The Best Wellness Retreats and Spas in Oahu, Hawaii
Treatments take their cue from the tropical setting on Hawaii’s Oahu island, where hot-stone massages use the power of lava to soothe, and the signature lomi lomi technique moves with the waves at some of the best spas in Hawaii.
Natural healing and wellness are a way of life in Hawaii – this being a land blessed by Mother Nature. Here, pampering spa treatments are a direct reflection of archipelago’s surroundings: the rhythmic movements of the lomi lomi massage mimic the flow of ocean waves, the power of lava is harnessed for hot pohaku (stone) massages to relieve chronic aches, while botanicals like papaya, kinehe flowers, ti leaf and turmeric are used as natural therapeutics to heal, renew and relax. These are some of the best wellness spots and spas on Oahu to experience pampering, Hawaiian-style.
1. The Kahala Hotel and Resort
Resort, Hotel
2. Halekulani Hotel
Resort, Hotel
3. Espacio the Jewel of Waikiki
Spa Hotel
If a stay at this all-suite property is not on the cards, a visit to its spa – one of the best spas in Honolulu – should be a plan B. The curated menu focuses on traditional Hawaiian treatments with a luxe twist. Volcanic Hawaiian stones are used with heated shells for their Keahilani treatment designed to promote deep relaxation, and lomi lomi massages offer holistic add-ons like dry brushing and lymphatic drainage, so your skin is primed for quality time in the sun.
4. Prince Waikiki Hotel
Hotel
5. Turtle Bay Resort
Resort, Independent Hotel
Let the others explore the North Shore, while you treat yourself to a soothing day at Nalu Kinetic Spa in Oahu. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Turtle Bay Resort, the spa menu runs the gamut of standard massages (aromatherapy, jet lag) to more specialized (salt-stone therapy, warm coconut lava shell) and skin-focused treatments (fruit acid facials, oxygen therapy and green-clay body wraps). There are hair and make-up services at the salon and pampering kids’ mini treatments, too, if you have young ones tagging along.
6. The Ritz-Carlton Residences
Chain Hotel
Tapping into local traditions and the healing power of Mother Nature, the treatments here take a more holistic approach with lotions concocted using native flora like lehua blossoms, ki leaf and handpicked pohaku (stones) from the Big Island. Unique to this spa retreat in Hawaii, the Pilialoha treatment uses flower essences and a rhythmic lomi lomi massage to relax and release tensions, finishing with a fresh-cut ‘olena ritual using Hawaiian turmeric. The spa features three treatment rooms, one couple’s room, as well as a relaxation lounge.
7. Sheraton Waikiki
Chain Hotel
Like its sister spa Abhasa Spa at the iconic Royal Hawaiian wellness resort, the Spa Khakara focuses on treatments using natural, organic ingredients like Hawaiian honey, passionfruit and coconut oil. Housed in an intimate setting with only eight treatment rooms, there are four couple rooms for a day out out à deux. The signature Khakara Harmony massage is a lomi lomi treatment with a shiatsu twist, so you depart not merely relaxed but free of those pesky shoulder knots.
8. Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina
Chain Hotel, Luxury
Massages are glorious, but romantic outdoor massages under the stars are even better. At the Naupaka Spa, conventional treatments are given a Four Seasons’ upgrade. The menu offers cutting-edge LED light-rejuvenation facials, healing-focused massages using heated basalt rocks, guided breath-work exercises and arnica oil to unlock deep-seated tension. For a holistic experience, book a session in the Vessel, a virtual-reality experience that uses therapeutic technology to bring on full mind-to-body relaxation.
If a spa break in Oahu isn’t quite what you’re looking for, why not check into one of the best hotels or top resorts on the island instead? Our guides have you covered and they’re all bookable on Culture Trip.
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