Ritz-Carlton Residences Debut Tops Oahu Luxury News

It's been a busy week or so for luxury hotel news on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. From the opening of a new Ritz-Carlton Residences to a new Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts spa to the recent announcement of a new Hyatt Centric hotel on Waikiki, Travel Agent breaks down the latest selling points for affluent clients heading to the Aloha State

Meet the New Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach recently opened its doors to a new wave of global travelers on the island of Oahu. Located in Waikiki, the much-anticipated residential resort marked its official opening with a Hawaiian blessing and ceremony that was attended by community leaders and dignitaries.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences is the latest addition to the Waikiki skyline, with resort-style experiences with ocean views from every residence. Construction of the residences started in summer 2013. Architect Guerin Glass, inspired by Hawaii's natural elements, designed the 38-story tower using a mauka (mountain) to makai (sea) vision that is seen in the resort's exterior through artful details and inspired craftsmanship. 

The exterior front reflects the ocean, sky and wind and the exterior back reflects the mountains and Honolulu's urban metropolis. A three-dimensional, modern interpretation of traditional Hawaiian kapa (bark cloth) design covers the first three floors of the tower.

All residences face the ocean, providing guests with great views of the Pacific, and include kitchens with premium appliances, along with in-residence washers and dryers.

Other amenities include one of the highest infinity pools in Waikiki on the eighth floor with private cabanas, and a fitness center designed by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak. The Ritz-Carlton Spa will open in mid-September offering customized treatments that incorporate cultures and traditions from different countries around the world.

Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/waikiki

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Debuts New 35,000-Square-Foot Spa

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina announced this week the debut of the Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre. The island’s newest spa haven combines innovative health and wellness practices with traditional Hawaiian healing.

On five floors, Naupaka has fourteen indoor treatment rooms, indoor hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, sauna, needle shower, two Himalayan salt chambers, relaxation areas and change rooms, and the Resort’s fifth pool – a private sanctuary featuring an outdoor lap pool and whirlpool surrounded by foliage and swaying palms, overlooking the hotel’s porte-cochère. 

A barbershop (soon to open and serving local craft beer) and a feng shui-inspired Billy Yamaguchi Salon complement spa offerings. Outdoor treatments are also offered and include views of the Pacific and the resort’s gardens.

Native plants and salts, indigenous art and hand carved design animate the spa’s interior spaces, including natural wood elements. Indoor and outdoor areas intermingle, inviting a deep connection to nature. The name Naupaka, inspired by the small white half-flower common to Oahu, symbolizes the quest for wholeness.

Halotherapy, offered in Naupaka’s two Himalayan salt chambers, complements the natural detox of fresh air and ocean swimming on Oahu’s leeward coast with wide-ranging calming and detoxifying effects. 

Ancient healers recommended salt inhalation for the respiratory system for its positive effect on cell activity and blood sugar levels. Today, dry salt air is acknowledged to be more powerful than moist air in supporting the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems; increasing energy; improving skin conditions; aiding sleep patterns; and reducing stress.

Special massages, facials, manicures and pedicures for keiki (children) focus on the importance of receiving and sharing knowledge from older generations. Treatments include the Hawaiian Hula Princess makeover, for girls under 11.

Visit www.fourseasons.com/Oahu

Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach To Open Winter 2016-2017

The Waikiki skyline // Photo by Freeimages.com/Jenny W.

CoastWood Capital Group, Chartres Lodging Group and KKR recently announced plans to open Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach in the former Waikiki Trade Center. 

The new hotel is slated to open this winter and will offer modern accommodations, including 230 rooms and suites. It will have floor-to-ceiling windows offering impressive views of Waikiki, as well as on-site amenities, including an outdoor pool and entertainment deck, an upscale bar and restaurant and a 24/7 fitness facility.

Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach will be the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Hawaii and will place guests in the center of the action allowing easy options for exploration. Upgrades are also being made to the four-story, 400-stall parking garage, and to the public space immediately surrounding the property.

The addition of a new, 34,000-square-foot, two-level Nordstrom Rack to the redeveloped Waikiki Trade Center was announced last year and will open in the fall of 2016. Several other retailers will also open at the street level in newly-renovated spaces, including Starbucks, Jamba Juice and American Savings Bank.

Visit www.hyatt.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Hawaii travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike