Renewal That Resonates: How the Touchless Therapies of Within Wellness Can Unlock Profound Benefits

Within Wellness at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay allows you to step into a world where transformative well-being shines through every element. In a limited collection of six suites and 17 guest rooms surrounded by Hanalei Bay’s ethereal wonder, embrace carefully curated multi-day retreats, custom itineraries, expert guidance, and innovative modalities that adapt effortlessly to your needs.

With four different Within Journeys, embark on the unique experience that resonates with you. Whether you choose to explore integrative therapies through the Seeker Journey, illuminate your self-awareness through the Awaken Journey, immerse yourself in Kauaʻi’s bountiful sensory bliss through the Nourished Journey, or seek inner harmony through the Renewal Journey, each path will guide you to a place of profound discovery and peak well-being.

While all of these Journeys are beautifully distinctive, they all have one thing in common. Along with traditional therapies such as massage and physical training, each Journey incorporates cutting-edge touchless therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ocean float tanks, infrared saunas, sound healing, and color therapy to cradle your mind, body, and soul as one.

To discover the capabilities of these incredible therapies, we spoke with our Corporate Director of Spa and Retail, Alena Stavnjak. For more than seven years, Alena has been a cherished member of the 1 Hotels team, playing an instrumental role in opening our ever-evolving collection of spas. We invite you to follow along as she explains the invaluable role of touchless therapies—and the ways they can adapt to your individual needs as you journey Within.

INTERVIEW WITH ALENA STAVNJAK, CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF SPA AND RETAIL

What sets Within Wellness apart from a typical stay at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay?

We sought out to create a hotel-within-a-hotel, a global wellness destination focused on transformative wellness, with guests participating in specially curated multi-day Within Journeys. We incorporate the latest wellness trends and cutting-edge technology to support overall personal well-being, physical health, and mental health with healing practices and innovative therapies. Our programming is led by wellness advisors, nutrition counselors, physical trainers, and meditation guides, in collaboration with Bamford Wellness Spa, physicians and medical experts at Vitahealth, Anatomy gym, and our resort teams, with guests having access to these experts throughout their journey.

Some of the unique experiences that guests can take advantage of our touchless therapies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy and an ocean float room - can you tell us about some of these offerings and how they can enhance one’s Within Journey? 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one of the most natural, non-invasive, and relaxing ways to facilitate wellness longevity, and recovery from various conditions. Oxygen is a natural anti-inflammatory, with antiviral and antibiotic properties. After just one session of breathing 100% oxygen, guests can immediately feel some of the benefits such as: better sleep quality, regulation of the metabolism energy, natural defense against infection, improved blood flow, and it also stimulates the release of endogenous stem cells.

For someone new to touchless therapies, could you recommend a therapy that's particularly beneficial for relaxation and stress reduction?

A great introduction to touchless therapies is our meditation Somadome Pod, integrating ancient modalities and modern technology for mind (relaxation, focus, and concentration), body (stress and recovery), and spirit balance (anxiety and mental health). You’ll be cocooned in a soft LED color therapy while listening to pre-selected guided meditation and in just twenty minutes, you will feel less stressed, more energized, renewed and recharged.

What is the difference between a traditional wet sauna and an infrared sauna, and what are the benefits?

Infrared sauna is a hot health trend that helps with everything from blood pressure to weight loss. Infrared saunas heat to 120-150 degrees, and the heat of the sauna travels much deeper into the body compared to a traditional sauna, causing a more vigorous sweat at the lower temperature. While both types of sauna provide similar health benefits, in a traditional wet sauna, water is poured over hot rocks, which are heated by an electric heater. As the water evaporates, it creates steam, increasing the humidity level inside the sauna. Wet saunas heat at much lower temperatures than infrared saunas, usually between 90 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

For someone whose journey is focused on physical fitness, is there a touchless therapy that’s most beneficial to their recovery?

Our Anatomy body architects will help guide the best therapy for a guest’s individual needs based on their personal goals and results from their VO2 Max Test, a 10 to 15-minute test that shows personalized information on heart-rate zones, calorie burn, and more. We use KORR VO2 Max testing to help guests achieve goals from fat burning and cardio conditioning to endurance training. My favorite touchless therapy recommendation for physical recovery is flotation therapy. By immersing yourself in an ocean float room with zero gravity and mood lighting while submerged in sound, you are effortlessly floating in a warm magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) solution. Floating takes the pressure of gravity off joints and muscles, and your body is put into a high state of physical relaxation. After a session, you will experience deep muscular relaxation, accelerate the healing of injuries, boost the immune system, and rejuvenate your energy levels.

Anything else you’d like to share with us about Within or the touchless therapies?

Our Within Wellness at 1 Hotels brings together an incredible combination of therapies, technologies and holistic practices to support our guests in reaching optimal health and wellbeing along with longevity.  We are continuing to build to this platform through expansion of our retreat programming through partnership with like-minded brands as well as advanced technologies. In early 2024 we are adding a Cryo chamber and Dreampod ice baths in 2024 to aid in everything from muscle recovery and reducing inflammation, to pain relief and weight loss. Contrast therapy dates all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman days and when paired with sauna sessions, these therapies have additional benefits including improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, increased energy, elevated mood, and stress relief. 

WE INVITE YOU TO LOOK WITHIN

Discover the intricate and intentional details of Within Wellness, launching at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on January 6th, and uncover a world of well-being that’s been waiting for you.