Starting off Maui with the Ritz

Last Sunday I landed in Maui. It was the longest flight mainly because my friends and I were so excited to get there. It seemed like the five-hour flight was more like ten hours. But we finally landed and as soon as we stepped out of the plane, we were greeted by the humid, Hawaii air. I haven’t been here in nearly five years yet the memories started flooding back as I passed random spots. Deja vu to the max!

Two days before my trip I started feeling run down and soon enough I was sick. I was so upset with myself for allowing myself to get to this point before my long awaited trip to Maui. Too much travel, too much stress and not enough sleep did me in. So when I finally got here, I figured the best way to start off my vacation was with some much needed R&R and a day at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua spa.

I must say, just driving up to this place is impressive. You pull up to this lush, green dreamy plantation-like place that is actually the golf course. With the driving range overlooking the mountains in the background, it’s quite picturesque. If you keep driving down, you will come to the hotel and spa valet area where the nicest staff greeted me warmly as I got out of my rental car. Having never been to this Ritz-Carlton at Kapalua before, they pointed me in the direction of the spa. As I walked into the lobby, I momentarily let go of my excitement and was in awe of the beautiful view in front of me. The lobby opened up to a spacious back deck that overlooked the ocean and the hotel’s lush landscape. My friends and I quickly pulled out our phones and started taking pictures with the stunning background for a solid ten minutes then made our way to the spa.

Upon entering the spa, you are greeted by a long, prominent corridor that ultimately leads to the front desk where the lovely agent escorted us to the women’s locker rooms where we received our robes, slippers and assigned locker. We were given a quick tour of the facility and escorted back to the massage rooms to meet our masseurs. My massage therapist was Jennifer and she transported me to another planet with her soothing hands. One thing I noticed, having gotten many massages in my life, was the massage bed. It was SO comfortable! More than others. I distinctly remember it feeling like memory foam although I’m not sure it was. But I quickly spaced out as soon as the massage started. You know your massage is great when fifty minutes seemed like five and I desperately wished I would have gotten an eighty-minute service instead. Knot-free and feeling extremely relaxed, I made my way to the eucalyptus steam room that Jennifer recommended I try for ten to fifteen minutes to help with my cold. So I went in there and it helped a bit. The eucalyptus definitely opened up my airways and I highly recommend it. After my steam I showered and noticed their Vitamin C shower head. If you’ve never tried that, you’re missing out! The water feels so soft on your skin but different than a water softer would. I’m actually looking into installing one in my shower back home.

Fully relaxed, I was ready to start my vacation and the first stop was the Plantation restaurant for some much needed breakfast.

xo,