continued from page 34
Guests at the Moana Lani Spa, A Heavenly
Spa by Westin at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin
Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach (Honolulu) have a
host of vanilla-themed treatments from which to
choose. The Hawaii Clay & Vanilla Facial ($200,
80 minutes), the Hawaii Clay Vanilla Body Ritual
($200, 80 minutes), and the Hawaii Clay & Vanilla
Pedicure Ritual ($65, 80 minutes) were all created
specifically for the spa in conjunction with M- alie
Organics to serve as the spa’s signature services.
“The reason for adding these services to the menu
was to assist in creating a relaxing Hawaiian
experience through the use of local products and
aromas often associated with the island,” says
assistant spa director Kayla Emblom. According
to her, the scent is one to which most people can
relate, as it’s generally tied to positive associations
in their lives.
Manea Spa (Bora Bora), when dried and ground,
the vegetal material can be used to gently exfoliate
the face. “As an essential oil, vanilla is regenerating
and hydrating for the skin,” says Salmon. “Also,
you can use it as an anti-depressant or for problems
such as heavy legs and even bloating. To maximize
these virtues, massage and diffusion by air are the
most common methods.”
Nourishes from the Inside Out
There’s no question that the scent provides a host
of emotional benefits. Vanilla, by its very nature,
is an ideal scent to be used on clients, as they can
carry it with them even after they’ve left the spa.
“The aroma molecule of vanilla is strong and
adheres to the skin,” says Fioravanti. “This allows
the subtle aroma of vanilla to linger on the body.”
In addition to the emotional benefits the scent
provides, vanilla also offers some skin-saving
benefits. “Vanilla is an inducer of DNA repair
and contains enzymes that inhibit cell mutation,
thus preventing carcinogenesis,” says Stephanie
Baresh, director of marketing and public relations
for Éminence Organic Skin Care. “It is highly antibacterial, considered to be an aphrodisiac, and is
also used to reduce fevers as well as cool and soothe
burns.” According to spa director Tony Nayeli of
Plays Well with Other Ingredients
Another benefit of vanilla is the fact that it blends
well with other scents and ingredients. “Vanilla has
the luxury of being one of the few fragrances that
can complement an array of other desirable aromas,” says Baresh. “Fruit and berries are lovely and
sweet when paired with the light scent of vanilla,
while hints of mint can add a refreshing note to
the softness of the pair.” According to Kamala,
cocoa butter and coconut milk both complement
it. “We also use products that have other floral
or fruit-based elements, such as hibiscus, kaupe,
and tiare flowers; or papaya and mango; even
sandalwood,” she says.
Should Be Kept Real
Although vanilla may seem the most natural of
ingredients, it is important to not be taken in
continued on page 38
“Vanilla,
by its very
nature, is an
ideal scent
to be used
on clients,
as they can
carry it with
them even
after they’ve
left the spa.”
