The Best Spas Seem to Have One Thing in Common - A Eucalyptus Steam Room
In our reviews of various spa's around the world, the Waihua Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, is the best so far if you base your ratings on: number of online reviews by customers, ratings by online reviewers, descriptions of the experience by these same reviewers, or reviews by professionals. With almost 100 reviews to read through the overall ranking is close to a full 5 stars out of 5.
We would like to believe that the eucalyptus steam room is what pushed them to these great heights, but are humble enough to concede that this was just one frequently mentioned aspect of the attention to detail that is apparent throughout the spa. Here are a few of the reviews that we selected as a sample of the impressions.
Please note that if you would enjoy having all the benefits of eucaplytus oil in your home steam room or even in your shower, we now offer a home sized shower mist spray. See it here.
Fodor's said this
Waihua Spa, Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
At this gorgeous 17,500-square-foot spa, you enter a blissful maze where floor-to-ceiling riverbed stones lead to serene treatment rooms, couples' hales (cabanas), and a rain forest-like grotto with a Jacuzzi, dry cedar sauna, and eucalyptus steam rooms. Hang out in the co-ed waiting area, where sliding-glass doors open to a whirlpool overlooking a taro patch garden. Exfoliate any rough spots with a pineapple-papaya or coffee scrub; then wash off in a private outdoor shower garden before indulging in a lomilomi massage (traditional Hawaiian massage involving powerful strokes down the length of the body). High-end beauty treatments include advanced oxygen technology to tighten and nourish mature skin. The on-site shop has a great selection of local beauty products and jewelry.
From TripAdvisor
We did a spa service during our stay at the Ritz and so glad we did. The
couple massage was Perfect and there were many amenities to use
afterwards-highly recommend the eucalyptus steam room. Once you have a
service there you have access to these amenities for the entire day.
Able to come back after a lunch or nap! Very relaxing.
The co-ed section has a sitting room and outdoor hot tub. The female
only (and male I presume) are so relaxing. The whirpool was in this
stone, rock type room which made it so soothing. Eucalyptus steam room,
dry sauna, relaxation room with couches, showers, and all the tea and
cucumber water you can drink.
I am so picky about massages, and this masseuse named Luis gave me the
best massage I have had in years, so good, that I booked another massage
the next day. if you want DEEP tissue massage someone who will really
get down into your back and shoulders then ask for Luis. also, their
steam room and sauna area is amazing, and very exotic feeling with an
entire rock wall and rock jacuzzi. ( men separated from women)
From Yelp
4/1/2013 The number one perk for staying at the Kapalua Villas is the use of the spa facility. I don't think I can write something that hasn't already been mentioned. It is wonderful! Great staff, quiet setting, showers, lockers, razors, shampoo, etc. Nice touches like pineapple water to keep you in that state of bliss. Another review I'm fearful of writing since this place was quiet with no one around but staff.
The pool and hot tub are fantastic! The steam room is scented with eucalyptus, and felt all my stress fade away. I'm kicking myself that we didn't just show up here after we checked in, we didn't look into it until a few days into our holiday.
The next time I visit, I will get a villa close enough so I can stumble out of bed and spend every day there.
5/31/2013
Truly as
good as it gets: Bo's therapeutic massage wasn't just amazing, but he
helped spot a muscle problem in my shoulder that Tom in the fitness
center worked on (and has apparently cured), and then gave me resources
to help...from home! The eucalyptus steam room was the best I've EVER
experienced (3 times!), plus the amazing variety of water amenities made
this one of the most relaxing - and restorative - days of my life.
No,
seriously. This place has just about everything I could want. I can
sleep on the comfy lounge-beds by the pool, use the gorgeous shower
areas, they have a yummy menu, and I can work out in the state of the
art gym. I was blown away by this gorgeous sanctuary (in the middle of
the already gorgeous Kapalua, of course). We spent many hours here and I
totally blissed out.
I also took advantage of the amazing gym facilities on my own. Wow- the weight machines were whisper-quiet and they had the newest cardio equipment, each unit with its own TV monitor and USB hookup for your iPod/iPhone. Forgot your own earphones? Don't worry, they've got you; grab a pair at the front, then just drop them in the "Used Headphones" basket after your workout. They had one machine called "the Wave" which had a funky, cross country skiing motion (i think?). I had never seen one before, but it was neat. They also offer complimentary personal training lessons on using their new Kinesis equipment. AND you work out while looking at views of the ocean or one of their own waterfall pools. Gym- Excellent, A+.
Following my workouts, I would use the shower facilities. Along with fancy digital combination locks, each locker has a plush robe and a pair of those Hawaiian brown sandals. The restrooms/showers are fully equipped for just about anything you need. They have disposable razors; yummy smelling shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; combs, brushes, and hair dryers in the vanity area; and extras like mouthwash, toothbrush/toothpaste sets, unisex deodorant, and body lotion to finish you off. I loved it!
Now for the really indulgent treats. All over the spa, there were glass containers dispensing pineapple-infused water, ice cold. Ahhh. Step out into the pool area, and you will find pumps of sunscreen, menus for poolside dining, and magazines to entertain you. I worked on my tan on the lounges, then cooled off in the beautiful infinity pool.
Just inside the separated women's and men's facilities, you will also find the Serenity areas. Here, you have to try the eucalyptus sea salt infused steam room. Breathe deep and relax on the cool tiles. Or go next door and use the traditional sauna. Be sure to grab a cold washcloth from the pedestal outside to cool your face; I loved that the washcloths sit on an ice block shaped like the Kapalua butterfly logo (see photo). I liked to follow all of that with a quick dash through the rainfall area, then jump into the waterfall hot tub. Heaven.
Out of courtesy to other spa patrons, I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked, but trust me- the place is spectacular. The staff are all very helpful and friendly, so don't be afraid to ask questions, and tip them for their great service. Most importantly, enjoy, relax, and live "Aloha".
I also took advantage of the amazing gym facilities on my own. Wow- the weight machines were whisper-quiet and they had the newest cardio equipment, each unit with its own TV monitor and USB hookup for your iPod/iPhone. Forgot your own earphones? Don't worry, they've got you; grab a pair at the front, then just drop them in the "Used Headphones" basket after your workout. They had one machine called "the Wave" which had a funky, cross country skiing motion (i think?). I had never seen one before, but it was neat. They also offer complimentary personal training lessons on using their new Kinesis equipment. AND you work out while looking at views of the ocean or one of their own waterfall pools. Gym- Excellent, A+.
Following my workouts, I would use the shower facilities. Along with fancy digital combination locks, each locker has a plush robe and a pair of those Hawaiian brown sandals. The restrooms/showers are fully equipped for just about anything you need. They have disposable razors; yummy smelling shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; combs, brushes, and hair dryers in the vanity area; and extras like mouthwash, toothbrush/toothpaste sets, unisex deodorant, and body lotion to finish you off. I loved it!
Now for the really indulgent treats. All over the spa, there were glass containers dispensing pineapple-infused water, ice cold. Ahhh. Step out into the pool area, and you will find pumps of sunscreen, menus for poolside dining, and magazines to entertain you. I worked on my tan on the lounges, then cooled off in the beautiful infinity pool.
Just inside the separated women's and men's facilities, you will also find the Serenity areas. Here, you have to try the eucalyptus sea salt infused steam room. Breathe deep and relax on the cool tiles. Or go next door and use the traditional sauna. Be sure to grab a cold washcloth from the pedestal outside to cool your face; I loved that the washcloths sit on an ice block shaped like the Kapalua butterfly logo (see photo). I liked to follow all of that with a quick dash through the rainfall area, then jump into the waterfall hot tub. Heaven.
Out of courtesy to other spa patrons, I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked, but trust me- the place is spectacular. The staff are all very helpful and friendly, so don't be afraid to ask questions, and tip them for their great service. Most importantly, enjoy, relax, and live "Aloha".
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