Spa at Aulani

[RivGirl]

Oh - and two more things that I enjoyed! In the treatment room, I was invited to choose the fragrance of lotion used for the massage. I chose a Passionfruit Lime. There was also Coconut, Pineapple (I think? I might not remember that one correctly...I remember her saying it smelled like sunscreen, and that the Coconut was the most mild), and Lavender.

And another "choose your own adventure" element - I was invited to pick the music/sounds from a display on the wall. There was Rainforest+Birds, Ocean Waves, and Hawaiian music. Normally I'm a Rainforest sounds girlie, but when in Hawaii...I really enjoyed the Hawaiian music option! It was beautiful and perfect. Maybe because of all the rain on our trip, we didn't get to hear much live Hawaiian music, so this felt like it was completing a piece of my trip in a way.

 

[cruisehopeful]

@RivGirl was the lomi lomi done with forearms or massage sticks? I have zero experience with lomi lomi, but I am a massage therapist. The school I went to taught it with forearms but it looks like the spa at Aulani uses sticks according to the description. I saw a YouTube video that recommended going to a different place for a "traditional lomi lomi massage," which I'm not interested in. I'm more interested in the overall spa experience.

 

[RivGirl]

@RivGirl was the lomi lomi done with forearms or massage sticks? I have zero experience with lomi lomi, but I am a massage therapist. The school I went to taught it with forearms but it looks like the spa at Aulani uses sticks according to the description. I saw a YouTube video that recommended going to a different place for a "traditional lomi lomi massage," which I'm not interested in. I'm more interested in the overall spa experience.

So I should know the answer to this, but I will admit feeling a bit confused on this point. There was definitely a stick. She told me about it beforehand and made sure I was good with it. I'm pretty sure she said, "We will be using it on your legs."

So what I think happened was this: she used her forearm on my back (because it 100% felt like a forearm to me, and not a stick) and used the stick on my legs.

It's also possible that what I thought was a forearm on my back was also the stick.

I get a massage every other month or so at home, and I've been going to the same therapist for 10 years, and he always does some forearm massage on my back as well, so I recognize the sensation. But being that this was a female therapist, her forearm was quite a bit smaller than what I'm used to. Still felt like a forearm to me and not a stick. But I cannot say with total certainty.

IIRC, the treatment menu includes a non-lomi lomi massage as well? So perhaps you could book the regular massage, and maybe get the hot stone upgrade for that if you are interested.

 

[Carouselofplanning]

It’s a great spa. Better than anything at Disney World including Waldorf and Four Seasons.

Just a little FYI. I’m addicted to the Aulani bathroom products. The “Disney Spa” shampoo, conditioner and lotion being sold at Disney World resorts is….the same stuff in the Aulani rooms just repackaged!! Enjoy.

 

[DrMont]

We have never had the upsell happen at that Spa at Aulani. It has always been great.
I few tips that have worked for us.

1. Get the last appointment of the day. They will tell you that you can come 90 minutes early instead of 60.
2. Haven't ever headed back outside after a massage, but have stayed to use the steam room and sauna afterward. Was encouraged to in fact.

 

[RivGirl]

We have never had the upsell happen at that Spa at Aulani. It has always been great.
I few tips that have worked for us.

1. Get the last appointment of the day. They will tell you that you can come 90 minutes early instead of 60.
2. Haven't ever headed back outside after a massage, but have stayed to use the steam room and sauna afterward. Was encouraged to in fact.

Oh! That’s true - I was invited to use the steam room/sauna again, after my massage. I think it was the therapist as she walked me back - said something like, “I think the sauna and steam room are still available to you, if you like.” The implication was that I could use those but not the hydrotherapy garden, but I could be reading too much into it. I didn’t go back in either one, but I did grab another chilled lemon towel.

 

[tikisunset77]

This thread has convinced me to book a massage during our upcoming stay (first timers). I was hesitant because it would mean time away from my family and I feel guilty about that. But when I voiced it to my husband he said, "Go for it. Treat yourself. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity." (Little does he know that I fully expect us to fall in love with the place and want to come back again...and again...)

I'm so excited!

I am so happy for you! It truly is a special spa and experience-a splurge but so worth it. We just got back and Joy was my massage therapist and she was incredibly skilled. Try every water and treat you see! Don't miss getting the lemongrass scented icy hand towels before you go out to the hydrogarden and one when you are all done with your service. I wish I had one right now! I think this summer I will make some and keep them in my freezer!