My personal spa day
It’s been over 9 months since I had my last spa treatment, so I decided to take a few hours out of my very busy week last Friday to enjoy some “ME” time and to recharge.
I had my favorite Lomi Lomi massage at the Spa Moana at the Hyatt and it was an awesome experience. My appointment wasn’t till 3:00 pm, but I arrived at the spa about 35 mintues prior. Barbara at the front desk greeted me and signed me in, then I was escorted to the Wahine locker room.
I changed, put on my robe and “slippahs” and explored the rest of the spa and facilities. The reason why I got there early was because I wanted to enjoy the jacuzzi before my massage without feeling rushed. Using the hot tub or sauna supposedly relaxes and warms the muscles, which also aids the therapeutic benefits of all treatments and services. It was really nice sitting in the jacuzzi and looking up at the skylight. With the soothing sound of the bubbling jets, I felt my stress level starting to decrease minute by minute and I was totally relaxed.
15 minutes later, I was ready for a quick shower to rinse off all the salts, minerals and chemicals from the hot tub. I then headed to the waiting area for my masseuse.
Before I even had time to pick up a copy of the SPA magazine, Leo came in and greeted me. I followed him into one of the 15 treatment rooms. While Leo was waiting for me outside the room, I disrobed and got under the soft sheets on the massage bed. The wonderful fragrance of the massage oils, the soothing music and the dim lighting created the perfect ambiance for an hour of pampering!
Leo came back in and asked if there were certain areas of my body that he should work on. Since I sit in front of my laptop all day everyday, I told him that he should spend more time on both of my shoulders and my lower back.
Lomi Lomi is my all-time favorite massage because it’s a combination of the Swedish massage and the Deep Tissue massage. I love the long, flowing and kneading strokes down my back, and also the special focus on each muscle group all the way from my neck to my shoulders, then to both of my arms, and legs, down to my thighs and even my tush! :) It felt great when Leo pulled on my arms and legs, and he worked on all of the knots and tensions I had on my shoulders and my lower back.
Since I am a swimmer, Leo said my muscles are pretty toned and he could use a little more pressure like he would with the Sports Massage. That totally worked for me. I also loved the warm towels on my back. Ahhh… pure pleasure! I wonder if that feels the same as the “Pohaku” (hot river stones). I guess I will have to try that next time.
While Leo was working on my feet, he also told me about the “Reflexology” massage, also known as the “Zone Therapy” but they call it the “Happy Feet” at Spa Moana. It’s very popular in East Asia and it involves the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.
Apparently, there is a reflexology chart which demonstrates the areas of the feet that therapists believe correspond with organs in the “zones” of the body. For example if you have a migraine headache and the therapist works on one area of the feet that corresponds to your head, you don’t even need to take any medicine and your headache will be gone. Pretty amazing, huh? I will have to try that one next time too! :)
I swear the 50-minute treatment always goes by so fast. When Leo asked me to turn around and he started working on my neck, I knew my treatment was almost over. :( At the end of the treatment, Leo was waiting for me outside the room with a beverage in hand, and he escorted me to the relaxation lounge where I enjoyed some Lavender Iced Tea and light snacks. I was completely recharged and invigorated. What a great way to end a busy work week! Honestly, I could have spent the whole day there! :)
For those of you who want to do a spa day with your bridal party, make sure you check out the Spa Moana at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Ka’anapali. Spa Moana is located directly overlooking the ocean. They are Hawaii’s first and Maui’s only oceanfront Spa and Salon. They offer massages, body treatments, facials, a full-service salon, retail area and 24 hour state-of-the-art fitness center. Their intimate spa has fifteen serene treatment rooms including couples spa suites and ocean view rooms. They also offer Oceanside Massages in these beautiful cabanas.
Another fun thing for you and your bridal party is to rent out their tented Outdoor Patio for the massage treatments, and you can have your lunch or snacks catered… making it a very enjoyable afternoon with just the girls!
After having your treatments, check out their retail store at the spa or online. They carry my favorite Lokahi “Coco Mango” Signature body care line, as well as the Ilike and Epicuren facial products. Every time I walk in there, I feel like a little girl inside a candy store. Hmmm… what should I get?
The spa also has a list of salon services from bridal hair and makeup to manicure and pedicure. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff will be sure to make your BIG day extra special!
Tags: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Spa Moana
March 17th, 2009 at 3:17 am
I’m so jealous! I love spas, but have a hard time finding time to go! But this spa sounds wonderful, from the luxurious decor, premassage jacuzzi soak, and an awesome massage… I think you have convinced me to make an appointment soon. :) I enjoy reading your blog!
March 18th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I agree, the Hyatt’s Lomi Lomi massage is wonderful! And, their Coco Mango body products are some of the best smelling that I’ve ever used. Thanks for reminding me how luxurious the Spa Moana is!
March 21st, 2009 at 8:38 am
Ahhh spaaaa. You deserve it!
March 25th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Wow, I wish I would have known about this on our honeymoon…I definitely would have hit it up! You certainly deserve this royal treatment, I’m glad you were able to take a break!