Since my wife and I started planning for our 1st Hawaii trip, over a year ago, she has been hinting around at how cool an oceanfront massage would be. Yet, given our budget and the price of these treatments, I think she figures that it is out of the question. I have been saving my allowances (yeah - I get an allowance) and would like to treat her the day after we do the road to Hana. I have looked through previous posts and numerous websites regarding this topic and it looks like the Spa Moana at the Hyatt Maui or the Mandara Spa at the Wailea Marriott are the closest thing that I am looking for.

Location, price, and spa facility itself are not as important. Just looking for a cabana on the sand near/on/in the water because that's what she's probably picturing. Some privacy would be nice, but how private could it possibly be, being on the beach and all wearing only a towel?

Any relevant thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Josh

Neither my wife nor I have been to a spa before, so I have a couple of additional questions to the one above.

First, how far in advance should I make reservations for the oceanfront massage for my wife? Could I wait until that day that I want inorder to check the weather or do I need to book weeks in advance?

Also, do you tip the person who gives you the massage, if so, how much and when (right after the massage outside on the cabana or when you pay for the treatment? Not sure how it works.

Thanks!

Josh

I can't personally comment on any specific spas on Maui, but I made reservations last week for massages at the Anara Spa at the Hyatt Kaua`i 3 weeks in advance. They suggested that I make reservations well in advance because they are very busy.

As far as the tipping goes, check with the spa and they will tell you what they suggest. I usually do 15-20%. Most of the time they leave you an envelope to place the tip in. However there was a thread a while ago where people were talking about how some spas add the tip onto the bill. I called Anara and their policy is to let the customer tip the therapist directly via an envelope. Have a great trip.
-Bill

I have tried 2 spas on Maui. I had massages at both but opted not to have them done "seaside". Ocean side often means in view of the ocean, but within earshot to 50 screaming children at the pool. I first tried The Spa at the Westin in Kaanapali. Very nice, they have since done some remodelling. Nice massage and enjoyed a wonderful salt scrub. Last year i tried a small spa by the name of Lei Spa. I loved it there and would highly recommend. It is on front street in Lahaina. It is much more intimate than the other spas we saw and the prices were very reasonable. They offer oceanside massages too, and i think at their location the noise would be greatly reduced (there are no nearby swimming pools with youngsters). I also enjoyed the "Tropical Nirvana" wich included facial, mini massage, salt scrub etc. At the time there were 4 from our group getting "treatments" done, and everyone loved it. Just my humble opinion. They have a website but it is a little out of date. They have many more things to choose from. If you call them, they will send you an updated "menu". www.leispa.com

We had massages at the Hyatt in Maui. We were staying there so we added the tip in when we signed the bill. We did 15%. I'm sure they will provide an envelope or add to the bill if you're doing a credit card. That's what I do for services all the time. Just ask at the desk when you check in. At the Hyatt, the outdoor cabana is not right near the spa building.

It's not very private, but i kept the bottom of the swimsuit on and they were very good with towels.

TTT

My sister and I went to the spa at the Grand Wailea in Maui for an hour long massage. It was atop a hill in an open-sided white tent overlooking the ocean. Very private, no screaming kids, just the island breezes. Sorry I can't remember exactly the price because someone else paid for it, but $180 sounds familiar. We just called and booked for the next available appointment which turned out to be the following morning. I would say appointment availability depends on the type and length of spa treatment.

Thanks for the advice. I'm leaning towards the Hyatt's spa as we are staying next door at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club. Would this Marriott have any massage services?

I can see how being oceanfront could be noisy especially near a nice pool complex like the Hyatts. Hmmm.......

Well, I guess I really can't go wrong with wherever I choose. I mean, it's a massage treatment in Hawaii, how much better can it get?

Leaving for Hawaii in 6 days!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

Josh

Josh,

I just returned from the Hyatt. I did not get a massage but can tell you the massage area is right behind the busiest part of the pool.

Personally, I cannot see how it could be relaxing with all the activity going around. But I will say, the massage tables always appeared occupied. I only know because you cannot help but notice it as you walk on by!

My 2 cents,
ssm