MEDIA RELEASE

Two years after welcoming its first guests, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Hoomaluhia, located in North Kohala, is pleased to announce the April 1 grand opening of Maluhia Spa.

In English, maluhia translates to peace, quiet, security, tranquility, and serenity. True to its name, Maluhia Spa provides the perfect environment to magnify and support the natural healing that being in nature offers.

At Maluhia Spa, open-air outdoor massage hale (bungalows) overlook a valley of ironwood trees, and a saltwater-purified infinity pool seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape of ocean, cliffs, and sky. A solar-heated hottub sits nearby.

Maluhia Spa draws nature indoors with a glass-walled spa/exercise pavilion and yoga studio that open up to spectacular views. Well-appointed treatment rooms provide the perfect ambience for soothing facials and body treatments.

Eco-friendly men’s and women’s locker rooms come complete with organic shower products, reverse osmosis drinking water filters, and solar hot water. There is an open-air reception area with a relaxation lounge and a retail shop so you can take some of your spa experience home.

Complementing its natural environment and peaceful architecture is a menu of traditional, holistic treatments and massages, as well as body services utilizing seasonal fruits and plants grown on the land.

Spa Saturdays in April

Maluhia Spa’s “Spa Saturdays” package celebrates the much-anticipated completion of the spa at Hawaii Island Retreat. The package includes a one-hour lomilomi massage, a yoga class, lounging by the pool and enjoying other spa facilities.

The package price is just $100 per person, per day, and represents 30 to 50 percent savings off regular prices. Room accommodations are not included or required.

Offer is valid on Saturdays for the month of April 2011 only. Spa Saturday reservations are required and subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply.

Hawaii Island Retreat

Located on 50 oceanfront acres in North Kohala, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Hoomaluhia is the newest boutique eco-lodge and destination spa on the Big Island.

An ideal location for family reunions, girlfriend getaways, and destination weddings, it is a sanctuary for the senses with an architectural style reminiscent of royal Hawaiian summer palaces.

Nine suites comprise the main lodge with elegant archways, a porte cochere, winding staircases, wood floors, and panoramic views.

Nightly rates start at $425, but check online or call for specials. For those more adventurous, Hawaii Island Retreat offers five intimate bungalows starting at $195 per night.

Hawaii Island Retreat is owned and operated by lead therapist Jeanne Sunderland and her husband Dr. Robert Watkins. Jeanne has trained and worked with the best and helped pioneer the outdoor spa trend in Hawaii.

Call (808) 889-6336, email info@hawaiiislandretreat.com or visit www.hawaiiislandretreat.com