In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to feel overloaded. Excess stress creates tension, which can lead to reduced productivity and even illness. Listening to our inner voice and taking the time to properly nourish and pamper ourselves every day will help to improve health and well-being of the mind, body and spirit. For total health we must eat well, exercise, sleep and maintain a positive, balanced frame of mind. And that's where spas come in.

A "spa" can be defined as a facility offering a life enhancing experience catering to toning the body and soul, offering pampering, reconditioning of the body, tuning the diet and cleansing the mind. It's the place to go when the daily pressures have reached the point where you want to scream — "I can't take it anymore."

Spas are perhaps the purest form of vacation. Rather than rushing around exploring a country or continent in seven days and six nights, the combination of fun and exercise, a health and balanced diet, pampering relaxation and education on managing stress levels adds up to a remarkable chance for renewal. You truly feel like you've been on vacation when you return home rested and renewed.

Hawaii's natural island beauty beckons to those who, on some level, want to experience a spiritual nirvana. Hawaii now offers places of healing where you can spend a day or spend a week. Leave the real world behind and de-stress with a waterfall massage, an aromatherapy treatment by the ocean's edge and a variety of treatment therapies created to make you a natural island beauty.

The following is a list of the finest Hawaii Spas (or for that matter, anywhere!). These peaceful and relaxing spas provide a quiet retreat where you can truly relax and unwind.

The best romantic spa on Oahu

Halekulani    Kahala Mandarin Oriental

The best romantic spa on Kauai

Princeville Resort    Hyatt Regency Kauai

The best romantic spa on Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui     Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel and Villas     Hotel Hana Maui

The best romantic spa on "the Big Island"

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai     Fairmont Orchid