A Manly Glow
THE TREATMENT: Body Polish with Island Bamboo and Ginger
Spa Montage, Kapalua
MontageHotels.com/SpaMontage/KapaluaBay
WHAT IT INCLUDES: I rarely spend time tending to my skin, and I’d venture to guess the same goes for most men. Don’t fret, guys; Spa Montage has your back when it comes to buffing out your dry, dead outer shell. This treatment employs natural exfoliants like papaya and pineapple enzymes that dissolve dulling surface cells, and green algae that nourishes and detoxifies. Bamboo and jojoba beads exfoliate sustainably — no plastic microbeads to wreak havoc on our ocean life. After I rinsed in the well-appointed shower, the massage therapist applied a ginger body oil by Kerstin Florian for luxurious hydration. The scent of ginger had me floating high on Hawaiian forest mists. Aromatherapy at its finest.
A FIX FOR: If you’re feeling like your skin is looking dull and losing its youthful glow, this treatment will make it blush again.
THE PERKS: The Spa Montage is truly a one-of-a-kind on the island. It’s a building unto itself, where you can easily spend an entire day. I’ll start with the coed areas — a large saltwater pool with complimentary sunscreen, cucumber water and magazines at the ready; a well-stocked fitness room; and a lounge offering soothing refreshments and delicious bites. The men’s locker area is cavernous and features a heated waterfall plunge pool, open-air cool-down shower, sauna, steam room, and sink vanities appointed with more than the usual soap, lotion and deodorant. Think barbershop. Speaking of barbershops, I splurged on a hot shave and haircut in the vintage-style men’s salon. Daniela is a licensed barber (didn’t even know that was a thing) ready to lather you up and trim those whiskers, all to the sounds of Ol’ Blue Eyes (she has other options like Elvis or Otis, if Frank Sinatra isn’t your bag). Ladies, this would be an excellent gift for the man in your life. Also good for grooms and groomsmen to get camera-ready for the big day. The multiple applications of organic OM4Men lotions at different stages left my face feeling reborn.
NICE SURPRISE: All natural, high-quality ingredients in the lotions and oils make this a winner. The tropical-fruit enzymes and ginger-scented finish are an endearing nod to our island home.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Asked whether the temperature of the massage table was okay, my first reaction was to spartan up and say, “It’s fine.” Happily, my inner hedonist spoke up and requested more pampering. The warm results had me melting into the table. Definitely a more enveloping experience.
THE COST: $210 for 60 minutes. This treatment can be conducted indoors or in an open-air hale (structure). The spa also offers polishes using sea minerals and exotic salts, or lavender and minerals.—John Giordani
*Please verify current pricing on spa websites.
