Heavenly Pampering

Spa Grande at Grand Wailea
(Sixth of a Series)

Day 4 - December 18, 2013

Some pampering time at the spa? Yes, please!

I didn't want to leave Grand Wailea without experiencing the award-winning Spa Grande. I saw an ad in the Hana Hou in-flight magazine stating that it is the Top Hotel Spa in Hawaii (Travel + Leisure). I'm not going to pass up this chance unlike the last time -- see blog post SPA-tastic!

With an appointment set for 8:00 a.m., I was the first guest at this lovely sanctuary that day. I enjoyed the advantage of having the entire place exclusively to myself for an hour!

The grandiose entrance to Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea.

I started my self-pampering time with a dip in this inviting Roman whirlpool and cold plunge.

What's distinctive about this spa is its philosophy of East meets West...in the Hawaiian Islands. The East uses herbs and ancient Eastern techniques while the West uses new technologies to enhance inner and outer beauty. And here, it's a harmonious combination of both plus the Hawaiian touch.

The other differentiating feature of this spa is the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit. Words are not quite enough to describe the experience.  Thankfully, Spa Grande has this video that walks you through it. [Video Clip]

This video best explains the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit experience at Spa Grande.

After soaking in the Roman Whirlpool, I made my way to the Hawaiian corner.  I thoroughly enjoyed the cascading waterfalls. Imagine soaking underneath a giant faucet with water dropping from 10 feet above you. The hydro pressure on my neck, shoulders, and and back felt good! It reminded me of my favorite feature in Aquae Sulis Spa of JW Marriott in Las Vegas. 

The tropical shower was just as invigorating.  This shower enclosure surrounds you with 50 water spouts and a large shower head.  The result is a jet stream of water that massages you from head to toe.

Following this, I explored the sea salt baths. These magnificent baths were developed exclusively for Spa Grande using minerals, herbs, fruits, and essences that are indigenous to Hawaii.

The five Hawaiian sea salt baths. (Photo courtesy of Spa Grande at Grand Wailea.)

Each bath of various colors and aromas offered benefits ranging from relieving stress to nourishing the skin. I tried the Kaua'i bath with lava red sea salt and tropical guava; the Lana'i bath with green papaya sea salt and golden pineapple; and the Maui bath with Wailea Blue sea salt and cocounut nectar.  At the end of it all, I smelled like Hawaii!

This is what convinced me to go.  At the entrance to the spa is a display explaining the different bath soaks from indigenous Hawaiian sea salts.

In between my explorations, I was invited to the treatment room for a full-body honey-mango exfoliation.  I lay on my stomach on the spa treatment table while the spa attendant gently scrubbed my back, arms, and legs with a loofah.  It felt like light rain on my body when she rinsed me off using a shower wand.

Mind you, all of this is accessible to a guest for only $55 (2 hours in the facility) or comes complimentary when you book a spa treatment. Someday, I'd like to return and try the Six-Hand Lava Stone Massage.  It's where three therapists (yes three!) simultaneously massage your entire body with hot lava stones.  Sounds heavenly!

On the "East side" of the spa, I tried the Japanese furo bath -- a shallow pool with bubbles emanating from the bottom, gently massaging the body as the air bubbles rise to the surface. The spa attendant pointed out the traditional Japanese shower in this area.  It is low level and has no shower head. Instead, it has a shower wand and a wooden stool as it is meant for one to sit while showering.

I didn't know much about the furo bath until I did some research recently. I learned that in the traditional Japanese ritual of bathing, a wooden bathtub is filled with water and left overnight. It is important to be completely clean before entering the bath.  This is why there's a Japanese type shower next to it where one sits on a small wooden stool and lightly rinses off before entering the bath.

Spa Grande's private lanai. (Photo courtesy of Spa Grande at Grand Wailea,)

As a fitting finale to my pampering session, I went upstairs to the relaxation area -- a private lanai with sweeping views of the resort's Relaxation Pool and the Wailea Beach. This alone makes Spa Grande one of the best spas in the world.

Now I can check out without hesitation.


Continued from Bouncing Off The Clouds, It's A Hula-day, and My Heart Smiled. More on this adventure continued on Chasing Double Rainbows.

It's a Hula-day

The Te Au Moana Luau
(Fourth of a series)

Day 2 - December 16, 2013

A visit to Hawaii would not be complete without going to a luau.  My good friend Cheryl recommended the Te Au Moana Luau presented at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.  During my early morning exploratory walk the day before, I discovered it's just next door to Grand Wailea! All it took was a 5-minute leisurely walk from our hotel room to the venue.

We all agreed to meet at 4:30 pm so we could save good seats.  I was surprised to see the place already filling up.

Our group photo with Cheryl and Mike at the Te Au Moana Luau

While waiting for the feast to start, we received our orchid leis, had our photos taken, and chatted away over mai tais and pina coladas.  I told Alan and Trevor that Cheryl and her husband Mike own Mele Ukulele, known to be the Best Ukulele Shop in Maui. We asked them if they've ever met any celebrities at their store.  Apparently, several famous folks such as Mick Fleetwood, Steve Miller, John Fogerty, and even comedian Mike Myers have purchased ukuleles from them.

Soon a young man, dressed in traditional Hawaiian garment, trumpeted with a conch shell horn.  It was his way of inviting guests to come closer to the imu or oven pit.  Here they "unveiled" the kalua pig and signaled the start of the feast.

Guests gathered round the imu or oven pit to witness the unveiling of the kalua pig. 

Presenting the kalua pig, the star of the luau feast.  Kalua means to cook in an underground oven.

We all joined the buffet line where Cheryl explained to me that Kalua Pork goes well with Lomi Lomi salmon (Think Hawaiian salsa made of salmon, tomatoes, and Maui onions.)  After trying that combination, I don't think I could have Kalua Pork any other way. Yummy! It was great to enjoy all the delicious food including the grilled teriyaki steaks, seafood pasta, shoyu chicken, and Hawaiian fried rice while watching the sun slowly go to sleep.

This wasn't even the main performance.  But the pre-show was a visual delight against the spectacular Maui sunset.

The ocean and the setting sun provided an incredible stage backdrop. And once the sun had set, the stage remained vibrant with colorful dance performances and storytelling of Hawaiian legends.

I was so excited to see my friend and former grade school classmate who is now a long time resident of Maui. I have such fond memories of her and my childhood.  I still vividly recall how she and her sisters -- along with me and my sisters -- would always sit together at the same lunch table in school. 

Cheryl and I somehow manage to find each other even after being out of touch for years. Thanks to social media and a recent class reunion, we reconnected once again.

Cheryl and me

Continued from My Heart Smiled. More Maui adventures to follow. See Bouncing Off The Clouds.

My Heart Smiled

The Beach, The Pools, The Restaurants at The Grand Wailea

(Third of a series)

Day 2 - December 16, 2013

The day after our arrival, I got up at sunrise to explore the grounds of Grand Wailea.  Several early birds were already roaming the property like I was. Most were doing their morning run. I walked past an entire group of mostly ladies, with towels under their arms, preparing for 7:00 a.m. beach yoga.

First stop, Wailea Beach. [Watch 12-second video.]

How I love the soothing sound of ocean waves and the rippling water on my bare feet! This beach is so clean that it seems untouched.  The fine red sand here is incredibly smooth and soft. You don't have to worry about hurting your feet with pebbles, rocks, or broken shells because there are none.

Sunrise at Wailea Beach

A meandering pathway weaved together the high end resorts in this area. Following the walkway, I found even more striking views from different vantage points.  And I chanced upon a small shack that served Starbucks coffee. Bingo!

The path also led me to a lookout point popular for whale sightings. It had an informational sign about humpback whales and the surrounding islands. From that very spot, you could easily see the Molokini crater and the island of Kaho'olawe behind it. In the distance, the island of Lanai is also visible.

It doesn't take a professional photographer to capture great photos here.

As the sun rose higher, I discovered more about this 40-acre sprawling property.

The Hibiscus Pool at Grand Wailea.

A closer look at Grand Wailea's Hibiscus Pool.
The bottom of this pool is inlaid with a giant hibiscus made of Mexican mosaic tile.

While the Hibiscus Pool is reserved for adults, there's the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool perfect for the entire family's enjoyment.  I found water slides, waterfalls, a kiddie pool, a river, a rope swing( a la Tarzan), and even a swim up bar.  I guess they all connected to form the large Canyon Activity pool which is about 2,000 feet in length.  That's about five times the length of a football field...with end zones! You can find out more about the Pools at Grand Wailea here.

Ok so I had to insert this photo.  Sorry couldn't resist.
This was taken in front of the Grand Wailea's Reflecting Pool.

Ah yes, the restaurants.  I wanted to dine at the famous Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.  (You can just call it Humu for short.  They'll know what you mean.)  Sadly, I was out-voted by the two picky eaters in the family. I thought I'd have better chances of going to Amasia, the best new restaurant by renowned Chef Alan Wong. But no such luck.  I must return and bring along my foodie friends with me.  More about the Grand Wailea restaurants here.

Can you say it with me? Humuhumunukunukuapua'a is an award-winning restaurant.  

The view from inside Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant.
Look at that! I wish I had taken a photo also at sunset.

It's no wonder this restaurant garnered "Best Table for Two" by Islands Magazine. 

The ambience is both romantic and relaxing.

We spent the rest of the day at the famous beach.  Alan found a perfect spot where the staff set up some lounge chairs and a beach umbrella for us.  But after only a few minutes of relaxation, I craved some fun water activity.

Guests flocked to the beach to lounge, sunbathe, swim, snorkel, paddle-board, or kayak.

I couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day!

I called Trevor to jump in the back of my tandem kayak rental.  We paddled into the ocean in sync: left, right, left, right. Having paddled far enough, we turned the kayak around to look at where we started.  That's when the majestic mountain behind our resort revealed itself in full glory.

"Wow!" we both gasped, stopping to marvel at the unbelievable sight in front of us.

"I wish I had my camera right now," I sighed.

"You know, a recent study revealed that people who take more pictures remember less about their experiences," Trevor said matter-of-factly.

"OK, let's just stay here a bit longer to take it all in. Then let's paddle back to shore so your Dad can go next. He has to see this!"

"I love Hawaii," Trevor said for the nth time.

My heart smiled and echoed his sentiment.  I'm so, so grateful!


Continued from blogpost "Three Wishes" and "Amazeballs." More on this adventure coming up. See It's A Hula-day.

Amazeballs!

The Grand Wailea in Maui
(First of a series)
December 15, 2013

We'll be staying at a Waldorf Astoria resort?! Whaaat?!!!

Good ol' hubby Alan got us a great deal at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui. It was his idea to gift ourselves with a family vacation in Hawaii for Christmas this year.

Our jaws dropped when we drove up to the hotel's impressive main entrance. A petite yet spunky Asian lady, dressed in traditional Hawaiian garb, welcomed us as we entered the ritzy lobby.

"Aloha!" she warmly greeted the three of us and gave us fresh Dendrobium orchid leis. “My name is Rose. Your first time here?”

“No,” Trevor, my stepson, politely replied.

“Well then, welcome home!” she quipped with outstretched arms.

I think she meant "Is this your first time in Grand Wailea?"  It's true that Alan, Trevor, and I have been to Maui before but this is our first time ever in this luxurious resort.

Hawaiian welcome at the elaborate lobby of the Grand Wailea in Maui.

The tremendous Grand Wailea lobby decorated for the holidays

The iconic Reflecting Pool at the Grand Wailea.
It overlooks the Hibiscus Pool and the world famous Wailea Beach.

After checking in, we hurried to our room located in the chapel wing. Our balcony overlooked the Wailea Seaside Chapel (more on that here), the beautifully landscaped garden, palm trees, and the beachfront.

I grabbed my camera.  This place is amazeballs!

The view from our balcony: the Wailea Seaside Chapel and the setting sun at Wailea Beach.

The charming Wailea Seaside Chapel and the surrounding lush garden.

We knew we'd be traveling all day but hoped to catch the spectacular Maui sunset when we arrived. So we quickly headed out to the beach. A line of people were already there holding up their camera phones to capture the sunset-hued horizon.

A quick stroll on the famous beach of Wailea, rated one of the best beaches in Maui and the world.

The Wailea Beach looks glorious at sunset.

A picture perfect Maui sunset.

When we returned to our well-appointed Deluxe Garden Room, Trevor noticed something peculiar. "I think someone's been in here."

"Yup, Housekeeping turndown service," I assured him and pointed to the single orchid and notecard meticulously placed on each turned down bed. Expect nothing less from this Four Diamond rated hotel. This is going to be a fantastic stay!


More on this adventure. Continued on Three Wishes and My Heart Smiled.