Hawaii: Kaua‘i, Poipu The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa - Family Spa Time and Voluntourism - Fun and Easy. It is no secret we are always on the lookout for resorts with family friendly spa options. While I cannot speak for all moms who are over scheduled, stressed, and often exhausted, for some of us the spa benefits make the family vacation choice a no brainer.

And when the spa welcomes family members – not just those 18 and older- it’s an obvious bonus. After all the earlier you introduce you child (children) to the benefits of a spa the more likely you will be sharing spa time with them when they are you adults. That is advice from a devoted spa enthusiast and travel expert who coached me to begin by the age of twelve. I followed her advice with both of my daughters and we now have plenty of spa stories to share – some funny and some not so.

In the decade since my daughter’s first spa initiation spas in general have become family friendly and twelve is no longer the benchmark age. Now many places have unique experiences guaranteed to relax preteens – things like hair braiding and mani/pedis and teens have ever – expanding options including light hearted options and serious skin consultations.  

Here’s the deal. The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa's Anara Spa is part of the new trend in spa offerings. After an active day exploring Kauai retreat to Anara Spa with special treatments for kids, teens, and adults, of course.  Kids ages 6-16 may choose from pineapple-coconut mani/pedis, island hair braiding, flower power polishes, Polynesian temporary tattoos, or Hawaiian hair styling with fresh flowers.  Teens’ ages 12-16 can enjoy a special facial addressing teen skin care needs, get sun-kissed hair highlights or join a parent for garden facials or pedicures.  Adults may indulge in Anara’s lavish menu offerings as well as new “sampler” treatments that provide a complete spa experience for less.
 
Offering a handful of shorter sessions, Anara Spa allows guests to create their own “pupu platter” of spa treatments.  (Pupu in Hawaii refers to small portions or appetizers) “People often want to sample a number of different treatments to make for a more complete spa experience, but might not have the time or means to make it happen”, stated Jessica Shea, spa director.  “With add-on options and mini-sessions, guests are able to receive a richer spa experience.”  With any half, full or extended treatment a choice of enhancements may be added for a fraction of the cost of the full treatment.  A half-session lomilomi massage focuses massage in specific areas to relieve tension and induce an overall sense of relaxation.  A 25-minute tropical organic body polish exfoliates and cleanses the skin while a coconut scalp massage and volcanic pumice foot massage may be added to soften and smooth, creating complete relaxation and bliss.
 
About Anara Spa. With a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation completed last year, the spa features treatment rooms opening to their own private garden, open-air lava rock showers, sauna and steam rooms, a lap pool, and a well-appointed fitness center open 24/7.  The new Lokahi garden spa area offers treatments amidst lush plumeria (frangipani) scented gardens to the sound of waterfalls and wind-blown bamboo.  Each private thatched-roof hale (bungalow) features its own lava rock shower and steam grotto.  Soothing hydrotherapy can be found in the open-air Vichy treatment room, whirlpools, and lava rock botanical baths.  Anara Spa provides a Hawaiian spa experience like no other.

Relax...then Go Green! The Grand Hyatt Kauai invites families to join the growing ranks of guests who want the rewarding experience of a volunteer vacation. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa has launched an innovative program to “Enrich” guests’ vacation experience. The “Enrich” program provides the opportunity to enhance a vacation by giving back to the island community in meaningful ways. The resort has partnered with four diverse non-profit organizations on Kauai, allowing guests the opportunity to spend all or part of a day learning, growing and “giving back” to the local community. All ages and abilities are welcome.

The options for your voluntourism experience include:

National Tropical Botanical Garden. Assist with general gardening, propagation, arts and crafts or other tasks. This work continues to perpetuate the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge.

Hui o Laka, in Koke`e State Park. Love hiking and being out in nature? This culturally based volunteer program provides the opportunity for hands-on forest restoration work to re-establish areas impacted by overuse or invasive species, thereby contributing to the preservation of Koke`e, a place rich with natural diversity.

Kauai Humane Society. Help ensure compassionate care for all of Kauai's animals. Volunteers may simply give the animals much needed love and attention, making them more adoptable, or delve deeper into the work of the Humane Society.

Surfrider Foundation. Works to protect and improve the ocean, waves and beaches through conservation, activism, research and education. Monthly beach clean-ups are scheduled around the island. At these events guests may learn more about ocean conditions, and the coastal flora and fauna.

About the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i. The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, a luxury resort overlooking Poipu's majestic Keoneloa Bay, offers 602 spacious guest rooms each with its own lanai.  Set on 50 oceanfront acres, the resort features lush gardens with manicured lawns, seven restaurants and six lounges, a water playground with a river pool, waterfalls and a 150-foot water slide, a saltwater lagoon, tennis, the award-winning Anara Spa, and golf at the adjacent Poipu Bay Resort. Bonus points: The Resort offers families access to Camp Hyatt Kauai - fun, active program exclusively for keiki (children) ages 3 to 12. Activities include Koi fish feeding, lei making, shell bracelet making, hula lessons, volcano making, and interactive parrot talks.

Location on the planet: The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756.  (808) 742-1234. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact 1-800-55-HYATT or www.grandhyattkauai.com