I landed at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Gold Coast hot, sweaty and tired from a week packed with adventure on the Big Island. Now it was time to plug into the power of the place. My room overlooked the magnificent grounds with a dazzling display of tropical foliage. Bright pink blooms covered the green canopy of the tree shading my balcony. Winding pathways through a wonderland of lava rock waterfalls helped me imagine I was a royal Hawaiian in the land where the spring of love flows freely.

I entered the gracious “Spa Without Walls” where I would soon enjoy the loving touch of a healing maser learned in the art of lomi-lomi massage. The ancient masters used long sweeping movement making use of their whole bodies to relieve tension in muscles But, more important they directed spiritual energy, or mana, to the recipient to encourage healing and regenerative powers in the body. It is way to open us up to connecting with the land, the sea, the air we breathe. The Hawaiians believed that the trees, the rocks the flowers, and especially moana, the grand and vibrant sea are all a part of us.  I focused on that idea as my expert masseuse started with my neck and back with long strokes of her forearm kneading with her elbows finding those sources of tension and making fingers of stress let go. I listened to the lapping waves as the soft, warm breeze caressed my skin. When my provider was done with her magic, I rested for while absorbing the energy of this sacred place, once home to ancient Hawaiian royals. Could there be anything more heavenly for a weary traveler?

Hat’s Off to Half Off! In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hawai‘i’s statehood, The Fairmont Orchid slashes 50 percent off published rates now through Dec. 20. Book by calling toll-free at (800) 845-9905, or visit www.fairmont.com/orchid/HotelPackages and enter promo code PFPO. No minimum-stay required.