Shiatsu at SpaHalekulani + Kamaʻāina Discount

This year I'm all about self-care, and I decided to treat myself to a 60-minute Shiatsu session at SpaHalekulani. 

Upon checking in, I waited for my therapist inside (you could also have a seat outdoors, but it was pretty warm), where treats and water were available.

The spa is designed to be "suite-style," so unlike some other resort spas where there are shared facilities, you have a dedicated suite for your treatment with all sorts of amenities. 

I never had Shiatsu before, and the therapist explained it's basically a "dry massage" that focuses on pressure points.  The therapist hit different points from my toes to my head, with emphasis on my neck and shoulders, since I let her know that's where I was experiencing a lot of pain / tightness.  

I was afraid it would be painful.  

I requested medium pressure, and for the most part, the pressure was good.  There were some instances where she worked on my back and neck where I could really feel the pressure, but it was never painful.  

The 60 minutes went by too quickly!

At the end of the treatment, you can relax on a lounge chair outdoors and sip on tea and eat a cool confection.

Since I went on Mother's Day weekend, they were offering champagne or locally-made mead!

They were also gifting moms with eye masks!

Kamaʻāina get 15% (with ID) off the base price of a massage, body polish, or facial!  A 21% service fee is added to the base price, inclusive of gratuity.

SpaHalekulani
Halekulani
2199 Kalia Rd

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 931-5322

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C&S Bodywork MedSpa in Aiea

I'm always on the lookout for new spas on the west side, so I was happy to hear about the opening of C&S Bodywork MedSpa earlier this year. Located in the Aiea Shopping center, the medspa offers facials, massages, laser treatments, medical peels, injectables and more. They also offer discounts off packages of 3 or more as well as VIP memberships.

For Christmas, I gifted my daughter a 3 package session for laser hair removal. I was easily able to schedule all three sessions in advance. We arrived to her first appointment where she filled out new patient forms and then was taken to the treatment room where they applied the numbing cream. After about 15 minutes, the doctor came in to complete the treatment. The procedure was quick, pain free and the communication with the doctor was great. 

It was such a great experience, I made an appointment for a massage! For more information, visit their website.    

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My Visit to Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

My friends and I had an incredible time at Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort.  Sensei is a new luxury wellness resort for ages 16 and over and was the former Lodge at Koele.  When it first opened (pre-pandemic) it only offered all-inclusive packages with accommodations, but since their reopening, the resort also offers a room only rate.  The resort requires a 2 night minimum stay, but is currently running a promotion where round trip flights between Honolulu and Lanai are included with your stay.

And that brings me to Lanai Air.  We arrived 30 minutes before our flight time and were treated to complimentary drinks and snacks before we were driven to our semi-private plane.  After a few bumps and 20 minutes later, we arrived in Lanai and immediately took a shuttle to Sensei where we were each greeted with lei and a welcome drink.  

Since we only booked rooms and not a package, we had to make all our dining and spa reservations when we arrived, which luckily we were able to do.  We did miss out on some of the complimentary daily activities, but it didn't take away from our great time.

Sensei by Nobu is the resort's main restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  We dined there for all our meals except one and were pleasantly surprised that the menus are very different for each meal time and the portions are generous.  The restaurant itself is gorgeous with glass paneling overlooking the lake.        

Dining room

We spent most of our first day by the pool relaxing and chatting before having dinner.  The next morning, we went on the Koloiki Ridge hike.  The resort offers a guided hike, but you can also hike the 4 mile out and back trail on your own.  It's very well marked and took a little less than 2 hours.  

Gorgeous heated pool

At the Koloiki ridge summit!

Later in the day I headed to my massage appointment in my very own private spa hale.  Each spa hale is 1,000 square feet and features a massage room that opens into a garden.  The hale also houses a infrared sauna and steam shower room.  Two of the ten hale have an outdoor watsu pool that is used for aquatic treatments and mine was one of them! I had the best time and I would 100% recommend this unique spa experience!  

Entering the spa hale

Looking out onto the watsu pool.

Ofuro bath

Outdoor rain shower

Enjoying a dip in the watsu pool

My friends and I enjoyed our final day at Sensei with breakfast on our patios before lounging in our robes in the most comfortable beds you won't ever want to get out of...until you have to.  Sensei is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have stayed and is so unlike anything in Hawaii.  If you are in need of some serious relaxation, Sensei Lanai is for you.  

Our breakfast spread

The expansive grounds and lake view

A gift from Sensei - Yeti water bottles!

  

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`Alohi HydraFacial at Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre at the Four Seasons Resort O`ahu at Ko Olina

The last time I went to a spa was right before the pandemic started. I loved getting facials and having my skin pampered.  In fact, one of the last experiences I had was at Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre at the Four Seasons Resort O`ahu at Ko Olina.

But with the concerns over the pandemic, I refrained from spa visits, until my recent stay at the Four Seasons Resort O`ahu at Ko Olina.

I was offered a hosted `Aloha HydraFacial, and without hesitation I said yes.  

Although my concerns about the pandemic haven't subsided, I knew from my previous stay at the resort last year that they take customer health and safety very seriously.  And I definitely needed some pampering, as the constant commuting and late nights were taking a visible toll on my skin.

After completing a digital intake form and being offered some kombucha or water, I was escorted into the spa, where I could take advantage of the whirlpool, steam room, or sauna, or simply relax in the waiting areas after changing into a robe and slippers. 

The `Aloha HydraFacial (to shine brightly) is a procedure that helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.  

Throughout the 50-minute session, my face was cleaned, massaged, and pampered.  The HydraFacial tool helped to suction out impurities to help my skin absorb serums (the humming of the machine along with the soothing music makes it easy to doze off!).  

Through cleansing, exfoliating, and the application of serums, as well as LED light therapy (red light therapy was used on my face to help with anti-aging), I was left with noticeably glowing and smooth skin.

On top of that, I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated.  Having 50 minutes to myself was already amazing, but to have someone pamper me was pure bliss!

My therapist, Christine, was excellent.  She had such a soothing touch and voice, and I could feel myself dozing off several times.  Whenever she was about to apply something cool or tingly to my face, she would be sure to let me know so I wouldn't be shocked by the sensation.  Whether it was glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid, a warm towel or the suction tool, Christine made the entire experience so pleasant.   

There were times when my body jerked because the use of the HydraFacial tool made me ticklish on one side, and she even asked if there was anything she could do to help.

The session also included a foot compress, lymphatic drainage, and arm massage.

At the end of the session, Christine made some recommendations for my skin concerns, and I left the spa feeling so relaxed!

I went home and made sure to drink lots of water to help my body release any toxins.  I seriously think the lymphatic massage resulted in the release of a lot of toxins, as I became extremely tired and went to sleep early that night, and the next morning I felt like a brand new person.  

Any concerns I had about going to a spa during a pandemic disappeared as soon as I started my session.  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm somewhat of a germaphobe (I was one of the few guests masked during my visit), so the fact that Christine was double-masked and the spa practiced numerous procedures to help keep guests as safe as possible really made me at ease.  I couldn't believe I waited so long to return to a spa, but I'm so glad I did, and I look forward to returning to Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre soon!

Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St
Kapolei, HI 96707

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Elevate Your Spa Day at Naupaka Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Koolina

The Naupaka Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Koolina has been a long time favorite of mine. Most recently, I treated myself to a massage, but decided to elevate my experience by booking it at one of their 3 outdoor and private hales. 

I really do love the outdoor massage experience because it feels you are immersed in nature. The hales are secluded so they are very peaceful. I would highly recommend trying out your next massage at one of these hale.

Another special experience the spa offers is the "Spa Under the Stars" which treats the couple to an after-hours experience in a candle-lit oceanfront cabana. You'll enjoy your massage treatments to the backdrop of the ocean waves followed by a private stargazing experience. Sounds absolutely amazing!

Naupaka Spa and Wellness (808) 679-3200

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Get Ready to Walk In and Float Out of Spa U'ilani

All my favorite spas are closed right now so I was super happy to learn about Spa U'ilani located in Kaka'ako at Keauhou Lane.  They offer facials and massages at reasonable prices.  They also offer membership that provides special rates for treatments.  The facilities at Spa U'ilani are sanitized regularly so you can relax and enjoy your treatment knowing that they took special care in ensuring a safe environment.

I booked a 90 minute Swedish massage with Allie and every minute of it was amazing!  I should say, every minute that I was awake was amazing!  I hate it when I fall asleep during massages, but when it's that relaxing, it's practically inevitable.  

The staff at Spa U'ilani are professional and made my experience stellar.  I would highly recommend and already have another massage booked!  Visit them at www.spauilani.com!

 

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Moana Lani Spa's Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial

It's not very often that I go to the spa, so I felt spoiled when Nat, Nadia, and Dara gave me a gift card to Moana Lani Spa for my birthday last year.

Of course, making the time to use it would be an issue.

But thanks to the same friends, a girls' spa date was made!

I made an appointment for an Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial. 

During this procedure,Hypberbaric Oxygen is used to apply Intraceuticals serums onto the skin.  When used with oxygen, the serums help to lift and firm the skin, while rehydrating or brightening the skin.

I chose the Opulence Treatment for this facial.  This treatment is for uneven or sun-damaged skin. 

When the oxygen was first applied, it was quite cold, and since I'm quite ticklish on one side, I could feel my body jerk from time to time.   It took a while for me to adjust as the therapist passed the oxygen tool across my skin, but I could really feel the oxygen penetrating the serums into my skin.

The therapist worked really hard on a couple of the tough dark spots on my face, passing the oxygen tool over and over the same spots. 

She did one side of my face first so I could look into the mirror to see the difference between each side.  I could really tell the difference.  The side she worked on was lifted and plump.

She proceeded to work on the remaining side of my face, and the end result was glowing skin (as Nadia pointed out). 

I was very pleased with the experience!

At the end of the treatment, I was given some chocolates to enjoy in the waiting room.

The view from the waiting room is just the prettiest!

Thank you Nat, Nadia, and Dara for the gift card and for getting me to relax!

Moana Lani Spa
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
 2365 Kalakaua Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815

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Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre Launches New Menu

The Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina launched a new menu of services focusing on wholeness and incorporating local customs and ingredients, and I was very, very lucky to have been treated to TWO of the new treatments!

After being welcomed with refreshing kombucha and completing an intake form, I was escorted on a brief tour of the facilities, which included a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and relaxation areas. 

My first treatment was the Fire and Ice Massage, which reflected fire from the volcano, and snow from the peaks of the mountains.

This treatment involved a selection between Mauka (mountain) and Makai (ocean) oils for use during the massage, and the simultaneous use of heated basalt rocks and chilled stones to help stimulate blood flow.

I initially expected to feel one sensation at a time, so I was surprised to feel both heat and cold at the same time.  The process is intended to help reduce inflammation, and it was a very calming feeling.

My 80-minute massage involved head-to-toe pampering, as my scalp, shoulders, back, legs, arms, feet, and even my stomach were manipulated in ways to release tension and toxins. 

The entire experience was just amazing.  My therapist made sure to check if it was okay to do a head and stomach massage prior to the beginning of the treatment, and made sure the pressure was okay as the procedure went on. She made sure the lighting and even the music was to my liking.

The 80 minutes flew by, and by the time it was done, I was in a delightful daze.  After putting my robe back on, I totally forgot my therapist's instructions, and just stood in the room for a few minutes before I opened the door and found her standing patiently outside with a cup of water.

Next up was the Hulali (to glow) Hawaiian Healing Facial. 

This 80-minute procedure utilizes O`o Hawaii skincare products, which consists of 100% vegetarian, non-GMO ingredients.

During the treatment, my skin was cleansed and massaged, and the O`o Brilliant Feather Beauty Balm was applied, which aides in rejuvenating the skin to give it a nice glow.  A jade gua sha was also used to help stimulate blood flow. 

I lost count at how many times I dozed off!

I was in a state of pure bliss, and by the time the procedure was done, my entire being felt completely refreshed. 

At the end of the treatments, I spent some time in the sauna to help release toxins, took a shower, and then relaxed and sipped on champagne. 

Other new treatments, according to a press release, include:

• Quest for Wholeness, a signature spa experience tailored by the guest to include a selection of customized hand, foot, back, head and scalp therapies to enhance a traditional Lomilomi massage or Hulali, a locally sourced superfood crystal healing facial.

• Warrior is a deep tissue treatment designed to ease the rigors experienced in Kane hula (which can include tree climbing and rock running – an intensive form of traditional training practiced by male hula dancers.) The treatment incorporates deep pressure and therapeutic techniques to stretch tight muscles and relieve pain, utilizing blended arnica oil to release blockage and congestion in the muscle tissue.

• Hinuhinu Gloss and Glow is an intensely hydrating full body therapy beginning with dry brush exfoliation followed by an application of tropically infused hydrating gloss. In full body wrap, guests enjoy a coconut hair treatment and scalp massage, finishing with a shea butter application to lock in moisture for sun-kissed, glowing skin.

• Moemoeā Dream Massage releases tension in the cranial area, beginning with aromatherapy followed by a warm oil hair and scalp massage and continuing with time dedicated to massaging the feet to achieve a purely rebalanced and dreamy state.

Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre also offers an outdoor lap pool, tennis courts, a salon, and health club. 

Whether you prefer massages or facials, or simply need some "me-time" to relax and rejuvenate, check out Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre's new offerings!

Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St

Kapolei, HI 96707

Mahalo to the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina for hosting my spa treatments. Gratuity was paid on my own.

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