From the white-sand beaches of St. Lucia to the iconic shores of Oahu, these two resort spas set the stage for rest, relaxation and romance.
The BodyHoliday Saint Lucia
Daily pampering is part of the experience for guests of The BodyHoliday, situated along Cariblue Beach in Castries, St. Lucia. One 50-minute spa treatment per full day is included, with 12 facials, massages and wraps to choose from.
Insiders tell us that the most requested inclusive treatments are the relaxing full-body massages, which use Swedish massage techniques and aromatherapy oils, and the coconut and spice wrap. Many guests find the latter invigorating after long hours in the air and say it readies the skin for exposure to the Caribbean sun. Supplemental treatments are also available and the Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage, which is administered in the Wellness Centre’s Pavitra Ayurvedic temple, is the most requested treatment from that menu. Tip: BodyHoliday’s Wellness Centre staff tell us that, while all of its aestheticians and therapists are expertly trained and highly knowledgeable, Georgia is renowned for her reflexology skills.
Yoga is a major focus at BodyHoliday St. Lucia, which provides a variety of classes to enhance flexibility, muscle tone and balance.
BodyHoliday’s Wellness Centre has 33 treatment rooms. Note that, while the rooms are all configured for individual treatments only, couples can spend time together in the detoxing Far Infrared Therapy facility; the meditation temple; the Thalasso therapy pool; the fitness studio and gym; the BodyScience Clinic; or with the resort’s 40-plus activities, which range from sailing to guided stretching.
From the moment a room booking is made, guests can schedule spa treatments via the resort’s pre-arrival Web room service, which they can use to customize their entire visit. It’s best to book rooms and spa services as far in advance as is possible; however, Wellness Centre staffers are flexible, and guests can even make changes to their spa visit day-of. Let wellness leader Safyie Jean Pierre (safyie@thebodyholiday.com; 011-17-584-577-800) know about any special requests.
The BodyHoliday St. Lucia has a Wellness Centre with 33 treatment rooms.
Nothing drums up an appetite like time spent in the surf and sun, and the resort’s fusion restaurant, TAO, is a romantic place to refuel thanks to its setting on an open-air balcony overlooking Cariblue Beach and the Caribbean Sea. Bespoke dining options include in-villa catering, and private dinners on the beach, at the resort’s secret garden or on the Hibiscus Deck, which affords stunning sunset views.
When it comes to accommodations, BodyHoliday’s top offering is its Penthouse, which occupies its own floor. Amenities include a private entrance, butler service, a Kinesis gym and a private Turkish hammam that’s decorated in marble and travertine mosaics and features a heated massage bed. If the Penthouse is booked, opt for one of two new Oasis Villas, which are located just steps from the spa. The villas opened this fall and offer private concierge service and direct beach access. Contact director of sales and marketing Rebecca Platt (rebecca@sunsweptresorts.com; 011-17-584-577-875) for bookings.
The BodyHoliday St. Lucia’s accommodations have sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and tropical gardens.
The Ritz-Carlton, Waikiki
A perennial favorite romantic destination, Hawaii seduces visitors with its cotton candy-colored sunsets, balmy breezes and slowed-down vibe. In Honolulu, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach ups the romance ante with its 3,400-square-foot spa, which is home to just four treatment rooms.
The 80-minute Pilialoha couple’s treatment uses a rhythmic lomilomi technique and flower essences to release emotional tension and align both partners’ hearts. Bonus: It includes a wild lehua honey scrub, warm stones and other soothing components. The spa also offers several signature treatments, the most requested of which is the renewing, 105-minute Huki Huki thanks to its mud wrap, lomilomi massage and scalp treatment combo. Hint: If you’re booking a massage or facial, request to have it done by Emiko Bilal. Don’t go home without taking a dip in the resort’s 1,100-square-foot, adults-only infinity pool, located in ‘Ewa Tower; it has lounge seating, private cabanas and two Jacuzzis. Fun Fact: It is the highest adult pool in Waikiki.
The spa at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach has four treatment rooms (one of which is shown above), including one for couples, and a relaxation lounge (shown below).
Because of the spa’s intimate size, insiders suggest booking treatments at least a week in advance by contacting spa director Jennifer Koon (jennifer.koon@ritzcarlton.com; 011-808-922-8111); she can also assist with special requests and other questions.
The hotel caters to couples beyond its spa, too. Its Grand Ocean View Suite is the perfect pick thanks to its lanai with panoramic views of Waikiki Beach — not to mention a soaking tub that comfortably fits two. For even more space, book the three-bedroom Premier Ocean View Suite (the highest suite category) or a Grand View Suite. The latter is the only four-bedroom suite in Waikiki and it also has a den. If proximity to the spa is important, note that it’s located between the hotel’s two towers on the lobby level, so request rooms accordingly when reaching out to director of sales and marketing Sandy Narvaez (sandy.narvaez@ritzcarlton.com; 011-808-922-8111) to book.
With three top-notch restaurants located on site, resort guests don’t have to go far to enjoy a romantic meal. La Vie, which overlooks the ocean from ‘Ewa Tower, serves modern French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and wine pairings. At the 10-seat Sushi Sho, chef Keiji Nakazawa pairs various types of seasoned rice with more than 40 kinds of fish. Good to know: Insiders tell us that many guests book their stay based on when they’re able to score a reservation at the restaurant, as Sushi Sho books up several months in advance. Quiora specializes in classic Italian in an open-air atmosphere and has live entertainment nightly. Is private dining more your M.O.? Customized, in-suite dining can be arranged, complete with personalized décor, flowers and live music.
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