Spa at Aulani

[cruisehopeful]

I'm looking for any recent experiences at the spa. Do they upsell during the treatment? They offer a poltice massage/treatment and the price shows "starting at $280" but I don't see any options on the booking app that would change the price.
I really don't like places that interrupt my zen by up selling in the midst of my treatment

How is the hydrotherapy garden?

 

[Flash_Sloth]

I was there a couple of weeks ago. I think that if you're DVC blue card, they'll give you a free upgrade to heated stones, but that wasn't applicable to my kilikili treatment. They didn't try to upsell me. They automatically add a 20% tip; that's not exactly upselling, but treatments aren't cheap to begin with.

The hydrotherapy garden was open and everything was working except the hot tub; arrive an hour before your appointment to enjoy it. Be advised that their website lists some dates that the hydrotherapy garden will be closed.

They do have some drinks and snacks.

 

[bakofarmgirl]

we love massages at the spa and have not had any upsell for products or extras, it does interrupt if there is some, one of the reasons i prefer not to do treatments on dcl

 

[VGCgroupie]

My daughter did the spa and really loved it. No upselling. I haven't tried it because I simply cannot relax, so massages and spas aren't my thing

 

[cruisehopeful]

we love massages at the spa and have not had any upsell for products or extras, it does interrupt if there is some, one of the reasons i prefer not to do treatments on dcl

I don't go to the spa on the ships for the same reason. Nothing like sitting in robe wanting to get dressed while someone won't leave the room until they recommend a bunch of overpriced products....

My daughter did the spa and really loved it. No upselling. I haven't tried it because I simply cannot relax, so massages and spas aren't my thing

I used to be like you and didn't enjoy a massage because it was way too long. I used to feel like jumping off the table after about 30 minutes and declaring that I was done. For some reason I can chillax for a facial much easier than a massage.

 

[BoilerBob]

My wife likes spas with the "extras" (hydrotherapy room, etc) which is why she doesn't like cruise spas. Is the limit only one hour before? I'm trying to decide if this would be an experience just for her or if we'd be able to combo a couples treatment with one of the longer paid experiences at Auntie's Beach House for our 6-yr old.

 

[cruisehopeful]

My wife likes spas with the "extras" (hydrotherapy room, etc) which is why she doesn't like cruise spas. Is the limit only one hour before? I'm trying to decide if this would be an experience just for her or if we'd be able to combo a couples treatment with one of the longer paid experiences at Auntie's Beach House for our 6-yr old.

Yes it says one hour before the appointment to enjoy the outdoor showers and tubs.

 

[J-Dog]

My wife likes spas with the "extras" (hydrotherapy room, etc) which is why she doesn't like cruise spas. Is the limit only one hour before? I'm trying to decide if this would be an experience just for her or if we'd be able to combo a couples treatment with one of the longer paid experiences at Auntie's Beach House for our 6-yr old.

We did the couples things in mid-2024, so policies may have since changed, but they wouldn't let you into the relaxation area until 1 hour prior to your appointment. I don't remember if they would let you go back out there after the massage or not. The relaxation area is very nice - has multiple hot tubs with different temperatures, a cold plunge, a sauna, etc.

I personally had never done a spa or massage ever before and, for me it was a one-and-done, but that's not necessarily a knock on Aulani's spa, just I tried it and found out it's not my thing.

 

[BoilerBob]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not really a spa person either but my wife likes the idea of us being able to use the relaxation area together. At other spas I've done something like get a pedicure so I didn't have to drop the coin that a massage requires. It's a little disappointing that the time is that short (we've stayed much longer at Four Seasons or Ritz spas) but I also get that they want the area to not be crowded.

 

[Perdita&Pongo]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not really a spa person either but my wife likes the idea of us being able to use the relaxation area together. At other spas I've done something like get a pedicure so I didn't have to drop the coin that a massage requires. It's a little disappointing that the time is that short (we've stayed much longer at Four Seasons or Ritz spas) but I also get that they want the area to not be crowded.

Note that the Kula Wai hydrotherapy garden is only included with certain Lani Wai Spa services, namely massages, body treatments and facials.

Laniwai does offer a ‘DVC plus one’ feature where a DVC member that has a qualifying spa treatment and can bring someone with them to enjoy Kula Wai hydrotherapy garden, steam & dry saunas and other spa amenities for a $100 fee.

We enjoyed Kula Wai before our spa services and were then invited to go back after. Of course YMMV, as it could be that they’re weren't that busy at the time and could offer us a return.