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Hawaiiana at the Spa

Focusing On Island Traditions and Indigenous Treatments

Inspired by the popularity of its treatments based on ancient Hawaiian legend, Four Seasons Resort Maui has introduced an entirely new spa menu that is fully rooted in island culture while continuing to deliver one-of-a-kind pampering.

"Our new menu expands on the Hawaiian healing traditions and customs that were previously available in the spa," said Pat Makozak, spa director. "Guests will find a wider use of local products and flavors, such as volcanic ash and noni, as well as lesser known island healing rituals, like Jin Shin Do energy therapy."

The increased focus on Hawaiiana is first evident in the treatment names, which include a Hawaiian name next to its English translation. Product lines including Epicuren, Osea and Maui's own Ali'i Kula Lavender provided inspiration for new treatments that not only reflect Hawaiian heritage, but also incorporate cutting-edge spa therapies such as microdermabrasion and derma lift, a topical botox-like product.

At the same time, existing treatments were reviewed and updated. Body scrubs now reflect a varying degree of abrasiveness and are available in a wide variety of island scents including Geranium and Grape Seed, Mandarin Orange, Tropical Lave, Mango, Pineapple Papaya and Island Sandalwood and Lavender. Cocoon Treatments have also been reworked to take full advantage of the uniqueness of the cocoon bed and allow guests to experience both massage and body treatments while floating in water.

"Our goal is for guests to feel immersed in the beauty and spirituality of the islands when visiting The Spa," said Davis. "We also want to offer unique and trend setting treatments, such as the gemstone facial, that showcase the latest in healing therapy and top-of-the-line pampering."

Among the noteworthy new treatments offered on the new menu are:

Facials

Gemstone Healing Facial ('Ili A'ia'i): A unique facial designed to combat the effects of aging. Amethyst, Tourmaline and Quartz are blended together with volcanic bentonite clay, lavender and jasmine to work as a powerful defense against free radicals and pollutants. (50 minutes)

Volcanic Venus Facial (Ho' mana Wahine): This facial combines the detoxifying power of volcanic ash and sandalwood, with the sensual and nurturing essences of Maui lavender and geranium to honor the warrior goddess inside. (50 minutes)

Fountain of Youth Facial (Ka W  U'i): Osea's "Derma Lift," a topical Botox-like product, is the powerful tonic used in this facial designed to turn back the clock. Pure plant oxygen infusion, mineral enzymes, a white algae mask and 10 essential oils combine to stimulate cellular metabolism, improve circulation and lift and tighten the skin. (80 minutes)

Ultimate Facial: Using some of the most advanced skincare techniques available, this facial includes a microdermabrasion treatment, followed by a soothing Silver Ion Mask that helps fight redness and irritation. Oxygen therapy completes the treatment, which works to reduce fine lines, stimulate new cell generation and counteract the signs of aging. (80 minutes)

Cocoon Treatments

Wai Aulia (Graceful Flowing Water): Developed by a Four Seasons therapist, this treatment includes a floating massage performed on a cocoon bed. Floating weightlessly on a bed of water, the body is gently rocked, massaged and stretched. The spine is relaxed and free of tension, allowing for deep relaxation. A rich moisturizing cream follows to nourish the skin. Cool, scented towels are provided to make this an exceptional experience for the spa savvy guest. (50 or 80 minutes)

Wai Huaka'i (Water Journey): This treatment begins with a calming soak in a whirlpool tub enhanced with tropical scented sea salt. Then, guests sink down into a warm cocoon bed for a deeply relaxing body wrap. A rich, hydrating body butter with lavender buds is applied as the body floats weightlessly. Following a neck, scalp and face massage, guests are assisted to a rain shower for a brief rinse. Finally, guests are escorted to a Quiet Room where they are served a cool beverage and allowed to prepare for the finale: a 50-minute massage. (110 minutes)

Massages

Lomi Aumoa: Translated as "to protect and nurture," this massage is uniquely choreographed and includes two therapists working in-sync using flowing Hawaiian Lomi Lomi technique. (50, 80 or 110 minutes)

Kamalei: "The beloved child" massage is a special addition to the menu of pregnancy massage. The treatment begins with an application of pure, organic apricot oil to relieve stress and balance emotions. Following, natural cocoa butter, enriched with vitamin E, works to nourish the skin and helps reduce stretch marks. (50, 80 or 110 minutes)

Cocoa Pohaku: A unique pohaku (hot stone) massage that uses rich cocoa butter to moisturize the skin and improve elasticity. Meanwhile, the warm stones soothe and heal aching, tired muscles. (50, 80 or 110 minutes)

Body Treatments

Hawaiian Healing Wrap (E Ola Hou): An island tradition that begins with a tropical polish of pineapple papaya enzyme to naturally exfoliate and soften the skin. The body is then soothed with a healing gel of Hawaiian noni and gently wrapped with warmed Ti leaves. While wrapped, guests experience a deeply hydrating hair treatment with warm coconut-kukui oil and a warm stone face massage with pineapple papaya lotion. This lush ritual is completed with a deeply relaxing full body massage using pineapple papaya lotion. (110 minutes)

The Rainbow (Ke' Anuenue): The rainbow is a cherished island symbol and was believed to be a gift from the gods to honor the Royals. This treatment pampers guests like royalty with a gentle exfoliation of Hawaiian cane sugar and macadamia nut oil. Following, the body is wrapped in Hawaiian lehua honey and kukui-coconut oil. A rain shower with coconut gel follows this imperial wrap, which is completed with a majestic moisturizing massage with orange blossom lotion. (110 minutes)

Energy Therapy

Jin Shin Do: Translated as "The Way of the Compassionate Spirit," Jin Shin Do facilitates inner awareness as the body and mind influence each other. When one's thoughts and beliefs are in sync with how the body feels the person experiences a greater energy and capacity for joy. This treatment uses a traditional Japanese finger technique of gentle, firm and consistent pressure, while holding two acupoints concurrently. The mind and body come into balance with each other and energy (Chi) flows smoothly. (50 or 80 minutes)

The 21,000 square foot Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui opened its new, expanded facility in 2003 following a multi-million dollar project that encompassed remodeling and new construction of 13 treatment rooms and suites, the creation of a Healing Garden and a new 1,000-square-foot fitness center.  The project also included a complete renovation of the Spa's reception, lounge, library and relaxation areas and the locker rooms.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii's only AAA Five Diamond and  Mobil Five-Star resort, is situated on 15 oceanfront acres of Maui's sunniest coastline and is home to one of the United States' top-rated spas and to three of Hawaii's most acclaimed restaurants   Ferraro's, Spago and Pacific Grill.

For information, please call 808-874-8000 or
Four Seasons Central Reservations at 800-332-3442
or visit www.fourseasons.com/maui.

Edited by Erika Wright

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