If you've got money to burn and aren't looking for real luxury and pampering, then this place might work for you. For me, I expect more if I'm paying a total of $187 for a 60-minute massage.
FACILITY: There's a utilitarian wet sauna (e.g., no aromatherapy), dry sauna, and hot & cold pools inside; a small lounge area is outside with what appears to be a jacuzzi. I say "appears" because I just happened to notice the jets. There was no sign identifying it or explaining how to turn it on. The wet sauna was off and there was no sign explaining how to turn that on, either.
PERSONAL AMENITIES: You're given a nice robe and one towel. I was only told to bring a bathing suit, so I was expecting disposal spa slippers. Nope. I had to walk everywhere barefooted, including the locker area where people (naturally) had walked in their outside shoes. Ugh. You could pick up a small tube of hand/body lotion, a small shaving kit (disposable razor & tube of generic shaving cream) and/or a small vanity kit (tiny nail file, cotton swabs & cotton pad) at the sinks. There were no snacks or even drinking water available unless you had a massage -- then you were given a bottle of water when it was over.
MASSAGE: This is the first time I thought to myself, while getting a massage, "This woman could easily kill me with her bare hands!" Her hands were that strong. She'd asked me if I wanted my massage "hard" or "soft," and I replied, "medium, and we'll see how that goes." Well, it went very painfully at times -- I had to tell her repeatedly to go softer. It's a week later and my shoulders still hurt with certain movements.
SERVICE: The receptionist (the only person always onsite; the masseusses and such are called in when needed) was not very gracious when I asked her how to turn on the wet sauna and only reluctantly went back and did it ... so I didn't bother to request her help to use the jacuzzi. Clear communication, in general, was lacking. For one, I was told on the phone that a bathing suit was necessary for the saunas, but once I got there, was told I could choose to just wear a towel. I've read the other reviews, and I see that they offer a kamaaina discount. No one told me that, even though I said at multiple points (on the phone and onsite) that I lived in the neighborhood.
BOTTOM LINE: I'll try some other day spa next time I want to pamper myself. read more
