The Portal is a multisensorial decompression space / photo: Grand Wailea, a waldorf astoria resort
Hilton’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, in Maui, has unveiled its meticulously reimagined spa.
Inspired by the Kilolani – stargazers of ancient Hawaii – the 50,000sq ft sanctuary’s concept centres on the Hawaiian moon calendar and is aligned with the natural currents of the world.
Kilolani Spa’s transformation is the culmination of a US$55 million (€50.8 million, £43.5 million) investment and more than two years of work.
Formerly The Spa Grande, the facility opened in its first guise in 1990 among 40 acres of lush tropical gardens, with design by renowned spa consultant Sylvia Sepielli.
Elevating an icon The overhaul was led by Tracy Lee, president and founder of TLEE Spas + Wellness, in collaboration with designers from Tihany Design and Rachael McCrory, Hilton’s regional director of spa and wellness.
“We wanted to create more than just a spa; we aimed to craft a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, immerse themselves in authentic Hawaiian healing arts and emerge revitalised,” explains Michael Lahm, vice president and COO of TLEE Spas.
The project involved reframing the spa’s Roman bathing concept to a quintessentially Hawaiian wellness space featuring authentic cultural touch points, a blended indoor/outdoor design and abundant mixed-gender experiences.
It now offers a contrast bathing circuit with DIY scrub stations, a steamroom, a sauna, a vitality pool, waterfall showers and a reflection garden. Each of these amenities is available as gender-specific experiences which then connect to an expansive co-ed environment featuring the island’s first hammam and saltwater flotation pool – along with halotherapy/infrared saunas and a wet lounge.
Noteworthy additions Kilolani boasts 40 reconfigured treatment rooms, including four for couples and self-contained suites overlooking the Wailea coastline, as well as four scrub rooms in the hammam.
Other noteworthy additions include The Portal, a multisensorial decompression space that integrates key cultural elements of the Hawaiian moon calendar, sound healing and plant medicine.
Tracy Lee, TLEE Spas president and founder, says: “Kilolani harnesses the pioneering vision and lasting heritage of the island’s original wellness destination, delivering experiences that reflect a deep reverence for nature, active lifestyles and authentic healing practices steeped in the soul and spirit of Maui.”
Hawaiian healing The spa’s programming continuously evolves in tandem with the current anahulu (10-day moon cycle) and features hand-selected native botanicals, holistic bodywork treatments and mindfulness practices enhanced by modern innovations such as the Mynd-Sync vibroacoustic, zero-gravity lounger from LEC.
The menu ranges from Hawaiian cleansing ceremonies, breathwork and astrology readings to a new type of sound healing incorporating oli – native chants for wisdom. The latter has been developed by the property’s cultural programme manager Kalei Uwēko’olani.
Programming was overseen by Jessica Shea, Hilton’s VP of wellness, retail and leisure operations in the Americas and David Erlich, the hotel’s spa director.
In addition, there’s a separate medical wellness clinic operated by Florida-based practice, the Biostation. Here, guests undergo advanced testing on more than 100 biomarkers and in-depth personal consultations with a medical provider who then tailors treatment plans incorporating things such as bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrient therapy, sexual health programmes, medical aesthetics, weight loss and more.
A wellness café, a meditation lounge, a relaxation space, a 2,500sq m fitness centre and a full-service salon complete the offer.
• Dale Hipsh says his involvement in the original Grand Wailea led to his lifelong ‘love affair with spas’. Read more at www.spabusiness.com/dalehipsh
Kilolani Spa suppliers
• Spa consultant: TLEE Spas + Wellness
• Hydrothermal consultant: Bradford Wellness
• Interior design: Tihany Design
• Equipment: Living Earth Crafts and Lemi
• Fitness: Peloton, Tonal and Technogym
• Medical wellness: The Biostation,Future Cosmetics and Haute Beauty
• Body and skincare: Ala Lani, Cause + Medic, Botanika Life, Cryo T-Shock, HydraFacial, Jetpeel, Kauai Pharmacy, Lokelani, Malie, Ola Tropical Apothecary, Pure Noni and U’a
• Salon: Oribe, Dazzle Dry, Shellac and Alana Hair Care
photo: Tracy Lee
"Kilolani Spa harnesses the lasting heritage of the island’s original wellness destination" – Tracy Lee
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Profile: King of Bhutan
Plans for a 'mindfulness city' nearly as big as Hong Kong have been unveiled by the King of Bhutan. Katie Barnes takes a closer look
Destination focus: London
Major hotel brands from Mandarin Oriental and Raffles to Six Senses are all investing in the UK capital, but how will they differentiate themselves asks Katie Barnes
Sponsored: Beltrami – made in Italy
Beltrami has more than 50 years’ experience creating bespoke textile products for spas around the world, with a focus on quality
Jeremy McCarthy: Details matter
Attention to detail is a superpower and necessity in the luxury spa arena, says our contributing editor
Interview: Esin Güral Argat
The owner of Joali Being tells Neena Dhillon what inspired her to create an island dedicated to transformative wellbeing in the Maldives
Family matters: The Wilhelmis
The father and son duo behind the Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method share their exciting plans for research and innovation with Megan Whitby
First person: By royal appointment
Lindsay Madden-Nadeau has a hypo-healing experience at Atlantis The Royal, Kerzner's sister property to the iconic Atlantis The Palm
Interview: Lyndell Nelis
The wellness director for Atlantis Resorts explains how its two Dubai properties are 'smashing it' when it comes to spa performance
New opening: Kilolani Spa
Grand Wailea's famous Hawaiian spa has been transformed into a moon-inspired, open-air haven
Event report: Hotting it up
Jane Kitchen reveals the thermal spa issues and trends delegates were talking about at this industry gathering in California
Sponsored: High end
Hoar Cross Hall has a new gym to match its award-winning hotel and spa. We find out more about the transformation
Software: Building relationships
Using personal data to create tailored experiences is paramount for spas, but operators have been fined millions for breaching GDPR. How can software systems help navigate this?
Sponsored: Add life
Increasing life expectancy is one of the great achievements of our
times and Starpool is working to bring real meaning to longevity
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Maison d'Asa
Maison d'Asa, founded in 2013 by Asma El Mernissi in Casablanca, is the world's first spa concept ho [more...]
Gharieni Group
For 35 years, the Gharieni Group has
redefined wellness, spa and medical
equipment, setting global [more...]
The Portal is a multisensorial decompression space / photo: Grand Wailea, a waldorf astoria resort
Hilton’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, in Maui, has unveiled its meticulously reimagined spa.
Inspired by the Kilolani – stargazers of ancient Hawaii – the 50,000sq ft sanctuary’s concept centres on the Hawaiian moon calendar and is aligned with the natural currents of the world.
Kilolani Spa’s transformation is the culmination of a US$55 million (€50.8 million, £43.5 million) investment and more than two years of work.
Formerly The Spa Grande, the facility opened in its first guise in 1990 among 40 acres of lush tropical gardens, with design by renowned spa consultant Sylvia Sepielli.
Elevating an icon The overhaul was led by Tracy Lee, president and founder of TLEE Spas + Wellness, in collaboration with designers from Tihany Design and Rachael McCrory, Hilton’s regional director of spa and wellness.
“We wanted to create more than just a spa; we aimed to craft a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, immerse themselves in authentic Hawaiian healing arts and emerge revitalised,” explains Michael Lahm, vice president and COO of TLEE Spas.
The project involved reframing the spa’s Roman bathing concept to a quintessentially Hawaiian wellness space featuring authentic cultural touch points, a blended indoor/outdoor design and abundant mixed-gender experiences.
It now offers a contrast bathing circuit with DIY scrub stations, a steamroom, a sauna, a vitality pool, waterfall showers and a reflection garden. Each of these amenities is available as gender-specific experiences which then connect to an expansive co-ed environment featuring the island’s first hammam and saltwater flotation pool – along with halotherapy/infrared saunas and a wet lounge.
Noteworthy additions Kilolani boasts 40 reconfigured treatment rooms, including four for couples and self-contained suites overlooking the Wailea coastline, as well as four scrub rooms in the hammam.
Other noteworthy additions include The Portal, a multisensorial decompression space that integrates key cultural elements of the Hawaiian moon calendar, sound healing and plant medicine.
Tracy Lee, TLEE Spas president and founder, says: “Kilolani harnesses the pioneering vision and lasting heritage of the island’s original wellness destination, delivering experiences that reflect a deep reverence for nature, active lifestyles and authentic healing practices steeped in the soul and spirit of Maui.”
Hawaiian healing The spa’s programming continuously evolves in tandem with the current anahulu (10-day moon cycle) and features hand-selected native botanicals, holistic bodywork treatments and mindfulness practices enhanced by modern innovations such as the Mynd-Sync vibroacoustic, zero-gravity lounger from LEC.
The menu ranges from Hawaiian cleansing ceremonies, breathwork and astrology readings to a new type of sound healing incorporating oli – native chants for wisdom. The latter has been developed by the property’s cultural programme manager Kalei Uwēko’olani.
Programming was overseen by Jessica Shea, Hilton’s VP of wellness, retail and leisure operations in the Americas and David Erlich, the hotel’s spa director.
In addition, there’s a separate medical wellness clinic operated by Florida-based practice, the Biostation. Here, guests undergo advanced testing on more than 100 biomarkers and in-depth personal consultations with a medical provider who then tailors treatment plans incorporating things such as bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrient therapy, sexual health programmes, medical aesthetics, weight loss and more.
A wellness café, a meditation lounge, a relaxation space, a 2,500sq m fitness centre and a full-service salon complete the offer.
• Dale Hipsh says his involvement in the original Grand Wailea led to his lifelong ‘love affair with spas’. Read more at www.spabusiness.com/dalehipsh
Kilolani Spa suppliers
• Spa consultant: TLEE Spas + Wellness
• Hydrothermal consultant: Bradford Wellness
• Interior design: Tihany Design
• Equipment: Living Earth Crafts and Lemi
• Fitness: Peloton, Tonal and Technogym
• Medical wellness: The Biostation,Future Cosmetics and Haute Beauty
• Body and skincare: Ala Lani, Cause + Medic, Botanika Life, Cryo T-Shock, HydraFacial, Jetpeel, Kauai Pharmacy, Lokelani, Malie, Ola Tropical Apothecary, Pure Noni and U’a
• Salon: Oribe, Dazzle Dry, Shellac and Alana Hair Care
photo: Tracy Lee
"Kilolani Spa harnesses the lasting heritage of the island’s original wellness destination" – Tracy Lee
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Profile: King of Bhutan
Plans for a 'mindfulness city' nearly as big as Hong Kong have been unveiled by the King of Bhutan. Katie Barnes takes a closer look
Destination focus: London
Major hotel brands from Mandarin Oriental and Raffles to Six Senses are all investing in the UK capital, but how will they differentiate themselves asks Katie Barnes
Sponsored: Beltrami – made in Italy
Beltrami has more than 50 years’ experience creating bespoke textile products for spas around the world, with a focus on quality
Jeremy McCarthy: Details matter
Attention to detail is a superpower and necessity in the luxury spa arena, says our contributing editor
Interview: Esin Güral Argat
The owner of Joali Being tells Neena Dhillon what inspired her to create an island dedicated to transformative wellbeing in the Maldives
Family matters: The Wilhelmis
The father and son duo behind the Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method share their exciting plans for research and innovation with Megan Whitby
First person: By royal appointment
Lindsay Madden-Nadeau has a hypo-healing experience at Atlantis The Royal, Kerzner's sister property to the iconic Atlantis The Palm
Interview: Lyndell Nelis
The wellness director for Atlantis Resorts explains how its two Dubai properties are 'smashing it' when it comes to spa performance
New opening: Kilolani Spa
Grand Wailea's famous Hawaiian spa has been transformed into a moon-inspired, open-air haven
Event report: Hotting it up
Jane Kitchen reveals the thermal spa issues and trends delegates were talking about at this industry gathering in California
Sponsored: High end
Hoar Cross Hall has a new gym to match its award-winning hotel and spa. We find out more about the transformation
Software: Building relationships
Using personal data to create tailored experiences is paramount for spas, but operators have been fined millions for breaching GDPR. How can software systems help navigate this?
Sponsored: Add life
Increasing life expectancy is one of the great achievements of our
times and Starpool is working to bring real meaning to longevity
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound
may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new
research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Global retreat trade show, Synergy The Retreat Show, has launched a resource called The
Source, which hosts an open-access online Transformation Series programme.
The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) charity has announced its first five-
day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat, which will be held at Carden Park Hotel and Spa in
Cheshire, UK, between 1 and 5 September.
Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, has opened in Greece, with a renovated and
rebranded wellness offering called Ansana Wellness and Spa.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection property in Hawaii, US, has opened its
22,000 sq ft indoor-outdoor Spa at Mauna Kea as the final step in the property’s overall
renovation, which has cost more than US$180 million (€166 million, £140 mill
The UK spa review and discovery platform for consumers, the Good Spa Guide, has announced
it will host the Good Spa Guide Awards 2026 during an event on 16 November at Sopwell House
Hotel in St Albans, UK.
Eighty-four per cent of consumers now say wellness is a top priority in their lives, with this
percentage increasing year on year, according to a preview presentation of McKinsey’s Future of
Wellness 2026 research report.
Mass protests have been taking place since Monday 1 June in Albania over the development of
a luxury resort by Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Maison d'Asa Maison d'Asa, founded in 2013 by Asma El Mernissi in Casablanca, is the world's first spa concept ho [more...]
