From news that the highly-anticipated Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, is now accepting reservations to a new, swanky club at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Travel Agent breaks down the latest Hawaii hotel news for clients heading to the Aloha State this spring and beyond.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach Now Accepting Reservations
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach is now accepting reservations. This new residential resort is the latest addition to the Waikiki skyline, featuring ocean views from every residence.
Positioned at the gateway to Waikiki, fronted by luxury shopping, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach will have studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom residential accommodations along with penthouses, all of which face the ocean.
Amenities include an infinity pool above Waikiki with private cabanas, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering customized treatments that highlight traditions from different cultures.
Adding to the enjoyment for guests is a fine selection of dining experiences that are both creative in taste and presentation.
Visit www.RitzCarlton.com/Waikiki
New Voyager 47 Club Lounge Opens at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
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| The Voyager 47 Club at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort // Photo courtesy of Outrigger Resorts |
Outrigger Resorts recently announced the opening of its first branded Voyager 47 Club Lounge in Hawaii. Located at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, the Voyager 47 Club Lounge is available exclusively to guests staying in Voyager 47 Club suites or Voyager 47 Club oceanfront rooms.
The club lounge is located on the third level of the resort’s Diamond Head building with both indoor and outdoor seating available and an expansive deck that overlooks iconic Waikiki Beach.
Refreshments and other amenities are available that allow guests to discover specially curated local experiences. Room decor includes an art display by local artist Shannon McCarthy made from recycled marine debris. Outrigger paddles and artwork of the voyaging canoe Hokulea also adorn the walls, commemorating Outrigger’s long-standing support and partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
In addition to the Voyager 47 Club Lounge at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, current lounges at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort in Thailand and Outrigger Guam Beach Resort will soon be rebranded, with more premier club lounges to come at other Outrigger Resorts properties.
At the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, club-level guests are invited to start their day with a “Sunrise Invitation for Exploration,” a locally inspired tasting menu, including premium Kona coffee, as they review expert advice for their day’s travels. Before leaving the lounge, guests can take a local snack to go, which is paired with the day’s recommended activity, or consult with a Voyager 47 concierge for other options.
The “Signature Sunset Celebration” is an early evening reception that welcomes guests back to the resort for a night of rejuvenation and relaxation. Guests can enjoy pupu (hors d'oeuvre), cocktails, and a specialty draft bar by Kona Brewing Company that features seasonal brews, other spirits by local distillers and mixology specialties created for Voyager 47.
In addition to partnering with Kona Brewing Company, Outrigger has arranged special appearances with local artisans, farmers, brew masters and distillers to feature their products at the Voyager 47 Club Lounge. The exclusive new club lounge is open from 7 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.
Visit www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and www.outrigger.com
Fairmont Names New Regional Directors of Leisure Sales
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| Aulani Kealo |
Fairmont Hotels has appointed Aulani Kealoha and Ben Shih to the new positions of regional directors of leisure sales for Hawaii and San Diego. Kealoha and Shih will provide regional account management and development for key wholesale and leisure accounts for the Fairmont Kea Lani, Fairmont Orchid and Fairmont Grand Del Mar resorts.
Aulani Kealoha brings 26 years of luxury sales experience to her role as regional director of leisure sales. Joining Fairmont Kea Lani as director of leisure sales in 2006, during her tenure Aulani became an ambassador for the resort and brand. Prior to joining Fairmont Kea Lani, Aulani held sales positions with Four Seasons Hawaii.
Ben Shih joins from his most recent position as director of sales and marketing at Fairmont San Jose having held progressive positions in sales and marketing since joining Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 2004. Ben brings over 16 years of hospitality sales experience to his role with a background selling both city and resort properties.
Visit www.fairmont.com
Outrigger Resorts Becomes Member of Global Hotel Alliance
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| Photo by Freeimages.com/Mike Johnson |
Outrigger Resorts, the beachfront brand of Outrigger Enterprises Group, has joined the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). The move expands the GHA's footprint in new markets, including Outrigger's home base of Hawaii, as well as Fiji, Guam and Mauritius. The deal also strengthens the GHA's presence in the Maldives and Thailand, adding a total of nine resorts to the GHA's network of 33 brands and over 550 hotels.
Based in Honolulu, Outrigger Resorts is part of Outrigger Enterprises Group, which operates resorts in Hawaii, Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean with a strong focus on cultural experiences.
The integration of Outrigger Resorts into GHA will be completed later in the year, at which time Discovery members will be recognised and rewarded across the Outrigger Resorts portfolio of beachfront properties.
Visit gha.com and www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com. Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Hawaii travel news and be sure to follow Travel Agent's Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike.