Women, Spend Your Weekend Unwinding

Edited by Jennifer L. Price

For more than forty years, the tropical oasis on Hawaii's Big Island known as Kona Village has also been likened to an 82-acre spa. Tapping in to the rejuvenating qualities of the oceanfront location and its individual thatched-roof bungalows, Kona Village has developed a series of "Wahine Unwind Weekends."

Wahine (pronounced vah-hee-nay) is the Hawaiian word for woman and the weekend's schedule is made-to-order for hassled, hurried, frazzled women everywhere. In just three short days, women can indulge themselves in a sanctuary of well-being. For those who feel motivated to do a little or a lot, special group activities are available, but restoration and rebalance are keys to the weekend's success.  

Wahine Unwind Weekends begin with an outdoor welcome reception with libations - playfully called unwinders with names like "Are We There Yet?" and light pupus (hors d'oeuvres). Executive Chef Mark Tsuchiyama serves up his own brilliant healing potions in the guise of a chocolate tasting highlighted by his renowned Chocolate Crème Brulee. Resort experts share area history and intriguing Hawaiian legends.

For participants eager to awaken early and greet the new day, a traditional Hawaiian gathering and 'oli (chant) are taught each morning as the sun peaks over majestic Mauna Kea rising nearly 14,000 feet above sea level. A beachfront yoga class followed by a private Wahine Unwind continental breakfast each morning helps revive and refresh for the day ahead.

Optional complimentary activities include group outrigger canoe rides, snorkeling lessons including gear, kayaking and tennis clinics, all available for those who may be so inclined.  Special dining discounts are offered for those opting to enjoy lunch or dinner at the resort. Blissful free time is the agenda until mid-afternoon when women are welcome to gather for Wahine Wellness with Dr. Patti Jade McGaff, OB-GYN .  Dr. McGaff is a respected physician with a large on-island practice that integrates nutritional and holistic medicinal approaches with traditional Western practicalities to achieve optimum results for her patients. Relaxed discussion topics will include hormonal therapy and bio-identicals, which have been safely used in Europe for decades.

"As president of a mortgage lending company I am constantly pulled in dozens of different directions with rarely any time just for me," expressed Marcelle Loren, president of Island Mortgage. "When I heard about Kona Village's Wahine Unwind Weekend, I knew it was the antidote I needed to refocus my energies and calm my mind. Kona Village is truly a sanctuary. Following May's 'Unwind Weekend' I was revived, refreshed and I can't wait to participate again."

Spa options that can be booked during the weekends include a variety of massage offerings, facials, and body wraps for the ultimate in rejuvenation.   As an example, the 25-minute full body exfoliation, Heavenly Lavender Sugar Scrub with Crushed Rose Petals developed just for the Wahine Weekends is the ideal indulgence.  An aromatherapy massage can be combined with the exfoliation treatment for 50-minutes of pure pleasure. Participants who book this treatment also enjoy a special take-home gift of selected essential aromatherapy oils.  

The success of Wahine Unwind Weekends held in May has compelled the resort to offer more weekends at select times throughout the year. There are countless women who rarely take the time to recharge, but there are equal numbers of women seeking exactly what Kona Village's Unwind Weekend offers - a chance to retreat and revive. Rates begin at $249 per night single or double occupancy.  Wahine Unwind Weekend space is restricted to ensure an extraordinary experience, so sign up soon for the upcoming weekends slated for August 17th-19th and September 7th-9th.