes Apothecary Blending Experience, Thai massage, bath ritual, lunch in a cabana with a glass of champagne, spa pedicure and manicure.

Diane Haynes Woodburn

1
2
3
4

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

40 − 35 =