Go Spa Away to Hawai`i 

Soulful, traditional and even spiritual healing with state of the art sophisticated spa techniques – Hawai`i is an exceptional spa destination. Spas here have become sanctuaries for the Hawaiian spirit and the visitor seeking to encounter it. Choose from the ancient lomi lomi massage or the very spiritual Watsu massage to the state of the art oxygen facial… it’s all here.

On O`ahu, you will not only find some of Hawaii’s most famous surf beaches – Pipeline and Sunset – you will also find some of the best spas in America. Start at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental where the spa is set in lush tropical gardens and features some of the biggest relaxation suites on the island. Their specialty is the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage with warm Pohaku lava stones. Using specially blended kukui macadamia massage oil, legs and feet are wrapped in freshly harvested Ti leaves, then a light Lomi Lomi is performed on your face, neck and arms and a soothing volcanic mud scalp massage… bliss. www.mandarinoriental.com

For a truly cultural experience, head to the Halekulani Hotel, in Waikiki too. The resort is set on Grays Beach, which was known to early Hawaiians for its healing waters or Kawehewehe. The healing tradition of this beach continues today with SpaHalekulani, the first spa to fully explore the cultures of the Pacific Islands, including Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti. At SpaHalekulani they specialize in treatments from the South Pacific to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. www.halekulani.com

The Kohala Coast on the Big Island stands out for its vast lava fields, and it is here that you will find a volcanic Eden at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. The spa here is truly unique. Real lava forms the walls of outdoor showers, edges the winding grass paths to the nine outdoor treatment rooms, lines the outdoor sauna, and encloses the 1,000-square-foot Watsu pool. And the grounds are overflowing with fragrant wild flowers and medicinal plants. Treatments range from the two-hour Fire and Ice Facial, which uses hot and cold stones to the intensely relaxing and personal Watsu massage that takes place in the natural Watsu pool. www.maunalani.com

The largest dormant volcano in the world is found on Maui – named Haleakala which literally means "house of the sun". Rising 10,023 feet above sea level, a hike to its crater is well worth the trip. Afterwards, soak up the tranquil atmosphere of the Terme Wailea at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa. The hydrotheraphy selections at the Terme Wailea include five aromatic baths (mud, seaweed, seasonal aromatherapy, tropical enzymes, and Hawaiian), a bubbling Japanese Furo Bath, and three cascading waterfall massages, as well as a Roman tub, a cold plunge pool, Swiss Jet showers, and a Eucalyptus steam room and redwood sauna. The termé offers complimentary loofah scrubs on both the men’s and women’s sides of the spa and the spa menu has been designed both for first-time and experienced spa goers. With fantastic double rooms - they also specialize in treatments for couples … very romantic! www.grandwailea.com

Kaua`i is the northernmost island in the chain and is known as "The Garden Isle." For an inside-out massage, the Anara spa shouldn’t be missed. The treatments here are done in private rooms that are actually outside. Surrounded by delicious nature al plants and flowers, they capitalize on the healing ambience of nature. www.anaraspa.com

With wonderful natural beauty, indigenous plants and some of the oldest treatment methods in the world … perhaps only the lure of the golf greens will get you out of the spa! Golf and spas fit together perfectly and on Kaua`i you will find world-class golf courses and fantastic spas. Don’t miss the Princeville Resort. The spa here is located in the Prince clubhouse, a ten-minute shuttle ride from the hotel. It contains a fully equipped gym, sauna and 10 deluxe treatment rooms. It is the perfect place to recuperate after a full day on the green. www.princeville.com.