SPAS
Sweet Bliss Indulge in Hawai’ian healing arts to truly relax at Spa Without Walls.
Natural Setting: Waterfall hale PHOTO: © FAIRMONT ORCHID
SPA WITHOUT WALLS Fairmont Orchid 1 N. Kaniku Drive Waimea, HI 96743 tel 808 885 2000 fairmont.com
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BY SUSAN B. BARNES
alking across the lush grounds of Fairmont Orchid on the Island of Hawai’i, I could hear the ocean before I could see its deep blues sparkling in the sunlight. Listening to that natural soundtrack blended with the scents of plumeria, watching the palm trees sway overhead, and feeling the warmth of the sun and the ocean breeze on my skin, I found myself ho‘omaha — relaxing, in Hawai’ian — as I followed my therapist to a private, oceanfront hale, or hut, at Spa Without Walls. Inside, I melted into a deeper level of relaxation as my therapist started the detoxifying ‘Awa Earth & Fire treatment with warm coconut oil to nourish and hydrate my skin, followed by a blend of Hawai’ian botanicals used with warm lava rocks to ease away any tension my body was holding. Soothed by the sounds of the Pacific Ocean lapping onto the lava and white coral coastline just outside the hale and birds chirping to each other, it was easy to ho‘omaha. Akin to the ‘Awa Earth & Fire, the spa menu features island-inspired
globaltravelerusa.com DECEMBER 2021
treatments highlighting local ingredients and techniques used for generations, like the lomilomi massage, a royal tradition originating in the Hawai’ian Islands designed to restore one‘s mana, or spiritual energy of power and strength. “Our spa offers a variety of treatments that allow our guests an opportunity to connect with the ‘āina (land) and feel a powerful energy as a result,” said Roselia Flandes, director, Spa Without Walls. “We’ve found that both our massage therapists and guests appreciate the integration of locally sourced ingredients and age-old Hawai’ian healing arts into our spa treatments, as it creates a meaningful connection with our culture. “As an example, one of our signature body treatments, ‘Awa Earth & Fire, incorporates Hawai’ian-grown ‘awa, a medicinal herb, along with volcanic clay to usher in complete relaxation,” she added. “Additionally, our Hiwa-Hiwa massage is a popular treatment that incorporates volcanic mud sourced from Hawai’i Island, followed by a lomilomi-style massage. It’s truly the most delectable and relaxing way for a guest to experience
