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Anara Spa
Category: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Day Spas [Edit]
1571 Poipu RdGrand Hyatt Kauai
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 240-6440
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
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$$$
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Anara Spa
31 reviews in English
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Review from Ellen J.
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Anara is by far the loveliest spa I've experienced in all my trips to the Hawaiian islands. The facility is beautiful with its tranquil pool, outdoor spa, comfortable lounge chairs and outdoor showers. The spa attendants are so hopeful and exude the supreme aloha spirit. They also have a great retail selection where they sell some of the softest fitness attire I have ever seen. Not to be missed, even if you don't have a service or use the facility, is the Anara signature body lotion Coco Mango. I have been asked by friends and family who have been there before to bring some home! You also get a discount on retail products if you have a service.
My fifty minute massage was five star all the way! My therapist Crystal asked me about any health issues or specific areas that needed particular attention, and asked that throughout the treatment I inform her if the massage strokes were too firm or too soft. It was just perfect. The oil she used smelled so delicious and tropical, good enough to eat! My skin felt so soft afterwords and my body like jello, especially my neck, shoulders and upper back that never loosen up since i spend so much time at the computer! When the fifty minutes were over, I wished I had scheduled the longer appointment!
My signature facial was good, not the best I have had, but far from the worst. I have become so accustomed to the "therapeutic" facials I receive at med spas that I had forgotten what a relaxing facial was like. My esthetician Laoka (sp? Sorry) was darling and kibbitzed with me about various new products in the skin care realm. She even sealed the deal for me on buying a Clarisonic . . . I had been on the fence for months and she tipped the scales in its favor! Overall, a three and a half out of five, based on the type of service and not the esthetician who was a five!
I should have spent more time at Anara throughout the week and not waited until my last day to get pampered! Shame on me! Something to remember for the next time because I will be back, and I will surely know better. If you are a spa girl like me, don't deny yourself this experience! -
Review from Katie T.
Updated - 4/2/2012
My husband and I were recently in Kauai because he had some work to do there, it was my spring break from nursing school, and I'm 7 months pregnant with our first baby and there was no way he was heading to Hawaii without me! Since he had to work several days on our trip, I made the best of one of the days and spent it at Anara Spa.
I started my morning with a yoga class. Heads up that the Monday morning, "all levels" class is tough. I've been doing yoga for years, and while I've recently limited myself to prenatal yoga, several people left the class part of the way through because they were losing it. The instructor was a nice guy, but didn't offer suggestions for ways to change up poses to make them less intense, so while other people left I spent a lot of time in child's pose or other rest poses to avoid injury. And I was still dripping in sweat by the end of class and sore the next day!
After that sweat session I decided to take it easy until my massage and spent a few hours by the pool, read my book, ordered a $20 tofu spring roll for lunch (decent, but seriously, $20 for two spring rolls?), and swam laps a few laps in the pool.
My massage itself was good, though I have to admit I was surprised that my therapist was male. When I first got into the therapy room he remarked that he'd set up a pillow system for the massage, since I can't lie on my belly or back for too long, but that he wasn't sure it was going to work since it was meant for people smaller than me (I'm 5'1", of totally normal weight). Way to make a pregnant lady feel bigger than she already is! I wonder if a women would have been more sensitive to that? Or maybe he just needs some training on how to work with pregnant women?
While others have pointed out that the facilities aren't anything special, I don't really fault Anara in that respect. Their locker room is comfortable enough and have quality body products available, their outdoor showers are pretty, they have a decent pool and jacuzzi set up, and the treatment room was nice and open to outdoors. Despite my ho-hum experience with the massage therapist and yoga instructor, the rest of the staff were extremely friendly and constantly checking to see if I needed water, etc.Listed in: Kauai Vacation
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/3/2006 First to Review
While this spa isn't as posh as I'd expected from their brochures, they offer a wide range of… Read more »
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Review from Mimi T.
3/14/2012
I had a nice facial here by a lovely aesthetician. She was great and didn't push products on me. The facility is beautiful and between services you can lay out by the pool dedicated to the Spa!
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Review from lauren j.
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was worth every single dollar.
On our last day in Kauai (boohoo!!!!), the bf and I decided that instead of yet another excursion, we were going to chill and have a relaxing day at the spa. The Anara spa is at the Grand Hyatt, which was absolutely beautiful. It was quiet and secluded from the rest of the grounds of the hotel.
We got a couples massage, which takes place side by side in an outdoor cabana. It was one of the best feelings in the woorrrrld. Although i would have preferred a much more intense deep massage, it was very relaxing and their famous coco-mango products smelled like heaven.
After the hour of bliss, we spend the rest of the day lounging by the private lap pool and utilizing the spa facilities such as the fresh iced teas, euclyptus steam room, sauna, jaccuzzi, and showers. How great can a shower be? OH it can be AMAZING..they have a 12 head shower, and an outdoor shower (still with curtains, so you're not exposed!), complete with the coco-mango products. We only took a break from slothing to grab a quick lunch at the cafe overlooking the beach.
Before leaving, I lathered up with the coco-mango lotion and I swear I smelled like it for days. I love this place and can't wait to come back! -
Review from Daniel W.
Fremont, CA
4/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I got a couples massage in an outdoor cabana at the Anara Spa. We wanted an 80-minute massage, but they only had a 50-minute massage available the day we went. I was so relaxed that I fell asleep during the massage. There are also amenities to take advantage of, like the eucalyptus steam room and jacuzzi. The bathrooms and showers are stocked with Coco Mango scented products. If you have a free day in Kauai and want to relax, I recommend a day here. The spa is located inside the Grand Hyatt, which is a beautiful hotel.
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Review from Constance D.
Reno, NV
4/14/2012
Went in for the Hawaiian Healing manicure & pedicure. It was nice, but I was given attitude by the person doing mine because I wanted multi-colors on my toes (which is something I've seen in a couple fashion magazines). She was unfriendly throughout my treatments. It was $247 total after they added-in the automatic 18% tip. I should have said I wanted to change the tip amount but I didn't. Way overpriced. Wouldn't go back.
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Review from N D.
1/14/2012
Great massage and facial but WAY overpriced. I expected more of the facility with the prices of the services the way there are, but they just have a steam room, sauna, and one lonely jacuzzi. The treatment rooms are nice and open to outside which is a nice touch. I wouldn't come back though.
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Review from Grace S.
Oakland, CA
5/14/2011
NOTE: I did not get spa service here... I scheduled but when I got there I cancelled it. My review is based on the actual physical plant.
The spa amenitites such as the jacuzzi and pool are outdoors. And you also have to walk outside to get to the sauna and steamroom. If it rains, like it did when I was there, you are limited to sauna and steam room.
I know there is a 4 hour cancellation policy but with the heavy rain (which was so heavy there where flood warnings), I asked for a cancellation. I obviously pissed off the manager with this request. I felt bad but I didn't want to spend the few hours I had stuck in the steam room or waiting for the rain to stop (which it didn't for days).
One another note: I have enjoyed many spa services in many resorts and this is not anywhere near one of the nicest... nor beautiful... there was no view.... the jacuzzi, steam room, etc., were small (fits only about 6 comfortably... the decor was so-so.
My favorite is the Spa at The Grand Wailea Resort in Maui. It's been awhile but when I was there, I stopped by almost every day during my stay. It was that goooood. -
Review from Leia K.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2011
Some positing and some odd experiences here.
Overall, A-OK. Massage very positive, facial, mostly positive. Couples package, very positive. Gym facility, positive. The unexpected bill . . not positive.
The couples cabanas are private and in an absolutely beautiful setting, with the trees and rocks, bamboo and landscaping. Some less savory experiences were the sounds of cars starting and parking while in a treatment (I think some of the grounds are adjacent to a parking lot). That was not so relaxing and not so great.
It was a truly awesome afternoon, I'd recommend to go at least once and go all out. But the next time I'm on the island and I want a little R&R, I'm going to go somewhere cheaper. -
Review from Matthew H.
Aiea, HI
1/10/2012
The Anara Spa in the Kauia Hyatt is awesome. We got the Anara Pilialoha Journey couples day spa package which included:
1. A clay scrub with warm body wraps followed by a private outdoor shower for two (lava rocks line the shower-nice).
2. Side by side massage and facial in a private cabana.
3. Pedicure (no manicure included so schedule one ahead of time if you want one, we tried to squeeze one in at the time but they were booked).
4. And lunch by the pool in the spa area (we actually had dinner; the staff worked with us and modified it since our package time started at 12:00pm).
All the staff was very helpful and friendly. I would definitely go back if I have the opportunity. -
Review from Nadia A.
Cambridge, MA
11/10/2011
I was staying at the Grand Hyatt where the spa is located. Everything about the hotel is perfection, including the spa. Sure, it's pretty expensive, but it was one of the best massages I have ever had. Anne was my massage therapist and she was AWESOME!! She is terrific and has a great personality...GO SEE HER if you're here. There is a sauna in the spa that is awesome and it really is a full-out pamper-yourself experience.
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Review from L.D. Y.
Newport Beach, CA
6/4/2011
Amenities here are decent, nothing special especially for the price. This review is mainly based on my experience in their salon. I got my hair done by Owen. I was apprehensive at first because he asked a lot of questions but in the end, I realize it was to produce an amazing, staying hairdo. Definitely, one of the best hairstylist I've been to.
On the other hand, I also got my bridal make up done there. To say I was extremely disappointed is an understatement. They didn't have primer, eyelash curler, or know how to apply eyelashes and the make up artist seemed like an amateur despite her years of experience. My make-up didn't last more than a couple of hours but I wasn't happy with the way it was applied in the first place. I would suggest coming here only if you have no basic concept of makeup. If you have applied makeup in your life, you are better off doing it yourself. It's also not cheap...$100 plus 18% tip for less than 30 minutes of service. Any makeup counter at the mall would have done a way better job. -
Review from Nada J.
Pittsburgh, PA
1/13/2012
Just got back from Kauai with my fiancé and we had an amazing spa experience! We had the couples massage in private cabanas in the afternoon- pineapple- papaya body scrub and a nice long massage ( there was a private romantic lava shower we both rinsed off together before our massage- so sexy and fun;) My therapist Anne was AMAZING!!!! I workout a lot and always have chronic knots and tension that other therapist can't seem to tackle- Anne was up for the challenge- I told her my problem areas and she did a fantastic job loosening me up! Thanks again Anne! If you get a massage book her!! Totally worth the price- very nice sauna jacuzzi area too- and staff is so friendly!!
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Review from Kathleen H.
Newport Beach, CA
4/24/2009
I have definitely experienced much better spas.
I was excited about Anara because I heard they newly renovated and had wonderful spa amenities.
Well, perhaps they did newly renovate but they should have moved the spa to a different location on the property as I was rudely woken during my $165 massage by a loud truck, backing up, beeping, then inching forward, braking, backing up again, and loading and unloading. I couldn't believe it! Even the massage therapist was a bit embarrassed when I could not help but burst into laughter.
To think, paying $165 + 20% for my treatment, the spa could provide to guests a piece of fruit or some type of granola bars or even HOT water (instead of only iced water). The snack bar closes at 2 or 2:30pm, which is very inconvenient for guests.
I found the lady's locker-room to be very claustrophobic, crowded and poorly lit. There is not a lot of room to sit when drying your hair. There isn't even a lot of good amenities such as special face lotion, etc. The lava shower located right outside of the lady's locker room was also poorly designed although it was a cool concept. You must walk by other naked showering women in order to find an empty shower. Actually, at first I found the black lava rocks with the over-grown ivy plants to also be a bit claustrophobic.
Pictures of the couple's massage area and the new yoga studio look cool but I never got to use it. I should have booked a couple's massage and requested for the little outdoor huts instead of having separate "regular" rooms for our massages.
Either way, this spa was one of the worst I had been to for the amount of $$$ I paid. I was extremely disappointed. -
Review from Jennifer W.
Daly City, CA
8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
A fantastic spa and worth the money. I had a wonderful lomi lomi massage and continued to treat myself to the saunas and jacuzzi after the massage was over. Everyone here is friendly, and all of the "extras" i.e. saunas, jacuzzi, pool, showers and full locker room are complimentary if you purchase a service. I left relaxed and tension free, and can not wait to return again.
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Review from Claire C.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2009
I thought the spa was lovely! A great and relaxing place to spend the afternoon. I had a special pass that allowed me access to the spa at all times during our trip and I would often head over to read and then use the facilities. The lava showers are awesome, outside with yummy smelling products!
We also engaged in the couple's retreat where we were able to enjoy salt scrubs, a clay mask, bath for two and massages and pedicures! Talk about luxurious. They use epicuren products which are my favorite, so I know it's good stuff!
We loved our stay at this hotel and the spa. Next time I'll bring my goggles to do some laps in the pool here for exercise. Super nice, worth the $$$! -
Review from Jinny S.
San Angelo, TX
4/8/2010
My spa visit was my husbands anniversary present. I found everything to be lovely. I enjoyed the robes and slippers. The lightly flavored ice water was refreshing. The locker room was cozy and warm and equipped with anything you might need to freshen up.
My body scrub was wonderful. My skin tingled and was so soft for the rest of the weekend. The treatment area was in a hut that had fold-able doors, for different levels of privacy...all open, all closed, or something in between. There were no beeping trucks during my treatment. Nothing but the breeze and birds singing. The private outdoor shower to wash off after the scrub was great..the sun was shining down and the birds were singing. It was heaven.
I also had a mani/pedi. The girls doing the service were friendly and chatty. I had a great conversation with the woman next to me who was there with her husband and children for their 10 year anniversary as well.
Overall, I had a first class experience. The spa isn't cheap, a splurge to be sure, but I feel like it was worth it. -
Review from Will A.
12/27/2008
Was awesome... I went for my post-marathon massage and pampering (don't knock getting pampered after you've run your first marathon... or any marathon for that matter).
Had body scrub, and my skin never felt better. With all the rain, it was even more low-key than I would have imagined. That was a good thing for me, I think. -
Review from John P.
Kapaa, HI
3/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Here's my suggestion...if you are staying at the Grand Hyatt, spend the $30 to get spa access and spend all day done here instead of by their large and somewhat noisy pool. You can get a massage for extra $$ if you want, but I just get the spa access and that's it.
There's a common area with a pool, 2x hot tubs, lounge chairs, and serenity. Flanking this area are the Men's- and Women's-only areas. Take a sauna, steam, get naked in the hot tub (and we men in the USA are so homophobic that no one does it, but we all really need to get over it...my wife says the women don't go naked on their side either. Come on people!).
There's a nice lava stone outdoor shower, lots of fluffy towels, a cool thing to spin your board shorts out in to dry them, and all the typical things you find in a spa. It's not as nice as the spa at the 4 Seasons on Maui, nor the Grand Wailea there, but it's only a notch lower and is still a great place to relax. -
Review from Mei B.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2008
I am a spa whore, loyal to none. I got a Christmas present for a hot stone massage from bf at Anara which got me really excited.
I have to say, the massage was good. It's a little on the pricey side but it was Kauai, so what the hey...
BUT for being in the location, I would have thought that the spa would be designed to maximise the views of the ocean. No, it felt a little like a concrete fortress and you would have never known that it's at the beach.
For me, a large part of how successful a spa experience has to do with the ambience; the general feeling of tranquility and decadance that you get from the surroundings. You want to feel special, like it's a private experience. Anara was sadly lacking in this area. For instance, I really dislike being in a robe and sitting in a general waiting room with 8 other ladies waiting to be ushered into the treatment room. Felt like cattle waiting to be herded. Treatment rooms felt a little sterile etc, etc. I'm bored just writing about it.
So, we move on... -
Review from Melissa K.
Baton Rouge, LA
11/6/2011
We visited the spa on one of our last days during our visit to Kauai and it was so worth it! We got a couples Lomilomi massage in the outdoor cabana. The waiting area is outside in a very relaxing environment, there is a private lap pool and lounges, outdoor lava rock showers with waterfall shower heads, and wonderful staff. We both thought that the massage itself, though pricey, was worth every penny!
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Review from l c.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2006
I thought the facilities were pretty amazing here. I had a 4:30pm treatment, but I went to the spa at around 1pm and was able to lounge by the pool and access all of the facilities (sauna, hot tub, steam room, showers) for the whole day. It was really quiet there, which was really nice and conducive toward relaxation.
The locker room was pretty nice - it had vanity stations set up with hair dryers, combs, sunscreen, deodorant, body lotion, etc. As mentioned below, there are outdoor lava rock showers that seemed pretty nce, but I used the 12-head shower which was awesome!!
I got the honey-ginger body wrap and it was really great. I felt so soft afterwards and smelled great for the plane ride home! Obviously the treatments are pretty pricey ($155 for a 50-minute treatment) but it's worth it if you want to splurge on yourself. :) -
Review from Opal D.
11/30/2010
The 80 minute massage was set outdoors which was perfect except for the mosquitos. I had a few bites by the time I left - and think they should have candles or something to solve the bug problem if they are going to do massages outside! The spa is wonderful otherwise - a pool, hot tubs, sauna and steam room.... I would come back again.
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Review from Pug P.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2010
Loved the black rock outdoor showers. The shampoos and conditioners were heavenly. The massage was expensive, but worth it. The private pool and hot tub were a nice touch too, I did love the comfy robes and brown rubba shoes :)
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Review from Grace T.
3/31/2010
The spa is beautiful. My bf had given me a gc for a couples massage when had originally planned a trip to Kauai a few years back. Then due to unexpected circumstances, we had to cancel the trip. When I found a great deal for a trip to Kauai last year, I couldn't wait to use the gc. The facilities are mostly outdoors and the couples massage area is in an outdoor hut. I enjoyed the experience, except for the fact that after the massage I noticed that I was dined upon by mosquitoes. I liked that after the massage my bf and I could relax in the hot tubs together.
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Review from Marisa K.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/31/2010 5 Check-ins Here
My 25 min lomi lomi massage was out o this world!! It ended to soon! :( the room was so nice and peaceful. They don't have their little cafe anymore but room service will deliver to the spa, we decided to go to the lookout cafe I believe it was called. Delicious. It would have been nice if anara had some tea to relax with and maybe some light snacks. But otherwise wonderful day with my mom!
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Review from ElleDee R.
Bay Area, CA
4/27/2008
I love me some spas. It's probably my worst and most expensive vice.
Ah well, could be worse, right?
After a 6 1/2 hour hike in some forsaken jungle in Kauai, my new husband thought I deserved a spa treatment. I was in absolute agreement. The next day, I was scheduled for an 80 minute pohaku (stone) massage.
The spa place is nice. But, just like Donna, my actual spa treatment was relocated to a guest room because there was construction near the spa. I was disappointed because they tote how they've done massive renovations on the place and how it's the largest spa in Kauai. But my treatment was in a room. Oh well. I'm sure I would have liked it a lot less if I was in their beautiful spa but only heard hammering and drilling during my entire treatment.
I wish I could remember my massage therapist but I cannot. It was a decent massage (not the best but, by far, not the worst.) When I had to flip over onto my stomach, my allergies kicked in and made it hard for me to enjoy the massage. Not the therapist's fault, though.
I'm a tough spa gal so I give the place three stars. If I had been able to have my pohaku massage in the actual spa I'd give it four stars. If the treatment had rocked my world, I would have given four or five. Alas, it was a good massage but nothing earth shattering (see my review of the MGM Grand Spa in Las Vegas.) -
Review from Donna C.
Koloa, HI
8/11/2007
I'm on a mission to try every spa on the island of Kauai and Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt seems like a good place to start.
They are expanding and under construction so my massage was in a guest room. Maybe it's just me, but I hate traipsing through the hotel in a robe. Once they complete the new areas, Anara will surely merit 5 stars.
Otherwise, Anara has a sweet, tropical ambience and all the expected features; a fitness center, salon, lap pool and a small restaurant which serves light lunches and smoothies. I enjoyed the jacuzzi, the sauna, the steam room and the outdoor showers.
Hard to choose from all the great treatments they offer. Aromatherapy, Thai, pohaku hot stone, seaweed wraps, salt scrubs, papaya polish and Kauai coffee brush....hmmm....decided I couldn't go wrong with lomi lomi and have to say my massage was great. Won't divulge names.
Rates start at $150 and go up from there. I went in a grumpy old gal and came out almost unrecognizable. The serene smile on my face lasted until I got my credit card bill. Now, I'm searching for someone to underwrite my mission. -
Review from amber s.
Chicago, IL
3/8/2010
Our visit to the Anara Spa was the only bad part of our honeymoon (and my birthday). We did the Kauai Ku Uipo package and spent a small fortune for sub-par massages and facials - as well as a mud application that we had to do ourselves. At half the price it still would have been disappointing. And they had a forced 20% gratuity so we couldn't even tip less. We had wonderful treatments at the Four Seasons in Maui and they were less expensive. I would not recommend this spa to anyone!
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Review from jocelyn l.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2009
have to say, i really wanted to like it better...but it was just OK. love the hotel though. absolutely beautiful on Poipu Beach
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Review from stacey t.
Seattle, WA
7/16/2011
This spa is a little "industrial" for my taste. The pool, which is the focal point and takes up a lot of room, is very unattractive considering you are at a resort. The facilities in the women's spa were ok - an outdoor hot tub, steam and sauna, and lava rock showers that I thought were a little tacky. The staff always seem to be "around" because of the way the check-in counter is placed in the middle of the women's area. It didn't feel very relaxing. I was having a massage done in one of the outdoor cabanas, and when I was lead back there, there was an really nice lounging area that I wish they would have told me about! It was raining that day so I would have been perfectly happy to sit there rather than in the not-so-cozy women's locker room. My massage was excelllent (the inside rooms didn't look as good - get one outside!). I pay the spa prices not just for the treatment, but for all the other stuff that goes with it too. Not worth the money here.
