The Best Spas Seem to Have One Thing in Common – A Eucalyptus Steam Room
Waihua Spa, Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
At this gorgeous 17,500-square-foot spa, you enter a blissful maze where floor-to-ceiling riverbed stones lead to serene treatment rooms, couples’ hales (cabanas), and a rain forest-like grotto with a Jacuzzi, dry cedar sauna, and eucalyptus steam rooms. Hang out in the co-ed waiting area, where sliding-glass doors open to a whirlpool overlooking a taro patch garden. Exfoliate any rough spots with a pineapple-papaya or coffee scrub; then wash off in a private outdoor shower garden before indulging in a lomilomi massage (traditional Hawaiian massage involving powerful strokes down the length of the body). High-end beauty treatments include advanced oxygen technology to tighten and nourish mature skin. The on-site shop has a great selection of local beauty products and jewelry.
Reviewed May 12, 2013 
We did a spa service during our stay at the Ritz and so glad we did. The couple massage was Perfect and there were many amenities to use afterwards-highly recommend the eucalyptus steam room. Once you have a service there you have access to these amenities for the entire day. Able to come back after a lunch or nap! Very relaxing.
Reviewed March 6, 2012
Reviewed November 12, 2011 Reviewed October 26, 2011 Spa was amazing, pricy as you would expect from the Ritz but worth the extra penny! My massage was excellent, great staff everywhere. Also, there a lovely grotto area where you can use the whirlpool tub, sauna, relaxation room with hot tea (option to order food as well), and eucalyptus steam room. This is free, included with every spa treatment and you can use it anytime on the day of your appt. You can even leave and come back again later! Nice bonus 🙂
From Yelp
4/1/2013 4 photos 3 check-ins here The number one perk for staying at the Kapalua Villas is the use of the spa facility. I don’t think I can write something that hasn’t already been mentioned. It is wonderful! Great staff, quiet setting, showers, lockers, razors, shampoo, etc. Nice touches like pineapple water to keep you in that state of bliss. Another review I’m fearful of writing since this place was quiet with no one around but staff.
The pool and hot tub are fantastic! The steam room is scented with eucalyptus, and felt all my stress fade away. I’m kicking myself that we didn’t just show up here after we checked in, we didn’t look into it until a few days into our holiday.
The next time I visit, I will get a villa close enough so I can stumble out of bed and spend every day there.
5/31/2013
I also took advantage of the amazing gym facilities on my own. Wow- the weight machines were whisper-quiet and they had the newest cardio equipment, each unit with its own TV monitor and USB hookup for your iPod/iPhone. Forgot your own earphones? Don’t worry, they’ve got you; grab a pair at the front, then just drop them in the “Used Headphones” basket after your workout. They had one machine called “the Wave” which had a funky, cross country skiing motion (i think?). I had never seen one before, but it was neat. They also offer complimentary personal training lessons on using their new Kinesis equipment. AND you work out while looking at views of the ocean or one of their own waterfall pools. Gym- Excellent, A+.
Following my workouts, I would use the shower facilities. Along with fancy digital combination locks, each locker has a plush robe and a pair of those Hawaiian brown sandals. The restrooms/showers are fully equipped for just about anything you need. They have disposable razors; yummy smelling shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; combs, brushes, and hair dryers in the vanity area; and extras like mouthwash, toothbrush/toothpaste sets, unisex deodorant, and body lotion to finish you off. I loved it!
Now for the really indulgent treats. All over the spa, there were glass containers dispensing pineapple-infused water, ice cold. Ahhh. Step out into the pool area, and you will find pumps of sunscreen, menus for poolside dining, and magazines to entertain you. I worked on my tan on the lounges, then cooled off in the beautiful infinity pool.
Just inside the separated women’s and men’s facilities, you will also find the Serenity areas. Here, you have to try the eucalyptus sea salt infused steam room. Breathe deep and relax on the cool tiles. Or go next door and use the traditional sauna. Be sure to grab a cold washcloth from the pedestal outside to cool your face; I loved that the washcloths sit on an ice block shaped like the Kapalua butterfly logo (see photo). I liked to follow all of that with a quick dash through the rainfall area, then jump into the waterfall hot tub. Heaven.
Out of courtesy to other spa patrons, I didn’t get as many photos as I would have liked, but trust me- the place is spectacular. The staff are all very helpful and friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, and tip them for their great service. Most importantly, enjoy, relax, and live “Aloha”.