Ahhhhh, the spa! The very word evokes images of hedonistic indulgences, of delightful diversions. Facials, wraps, massages and more—spa treatments relax and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. Unique ingredients, settings, implements or techniques set these five options apart from the hundreds offered at fine facilities statewide.

Water magic

Kahi Kikaha means “;place of soaring,”; and that's exactly the sensation you'll get during aquatic body therapy in this 1,000-square-foot solar-heated pool. Nestled in a garden of Hawaiian medicinal plants among natural lava tubes, it's the only pool of its kind in the state.

For Lava Watsu, you'll float on your back as your therapist leads you in a slow, graceful dance around the pool, stopping on occasion to press key acupressure points; to lift and stretch your back; and to massage your hands, arms, legs and feet. Each well-choreographed sequence in the body-temperature salt water is accompanied by soothing underwater acoustics and lighting effects.

As your trust in the therapist and the process grows, so does your level of relaxation. More and more tension in your body melts away until you feel as free and flowing as the water itself.

Mauna Lani Spa
Mauna Lani Resort, Big Island, 881-7922 50 minutes for $169 or 80 minutes for $239

Color your world

Red to energize, blue to calm, green to soothe aching muscles, orange to promote happiness—instead of downing pills to achieve well-being, try a prescription of color.

The therapeutic power of colors has been known around the world for centuries. Each shade of the spectrum—violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red—supposedly has a specific “;frequency”; that corresponds to one of the body's seven chakras that govern our physical condition and state of mind.

For the Deluxe Thalassotherapy with Color and Essential Oils, color light therapy is combined with thalassotherapy, which uses ocean water pumped directly from nearby lagoons. As you recline in a thalasso tub, you're massaged with a series of adjustable underwater hydro and air jets that cycle through six different areas of your body, from shoulders to feet. The jet action improves circulation, and the sea water softens, re-mineralizes and nourishes the skin.

Throughout the treatment, underwater beams of color are directed at you. Depending on the results desired, one color could be used the whole time, or different colors might be rotated. Aromatherapy oils boost the healing effects of the colored rays.

Ihilani Spa
W Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, Oahu, 679-3321 25 minutes, $75

A jewel of a treatment

Quartz, turquoise, amethyst, hematite—the Eurostone Anti-Stress Aromatherapy Facial stimulates your lymphatic system and re-balances your energy centers with select gemstones and heated and chilled river stones.

They're placed on key acupressure points on your face and upper chest to release healing energies.

Used in conjunction with a blend of pure essential oils and botanicals, the smaller stones are ideal for small spaces, such as around the eye, while the larger ones are used to massage facial tissue. As the rocks and stones are gently manipulated on your face, minerals are drawn out and absorbed by the skin.

The basic philosophy behind this facial is that the body is composed of two opposite energies, yin and yang. It is believed that the health of the skin, mind and body can be optimally achieved when these energies are in balance with one another. Relaxation, emotional release, mental clarity and a radiant complexion are among the benefits of this holistic treatment.

Waikiki Plantation Spa
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Oahu, 926-2880 80 minutes, $145

A Healing Dance

The early Hawaiians had no concept of disease; to them, illness indicated the afflicted person was out of alignment with ha (breath of life) and the rhythm of nature. Balance those, they believed, and good health was ensured. Techniques to realign ha were passed down from generation to generation, some of which are employed in the Hawaiian Ceremonial Lomilomi.

As in days of old, this memorable massage is based on aloha lokahi (love and unity), which means living in harmony with yourself, others and nature. Every thought, every action, should reflect respect and appreciation for all things.

The treatment is performed in an open-air, thatched-roof hale (bungalow) set beside the sea. At least two practitioners (up to four can be arranged) apply a liberal amount of oil on your body with their hands and forearms, using strokes that range from light and fast to slow and deep.

Skilled partners in healing, the therapists choreograph their movements to ancient chants and traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. The results of their efforts: peace, enhanced awareness and unrestrained pleasure and joy.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, 874-2925 110 minutes, $575

Heaven on earth

There's something heavenly about making a connection with the earth, and the Kauai Clay Ritual enables you to do that. To start, warm coconut oil is drizzled over your body as you lie in an open-air, thatched-roof teak hale. 'Awa (kava) is then lightly sprinkled and rubbed in with hot stones to exfoliate and smooth your skin.

Next, a mask of mineral-rich Kauai clay infused with 'awa, organic aloe and noni (Indian mulberry) is applied. As your body is wrapped in warm towels to seal in the purifying and moisturizing ingredients, relax and quiet your mind as you listen to the music of chirping birds, rustling leaves and a cascading waterfall.

After rinsing in an outdoor lava rock shower (situated to allow complete privacy), you'll enjoy a full-body massage that coaxes all the kinks from your muscles and joints, and drenches your skin with a wonderful cream scented with tropical botanicals.

Anara Spa
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai, 240-6440 110 minutes, $350