Retreat Refreshes

In 2003, when Jeanne Sunderland and her husband, Dr. Robert Watkins, began clearing the 50-acre parcel they purchased in a rustic North Kohala, they found it was covered with invasive lantana that was so thick and tall, you had to remove it manually.

Slowly, but they completed the arduous work and their vision for a spa retreat unfolded spent many hours walking the earth, is a meditation, connecting with him. "The earth was the architect of our sanctuary," Sunderland said. "We are only her hands and feet. We do what we say should be done."

Couple Retreat in Hawaii opened Ahu Pohaku Hoomaluhia in April 2009. "Ahu" means the altar and place of meetings. "Pohaku" refers to the great stones on the site. "Hoomaluhia" translates as "bring peace." It is a name that captures the essence of a luxury hotel and spa, nine facilities that Sunderland describes as "a microcosm of stability, peace and well being."

She has worked as director of the spa, therapist and trainer at an exclusive resort on the Kohala Coast 13 years before the creation of HIR. Laau lapaau (healing herbs), Lomilomi massage, kinesiology, and homeopathy are the interests it shares with Watkins, who happily carries out his green thumb on the contrary, when not working as director of emergency services in the near Kohala Hospital.

Sunderland said, "This is where people come to renew themselves and to experience the life changing moment of discovery -" Oh, now I know who I am and what my next step will be! ". They do this because the show, service, support and cloistering from the bustle. Soaring land and raise awareness."

So it was Andie Scelsi, a 28-year-old physical therapist from Chicago, who spent four months testing recreation areas before entering the site HIR's. I immediately knew it was where he wanted and needed to go to "nourish and balance my body, mind and soul."

During his stay in five days, Scelsi walked barefoot along the shore, napped in a hammock overlooking the ocean, and helped feed the goats, the child's residence. She enjoyed every massage, participate in yoga, reiki and meditation sessions, and learned about the history of the breathtaking North Kohala - a country of great rocks, deep gorges, valleys and pristine meadows are known as the birthplace of King Kamehameha.

"I felt blessed, loved and welcomed to Hawaii Retreat" Scelsi said. "I felt that I was in a comfortable place where I was treated like family. While there was a liberating and energizing. It helped to heal past hurts and restore the body to optimal health. It is a magical place."

Certainly part of the HIR magic lies in its elegant appearance. Respect for nature, includes flowers, trees, intriguing stones, water features and a large courtyard, open to sun and wind. Green practices include solar energy, garden pools, that double as rainwater catchment, composting and shredding systems and organic gardens and orchards that produce the majority of fruits, vegetables and herbs, healthy, tasty meals.

Retreat in the production of goat milk, yogurt and cheese in Sunderland. Chickens provide eggs for organic bread, omelettes and sauces. Each guest receives a glass house, reusable water bottle. The rooms are equipped with an organic shampoo, conditioner and lotion, and the garments are made from environmentally friendly woven bamboo.

The gardens come mint and Olena (turmeric) for the treatment of foot, aloe, and ti leaves for the sun kukui therapy massage and scrub, and fragrant flowers (whatever that is in full bloom) to the bath. Beautiful, quiet places are reserved for outdoor massages, manicures, pedicures and movement sessions.

"Nature is part and pay for everything we do," said Sunderland. "We show that one can live well being in harmony with the environment. It's not either-or" something ".

Guests are encouraged to use natural resources wisely and consider how sustainable the procedures adopted in the home. "Why did you put solar panels on roofs, but can use fluorescent tubes," Sunderland said. "Why can not grow all their food, but you can plant a garden.

In her opinion the land is our cohabitation and should be treated with respect and gratitude. "It is alive and is just as important as we are," she said. "Mindfulness and environmental wise choices should be the basis for each of our paths in life. We are delighted that this special concern for the land and offer it as a place of healing and awakening for all."