WAIPOULI – A professional spa, points out Heidi Chock, is much more than just a place to be pampered. Sure, there’s pampering to be done, but more and more people are finding out the overall physical and mental benefits not
WAIPOULI – A professional spa, points out Heidi Chock, is much more than just a place to be pampered.
Sure, there’s pampering to be done, but more and more people are finding out the overall physical and mental benefits not only of taking care of yourself, but of finding people to help in that well-being quest who truly care for other people.
“It’s not a part of life for everybody yet, but we’re getting there,” said Chock, partner with Marisa Duggan in Koali Wahine, L.L.C., owners and operators of The Royal Coconut Coast Spa, located just off the main lobby of the newly renovated Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy behind the Coconut Marketplace here.
Kaua’i and the timeshare resort are the perfect places to set up shop, Chock says, because those who come to Kaua’i for the most part are more aware of the need to take care of their minds and bodies, enjoy nature, and come here at least in part with the intention of allowing themselves to heal during vacations.
“And when they come to Kaua’i, they can’t help it,” she said. “When you de-stress, you help your immune system.”
The spa, which this month celebrates its one-year anniversary and the partners’ new ownership, offers 15 percent discounts everyday to residents on any treatment, and this month only features free products to those coming in for standard to deluxe nail treatments.
Hiroko Letman, Nicole Logan and Kriste Cando are the nail technicians at the spa, with Letman offering one-of-a-kind nail art, at $5 per nail, or $30 for a set.
Originally from Japan, Letman has a background in architecture and painting, offering many nail designs of her own and the willingness to work with clients on their own ideas, Chock said.
Pedicures and manicures, like other spa treatments, also utilize essential oils.
Both Chock and Duggan are licensed massage therapists, and have gathered several other LMTs either as spa staff or independent contractors, including Dawn Blake, Kimberly Cates, Renuka Duby, Robert Duggan, Rodney Fisher-Head, Casey Holt, Ananda Kali, Anna Mason, Kalia Petnnuzzo, Todd Sera and Robin Sheldon.
Licensed aestheticians include Chantel Ho’okano, Ananda Kali, Tiffany Palama and Robin Sheldon.
Though customer results are how a spa is judged, Chock said it’s important to note that products offered for sale and used in the spa are plant-based, and made with the highest integrity.
“Integrity” is the watch word in everything done in the shop and industry, she stressed.
Where massage treatments are concerned, specialties include hot river-stone therapy (a full-body treatment), shiatsu and raindrop therapy, which utilizes a recipe of 10 essential oils, organically grown and dripped along the spine.
Hot towels help the skin and muscles absorb the essential oils, which act to naturally and gently realign the structure and energy of the spine while killing microorganisms.
Those booking the raindrop therapy, called “Kili’a’ala,” will feel the lasting effects five days later, she said.
Hawaiian lomi lomi, Swedish deep-tissue, sports massage, trigger-point massage, craniosacral and myofacial release techniques are all available, with most of the treatments available in the spa, in a guest’s room, or beachside.
Reflexology treatments, a Hawaiian salt massage and wrap, an aloe and lavender essential oil massage to soothe sunburned skin, waxing and tinting, facials for men and women, exfoliation, and other treatments are offered as well.
Specialty spa services include skin-rejuvenating wraps, a sugar scrub and aloe wrap, and Chinese herbal wrap. The spa also offers packages, including a bridal package that includes facial, makeup, hair styling, manicure, pedicure and massage for both the bride and groom.
Where massages are concerned, “loving touch” is where all treatments begin, with deeper work if desired and necessary, she said.
Chiropractor Dr. W. David Stoltz offers adjustments at the spa on a regular basis, and also does out-call work, offering kama’aina discounts as well, Chock continued.
She recently returned from Anaheim, Calif., where she attended the American Massage Therapy Association’s International Spa Conference.
That experience allowed her to share her spa’s programs and learn new techniques from others who attended, she said. New products are shared as well.
It is through that networking that therapists learn how to expand offerings and find out about new programs, like the Big Island’s Mauna Lani Spa program that offers facials and massages to battered women in Big Island shelters.
The care helps the women’s health and spirit, allowing them to regain self-centeredness inside and out, she said.
The end of last month also marked Massage Therapy Awareness Week.
Spa hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For reservations and more information, please call 823-7521, or e-mail kauaihealers@aol.com.
Business Editor Paul C. Curtis can be reached at mailto:pcurtis@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 224).
