You don’t need to be a kid (or even have a kid) to enjoy the Disney Aulani Resort!
t When I was first offered an opportunity to go to Disney Aulani Resort, I first thought they made a mistake because clearly I didn’t have any children who were Disney-philes. While I love classic Disney movies, I am over the age of 30. However, Disney Aulani Resort changed my mind on what a Disney experience could be for adults, offering great experiences across the entire resort to satiate the kid in you with Disney amenities, but pamper your adult side. Disney Aulani Resort can truly provide an adult getaway for Disney-loving adults, especially for girlfriends.
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t And what girlfriend getaway is complete without a spa day… or three or four? Aulani’s Laniwai Spa is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers an entire menu of spa amenities; almost 150 treatments are offered. I recommend getting a reservation at the spa as soon as you book your vacation at Aulani. While the spa services may only last an hour or two, prepare to go to Laniwai early to relax in their private vitality pools, a reflexology path, and six different “rain” showers (Kula Wai, O’ahu’s only outdoor hydrotherapy garden), all in their secluded spa area (away from the general resort guests and for 18 and over only). There are also private suites for family massages (for those with children five and up) or for couple massages, and special treatments for men, pregnant women, and teens. They even have a facial treatment called Skin Yoga (no stretchy pants required).
t Their treatments range from about $100 to $200 a pop. I received the Signature Laniwai Lomilomi massage (a traditional Hawaiian massage running about 50 minutes for $165) that included hot rock treatments. Although I regularly get massages from the best of the best at my Massage Envy, those are nothing compared to what I received at Aulani. These prices are worth it.
t But Laniwai isn’t just about massages; there is also a full-service salon complete with stations for manicures and pedicures. In the salon, a shampoo and blow dry is around $65, and a cut is $15 more. However, watch out for add-ons like styling that can add up to $35 more. Not that I regret my purchase of the total package, because afterwards I looked good. A manicure is around $50 and a pedicure is $65. They also offer waxing; oh yes, Laniwai offers it all.
t To see more about my time at the spa, watch my Laniwai video!
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t Just because you’re at a Disney property doesn’t mean that you’re going to eat kids’ meals for dinner. Reserve a table at ‘AMA ‘AMA with some of the most beautiful views on property. Reserve early though; the tables fill up to watch the sunset during dinner service. While it’s a more pricey option at the resort, the food is worth every penny. It’s truly some of the most delicious food I’ve had, and they’re incredibly food-allergy friendly and accommodating to any modifications you need. They also offer some handcrafted cocktails from the bar next door.
t Outside of ‘AMA ‘AMA, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your girls to catch a signature beach-themed drink. You can sip on a cocktail in the Wailana pool, as it’s for adults-only and strictly enforced. You can even rent private cabanas in the secluded adult pool, and escape while still enjoying the beauty and Disney culture found at the resort.
t You can even try to reverse a night of cocktails, adult pools, and taking some time off for massages and facials with their fitness programs. Take part in one of the many offered fitness classes, including Sunrise Yoga, the Aulani Fitness Walk, Beach Boot Camp, Wet & Wild, and TRX Body Blast. If you and your girls are treadmill junkies, the MikiMiki Fitness Center is open 24/7 for your needs.
t If you’d like to learn more about child-free girlfriend-getaway adventures at Disney Aulani, check out my interview with Todd from Disney talking about all the great options like Laniwai spa, adult pools, and more:
Disclaimer: Disney Aulani Resort provided complimentary travel, room and board, and certain experiences (including dining) as part of the press trip. While I was provided these items free of cost as a member of the press, it does not affect any reviews on experiences I had at the resort.
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