Newspaper Article

Five easy places: Sampling Hawaii's restorative spas

Kerry Colburn Tessaro

1995

Overview

Both male and female spa-goers can enjoy treatments that include use of local mango, pineapple, papaya and coconut; rich red volcanic mud and clay; herbal, botanical and tropical fruit-based soaks; and, from the sea, ti-leaf wraps, limu (seaweed) facials, sea salt scrubs and saltwater baths. The methods of application are often unique as well, including the popular lomi lomi massage - a deep tissue treatment of massaging the body as if it were buoyed by rhythmic ocean waves. Even spa decor is often very island-style, with lava rock showers and open-air massage lanais. It is not necessary to be a guest to visit a hotel or resort spa. A \"spa day\" is a wonderful way to start a Hawaiian vacation. Try the unusual treatments that you won't find in mainland spas. Listen to the softly lilting Hawaiian music. Sip guava juice. Eat a light and flavorful spa lunch of local fruits and organic vegetables. You'll be amazed how quickly you find yourself in sync with island rhythms, ready to succumb to the quiet and peaceful pace of a true Hawaiian experience. With a cool and soothing color scheme of white and sea green, the 35,000-square-foot oasis offers Hawaiian herbal and seaweed wraps, lomi lomi massage and hydrotherapies including a full-body loofah scrub with almond oil, plus various standard spa treatments. The Ihilani is one of only two spas is the United States to provide authentic Thalasso treatment (an underwater massage using pulsating jets) with local seawater, which is pumped in, filtered and kept at around 70 degrees. An outdoor lap pool and open-air exercise lanai tempt guests to get fit in the balmy clime of leeward Oahu.

• Publisher: Clinton Reilly Communications, Inc