Imagine a day at a Korean spa, where ancient traditions and therapeutic treatments transport you back in time. My employee Kanoelani and I recently had the opportunity to experience such a retreat at Loess Spa in Honolulu. In this blog, I will share all the details of our adventure, from the surprising norms to the thorough treatments, giving you a glimpse of this unique experience.
As we arrived at Loess Spa, we were directed to the locker room where we were instructed to remove all of our clothing. This unexpected requirement caught us off guard, as we had assumed that bathing suits would be required, similar to our experiences in European spas. Despite feeling a little shy at first, we quickly became comfortable, as everyone else seemed completely at ease. We proceeded to shower and then took alternating plunges in hot and cold water. Afterward, we eagerly awaited our turn in the sauna room, although there was a slight delay, which the staff kindly compensated for with complimentary smoothies.
Once called in for our treatments, we entered a room with thin mats on the floor for us to unwind before the scrub. The therapists meticulously scrubbed our entire bodies, removing an astonishing amount of dead skin. We couldn't believe how smooth our skin felt afterward. The experience was thorough but not painful. Following the scrub, we were led to another treatment room for a full-body massage, which was truly amazing. The skilled therapists used pressure point techniques and warm oil, leaving us in a state of complete relaxation.
Now, let's evaluate the location, premises, waiting time, cleanliness, treatments, and customer service. The highlight of our day was undoubtedly the actual services we received. The scrub and massage left our skin radiant and soft, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. The spa's location was convenient to access, with ample parking available. However, we found the premises a bit confusing in terms of layout and functionality, as the check-in desk seemed to double as a restaurant area. Additionally, the aroma was not particularly appealing. While Loess Spa may not offer a luxurious setting or invigorating aromas, overall, we were satisfied with our experience and would consider returning for regular upkeep. Hence, we rate this location 2.5 out of 5 stars.
After our rejuvenating spa day, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Taormina, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Waikiki. The ambiance was relaxing, and the food was exceptional. Kanoelani had the chance to try black truffle mushrooms for the first time, and she absolutely loved it. The attentive staff further enhanced our dining experience, even surprising us with a complimentary dessert upon learning that we were locals. Overall, we had a fantastic time.
Our day at Loess Spa provided us with a glimpse into the ancient traditions of Korean spas, leaving us feeling rejuvenated and appreciative of the unique treatments we experienced. I congratulate Kanoelani on being recognized as employee of the quarter, as this experience served as a well-deserved reward for her hard work. Stay tuned for our next blog post as we continue to explore different spas and share our learnings about various techniques and approaches.
Disclaimer: The rating and opinions expressed are based on personal experiences and may vary for each individual. #spanearme
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