Artist Rendering of the Spa's Relaxation Area

WCM recently took a tour of Kapalua’s new spa, slated to open June 20. Before I share my enthusiastic reaction, I’d like to explain when it comes to spas I’m not easily impressed. I was fortunate enough to have lived in Europe decades ago when spas in the US were generally limited to fat farms for the wealthy that no one else much noticed.

Even after spas moved mainstream in the `80-`90’s, most seemed more salons of vanity than emporiums of wellness. Scented candles and Enya music couldn’t make up for the lack of hot and cold water plunges, walks through knee-high salt water over river stones, or the private relaxation cabanas post-massage the community spas in Germany offered. Nevermind that unlike spas in Mexico, Bali and Indonesia (yep, I tried them all) most spas were tucked back into the corner or basement or a resort, failing to capitalize on the beautiful natural environment in which they were located. Until now, that is.

Ever Beautiful Kapalua Bay

Developers of the new spa in Kapalua finally got it right. Perched on the slope leading to the ocean, the new facility takes full advantage of its pristine position on Kapalua Bay. From the moment guests arrive, greeted by a magnificent water feature beyond the reception desk, until they wrap up a workout lazing by the saline infinity edge pool, this is a spa as spas were meant to be.

For those looking to totally unwind, a cluster of completely private but open-air treatment hales offer deep stone soaking tubs – a guaranteed passage to island reverie. Gender specific tranquility rooms, sauna, steam and outdoor hot whirlpool and bamboo garden prolong the carefree stay in your personal paradise. If you get a little overheated, stand under the gravity powered waterfall for a moment before returning refreshed to your daydream.

So much more than just a place to relax and beautify, the spa’s state-of-the-art workout facility would tempt the most indolent into a fitness program while the ocean view workout studios mixes things up with yoga and cardio classes. If the work out and swim messed with your coif, there’s an onsite salon offering hair, makeup, nails and other essentials of the well-groomed. After all, what good is shimmying into a designer dress if you forget to wax your brows?

And so it is with spas (and life) in general. Too often big effort and great expense results in little impact because the essential feng shui is off or a golden opportunity wasted. What a relief to find the designers and developers got this one right.

Pool at the neighboring Ritz Residences, Kapalua