A $350 million dollar renovation may have recently wrapped at the iconic Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, but ancient Hawaiian tradition remains the beating heart of the beachside property, particularly its Kilolani Spa, which has undergone its very own $55 million facelift. From rotating treatment menus based on the Hawaiian moon calendar to an intention-setting ritual as you enter its threshold or “Portal,” innovation, tradition and serenity intersect at the Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea in Maui.
What to Expect
State-of-the-art finishes and thoughtful treatments rooted in rich Hawaiian culture. The 50,000 square foot Kilolani Spa is the largest in the state and offers 40 treatment rooms, including couples’ treatment suites and meditation and reflection lounges.
From luxurious changing rooms outfitted with Dyson hairdryers and top-shelf toiletries to buttery spa robes printed the moon’s phases, every detail is accounted for before your treatment even begins. A hydrothermal garden, contrast bathing circuit, halotherapy-infused infrared saunas, steam rooms, a Hammam and pools can be used before or after your treatment.
After a very short waiting period, if any at all (be sure to add some time to enjoy all of the spa’s features beforehand) in the al fresco Reflection Lounge with a jaw-dropping view of the Pacific, you will be escorted to your treatment room. Post treatment, a dimly lit meditation lounge is available for those looking to prolong their Zen.
The History
Named in honor of the Kiloani, ancient Hawiian stargazers, the Kilolani Spa is centered around the Hawaiian moon calendar, or Anahulu. Treatment offerings and essential oils used within them ebb and flow with these natural cycles, a way of helping guests “sync up with the universe” and find their “own rhythm amidst the celestial dance.”
There are three distinct cycles, each lasting 10 days: Anahulu Ho’onui (a focus on self-discovery and intention setting), Anahulu Poepoe (a focus on strengthening the mind-body connection), and Anahulu Hoʻēmi (a focus on reflection and surrender). All treatments feature hand-selected botanicals native to the area and traditional and holistic practices.
What to Get
Inspired by the ocean’s cleansing waves, the Lomilomi Massage is a “Hawaiian healing art form” which incorporates long, flowing movements to usher in deep relaxation and healing while honoring the ocean.
Perfect after a long journey, the Jet Lag Recovery Massage features a heated quartz sand table to ground the body and recalibrate a stressed circadian rhythm, plus movements aimed at increasing circulation and nixing inflammation.
When to Go
While rainfall tends to lessen in the months of March through September, locals will tell you there’s no bad time to visit Maui. Before planning your trip to paradise, check out the spa’s site for upcoming events. Coming soon: An exclusive, immersive Sleep Retreat with the famed Dr. Rebecca Robins “to help people achieve the best night’s rest possible.”
