Hyatt Regency’s MonroeMarilynSpa

steps from sand, minutes from relaxation

by LISA SCHELL

photographs by JASON MOORE

After flying at least 2,500 miles across the Pacific, securing the car rental and making the pilgrimage across the winding “Pali” highway to Kā‘anapali Beach Resort, your relaxing Maui getaway might need a jump-start. And what better way to shake off the dreaded jet lag than with a soothing spa treatment?

On the quiet southern end of Kā‘anapali Beach at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort sits Kamaha‘o: A Marilyn Monroe Spa. Located in a breezy, cream colored building just steps from the sand, the spa’s regal entryway – a grand staircase bordered by lava rock walls and waving loulu (Hawaiian palm leaf) and coconut palms – gives guests and passersby a taste of the luxe that awaits.

Inside, treatment rooms feature large windows framing views of Kā‘anapali’s tawny sands, the shimmering Au‘au Channel and the violet outline of Lāna‘i to the west. The sound of gentle waves breaking on the sand is enough to start loosening up those tight traveler's muscles almost immediately, and the view provides the perfect backdrop for a massage, or any number of services offered by the spa.

A variety of luxury treatments are on offer at the Marilyn Monroe Spa, but Vallerie Perez, the spa’s concierge, recommends first-time spa-goers try the signature massage, which “covers all the bases” and can easily be customized with aromatherapy oil.

The most popular offering at Marilyn Monroe Spa is the couple’s Romantic package. The service is in the most spectacular indoor oceanview massage suite. Another popular service is the semi-private outdoor oceanview cabana.

However, that doesn’t always mean both partners are into the experience equally.

“Many times, you see couples come in and the husband is hesitant,” Perez said. “The wife will convince him and when they come out 80 minutes later, he has a big smile on his face! It’s gratifying to see.”

If you want to take your experience up a notch, Perez recommended adding a hot stone or warm coconut oil scalp massage.

“The coconut oil scalp massage is extraordinary,” Perez said.

Perez recommended calling the spa directly to schedule a couples massage. She suggested making reservations as soon as you know when you will be visiting Maui. Other services can be reserved online.

The biggest perk of the Marilyn Monroe experience is that the lavish offerings extend beyond the therapies. After treatment, guests can relax in the open-air lounge and sip tea or fruit-infused water, and soak in the feeling of being a world away from Kā‘anapali’s typical tourist hangouts and crowds. Guests can also access the spa’s jacuzzi, dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room and showers for the entire day of their treatment, a bonus not often found in most resort spas on island.

“You can have a treatment, leave your things in the locker, go have lunch at the hotel, take a dip in the ocean, come back, and take advantage of the sauna,” Perez said. “It makes for a great day or even a mini ‘staycation.’ ”

Perez also says the spa’s location on Kā‘anapali Beach is great for people without much experience in the ocean – adding the lure of a beach day post-treatment. “Usually, it’s very calm right here, and people who may be timid about getting in the water can walk down and dip their toe in. Sometimes they feel confident enough even to take a swim.”

The staff will ensure you have everything you need for your stay. You’ll feel instantly at home because of their easygoing and friendly style.

“We like to treat everybody who comes like family. We will do our best to ensure you get personalized attention while you’re here,” she said. “If you’ve never been to a spa, we'll give you a great tour and make sure you get exactly what you need.”

The Marilyn Monroe Spa has a sister property in Orlando, Florida. The spa services are accessible to guests on any budget.

“A lot of times, people think going to a spa is expensive, but we keep our prices at a level that surprises folks. It can be much more affordable than they think,” she said. “Especially when you get to stay here and take advantage of everything all day.”

Massages start at $165 for 50 minutes –check the website for current rates and add-on prices. The Marilyn Monroe also offers kama’aina rates for Maui residents. marilynmonroespas.com/maui