I AM IN AN ocean-side in an outdoor Hale overlooking pristine Hulopoe Bay on the quiet Hawaiian island of Lanai. the white canvas of my spa cabana blows gently in the breeze and as I lie down for my massage I can still hear the sound of the waves. It is such a blissful setting I feel relaxed before my treatment even begins.

Inside the Four Seasons Spa there is a Hawaiian tropical feel with colourful hand-painted murals. There are 11 treatment rooms, a red cedar dry heat sauna, eucalyptus steam room and rainforest showers. The outdoor hales, whether ocean-side or in the lush gardens, are idea for couples or for anyone who wants to make their spa experience extra special.

On the Menu:   Signature Makala Massage

The Treatment: Makala means 'to loose',   so this massage is ideal for de-stressing after a day learning paddle-boarding on the hotel beach. It is designed to relax tight muscles and increase circulation. This customized experience is recommended for 'soothing the aches and pains commonly associated with travel'.   Sounds perfect to me. Because the outdoor setting is an experience in itself in itself I am unwinding even before we begin but the therapist's sure strokes and calm manner definitely help. She teaches yoga and meditation at the resort early in the morning on the beach and seems to have magic fingers.

 My 50 minutes worked wonders but if you want to be even more indulgent you can combine the massage with a Hehi Lani foot treatment and scalp conditioning massage in a longer 'Makala  Ritual'. Also recommended is the spa's signature Ki pola ho'olu (cooling ti-leaf wrap).

50 or 80 minute massages available

The Result: As I step outside the hale the day's bright sunlight has turned to a golden glow and they are ready to light the evening torches. I feel strangely at peace and take off my shoes to walk across the springy grass, past the pool and back to the hotel. I don't feel in a hurry to do anything (and for a city girl that's rare). I even find time to stop and look at the colourful Koi swimming in the hotel ponds as I cross the ornamental bridge that leads back to my suite.