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dayspamagazine.com • october 2017 • [ 49 ] A Stunning Setting There's a seemingly endless list of activities, restaurants, sights and shops available to guests on the 40-acre Hyatt Regency Maui property—everything from an exhibit of African black-footed penguins to expert-led stargazing sessions. But the Kamaha'o spa (which translates to "wonderful, astonishing, marvelous") stands apart, both literally and fi guratively, from all the rest. For starters, it occupies its own building (shared only with the fi tness center) on the southern edge of the resort. The spa's front desk, retail area and locker rooms are simple and understated, and a shallow, beautifully tiled Jacuzzi occupies a nook of the women's locker room; however, the spa's star spaces are its open-air, ocean-facing relaxation lounge and naturally lit Glamour Room. The latter, complete with nearly a dozen hair and makeup stations, three manicure chairs and six pedicure stations, has an exterior wall that features gigantic glass windows. Outside, within a literal arm's reach, the resort's white sand beach and upward stretching palms beckon. These views have been a staple for decades, but their easy accessibility is relatively new—part of a major renovation that took place in late 2013 and included a shift from the Moana Spa to a Marilyn Monroe-branded spa and salon. General manager Lacey Matsumoto was deeply involved in this transition, which she says was very similar to opening a new spa. "The four-month changeover included hiring; rebranding; implementing new concepts, products and protocols; and extensive training and education," Matsumoto explains. She notes that the spa chain embodies a feeling that she consistently works to instill in her guests. "Embracing the timeless legacy of Marilyn Monroe, we provide an ambience where guests can be spoiled and fl irty, and feel wonderful yet still conquer the world," she comments. "We created our sense of place by blending two cultures, and we created an environment where glamour meets paradise." Paradise, indeed. I received the Golden Glow Facial (80 min./ $215), after which I lay back in an oceanfront lounge, basking in the eff ects of the oxygen infusion and trance-inducing facial massage. My skin desperately needed a refresh, but my esthetician's methodical care and attention were what made the treatment feel luxurious and relaxing—and reminded me that I was on a tropical island. e Group Advantage With so much happening on site, it's logical to wonder if the spa can get lost in the shuffl e, especially considering its bungalow isn't physically front and center. Ben Premack, the resort's director of sales and marketing, assures that's not the case. "We work together to ensure our guests have all the information they need to book services at the spa, including menus and in-room communication pieces. Monthly specials are detailed in our activity sheets and regular emails, and of course we utilize social media to add visuals and a voice to the spa," he explains. In addition, the Glamour Room serves as the perfect space for groups and events—especially bridal parties. The Hyatt Regency Maui has put a lot of eff ort into establishing itself as a go-to wedding destination. Its breathtaking beach vistas, extensive array of preplanned wedding packages, 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, and multitude of on-site restaurants and eateries are certainly enticing, but the Marilyn Monroe-themed spa enables couples to take their Hawaiian wedding extravaganza that extra mile. "We make it easy for larger groups and wedding parties to have everything they might need—without having to leave the property," says Premack. "We encourage them to utilize all of our services and amenities, including the spa." To make that a reality, the resort staff has compiled several spa-specifi c off erings TOP: COURTESY HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT & SPA; BOTTOM: COURTESY TAD CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY