I work 6 days a week, have two children, a wife, two dogs, and I am an active member of a not-for-profit board. I do my best to be a good husband, father and member of my community and still stay healthy and sane. I succeed for the most part.
Now before you break out the violins, I don’t expect anyone to take pity on me. I live and work on Maui, one of the most beautiful spots in the world. I get to surf or stand up paddle a few days a week, and a walk on the beach is a pretty regular occurrence for me. My commute is about 5 minutes each way and I am home for dinner just about every night of the week. I have an amazing family. Life could be a helluva a lot more challenging. That being said, every once in a while it is nice to just check out. My wife Carla and I had just such an opportunity the other day. Even if it was only for a few hours right here on Maui, it was a welcome respite. We received a gift certificate for our anniversary for massages at the Maui Spa Retreat in the Upcountry. What a treat. If you haven’t been to Olinda, it is a special place. Like many places on Maui, it has awe inspiring views, but at an elevation of 3,000 feet the air feels different. With the smell of eucalyptus permeating the air and a light crisp breeze, it almost feels as though you are no longer in the tropical pacific.
The Maui Spa Retreat is a beautiful estate three miles up Olinda Road. It is easy to get to and easier to enjoy once you are there. Our gift certificates offered about 90 minutes of treatment. We started out with a sauna to relax and de-stress. It worked! Next Carla and I were each treated to a 1 hour massage that featured hot towels, aromatherapy and a good old fashioned rub-down. I am not sure I have been as relaxed in a long time…even when I was on vacation earlier this year. The massage therapists were friendly and talented. The atmosphere was completely soothing. There are treatments that range from 90 minutes to all day. Take your pick!
Upcountry Maui has many amazing places to explore whether it be the shops and galleries in Makawao, the Alii Kula Lavender Farm in Kula, the PoliPoli Forest Reserve or many other things to do. Yet sometimes one of the best things to do on Maui is nothing. That is what we did at the Upcountry Spa and Retreat. Carla and I would heartily recommend it to anyone, visitor or resident alike.
