Mandara Spa at the Waikōloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa — Local services in Hawaii

First massage I've ever gotten and it was fantastic. I got a 60 minute baseline. My booked technician turned out to be absent, but they let me decide to reschedule or go with who they had available which I appreciated.

The lounge and area is very nice and had a sauna and other amenities to freshen up before/after the appointment and had lockers you could set your own code for to store your valuables.

Though I did not book a custom massage, the technician took note of specific issues and extra care over areas that were tighter than others, when he could have stuck to the alloted time for each area only. I didn't even realize my right arm was that wound up due to being an artist! He gave some simple suggestions of what treatments aside from massages would work for those areas and was very professional and respectful the entire time.

I would note, they tell you their ideal tip% upfront at the counter, which some people might feel avoidant about. I personally did not mind and felt it was appropriate for the service I got. Overall it is quite expensive compared to other places nearby but given it is attached to a high end resort hotel and I able to book the night before because of their availability, it makes sense. That said, if you are Canadian, try and remember the conversion rates. It really is a luxury treat when you take that into account. If I had the means, I would absolutely come here again.

Rating this as 4/5 due to CAD price & because sometimes people view 5/5 as fake reviews. Otherwise...

Sadly, I had a massage at the Hilton days prior to this, and that was exceptional, so the bar had been raised pretty high since they’re the same price.

CONS:

1. the massage bed is ancient. It’s small and worn down, not heated, and the face pad isn’t good.
2. the steam room is insanely hot! I turned it on and within 10 minutes. My skin was burning from the heat. Front desk employee suggested that I turn it on for five minutes then get out and turn it off and rotate that way. Seems like a lot of work for a steam room.
3. hair products are very generic and seem cheap. I didn’t want to use any of it.
4. at the end of my massage they just gave me a bottle of water. There was no warm tea or continued relaxation.

PROS:

1. the massage. Therapist was very knowledgeable in how the body works and did a great job using pressure points at the source of my pain.
2. everything seemed clean and the linens were nice

Like I said before, I had gone and gotten the same price for a massage at the Hilton prior to this, and that was exceptional. They have brand new massage beds that are heated and even dip down in the chest area if you’ve had breast surgery, and they’re very wide and comfortable . They also use Moroccan oil hair products which are top-notch. They offer warm tea or cool water with a warming shoulder pad and comfortable, relaxing chairs before and after your massage.

In the end, I think it was my masseuse that saved the day with this spa experience...

Literally found my cosmetology angel on earth in a place I wasn’t expecting. I don’t know if there are enough word to describe just how absolutely wonderful Rhonda is. She’s the best of the absolute best. If I could go to her for all my beauty needs, I would absolutely do it in a heartbeat. There truly is no one like her, she’s a rare gem in this industry!

Her professionalism, wisdom, experience, customer service and personable caregiving culture are the perfect combination for the perfect cosmetologist.

Mandara Spa is a better brand because of people like her!! She made my experience unforgettable and I am booking with her every chance I can.

I also was so grateful to Kea for helping me out with booking the yappointment with Rhonda after hearing my circumstances of unfortunate events. And to tie the experience in a bow, Daesha at the concierge was SO encouraging and transparent with me about all my hesitations of finding a good cosmetologist that is trustworthy on this island.

I wouldn’t have ended up in the seat today with a full heart without the three of these ladies coming together to make me feel heard and important.

Five stars doesn’t explain my gratitude enough. I can’t wait for my next appointment with Rhonda! Hopefully Mandara finds a way to...