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Guests at a Sea Ranch Cottage relish the property’s tranquil surroundings

Inn With the New

by Margie Jacinto | Modern Luxury Hawai'i magazine | November 26, 2011

The latest breed of upscale resorts happens to tap into more than the cold towel and beverage upon arrival or the climate-controlled infinity pool. True, you’ll come across both of these while staying at The Valley Isle’s beloved Hotel Hāna-Maui, or rather, Travaasa Hāna (248.8211, travaasa.com) as it’s now called, but the new group has major plans to provide guests with something beyond the tony touches of a high-end establishment.

From its roots as the six-room inn established back in 1946, to becoming the sprawling property that now houses garden and family suites—in addition to the adults-only, ocean-facing Sea Ranch Cottages—Travaasa is indeed a hideaway within a hideaway. And like the peaceful, yet thriving town itself, the resort is brimming with plenty to keep you busy.

Whether you’re into the traditional retreat-house sports like tennis and croquet, or care to see Hana by bike, Travaasa is duly prepared to cater to the sportsman’s whim. But in keeping with the spirit of old Hawaii that Hana has always been known for, you’ll also find a selection of immersive activities like ukulele lessons and lei making. One of the most unique experiences available at the resort is learning the art of throw-net fishing, where an on-site expert teaches you the essentials before heading out to take a stab at the traditional fishing method.

Yet another draw, the full-service Spa at Travaasa (formerly Honua Spa) has an enticing selection of massages, body treatments and facials—ideal for post-activity pampering. Never had a hot stone massage? The Pohaku Wela Hot Stone massage takes the traditional lomilomi to new tension-melting heights. Spa-goers may also be surprised to find that tranquility goes well beyond the confines of the spa. On-property yoga classes, guided meditation and even martial-arts conditioning are held at various locations around the resort, including two platforms placed in isolated grounds facing the ocean for total serenity. And now with the resort’s all-inclusive Total Travaasa package, you can relish a 60-minute spa session for each day during your stay. It also covers Sea Ranch Cottage accommodations, meals, snacks, nonalcoholic beverage and gratuities.

For those who have been deterred from taking a trip down to Hana due to the somewhat gnarly road (and time) it takes to get there, Travaasa is currently working on providing air shuttle service from nearby airports to Hana Airport—mere minutes away from the resort. Personally, I think the long and windy road is a perfect prequel to the idyllic locale, but either way, when you do make your Travaasa Hāna getaway, the destination will mean much more if you leave yourself open to all it has to offer.