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Aah, spa: Mandara Spa, Waikoloa Marriott
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This isn't me, but you get the idea.
Hawaii is easily one of the best Girl Getaway spots for Angelino travelers. Not only is it a convenient, five-hour flight from LAX, but it’s far enough from La La Land that you feel like you’re a world away without having to employ your passport. Throw a spa treatment into the mix, and it’s the perfect prescription for paradise.
That’s how I felt when I booked into the Marriott on Waikoloa Beach, located on Hawaii’s Big Island. Within moments of arriving at the hotel and completing check-in, I was making my way down to the Mandara Spa on the hotel’s lower level, looking out at the sunset and watching the waves crash against the shores. Now, I know that Mandara is a chain, and some spa fanatics look down on that. But ladies, I’m telling you – the Waikoloa branch gets gold stars for everything, from check-in all the way down to their warm goodbyes.
There are few things better than walking into a spa and feeling like the rest of your world is falling away, and that’s exactly how I felt when I walked into Mandara. The décor was a perfect blend of soft lighting, rich woods and crisp aesthetics without screaming “SPA!” at the top of its lungs. And you know how most spas have that distinctive smell that’s either overpowering or not immersive enough? This one had the perfect balance of it – strong, but not to the point where you had a headache.
The locker rooms were well equipped with all the amenities you could possibly need – hair goos and tools, deodorant, mouthwash and the like – coupled with reasonably-sized lockers, classic heat rooms and change rooms. I hopped into my robe and slippers, then took my place in the waiting room, sipping on lemon and lime water while I waited for my therapist.
My therapist was on time and immediately asked me about my goals in the treatment, which was a nice touch. Often I find therapists just read the card you fill out at the beginning without having an actual conversation with you about it, so I felt as though mine made the extra effort to communicate with me about what I wanted and needed. But the best part? She listened. I was signed up for the Massage Around The World, using a combination of Japanese Shiatsu, Swedish and reflexology (among other techniques), and she used all expertly to work on my writer-weary shoulders, low back pain, and cramped typist hands. Within 10 minutes of her working on me, I could hear myself snoring. Bliss.
I walked into Mandara Spa at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach feeling like a bundle of nerves, and walked out on a cloud. If you’re looking for the right spa to kick your Hawaiian vacation off in proper form, this is definitely the way to do it.
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