Posted on: Saturday, September 25, 2004

Arizona spa plans Kapalua facilities

By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer

An upscale Arizona spa resort has partnered with the master developer of Maui's Kapalua Resort to add several health and wellness activities to the 23,000-acre Hawai'i vacation destination.

Tucson-based Miraval Life in Balance has agreed to develop two spas, fitness centers, an equestrian program, hiking and biking trails, meditation parks, a physical challenge course and a village with shops, cafes and bistros.

Planning for the project, which Miraval will manage, is expected to continue into next year. Groundbreaking is expected in early 2006. An estimated development cost was not disclosed.

It is the first expansion of Miraval, which opened in late 1995 and has been recognized by several travel industry publications as one of the best spas in the world.

At its Arizona resort, Miraval offers nutrition and fitness classes, yoga, lectures with titles such as "Shamanic Energy Medicine," a challenge course, hiking, biking, mountain climbing and a variety of spa treatments in addition to more typical resort amenities such as tennis and golf.

"Miraval and Kapalua are made for each other," said David Cole, president and chief executive officer of Maui Land & Pineapple Co., the parent company of resort master developer Kapalua Land Co. Ltd. "Together we will invigorate our employees, residents and guests to achieve greater levels of well- being."

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8065.