Spa Without Walls

Had a couple’s lomi lomi oceanside massage. Overall it was enjoyable-​loved that you get to choose the atmosphere in which to receive your massage (indoors, oceanside or waterfall). It was definitely a relaxing treat and something I may not usually splurge for (when in Hawaii, right?)! The locker rooms are very nice and stocked with pretty much everything you could need. Could be improved if some little snacks or something were provided in waiting room :)

The concept of this spa is amazing. You have three different atmospheres to choose from for most services: Inside, waterfall hut or Oceanside. I had two services on different days, both in a hut by the waterfalls. Just the walk to the huts is relaxing and the sound of the waterfalls during the service is wonderful. The locker room is spacious and well stocked. Very large steam room. You have access to the steam room during your entire stay. My husband and I were both disappointed with the massage. I wish I could say it was wonderful, but it was not worth the money. BUT I went back for a different service, the papaya pleasure, and that was one of the best spa services I have ever had. When we go back we would like to try a service Oceanside in the evening and catch sunset after the service.

I went into the spa with a major sunburn from laying out at the pool and Kai was so sweet and helped me with some after sun care. Made me feel very comfortable!

Best massage I’ve ever had! Better than Four Seasons. Beautiful atmosphere. I would definitely return and request Malia. Worth every penny.

Massages are wonderful… but when you can get a massage, in Hawaii, in a hut by a waterfall, massages are BLISS! Relaxing to the sounds of a waterfall and birds in the background was perfect. Casey did a wonderful job with my lomi lomi massage. I loved the cold stones around the eyes at the end.
Although the changing area was on the cramped side, it was fully stocked with amenities. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
Yes, on the pricey side… But you’re in Hawaii, probably on vacation… it’s worth the indulgence!

Flew to Kona for the day for a massage. BEST massage of my life. I had Danika, she did an amazing job. I have had a lot of massages and no one has ever been able to relieve the stress in my neck. I actually got the Lomi Lomi massage not a deep tissue but she was excellent.
The spa itself was beautiful and took place outside under a waterfall. The sound of the water, the breeze and the birds just took me away. I highly recommend this spa and ask for Danika.

I’ve been here many times, but today’s deep tissue massage was by far the best. Carl is the best.

Great relaxation but it’s very pricey with tip we paid about 210 per person for massage by the ocean.
Massage itself was great. Fell asleep the whole way through

The three things that made this spa experience outstanding was 1) my massage treatment took place outdoors under a private cabana that had a view of the ocean, 2) the ocean was a few feet away so the relaxing sounds of the Pacific were the real deal, and 3) service was quietly attentive, perfect for a memorable spa experience.

unlike my cousin who has had many massages this was the first of many more to come for me. Prior to your massage you have the option to relax in the waiting room, out side in the patio or in the steam room (arrive a little early). They also had refreshments available… coffe, tea, lemon slices in iced water. My cousin and I purchased a couples massage in one of their ocean front cabanas. Your allowed to pick which oil you would liked to be massaged with. Now the staff is very friendly. Don’t be afraid to tell them more pressure if need be. They will apply if you ask. The massage was AMAZING! Total relaxation when your laying down, eyes closed, smelling the fresh air, feeling the ocean breeze, hearing the waves crashing. Apparently there was landscape maintenance that was occurring during our massage and we received a small discount because of it. I work in retail, and for them to give a discount with out a complaint is Customer Service. We didn’t even hear anything but they insisted. As far as their locker rooms. If you forget to bring something don’t worry they have it! Thank you for a great experience.

For the past two years, my girlfriend has treated myself and another girlfriend to a «girls’ spa day. Last year we went to the Spa at Mauna Lani. This year, we tried the Orchid’s Spa Without Walls. The prices between the two facilities are comparable. This is not an inexpensive treat. As a splurge, though, it was heavenly. We all opted for the «package» called Exclusively Yours and selected to have our treatments by the waterfall. We were assigned a locker, robes, and flip-​flops. The locker/​shower area was clean and nicely appointed. A co-​ed waiting area was available indoors or you could choose to wait outdoors in their beautiful gardens. Self-​serve teas, water, and fruit were available. We were each taken to our own outdoor hale… a private hut situated near or over the water feature. Some hales had a plexiglass window which allowed you to gaze into the water below while being massaged. The tilt-​up windows were opened and the cool breeze and the sound of water made the outside world disappear. After our treatment we luxuriated in the garden area comparing notes. The therapists were fabulous and have been with the spa for years.
For those wondering which facility they should choose, this is my humble opinion…
If you want an outdoor treatment, go with the Orchid’s Spa Without Walls. The outdoor hales are nicely spaced for privacy. The outdoor hales at the Spa at Mauna Lani were lined up in a row in an area that just wasn’t that special.
If you want an indoor treatment, go with the Spa at Mauna Lani. The indoor spa area at the Mauna Lani was nicely decorated and had a nice sitting area next to the dressing room. The outdoor showers were very nice. Your spa treatment at the Mauna Lani grants you access to their pool and jacuzzi area. The indoor shower and locker area were not as nice at the Spa Without Walls — two indoor showers and a steam room, but nothing super special… it could use a facelift.

Wonderful. We had a couple’s massage by the waterfall. John was my masseur and I had a fabulous Swedish massage… so relaxing and special. Mike got a shiatsu massage from Floyd and he was equally pleased. Afterward, I took a steam bath and Mike had a sauna. We both felt marvelous. Want to go back… but pricey.

I got a pedicure at the salon here, and paid about $ 100. For the price I had expected a «spa experience», but instead got an average salon experience. The woman who did my pedicure was sweet and did a nice job. For the money, I would have expected more pampering, a longer massage on my feet and an overall «spa» experience. The receptionist was not very friendly, and when i asked about different options just kept saying i was already in the book for a mani/​pedi and could not change (I ultimately changed to a pedi because I needed a nail repair and preferred to allocate the time towards fixing my nail over a mani). The salon is in a windowless room, there was no music playing for the majority of my appointment, there were no fashion/​beauty magazines to read, etc. The salon was clean and décor okay, but again for the money I would have expected a lot more.

Wonderful, but ridiculously pricey

My husband and I had a wonderful couples massage in a cabana on the beach. The cabana was very clean and the sound of the waves was relaxing. The massage therapists did a great job. Make sure to arrive early because the spa has a sauna!
They would definitely deserve 5 stars if the prices were more reasonable. It was a great massage and the facilities were clean and well kept, but still I felt it was somewhat overpriced.

I really enjoyed my massage, but honestly how could you not at a place like this. The major thing this spa has going for them is that you get 3 choices of treatment location (each one increases $ 10)…you can have it inside, outside in a private cabana that is right next to a waterfall, or you can have it outside right on the beach (again in a private cabana). I choose a basic massage with the waterfall location, and I can say it was one of the most relaxing massages I have ever had. The sound of the waterfall is extremely soothing, and even though your are outside by the pool, you cant hear anything but the waterfall and feel the breeze outside, it was extremely tranquil.
I really wanted to give this place 5 stars because the massage was incredible, a bit pricey, but you have to expect that when you come to a hotel/​location like this, but the lack of other amenities in the spa really is their downfall. Once you enter the gender’s side of your spa area it is very sparse, there is no hot tub or aroma therapy pools or anything like that, there is a sauna and a steam room and not that much more (i mean there is only one bench to sit down on). Now i partially understand that most people enjoy sitting outside, which is beautiful, and in a secluded area, but for what you pay i would at least expect a jacuzzi.
Overall the spa was a nice time and if we had some extra days I would go again and try the ocean front one.

I liked my massage, but yes — this place is VERY pricey and for the price, I expect more. My husband and I had a couple’s massage which was very relaxing, and sat and watched the ocean afterward. But the inside is very 80’s-tastic and small. the sauna was completely dark, which was new to me. I was a bit taken aback to open the door and see a couple of people in there in the dark. I could hardly see!
The steam room was OK and there are showers there as well. It’s very quiet and hardly anyone else was there at the same time as we were. I will agree with a previous reviewer who mentioned there are hardly any English language magazines. Lots of Japanese ones to look at and wonder what they’re on about, though.
For the price, I might try out the spa at the Four Seasons next time we visit.

Although this spa is one of my least favorites and needs a major makeover, it’s still an okay spa in a luxury setting. I thought that having the outdoor massage tents was a nice touch but the locker room needs a lot of updating. The steam room wasn’t even on when I went in there and everything is very outdated in general.
The massage was not the best. My husband didn’t like his massage at all. Afterward, the massage therapist pointed out that there were a few sea turtles right behind us and gave us water bottles and told us to sit and enjoy. So we did, for 20 minutes we watched the endangered green sea turtles play after our massages. This was great, but the spa itself and the service are just okay.

Let me say that my massage was amazing, the whole «spa without walls» concept is incredible. You have your choice of grass huts that are dotted throughout this large garden area. Some are in the midst of waterfalls and others overlook the Ocean (these are private, mind you, with the only open side to the water). There is also a very nice reading area in the garden where you can sit and chill.
My masseuse was very professional (my wife also gave her’s high marks), and had command of three different techniques, swedish, lomi-​lomi, and sports massage. She used all three depending on my trouble spots.
If I have anything negative to say:
a) this place is very expensive, I mean very (Burke Williams would blush) after tip, almost $ 300 for an 80 minute massage. That said, it was a unique experience.
b) the indoor part of the spa is very small and rather spartanfor this level. You won’t find any saline filled jacuzzi’s or other fancy stuff, it’s nice but very basic, a small steam room, and one shower, and some lockers. If I am being picky (and for $ 300 bucks each I think I can) they should improve the interior area (expand) and have stewards to get you fruit, drinks, etc. (also some magazines in English would be good). Other spas of this price range have organic martinis and all kinds of crazy stuff, and people that wait on you. I have to say, the massage staff is unsurpassed, they just need to invest a bit in infrastructure and other services.
Also, the Fairmont gives you free valet parking, which was a nice touch.

I really loved the spa even though I wasn’t enamored with the Fairmont Orchid. The only reason why it gets 4 stars instead of 5 stars are the outrageous prices! To have a 45 minute massage in a waterfall hale is $ 155. A 60 minute massage in a villa at the One and Only Palmilla is $ 156.
So I got the Eternally Yours package which combines a massage, facial, foot and scalp massage for 105 minutes which cost $ 295 at the Waterfall Hale. Seems like a better deal to me. I told my husband that I saved him money by getting 2 treatments. :-) Although to add Deep Tissue it ended up costing $ 320. And when I went back and checked they actually overcharged me. The internet price states $ 265 and they actually said they would credit back my card!
Dahn was my therapist and I had 2 different people in my group recommend him. He was great. Definitely deep tissue and not afraid to dig in the important sore parts.
The facilities are great. Clean. The only thing the spa didn’t have was a whirlpool but I can live without that. I really liked how the dressing area was separated from the vanity area by a door. And each vanity area had a stool. I went 30 minutes early to steam, sauna, pee, and sit out in the outdoor waiting area. Very peaceful and relaxing.
The waterfall hale is very lovely if you don’t mind being outdoors. It was a little chillier and windy that day but I loved it. All you hear is the wind and the waterfall.
I definitely recommend the spa! But if I went back to the Big Island, I would probably try the Four Seasons and their spa. If you are staying at the Fairmont, the spa will be your high point, it was for me.