Second Honeymoon Giveaway
October 2, 2008
On this day we had a complimentary continental breakfast at the hotel pool-side. There was an array of pastries and sweet breads, fresh-squeezed juices and coffee. A very nice treat!
We then went back to our hotel room since Jennifer wanted to take some pictures of us in our room. We were very happy to see Jennifer and Nancy and had fun taking pictures in our beautiful condo.
Another part of the package was a couple’s massage, beachside at the Hanalei Resort Day Spa. This part of the trip was without a doubt one of my favorite. From the moment we walked into the spa, I felt the beautiful calming atmosphere. The spa’s owner warmly greeted us and introduced us to our masseuses. Anneke was my husband’s masseuse and Tatiana was mine. We were taken to a beachside hut where, side-by-side, we would get our heavenly massages.
I have been fortunate enough to have traveled to many beautiful places and many luxury resorts where some of the “best spa services” are offered. But, I can honestly say that Tatiana gave me the best massage I have ever had in my life. First off, she was a complete sweetheart with a very soft and soothing voice that immediately relaxed me. Secondly, she gave me the most complete massage with a perfect touch: not too hard and not too soft. To my pleasant surprise, she even gave me energy healing work. I later found out that she is certified in Reiki, which is “a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing”. My husband also thoroughly enjoyed his massage by Anneke; as proof he was in a very good mood after the massage and even considered to come back to see her for another massage before we left. Unfortunately, we ran out of time.
I read all the spa services that they offer and was extremely impressed: Shirodhara, Ayurveda warm oil massage, Pancha Karma, Transformational Bodywork, yoga and meditation – not your average spa indeed. I felt completely relaxed, recharged and rejuvenated (their motto) after this miraculous massage and am deeply saddened that this Spa and Tatiana are not closer to me. I suppose this will be my excuse to return to Kauai!
Although it was no easy task, my husband convinced me to leave the spa and get some lunch. I looked at “the list” and decided to go somewhere local since there was a lot I wanted to do before the day ended. I decided to go to “Tahiti Nui” in Hanalei. Much to my dismay, I found out that their lunch menu only offered sandwiches, of which I have never been a big fan. Regardless, we decided to stay and thank goodness for that! I had one of the most amazing fish sandwiches I have ever had! My husband had the pork sandwich- a Hawaiian specialty and I believe four Mai Tai’s that he obviously really enjoyed!
I met the “dinner chef” – a nice Italian man who was at the restaurant prepping for dinner. He suggested we return so we could try the dinner, and I was very sad that we could not return since the menu looked amazing. Since I am Italian, he and I spoke for a while and he told me that the best night to be at Tahiti Nui is on Thursdays where there is live entertainment and music, including a solo act by the chef himself. I am very sorry I missed it.
While having lunch I was telling my husband that I wanted to go on the Kalalau Trail. It had been recommended by Jennifer and was less than 10 minutes from our hotel. She warned that the trail was treacherous and that it would take hours. For someone who refuses to exercise, I felt very adventurous and wanted to try it out. My husband’s response was, “honey, you know very well you are not the ‘hiker type’. You’ll get tired and it will take a toll on you. You won’t make it”. Later, I realized that rather than discourage me this actually gave me more fuel and energy to do the hike. I was going to prove him wrong. After convincing him, we headed out to the trail.
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Photos Compliments of Island Echoes Photography
