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Hotel and Spa

by Madelyn Miller

The Spa Grande strives to provide the ultimate spa experience. Their mission is to ensure that each guest attains a feeling of relaxation, an awakening of the senses, and a renewed enthusiasm for life. Though a philosophy of "East Meets West". Spa Grande blends traditional Hawaiian healing techniques with the finest European, American, Indian and Oriental Spa therapies.

I had my peak massage therapy experience at the Spa Grande. I had a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage which is considered the "Hula of Massage". Rhythmic and flowing movements create a nurturing experience based on traditional Hawaiian healing arts and Aloha.

The most interesting thing was that right after the release of "Indecent Exposure" the Hawaiian massage therapist had done a massage on Sharon Stone. (That is probably the only thing I have in common with Sharon Stone.) Apparently the therapist, who did not own a TV, asked Sharon what she did for a living. When Sharon replied, "I'm a movie star," the therapist asked her if she'd been in any recent movies.

The only inconsistent part of this story is my therapist's beeper started going off (not exactly relaxing for the client) halfway through the massage. She quickly explained how she had trained for 5 children to beep her when they came home from school.

You must test the waters of wellness at the Spa Grande by following the Terme' Wailea Hydrotherapy Circuit. Beginning with a brief shower, you spend some time relaxing in a Roman tub, cool plunges, steam room and sauna before being escorted for a personalized loofah scrub (a cleansing treatment which exfoliates and removes dull surface skin cells, improving circulation and producing a softer, smoother, healthier looking skin).

Next step of the terne is the Cascading Waterfall Shower, where after you go on to experience a choice of one of their specialty baths: Moor mud, Limu/Seaweed, Aroma therapy, Tropical Enzyme (mostly Papaya) and mineral salt. Gourmet that I am, I tried them all because they sounded so delicious.

Then after an invigorating Swill Jet Shower, you'll be guided to the upper lounge to enjoy a tropical iced tea before proceeding to either the outdoor Lanai or Sonic Relaxation Room with its large video screen and vibrating chairs.

The Spa Grande also has one of the largest selections of massage styles. (A half session is $75 for 25 minutes, a full session is $105 for 55 minutes) Besides the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, you can enjoy Reiki (the Japanese word for Universal Life Force Energy. Gently therapeutic touch promotes the healing process by transferring electromagnetic energy and enhancing deep relaxation.)

Shiatsu (Japanese pressure point treatment using palms, fingers and thumbs to release tension and increase circulation of energy based on Oriental healing. Pressure applied through clothing or sheet without oils).

Jin Shin Do (Ancient art of harmonizing life energy within the body practiced by placing fingertips over clothing on designated areas).

Thai (Unique combination of gentle rocking and stretching using range of motion and acupressure techniques applied through clothing without oils. Massage performed on floor or futon).

But the best choice may be "The Massage Sampler", a combination of styles designed to personalize the massage by blending techniques from around the world.

Or if you want to double your pleasure, there are several massage specialties.

1 - Duo (55 minutes) (2 therapists, 2 guests) $210.00

Share the experience. Massage for two in the same room

2 - Duet (115 minutes) (1 therapist, 2 guests) $210.00

Learn professional techniques for home use while receiving massage from therapist and your partner.

3 - Massage in Stereo (55 minutes) $210.00

The ultimate! Two therapists working simultaneously massaging one guest.

4 - Grand Refresher (25 minutes) $115.00

Receive Foot Reflexology and Refresher Facial simultaneously.

A rejuvenating experience.

A few of my other favorite include: the Hawaiian scalp treatment ($75) which is a relaxing, therapeutic scalp treatment using a combination of enriching nutrients from the sea, along with a massage using essential oils. Includes shampoo and blow dry. I also loved the Alii Honey Steam Wrap, an exfoliation treatment followed by a unique honey conditioning leaving the skin soft, vibrant and tingling. When I returned home, my massage therapist at Texas Touch even noticed and commented on the condition of my skin.

Before or after treatments, spa guests are invited to the darkened sonic relaxation room. Here, wrapped in light blankets, guests lie cocoon-like in a futuristic black lounge chair where soothing music is emitted from the hood. Gently vibrations from the music are felt through the chair itself while videos of tranquil nature scenes are played to calm the mind.

The spa facility has separate but identical facilities for men and women. Linking the two areas is the outdoor lanai, ideal for lounging and enjoying one of the most breathtaking Pacific views of the island. Here couples can compare notes on their treatment selections or simply relax and let the healing effects of the Spa Grande experience take effect.

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