This week’s news that Mandarin Oriental is heading back to Hawaii by 2020 represents the latest in a trio of hotel announcements involving plans to build on the Hawaii Island of Oahu.
Toward the end of last year, China Oceanwide and Kerzner International Holdings Limited made a big splash by announcing Hawaii’s first Atlantis resort in Ko Olina, a 642-acre development on Oahu.
And if that isn’t enough to create some buzz around Oahu, Hyatt officially opened its first Hyatt Centric hotel in Hawaii last month in the form of the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach, part of the redevelopment of the former Waikiki World Trade Center.
Here’s all you need to know to get clients excited about all three Oahu projects:
Mandarin Oriental to Open Luxury Hotel and Residences in Honolulu, Hawaii
The project, which has a target opening date in early 2020, will enable Mandarin Oriental to introduce its hospitality to this important tourism and business destination.
Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu will be the anchor of Mana 'olana Place, a 36-story mixed-use tower with gardens and public plazas, currently being developed by Los Angeles-based Salem Partners. Located in the heart of the Ala Moana district, the hotel is a short walk to Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Beach. It will also be adjacent to the Hawaii Convention Center and the Ala Moana Center.
The hotel’s 125 contemporary rooms and suites will be designed to reflect the Hawaiian culture, together with features inspired by Mandarin Oriental’s oriental heritage. The group will also manage 107 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, located on the Mana’olana tower’s upper floors, which will provide some of the most luxurious private homes on the island.
Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu will feature a rooftop restaurant and bar with landscaped outdoor terraces, providing views of Diamond Head, Ala Moana Beach and Downtown Honolulu. There will also be a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant and extensive banqueting and meeting spaces with views over the surrounding terraces and gardens.
In keeping with the Group’s wellness concepts, a Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer holistic rejuvenation and relaxation with eight treatment rooms. Further leisure options include a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool.
Visit www.mandarinoriental.com
Hawaii Is Getting an Atlantis Resort
China Oceanside and Kerzner said the new resort will offer a sophisticated lifestyle experience, with ocean views, green spaces and water experiences, along with Hawaii-inspired architecture and themed programming.
The move will mark the first Atlantis resort in the United States, along with the brand’s flagship in Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm and the new resort in China, Atlantis, Sanya Hainan, which will open in 2017, as well as The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences in Dubai.
Overlooking both the Honu and Kohola lagoons, Atlantis will encompass over 26 acres of experiences, water play in Aquaventure Waterpark, The Ambassador Lagoon and The Lost Chambers Aquarium and dining experiences.
With a design that aims to celebrate the natural elements of Hawaii’s environment, the resort will have about 800 guest rooms and suites, as well as roughly 524 residences.
Visit www.atlantis.com
Hyatt Opens First Centric Hotel in Hawaii at Waikiki Beach
In January, the lifestyle hotel brought 230 oversized rooms and suites to the island, with modern amenities, spa-like bathrooms and an array of signature services.
Continuing with the upgrading along Kuhio Avenue, the new property will feature floor-to-ceiling windows for views of Waikiki, as well as on-site amenities like an outdoor pool and entertainment deck, an upscale bar and restaurant and a 24-hour fitness facility.
The hotel’s bar and restaurant, The Lanai, will be led by chef Yoshi Ohata. The 1,900-square-foot eatery is set in a modern, island-inspired space and introduces Pacific fusion dishes to Waikiki’s culinary scene.
Visit www.waikikibeach.centric.hyatt.com and 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 and Instagram @pike5260.