Pulse March / April 2017 | Page 20

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Na Ho ’ ola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa

Merging Tradition and Trend for a Unique Spa Experience

BY KELLY HEITZ
Modern design meets traditional aesthetic at Na Ho ' ola Spa .

Hawaii : tranquil , tropical and traditional . There ’ s nothing Hawaiians value more than their island ’ s rich history and traditions . Ancient teachings of wellness and health have been passed down for generations and merged with Western practices , resulting in a unique mix of old and new . The Na Ho ’ ola Spa at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa takes into consideration the teachings of the past and the needs of its guests to create an experience and

atmosphere unlike any other in the popular tourist destination of Waikiki Beach .
Steeped in Tradition “ Na Ho ’ ola Spa employs a team of experienced therapists who follow the original vision set by the esteemed kupuna ( elder ) and kumu ( teacher ) Aunty Malia Craver ,” says Spa Director Yoshimi Anderson . “ It was her intent that the spa should inspire health and wellness through the practice of
Hawaiian culture , values and arts .”
For Craver ’ s vision to be actualized , Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach looked to Dr . Maka ’ ala Yates , founder of Mana Lomi ® technique , to create and teach their spa practitioners the traditional Hawaiian method of lomilomi , which is a form of massage that uses the palms , forearms , fingers , knuckles , elbows , knees , feet , and even sticks and stones . Lomilomi practices traditionally vary by family and island . Dr . Yates , who is Kanaka Maoli ( of Hawaiian ancestry ),
18 PULSE ■ March / April 2017