Family Wellness at the Spa
The entire family can enjoy Laniwai Spa at Aulani, Disney’s first spa
Guests of Aulani, Disney’s Hawaiian resort, will find all the magic of the brand spread out over 21 oceanfront acres, from water slides and lazy rivers to breakfasts attended by Mickey and Minnie. The resort is also the first LEED Silver Certified in Hawaii, with a décor inspired by local symbols and mythology, and one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Hawaiian art. Also somewhat unexpected is the resort’s recently relaunched spa, the first-ever Disney-branded spa, and one that celebrates wellness for the whole family.
If that description has you thinking of massages by Goofy, think again.
Laniwai (“freshwater heaven”) is centered around an 1,800-square-foot, adults-only facility with 15 treatment rooms, single-sex and co-ed relaxation areas, and sauna- and steam-equipped locker rooms attended by some of the warmest staffers we’ve ever met. Also adults-only (with rare exception) is the 5,000-square-foot Kula Wai outdoor hydrotherapy garden, equipped with six rain showers, hot and cold whirlpools, and herbal pools. The menu of nearly 150 services in the main spa ranges from signature lomilomi (using sticks and hot stones) and Kapa’i (using warm herbal poultices) massages to a custom organic facial.
Disney’s research showed that teens 13 to 17 are interested in wellness, too; so, for them, there is the dedicated Painted Sky Teen Spa, a bright, lively space that’s part spa/salon, part general, parents-free hangout. Past the complimentary frozen yogurt bar and internet-equipped computers, there are manicure and pedicure stations, semi-private areas for massages and facials, and a DIY bar where teens can create their own body polishes, face masks and perfumes using natural ingredients. Noting that teens are interested in skin care and fitness, the spa offers a daily schedule of talks and activities, including nighttime “no parents allowed” parties that draw both sexes. Painted Sky also offers activities for younger kids, like hair braiding, temporary tattoo applications, dress up and more.
Laniwai is one of the only spas we’ve ever seen to offer services the whole family can enjoy together. In the Ohana (“family”) room, with three indoor massage tables and three recliners on the terrace, up to six family members can receive back and foot massages at the same time. While the Ohana is suitable for kids five and up, the Ka Makana service is designed to teach expecting or new parents how to massage their babies—proving that at Laniwai, spa-ing starts young. resorts. disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/activities-amenities/spa-fitness —Sandra Ramani
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Blend It and Chill
Hotel Terra’s new Blend Bar at Chill Spa
If you like a hint of DIY, you will love the new Chill Spa Blend Bar at the LEED Silver Certified Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole, WY. Overlooking Teton Village, the spa—with six treatment rooms, including a couple’s room with Jacuzzi, fireplace and a gorgeous view—now offers guests the opportunity to custom-blend scents into massage creams, body scrubs or signature scents, for before, during or after their spa experience. “I love that the Blend Bar takes the treatment out of the treatment room,” says Chill Spa Manager Sara Dolentz. “The DIY component allows guests to watch their scrub or cream be blended in front of them and then continue the benefits of the treatment at home.” hotelterrajacksonhole.com
—Rona Berg