The vision for Waimea Plantation Cottages as a health and wellness destination takes a quantum leap toward becoming reality this Saturday, June 29, as Hart-Felt Massage & Day Spa celebrates its grand opening in grand style. Nestled in one of
The vision for Waimea Plantation Cottages as a health and wellness destination takes a quantum leap toward becoming reality this Saturday, June 29, as Hart-Felt Massage & Day Spa celebrates its grand opening in grand style.
Nestled in one of the cottages, the spa celebrates its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with much more than just massage.
“We have created a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the ultimate in relaxation, stress reduction and wellness education,” said Carol Hart, owner and principal massage therapist.
“This is the westernmost spa in the United States, nestled within a peaceful, serene environment far from the fast pace and stressful lifestyles many experience every day,” she said. “Our uniqueness arises from this, as well as our authentic aloha spirit.”
The grand opening features a health and wellness day, with refreshments, healthy pupus, information and demonstrations concerning the benefits of massage, skin care, aromatherapy, the use of a chi machine (sun ancon oxygenating massage) and far infrared therapy.
Dr. Lisa Chun will present the benefits of osteopathic medicine and craniosacral therapy, and Dr. Steven Dubey will present the benefits of healing and pain reduction through acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.
There will also be presentations on stress management and basic nutrition. The event is free and open to all.
Hart has hand-picked her massage therapists and estheticians from Westside natives and long-time residents, giving the spa what Hart feels is a unique Westside flavor.
Stacey Vinzant, born and raised in Kekaha, has practiced for three years, and is also employed at Alexander Day Spa at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club. She also manages the historic Waimea Theatre.
Rae Hookano, born in Lihu’e, has lived in Waimea since 1974, and practiced bodywork for over 20 years since training with the legendary Auntie Margaret Machado on the Big Island.
Andrea Armstrong and Rochelle Rendon, both estheticians for two years, are Kaua’i natives who also are employed at the Anara Spa at the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa.
Lucinda Baptiste has lived in Hawai’i for 16 years, and has practiced massage for seven years, as well as skin care for two years. She is also employed by the Hyatt on a part-time basis.
Victoria Armstrong, originally from Mexico City, has been living on Kaua’i for 20 years, and has been practicing here for over 10 years.
Hart, a licensed massage therapist who has been trained in structural integration, craniosacral therapy, deep-tissue and lomi lomi (Hawaiian) massage, also offers wraps, scrubs and facials.
She has lived in Hawai’i since 1981, first working on Maui researching humpback whales, and moving to Kaua’i in 1986 to captain for Lady Ann Cruises.
She and her husband Don Moses started HiTech Fiberglass, Inc. in Kekaha in 1993. Moses is still producing high-end power catamarans.
Hart first studied massage with Kevin Holman at Kauai Community College in 1994, and recently completed training with Lee Joseph at the Pacific Center and Awareness and Bodywork in Moloa’a.
“We have a wealth of experience and many modalities to choose from,” she said. Hart-Felt Massage & Day Spa offers various types of massage, including deep and connective tissue, lomi lomi, structural integration, and hot-stone therapy.
Craniosacral and raindrop therapies are innovative, and rarely used elsewhere, she continued. Body wraps and scrubs are offered to cleanse, exfoliate, detoxify, hydrate and renew the skin, and just as the staff is home grown, so are all of the skin-care products offered.
Janice Corbo makes the products, including sea kelp and juniper detox mask, honey-passion flower emollient, and products incorporating Kaua’i honey and volcanic clay. Srubs include mango kukui pa’akai salt scrub and rose petal pumice.
Baptiste has developed an extensive skin-care menu that includes the use of warm stones combined with a gentle touch at each treatment. Adding a rejuvenating eye treatment enhances relaxation and increases a sense of revitalization, Hart said.
An eight-person hot tub with 37 specialty jets is available so clients can soften muscles and relax even more before or after the pampering treatments, and is outdoors in a very private location, Hart continued.
The top-quality hydrotherapy equipment features jets that move up and down the spine while others massage the feet.
Regular hours of business are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with evening and Sunday hours available by appointment. In-room and on-beach massages are also available.
Finally, kama’aina rates are available.
For more information, please call 338-2240, e-mail hartfelt@hawaiian.net, or see the Web site, www.hartfeltmassage.com.
