A Luxury Hawaiian Spa at Disney’s Aulani

I know it’s tough to believe, but one of the best spas I’ve experienced was actually at a Disney resort, in Hawaii that is. The theme at Laniwai – A Disney Spa at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is all about water. You’ll find something here for the entire family with fifteen treatment rooms and 18,000 square feet, soothing Hawaiian music, and an absolutely incredible atmosphere.

Pick from a basket of smooth stones to choose your treatment theme; mine was pono which means “balance,” and balanced I surely felt at the completion of my stay here.

Plan to spend additional time at the spa’s 5,000 square foot coed outdoor hydrotherapy garden, Kula Wai included in all treatments (it can also be booked independently.) There are six soothing “waterfall” rain showers, each quite distinctive, as well as a hot whirlpool tub, a cold plunge pool, and heated mineral baths accompanied by, in true Disney fashion, sounds of the rainforest. Take off your shoes and walk along the reflexology pathway (it takes some getting use to). Then on your way in for your treatment stop at the Pulu Bar, a mixology station where you can create your perfect body scrub to use in the spa or back in your room.

Try the signature Lomilomi Massage, a healing treatment featuring warm river stones and pressure point “lomi lomi” sticks made from guava trees. Or the Thai massage, performed on a futon wearing loose clothing where deep stretch is accompanied by meridian point acupressure, a super stress reliever. Couples can even enjoy their own suite with one of three offered couples treatments: Honi Honi “Sealed with a Kiss” Duet which begins with each receiving a Lomilomi Massage followed by a tropical body butter “kiss”; Ohia Legua “Love Story,” a couple’s blended exfoliation then a Lomilomi Massage followed by tropical body butter “kisses”; or the Pili Aloha “Loving Companionship”, a duet body exfoliation, couples massage, and facial of your choice in your private suite.

Teenagers will love their own dedicated spa area, Painted Sky, with special treatments for ages 13 through 17. More like a teen club this is not only a special gathering place where teens can hang out and surf the net, they can also add in a variety of spa treatments such as 25-minute massages (done open-air and fully clothed), facials, makeup consultation, mani/pedi, even temporary tattoos. Each treatment comes with a trip to the frozen yogurt bar and your choice of a variety of toppings (also available separately). Special fitness activities for teens-only include a Teen Beach Body Boot Camp and Teen Pump It Up. Open noon until 8 p.m.

There’s even The Ohana, a family villa where up to six family members of ages five and up can relax together, trading off for treatments on three massage beds while the others wait in the private outdoor relaxation area enjoying light snacks. Those with infants (one-year-old and under) might consider Ka Makana where one parent enjoys a treatment while the other learns the art of baby massage.

The spa’s small retail shop sells Priori, Primavera, Malie Organics, and Laniwai products along with Beautifully Disney Cosmetics. And the salon offers haircuts, highlights, and styling, makeup, waxing, manicure, pedicure, and skin care, and shaves. Excellent locker rooms include a steam and sauna and a gorgeous relaxation room with cushy chairs and snacks of healthy mini muffins and fruit. Open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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