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HAWAII DELUXE GUIDE »
Aloha time for mind, body and spirit
The mere mention of Hawaii is enough to send most people along the road to relaxation, if only in their minds. In a gentler age a trip to a tropical paradise like the islands of Aloha might have been enough to downshift one’s life by a speed or two, but with so much ambient stress out there including a spa component in a Hawaii vacation isn’t as outlandish as it may sound.
When it comes to variety and quality of spas, Hawaii is impressively endowed indeed. Whether you’re looking for a revitalizing Polynesian Coconut Scrub or a traditional Hawaiian lomilomi massage, you’ll find it at the spas Hawaii’s top concierges and travel specialists recommend.
Robin Kanno, a travel specialist with Landmark Travel, unreservedly recommends the Spa at the Fairmont Orchid, on the Big Island. “The ‘Spa Without Walls’ allows guests to enjoy treatments in an outdoor waterfall massage hale(traditional thatch hut) or oceanside cabana,” she says, instead of an indoor treatment room (though that too is an option). “For a relaxing restorative treatment,” she adds, “have the lomilomi massage and request Stephanie.” Lomilomi is a form of ancient massage that Hawaii’s ruling chiefs used as both a luxury treatment and for better digestion.
Another excellent Big Island spa option is the Hualalai Sports Club and Spa at the Four Seasons Hualalai, on the beautiful Kona Coast. Here, signature treatments include the Hualalai Hot Rock Massage, Polynesian Coconut Scrub and a heavenly Ayurvedic foot treatment, which Leah Smith of Coastline Travel Advisors calls “perfect after a day of touring.”
She’s also a fan of the SpaHalekulani, on Oahu, where “they strive to create a very Hawaiian experience” and have even “created a signature scent called Maile, which is a reflection of the rich Hawaiian culture.” She advises taking the Polynesian Steam Therapy to clear the mind, followed by a lomilomi massage. Kanno also recommends the SpaHalekulani, where she says “you are treated like royalty.” Top on her list there is the two-hour Elegant Passage and four-hour Grand Voyage treatments.
See our slideshow of Best Spas in Hawaii.
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The Fairmont Orchid
Lead Concierge, who has delighted guests at the hotel with her quick smile and area knowledge from behind the Concierge Desk since 1995. Previously she worked with the Ritz Carlton, and Starwood.
BEST RESTAURANT
Pahuia Restaurant
BEST GIFT FOR A SPOUSE
BEST GOLF COURSE
Francis I'i Brown Golf Course
BEST DAY TRIP
Hamakua Coast
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