Remember that old ad slogan “Calgon take me away”? It was the brilliant idea of some marketing genius to insinuate that a woman’s daily stresses could be kicked to the curb by a few bath granules and hot water. Let me be the first to expose the urban legend—it doesn’t work. The modern woman’s stresses go beyond what tricks Calgon can perform in your own bathtub. But if you are in need of a little “take me away” then it’s time to check yourself into a spa and get some essential treatment.
I’m not talking about just getting a massage, but heading to a place where you’ll get the royal treatment. I was lucky enough to recently make an appointment for my husband and myself at the brand new Heavenly Spa at the Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas. This beautiful facility is 10,000 square feet of pure pampering that made a recent spa treatment convert out of my husband, who’s now partial to facials and pedicures. Guys, don’t laugh until you try it.
When you check in at the serene circular lobby, you’ll be assigned a locker as well as an attendant. Quickly get rid of the possessions and clothing that have weighed you down and don the robe and slippers they provide, and let the coddling begin. Your attendant will give you a tour of the services provided, bring fresh towels and let you know when your appointment is. Be sure to come early enough to spend some time in the eucalyptus steam room and rain showers or to get some much needed rest and relaxation in the lounge with some of the magazines and refreshments they provide.
The spa has 13 therapy rooms that offer treatments like hydrotherapy and suites for couples massage. You can book appointments for massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures or any combinations therein. Their treatments also incorporate Hawaiian and Polynesian treatments like lomi lomi, hot stones and they feature many locally grown products like coconut, lilikoi, limu and hibiscus on their spa services menu. The design of the spa is very contemporary, incorporating bamboo and dark mahogany wood features throughout.
Once we were called to our couples massage—the Couples Heavenly Romance Service—we climbed the grand staircase and gazed at their one-of-a-kind, hypnotic chromatherapy light fixture. With multiple couples massage suites, including one called the Tree House Villa with indoor/outdoor amenities, the spa has lots of options for two. Our package was the honeymoon massage (that we never had on our actual honeymoon). Our therapists provided aromatherapy, coconut massage oils, lomi lomi and a most amazing massage experience. They also draw a bath for two, and then discreetly exit leaving you both with a plate of fruit and hampagne and a giant hot bath to unwind in.
After wrapping back into my robe and slippers I spent some time in their outdoor lanai area. I felt wholly refreshed; the stress of Maui life had given in to the peaceful tranquility of the moment. As I headed to check out and leave envelopes containing notes of gratuity for my therapists and attendants I cherished this refuge before I was thrust back onto Honoapiilani Highway.
All good things come to an end—but you can always come back for more. MTW
Comments
comments