In Hawaii, there’s a concept called pono, which means to do the right thing, in harmony and alignment. We approached everything from the standpoint of being pono.
Spa Consulting by Christi Cano
Creating Memorable
Luxury Spas
Christi Cano partners with luxury hotels, resorts, day spas, and developers to build spas that are as beautiful to operate as they are to experience.
Get in touchThree decades of building spas that people remember.
With over 30 years in luxury hospitality, I’ve developed, opened, and managed spas for some of the most recognized names in the industry — from Four Seasons and Marriott to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Spa Ojai, and Wynn Las Vegas.
My career started as a management trainee at Hyatt Regency Waikiki and grew into resort and spa openings across Hawaii and the world, spa director roles, and eventually consulting — helping owners and developers bring world-class spa experiences to life.
What I offer is hands-on experience across every phase — concept, design, operations, staffing, and opening day. I work with clients on exactly what they need: one deliverable, a few key phases, or full project support from our first meeting to your first guest checking in.
How we work
together.
Every spa project is different, but the goal is always the same — a space that delights guests and staff alike, runs smoothly day to day, and performs as a business. Here’s how I can help.
-
Design Advisory
Before construction begins, I help ensure your spa's layout, flow, and design support both the guest experience and day-to-day operations — including the behind-the-scenes systems that directly impact functionality and cost.
-
Spa Development & Pre-Opening
From concept to opening day — design review, critical path, equipment & supplies selection, vendor sourcing, budgeting, spa menu creation, and staff hiring — so nothing gets overlooked and costly mistakes are avoided.
-
Menu & Programming
Your spa menu is the first conversation you have with a guest. I create treatment menus and wellness programming tailored to your location, clientele, and the experience you want to deliver.
-
Operational Consulting
Already open but not performing the way you expected? I evaluate what's working, what's not, and build a clear plan to improve the guest experience, staff efficiency, and profitability.
Who I’ve Worked With
Featured projects.
A look at some of the projects I’ve had the privilege to work with.
-
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Hawaii Island, Hawaii
Luxury Resort Spa
-
Four Seasons Resort O'ahu at Ko Olina
O'ahu, Hawaii
Luxury Resort Spa
-
Ko'a Kea Resort
Kaua'i, Hawaii
Boutique Resort Spa
-
Wynn Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Luxury Resort & Casino Spa
-
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
La Jolla, California
Luxury Resort Spa
-
Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
San Diego, California
Luxury Resort Spa
-
Cable Mountain Lodge
Springdale, Utah at Zion National Park
Boutique Resort Spa
-
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
Reno, Nevada
Resort & Casino Spa
-
Yuan Spa
Bellevue & Totem Lake, Washington
Day Spa
In the press.
Recognition from the publications that shape the wellness and hospitality industry.
From the field.
Practical perspective on spa development, consulting, and what it really takes to build a spa that performs.
-
What Does a Spa Consultant Do?
A guide to understanding spa consultants — what they do, who needs one, how they charge, common spa development mistakes consultants can help prevent, and how to hire the right expert for your spa project.
-
How to Hire a Spa Consultant
A practical guide to finding, vetting, and selecting the right spa consultant for your project — including what questions to ask, red flags to watch for, how to verify experience, and how to compare proposals.
-
The Spa Development Process
A successful spa doesn't happen by accident. Here's a look at the phases that take a concept from idea to a thriving, guest-ready experience.
Christi Cano was instrumental in the successful opening of the Spa at Mauna Kea. She brings a remarkable depth of Spa operations expertise, paired with a rare ability to balance strong business acumen with cultural sensitivity and genuine compassion. Christi quickly understood the nuances of our operation and guided us with clarity, thoughtfulness, and precision. Her consultative approach was both strategic and hands-on, ensuring seamless execution during a complex opening. Beyond her technical skill, her presence elevated the entire team while guiding us in the process of refining and launching our spa concept. Christi's contributions were invaluable, and I would highly recommend her to any organization seeking both excellence and integrity.
Craig Anderson
VP Operations, Mauna Kea Resort
I met Christi during the development of the Spa at Wynn Las Vegas and was impressed by her steady, focused approach during a $2.7 billion resort opening — while she was also working on Encore and Wynn Macau. We've collaborated on multiple spa projects, including Yuan Spa. I've worked with the best spa consultants across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — and Christi is the best in the industry, the kindest and most soulful! She brings sharp operational judgment, exceptional creativity and follow-through, and a calm, positive presence that consistently raises the bar for the entire project team.
Robert Henry
Founder, Robert D. Henry Architects
Let’s talk about
your project.
Whether you’re in the early stages of development or looking to improve an existing spa, I’d love to hear about what you’re working on.
- [email protected]
- Works with Projects
- Hawaii and the continental United States
Construction of Spa at Mauna Kea, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hawaii 2026