Couples hot stone massage at Aulani spa in Hawaii
DAY 4 – (of 6) — Think a separate spa retreat for teens and another designed for entire families to enjoy together. Think adult treatments infused with local Hawaiian healing techniques.
Think an outdoor hydrotherapy garden—the only one on the island of Oahu—here at Disney’s brand new Aulani resort.
Laniwai (the name means freshwater heaven in Hawaiian) is supposed to embrace the Hawaiian connection to nature. I think it can enhance family connections too both by encouraging families to enjoy the facilities together and on their own– 5,000 square feet outdoors,15 treatment rooms, a huge fitness center and the Painted Sky teen spa next door complete with yoghurt bar, virtual makeovers, internet access, Hawaiian crafts and XBOX fitness classes. Teens can mix their own Hawaiian body polishes or opt for a virtual makeover while you get a traditional Hawaiian Lomilomi massage with the traditional healing sticks. (I loved the way my massage therapist Chuck used the small sticks on my feet! The lomilomi sticks and warm river stones are used to release tension, and fatigue and the technique really works)
Maybe you’d like a coconut body exfoliation followed by a massage with your choice of tropical scent blended with coconut milk. (You can choose your own “scrub” too from Hibiscus, pineapple, mango, orchid, plumeria or maile (my pick because it smells so good!) Get a facial that includes CoffeeBerry Extract (anti-aging, I’m told) or a soak in a Seaweed Sea Bath.
Sign up for a family treatment that will teach you and your family how to use a lomilomi stick or how to learn to massage your baby. Your little princess can be transformed to a Hula Girl and your son a Warrior boy complete with new hairstyle costume and of course, pixie dust.
“This age group has seen parents take care of themselves and go to a spa,” said spa director Lucia Rodriguez. “They’re mimicking what their parents do.”
And helping the entire family to de-stress in the process.