"That peaceful land, that beautiful land, that far-off home of
solitude and soft idleness, and repose, and reams, where life is one
long slumberous Sabbath, the climate one long summer day, and the good
that die experience no change, for they but fall asleep in one heaven
and wake up in another."
-- Mark Twain, on Hawaii
The staff at Spa Index Media are fortunate to have family and friends
who are long-time residents of the State of Hawai'i, a lovely state
with lovely people. The State of Hawai'i is comprised of eight
beautiful islands, many of which have long been associated with the
healing arts, and together, offer wonderful resources for wellness and
spa holidays.
 HAWAI'I:
THE BIG ISLAND
Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kohala Coast
The island of Hawai'i is known as "The Big Island" and also the
"Orchid Island". While the group of Islands is collectively known as
the State of Hawai'i, each of the other islands carries a unique name.
Hawaii, the big island, has two thirds of all the land in the group of
Hawai'ian islands. The Big Island enjoys 12 distinct climactic zones
-- visitors snorkel in warm blue water and ski down snowy slopes on
the same day.
On the nine-mile long stretch of the sunny Kohala coast, Hilton
provides a luxury spa resort - the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
This 62-acre resort has a 4-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon, 3
freshwater swimming pools, a sun-drenched beach, interactive dolphin
encounter program, more than 7 million dollars in art, waterfalls,
exotic gardens, trams and canal boats. The 25 thousand square foot
Kohala Spa offers European-style treatments including seaweed body
masques, Balneotherapy baths, a variety of massages including
Hawai'ian Lomi- Lomi, facials and a full service beauty salon.
The Perfect Honeymoon Package (PQ) includes a welcome amenity,
daily American breakfast, dinner for two, a seaside cabana massage for
two from Kohala Sports Club & Spa, a sunset catamaran sail with Red
Sails Sports, and complimentary Yukata robes. Daily rate from $489 for
double occupancy garden view room for three nights; $315 per night
after 3rd night.
MAUI:
THE VALLEY ISLAND
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Maui is known as the "Valley Island" and is the second largest
of the populated islands. Magnificent humpback whales populate a
channel off Maui during the winter months. Lahaina, on Maui's west
coast, was the first capitol of the Nation of Hawai'i.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is home to Hawaii's first and
Maui's only oceanfront full service salon and spa -- Spa Moana.
Enjoy expert facials, relaxing pedicures and refreshing body scrubs
and wraps, many using natural Hawaiian products such as Lomi Lomi, or
treat yourself to an oceanfront massage in a private cabana,
accompanied by the restful sounds of the crashing waves. Spa Moana
offers 15 treatment rooms, a full-service beauty salon, a relaxation
lounge, sauna and steam rooms, and two luxury spa suites for couples
to enjoy treatments together.
Through December 2006, Hyatt has a Sunshine on Sale Breakfast
Package - Get your 6th Night Free plus a daily breakfast buffet
for two when you book stay before 12/21/06. Rates from $690 per room.
For the ultimate spa-add on, try the Tropical Euphoria package:
Kaanapali Coffee Scrub (25min), Hot Stone Massage (50 min), Pedicure
(50 min), Manicure (30min), Moana Facial (50 min) for $928, or, try
the Moana Sampler : Swedish Massage or Lomi Lomi Massage
(25min), Tropical Body Scrub (25min), and Mini-Facial (25min) for $234
MOLOKAI:
THE MOST HAWAIIAN ISLAND
The Lodge at Molokai Ranch
Molokai is known as the "Friendly Island" and the "Most
Hawai'ian Island" because nearly 40% of its population are Hawai'ian
descendents and it is the birthplace of the traditional hula dance.
The beauty of the island is also in its people and its history -- for
sixteen years, Molokai was home to the mission of the remarkable
Father Damien. Tours are regulated and transportation is limited. Use
the Visitor Association's Resources to visit this island.
The Lodge at Molokai Ranch sits atop 1200 ft. elevation
overlooking the countryside and with unobstructed views of the
sparkling Pacific Ocean. This Small Luxury Hotel of the World offers
22 comfortably elegant guest rooms, a heated outdoor infinity pool,
fitness center, and spa treatments, including Lomi Massage,
Aromatherapy, Hydrotherapy, Holistic Bodywork, Acupuncture, Chinese
Acupressure, Hatha Yoga Lessons, and saunas.
OAHU:
THE GATHERING PLACE
Turtle Bay Resort & Spa
Oahu is known as the "Gathering Place" and is the third largest
of the four major islands, but by far the most populous. It is home to
the well-known Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Crater, Pearl Harbor, scads
of tourists, government buildings and offices, hospitals, and shopping
malls. It also is home to Honolulu International Airport, from which
many connecting flights to the other islands are made.
Turtle Bay Resort has almost five miles of beachfront that
includes the beauty of Kawela Bay, Kuilima Cove and, of course, Turtle
Bay. Only 45 minutes from the high pulse and energy of Honolulu,
guests enjoy the natural tranquility of the North Shore lifestyle and,
due to the unique position on the island, spectacular ocean views from
every suite, room, and guest cottage.
Hawaiian legend refers to the ancient practice of healing and
relaxation that incorporated the mind, body and spirit. The Na
Ho’ola’s (many healers) used Hawaiian plants, fruits, flowers, and the
natural healing properties from the Honua (earth) and the Moana
(ocean) to sooth the care of the islanders. Experience the tradition
of Maluhia (serenity) at Spa Luana at Turtle Bay Resort, with
its collection of Hawaiian indigenous spa treatments designed to
reflect the spirit of Malama (to care, serve and honor).
For guests traveling through Honolulu, shopping or playing and looking
for a day spa experience, Elements Day Spa, an Aveda Concept
Day Spa and full service salon, is located in the heart of Honolulu,
and offers free parking.
KAUAI:
THE GARDEN ISLAND
The Kauai Beach Hotel and Spa
 Kaua'i is known as the "Garden Island" and is often called the
most beautiful of the Islands -- natural erosion has created dramatic,
soaring cliffs and landscapes, it is not heavily populated or
developed, so its resort areas are restricted to only a few locations.
Several well-known films and television series were shot on Kauai,
including Jurassic Park, South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, Gilligan's
Island, and Fantasy Island.
Kauai Beach Hotel & Spa is luxury oceanfront resort is situated
on 25 lushly landscaped acres of Kauai's longest exploring and
strolling beach, which has won awards as one of the best beaches in
the US. Surrounded by exotic lagoons, cascading waterfalls and lush
tropical setting, this Kauai Beach Hotel offers a central, convenient
location close to the airport, shopping and championship golf, and all
of Kauai’s great activities & adventures.
This resort offers a wealth of activities and amenities for its
guests, so much so, it offers a complimentary Breakfast Orientation
so that guests will be aware of what the resort offers, which includes
a Manager’s Cocktail Party nightly from 5-6 pm, Nightly torch lighting
with Polynesian dance show, and, every Sunday night, an authentic
Kauai Luau, featuring a Polynesian Spectacular by the award winning
dancers and drummers of Rohotu. The resort has ocean swimming, pool
swimming for adults and children alike, many adventure activities, and
complimentary Hula lessons on Wednesdays, and film and television
location tours.
The boutique Alo Lani Spa and Fitness Center offers sauna, spa
treatments and massage, and the fitness center offers up-to-date
exercise equipment. Spa services including skincare and facials, body
wraps (mud wraps, herbal wraps, detox wraps) and scrubs, massage
(Thai, Swedish, Lomi Lomi and more, offered in the spa, your guest
room, or even beach side.
Note! Join the hotel's mailing list, and you'll be entered into a
quarterly drawing for a complimentary three night vacation.
SPA
CUISINE
 Papaya Smoothie
Papaya is one of Nature's Wonder Foods and is readily available, as is
a bounty of fresh fruit, in Hawaii. This refreshing drink is as
nutritious as it is delicious and unique. Pick up Hawaiian Salt during
your souvenir shopping, and recreate this drink at home to remind you
of your visit to the Islands.
1/2 large papaya, seeded, cut into small pieces
1 orange, peeled and segmented
1 tablespoon lemon Juice
1 sprig of mint
2 teaspoons of SPLENDA or other low-calorie sweetener
1/4 teaspoon Hawaiian Red Salt (or use your favorite culinary coarse
salt, as a substitute)
crushed ice
Blend fruits with lemon juice, sweetener, salt, and crushed ice to
taste. Puree to desired consistency, pour into glasses (rimmed with
additional salt, if desired), and garnish with mint. Drink
immediately.
 Pineapple
Basil Sorbet
Courtesy of Grand Wailea Resort and Spa, Hawaii
3/4 c sugar*
1/2 c water
2 large, fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh pineapple juice
Make a simple sugar syrup by mixing sugar and water, bringing to a
boil, and turning the heat off. Add the basil leaves to the syrup and
steep for 30 minutes. Remove leaves. Stir pineapple juice into syrup.
Add syrup (and bits of fresh pineapple if desired), in an ice-cream
machine, following manufacturer's directions. Freeze until ready to
serve.
*We have successfully made simple syrup using SPLENDA although it
may require adjustment of amounts in order to achieve the thick
consistency desired.
A hui hou, mahalo!
(Until we meet again, thank you) |
