Massaged in Maui

I've been meaning to write about this for a few weeks. Better late than never.
I've had a few massages in my day but only the dirt cheap Asian kind. My first massage was in Thailand. We laid on what looked like gym mats while ladies in hospital scrub-type outfits twisted our bodies like pretzels. They used their knees and elbows to put pressure on various body parts. I can't say that the experience was too relaxing.

My next massage was in China where the lack of English made the whole thing a lot more weird. You can look at that experience in my post titled "Trina Warrenton, this one's for you." Last time I went to China, I got two foot massages and a lot of head massages. It's a great cheap activity to do with friends. My hour and a half foot massage included a half hour back massage, all for about $7. The head massage included a shampoo for about $2.50. I think head massages are my favorite and coincidentally offered cheaply at every hair salon in China. Up until very recently I had never had a massage in America, mainly because I am used to such cheap prices and can't really justify them on my limited income.

When my family visited, my mom decided we should have a spa day. My friends have a concierge business that offered a good deal on the Grande Wailea spa. This is one of the best spas in Maui. Here is our experience:

When you enter the spa, it looks like some sort of Roman palace and I instantly felt not fancy enough to be there. We were escorted to the locker room where they had electronic lockers for us to store our things. As they showed us around, they continued to stress that the spa was clothing optional. I was a little afraid that everyone would take them up on this offer. After we changed into bathing suits and walked around the spa, I was relieved to find that none of the women we saw had chosen to take the staff up on their nudity offer.

The spa had a bunch of different pools you could lounge in for the hour before your massage appointment. Some were like hot tubs and others had scented oils. My mom and I gave each one a try. As we moved from one area to another, I noticed that one woman had chosen to take advantage of "clothing optional." This was the biggest lady in the whole spa and the one I would least like to see nude. I will refrain from being graphic but I didn't know the human body could look like that. It was like passing a car accident, you know you should look away but you just can't help yourself. I guess I should admire her lack of self-consciousness; but then again, I had to see her.

In the middle of our time in the pools both my mom and I got a sea salt scrub. Then, after an hour of pursuing the pools, we were told to go change into a robe. Then we headed upstairs to a waiting area with plush couches and chandeliers. It was so nice that the staff spoke English. During my Asian massages, I was always very confused about each thing that was coming next. The massage itself was amazing and the best I've ever had. I think it was a Swedish massage and it seems like those Swedes really know their stuff. I felt like I was in a trance and was totally confused and disoriented when my masseuse told me to turn over.

It was a really fun experience and I am thankful that my Mom paid for it. I know now how fancy people live and boy, is it nice!