Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

The Fairmont Kea Lani is a special resort whose very location will instantly heal your soul. From the moment I drove up, I was enveloped in the Aloha spirit. The sun kissed valet beamed at me. I was greeted with a fresh lei and escorted to the front desk. The hotel’s open air concept invited natural light to flood in the surroundings. The lobby is expansive, inviting and supportive of healing and transformation. I glanced over and noticed the live bamboo garden enhanced by running water, Buddha statues and chirping birds. I made a mental note to return to this peaceful corner of paradise after my spa appointment.

Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui After checked in, I was escorted to the Willow Stream Spa. Once again I was welcomed with open arms and friendly smiles. I was ready to find my kaulike (internal balance). This spa prides itself in ritual and honoring healing traditions. In ancient Hawai’i, balance was found by honoring the nÄakua (spirit), nÄ kanaka maoli (people) and ka ‘Äina (land). Willow Stream Spa draws on the energy, people and land of Maui for its authentic experiences, using only locally-sourced products.

I arrived 30 minutes early for my scheduled treatment so I could explore the new renovated spa. The spa’s expansive 9,000 square foot renovation includes experience showers inspired by varieties of Maui rain, as well as the soothing pÄlolo (mud) bar. I dabbed my finger into the lavender scented mud and smear it on my pores. I then headed to the steam room, and afterward to the experience showers.

The experience showers are the newest trend in spa therapies. When activated by a button, these shower releases cold fog in combination with fresh air and a blue fiber optic light to enhance the feeling of coolness. I chose Maui tropical rain; it felt like I was in the rain forest and washed with mist.

Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui The shower features six body jets and an overhead shower. A warm tropical rain with large, smooth drops pattered onto my skin. I heard birds singing in my own shower. The spa has gone to great lengths to ensure each guest feels taken care of, and this nature inspired pre-treatment is unique journey into healing.

For regular treatments, the spa directors have created a simple system to help select an experience that will provide you with the greatest possible benefit.

Relieve treatments provide a simple escape from everyday pressures. They are a great pick-me-up, can facilitate relaxation and may involve skin rehydration.
Restore treatments are focused on helping you recover from things like stress, travel, overindulgence or your hectic lifestyle. They are rebalancing in nature, and some even provide you with more radiant skin.
Results treatments are more intense and involve processes like detoxification, cleansing or anti-aging. They are therapeutic, and many of them include the use of cutting-edge technology.

My treatment is part of the Restore path, the signature ‘Awa Remedy, a 90 minute tension relief and ancient Hawaiian-inspired ritual. The Makahiki season of ancient Hawai’i took place each fall for four months. During this time, both war and work were suspended, and days were spent playing games, enjoying time together and feasting. Warriors relieved bodily tension with various herbs and tonics, including the locally grown ‘awa root.

My treatment is perfect after flying across the ocean. My body and mind are jet legged, but my therapist has the perfect touch. The benefits of ‘awa are instantly absorbed.
This experience includes a Hawaiian ‘alaea salt scrub to remove all surface skin for optimal absorption of the ‘awa aloe body mask. A pressure-point foot and scalp massage will melts away all my residual tension. After my body is rinsed, a tension relief massage restores meto a limber form. The products are all locally sourced from lavender farms on Maui.

After my treatment I am restored and balanced. I head back to my personal suite to enjoy the afternoon in Maui. The Fairmont Kea Lani is Hawaii’s only all suite and villa luxury oceanfront resort, situated on 22 acres of tropical landscape in sunny Wailea, Maui. With marble floors in the bathroom and an oversized whirlpool soaking tub, staying at the Fairmont Kea Lani is sure to rejuvenate your soul.

Plan your visit to the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel here:
http://www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/

Plan your visit to the Willow Stream Spa here:
http://www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/willow-stream/

Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani

Written by Shannon Kaiser