By Anne Taylor Hartzell, on October 24, 2014

Best new hotel spas on Maui

In my experience, hotels with full-service spas are typically really good at creating a relaxing vacation experience that sets the tone for a rejuvenating trip. Maui, one of our favorite winter destinations knows a thing or two about great hotel spas. The island is home to dozens of great hotel spas that help visitors melt the stress of the mainland away.

From scheduled relaxation activities including yoga on the beach to fresh organic food and aromatic spa toiletries in the rooms, Maui‘s resort spas do more than deliver a great treatment; they also bring an abundance of health-focused extras that always make me feel pampered. As a busy working mom, one of my vacation indulgences is to stay at a resort with a spa and take an hour to myself in solitude with a relaxing massage. Here are a few new and notable hotel spas to check out on your next trip to Maui.

Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Kea Lani

Find your balance at the brand new, 9,000 square-foot Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. The spa opened in late 2014 after an US$8-million renovation, and now offers a full menu of spa experiences. One cool feature is that the spa now is the only Hawaii destination to feature a WaveMotion table, a high-tech treatment table that tilts, rotates, and rocks to make you feel like you are floating on water. During this 60- or 90-minute other-worldly sensation, a massage therapist massages away your tense muscles. The experience is one-of-a-kind.

Viewfinder Tip: Seek out a hotel spa’s signature treatment for a unique pampering experience.

In addition to the WaveMotion, Willow Stream has 13 indoor treatment rooms, including several private suites such as the Nalu (Wave) Suite, and the Wailele (Waterfall) Suite, which features a Vichy Shower.

`?wili Spa and Salon at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort by Hyatt is a relative newcomer to the posh Wailea luxury resort scene. The hotel opened in 2013 and the property’s full service spa, `?wili Spa and Salon, offers guests personalized spa experiences with a nod toward traditional Japanese practices. As an `?wili Spa guest, you are offered a choice of at least two treatments to fill your 60- or 90-minute spa session. What’s more, a spa apothecary consultant will blend you a custom scrub, lotion, or oil for your treatment, and at the custom blending bar, you can choose from a selection of foraged, Hawaiian herbs and plants native to the island.

Notable Maui hotel spa favorites

Fortunately, no matter where on Maui you choose to stay, you’ll find a great hotel spa waiting for you.

The ?wili Spa, in the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Spa Grande, at The Grand Wailea, is the granddaddy of all spas on Maui, with more than 50,000 square feet of spa playground and treatment rooms. Above all else, however, the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit water therapies take center stage and make you feel like you are entering a bath out of Roman times. The sequence of water therapies includes a Roman tub, five specialty baths featuring different minerals and water temperatures, saunas, cascading waterfalls, and Swiss jet showers that will knock your suit off. I experienced this for the first time a few years ago. Not only was the Circuit memorable, but I also loved the indulgent personal exfoliation treatment after my massage.

?If you prefer a more intimate spa experience, consider the spas at some of the many other award-winning hotels on Maui, such as Travaasa Hana, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, or The Westin Maui Resort. Each of these spas is different, and selecting the right spa experience really is about personal preference. My advice: Do your homework before you book and ask friends (including us Expedia Viewfinder bloggers) before you go.?

Photos courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and The Fairmont Kea Lani.

What is your favorite spa treatment to get while on vacation?