Serenity Now
Get away to Tahiti with Halekulani Spa’s exclusive Taurumi massage. In keeping with Halekulani’s exacting standards, its masseurs were trained for over one month by traditional practitioners from the island of Mo‘orea, as well as the Polynesian Cultural Center. Connoisseurs will quickly appreciate this traditional South Pacific technique’s unique push-and-pull motion that washes away stress and restores circulation. The treatment’s star ingredient is authentic monoï, an exquisite traditional blend of coconut oil meticulously infused with tiare (Tahitian gardenia) that has been specially imported from Tahiti by Halekulani. (It’s not for sale; we asked!) When used for taurumi, this sacred oil enlivens the senses, yet deeply soothes the nervous system. 50 minutes for $185, 80 minutes for $230, 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, 931.5322
Perfectly Paired
Couples, it’s time to head to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Waikiki Beach. Its new Pili Aloha experience uses multiple Hawaiian botanicals in a thoughtfully orchestrated series of treatments that foster connection and intimacy. A body scrub of ‘olena (Hawaiian turmeric) and wild lehua honey invigorates, while healing lomilomi and a warm pohaku (stone) and flower essence massage deeply soothe the body. Hawaiian ‘awa (kava kava) and warm stones are then used to align pulses and release accumulated neck tension. To bring the session to a close, the therapist marks each partner’s heart and wrist with fresh cut ‘olena and then brings their wrists together to bring this unique experience to a close. 80 minutes, price upon request, 383 Kalaimoku St., Honolulu, 729.9783
Healing Hands
Leave it to the Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina to beautifully honor the centuries-old tradition of lomilomi at its serene Naupaka Spa & Wellness Center. Its signature Naupaka Lomilomi begins by grounding the body with breathwork. The massage is exquisitely enhanced by the spa’s signature mauka or makai scents custom-made on O‘ahu. While all Four Seasons therapists are expertly trained, we highly recommend booking a session with Bronson Salazar, a Wai‘anae Coast native who learned lomilomi from his grandmother. Under his attentive care and skilled hands, even the most world-weary will feel refreshed and renewed. For a truly stellar experience, consider pairing the massage with the Wawali body scrub, which capitalizes on the enzymatic power of pineapple to revitalize the skin. Pure bliss! Naupaka Lomilomi, 50 minutes for $195, 80 minutes for $265; Wawali body scrub, 25 minutes for $115, 92-1001 Olani St., Kapolei, 679.0079
Photography by: Photo courtesy of Halekulani; photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach; photo courtesy of Ola Collective
