A new era of wellness: How to amplify your intentions and manifestations with the moon's energy, plus the new SPA incorporating lunar phases into its five star multisensory experiences

The Moon, with its mystical glow, mesmerizing beauty, and undeniable influence on our planet has captivated people from the beginning of time.

On April 8, those in Canada, the US and in Mexico will witness a solar eclipse - when the shadow of the moon blocks the light from the sun causing a period of temporary darkness in the middle of the day. 

A solar eclipse occurs on average every 18 months, and is a rare and potent moment for manifesting your dreams into reality. 

You don't, however, have to wait so long to get in tune with the moon! In fact, the brand new Kilolani Spa in Maui offers a menu of services centered around the natural currents of the world.

The Kilolani Spa is located in Maui's Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.

Inspired by phases of the moon, the spa's signature services blend soothing therapies and ancient practices to guide each guest into a state of alignment with the natural flow of the universe.

The spa’s programming continuously evolves in tandem with the moon cycles, as do the signature products that are hand-crafted in Maui.

Understanding how to harmonize with lunar phases can be very empowering.

From the motivating energy of the waxing crescent to the calming vibes of the waning moon, each phase holds unique opportunities for growth, manifestation, and introspection. 

Hawaiians observe 12 lunar months, divided into three 10-day moon phases called Ho'onui, Poepoe, and Ho'emi.

The first 10-day period is called Hoʻonui “rising,” it's the first visible phase of the moon as it starts to grow larger.

The second, Poepoe “round," is when the moon grows full, and the last, Ho'emi “waning,” is when the moon loses its light and decreases in size.

Self-care rituals at the Kilolani Spa are guided by the moon and rooted in the Hawaiian culture. 

THE NEW MOON 

In order to understand how we can best channel and harness the power of the moon, we first have to identify the different moon phases and what they represent.

Ho'onui is when the sun and the moon are on the same side of the earth.

Visually, the illuminated part of the moon appears to grow from a waxing crescent to a nearly full face. 

The enlarging of the moon represents a fresh start, opening a window of opportunity for us to manifest our deepest desires.

It is a good time for setting new intentions, planting metaphorical seeds, planning future goals, and starting a new.

During this lunar phase, massages at the Kilolani spa incorporate both Swedish and Lomi lomi techniques.

Lomi Lomi translates to 'rub rub' in Hawaiian. It is a healing and spiritual massage that involves long, flowing strokes that promote lymphatic drainage to improve blood circulation.

The healing practice is designed to relax the muscles, release blockages, shift energy, and promote balance.

It's a free form massage where the masseur responds to your breath and energy to determine the amount of pressure to apply. 

THE FULL MOON  

PoePoe is when the sun and the moon are perfectly aligned on opposite sides of the earth, creating a sense of harmony and balance.

While the new moon is a time to set intentions, the full moon is a time for clarity.

It's said that when the moon becomes full, its energy intensifies, and so does ours, raising our awareness and deepening our relationship with our unconscious.

During this time, services like foot massages and body wraps at the Kilolani Spa feature Anahulu oil by Lokelani Essentials.

All Lokelani products are formulated with Lokelani Rose essential oil, made from the Damask rose, the official flower of Maui.

The woman-owned and operated skincare company grows their own ingredients and picks their blossoms at the height of the full moon at the peak of their potency.

Anahulu oil also contains Gardenia, Vanilla, Iliahi, Papaya Seed Oil, Lilikoi Seed oil, and Fractionated Coconut oil.

THE WANING MOON 

The last ten nights of the lunar phases are called Ho' emi, meaning the diminishing or waning moon.

After having been awakened by the achievements of the full moon, it's time to surrender, reflect, rest, heal, and rejuvenate as the moon loses its light.

To do this, the $55 million spa encompasses a meditation lounge, reflection lounge, halotherapy-infused infrared saunas, Hamman, hydrothermal gardens, movement center, and a full-service salon.

The spa also offers a new type of "sound healing" that incorporates a unique blend of harmonic sound therapy with Hawaiian chants, designed to clear negative energy, promote healing, and improve overall wellbeing.

To round out each guest's self-care experience, there's a retail space filled with locally-made items including their signature essential oils, jewelry by Tusk Maui, and more.

Just like gazing at the moon can provide mood-boosting endorphins, so does physical fitness.

Social media star Melissa Wood-Tepperberg of Melissa Wood Health helped celebrate the spa's launch with an exclusive wellness escape, featuring a Morning of Mindfulness and Movement.

The program provided guests the opportunity to engage in two intimate classes led by the expert as well as a selection of luxurious treatments at the spa. 

'It's important to breathe in your deepest desires every day,' said the New York-based entrepreneur and prominent figure in the health and wellness spheres.

'Every day I breathe in my deepest desires but then I always add use me, guide me, me and show me, because sometimes we think we know what we want and we think that we're aligning our actions to meet our needs, but we're not.' 

According to the certified yoga and Pilates instructor, we know when our bodies are in their highest frequency.

Invested in a mindful and fit lifestyle, Melissa believes in moving with intention.

'I'm a 15-20 minutes a day person,' she admitted. 'That's all I do, but I'm consistent. Keeping movement a part of your day boosts energy.'

A pre-recorded session is available for guests staying at Grand Wailea across the next few months.