By Marguerite Cleveland
Travel for wellness is trending, and resorts are upping their game to meet the need. The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii, recently launched their Within Wellness Program in January 2024. It is arguably one of the most comprehensive and luxurious programs offered in the United States. Guests have the choice of booking one of four wellness journeys for a four- or seven-night retreat. What makes this experience unique is each guest is guided by a wellness sage who works with you to craft an experience to help meet your individual needs.
Each journey takes place in this stunning resort which overlooks Hanalei Bay with lush tropical grounds and spectacular ocean and mountain views. The natural elements of sun, light, air, water and earth are incorporated throughout the resort. From the moment guests arrive they are transported into a realm of peace and tranquility surrounded by nature. The many open air spaces, water elements and greenery blur the lines between the outdoor and indoor spaces.
STAY
The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has 22 rooms that are part of the Within Collection and are located throughout the resort. Your luxury accommodations are an integral part of your wellness journey and are designed with that in mind. It begins with your check-in where guests are whisked to the Bamford Wellness Spa VIP Lounge by a wellness sage to enjoy a short neck massage or other spa amenity and an overview of your stay.
The wellness sage will then escort guests to their accommodations and give a tour of all the wellness features available in the rooms and it is a lot. Enjoy a sleep enhancement technology mattress, an infrared PEM Mat, Nomatec compression leg boots, nourishing snacks and juices in the mini bar, Bamford Spa bath products, and so much more. Rooms are decorated in soothing neutral tones and filled with greenery that provides a pop of color. Guests will have a difficult time choosing from views of Hanalei Bay, the Pacific Ocean, the towering mountains or the resort’s lush gardens.
EAT
A key element of wellness is what you eat, and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s dining venues provide nutritious and sustainable meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Presentations make each plate look like a work of art.
The highly seasonal menu at 1 Kitchen, the resort’s signature restaurant, is thoughtfully created by Executive Chef Ron Pietruszka from plant-forward, hyper local ingredients. Over 90 percent are sourced from Kauai’s ranchers, farmers, foragers and fishermen. Dine al fresco while the sun sets and sip a cocktail made from local rum and spirits. The plant-forward dishes are simple yet delectable. One of the more popular starters is locally grown vegetable crudité served with a wood oven roasted baba ghanoush for dipping. The breakfast buffet is a bountiful mix of farm-to-table creations from savory to sweet, cooked-to-order eggs and freshly squeezed fruit juices.
One of the best places to watch the sunset in Kauai is Welina Terrace and should be a mandatory dining experience for all guests. Reservations are a must and plan to dine around sunset to experience the evening sunset ritual based on Hawaiian traditions. Enjoy the views as the sky is painted in reds, oranges and other hues with spectacular views of Hanalei Bay and Mount Makana. Ask your server to craft a Chef’s Tasting experience for you. The menu can be overwhelming, so your server will ask your preferences and the chef will send a variety of plates from the menu that work perfectly together. This is truly a special meal that touches all your senses, so take time to savor each delicious bite.
DO
Each wellness journey has a curated itinerary for guests that includes a variety of activities and experiences throughout the resort. Guests will take part in wellness offerings including spa treatments, personal training, nutrition, and so much more. 1 Hotels has partnered with Bamford Wellness, a spa, Anatomy, a proprietary fitness program and gym, and Vitahealth Precision Wellbeing, a leading anti-aging and precision well-being brand. These experts combine to treat the whole body, mind and spirit with the latest in technology, treatments and equipment. Truly a life-changing experience.
Guests should check the schedule each day for the Daylife activities. It is a full calendar of experiences that highlight the beauty and culture of Kauai. Enjoy a guided beginner hike with a local expert on Kauai native plants and the best hikes. Learn how to make a Mai Tai or learn how to weave a Lau Hala bracelet. There are a variety of fitness classes and wellness experiences such as sound therapy to choose from. Check with the concierge for an updated list or look for boards located throughout the resort with the daily schedule.
Specifics
Stay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay – 1Hotels.com/hanalei-bay
Eat
1 Kitchen – 1Hotels.com/hanalei-bay/taste/1-kitchen
Welina Terrace – 1Hotels.com/hanalei-bay/taste/welina-terrace
Do
Resort Activities – 1Hotels.com/hanalei-bay/do