From extensive renovations to added amenities, Travel Agent breaks down Starwood Hotels and Resorts' latest offerings from all four major Hawaii Islands.
Here's what you need to know.
Oahu
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s new Splash Bar serves up classic cocktails with locally crafted spirits alongside a clever retro vibe and island-inspired menu. Clients can sip a Blue Hawaii in a princess pineapple while snacking on kalua pork nachos, local style ahi poke with ogo or the PK pupu platter. The spot’s Aloha Friday celebrations focus on special dishes and cocktails highlighting Hawaiian flavors and, once a quarter, Splash Bar welcomes special community guests to “talk story” about the region’s culture, art, music, and history.
Gathered from the sacred underground pool at the upland headwaters of the Apuakehau stream, the healing stones used in the new Stones of 'Apuakehau treatment at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa’s Moana Lani Spa are said to be full of powerful ancient energy. First, your legs and feet are wrapped with an indigenous Hawaiian ‘awa mud while the stones relieve your back, neck, and scalp of tension. A traditional lomilomi massage relaxes you with the spa’s signature Olena body cream.
As part of a nearly $5 million enhancement completed in 2016, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani now offers two new room categories on the top 10 floors of its newly renovated Ainahau Tower. Offering Waikiki skyline views and ocean vistas, rooms feature all-new furniture, artwork, and decorative accents. Adding to the resort’s now-total of 1,140 rooms is the newly-renovated Kaiulani category with a limited view and private balcony plus upgraded bathrooms. A prior property makeover included additional room renovations as well as updates to the Sheraton Fitness Center, Sheraton Link and lobby area.
Located along the shore of Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian’s Mailani Tower now features 179 transformed guest rooms and suites with ocean or pool views and private lanais thanks to a multi-million dollar renovation. Clients will get a private check-in, dedicated concierge service, curated amenities and experiences and access to the exclusive poolside Mailani Lounge.
Lastly, Sheraton Waikiki’s meeting and event spaces, including the 26,000-square-foot Hawaii Ballroom, have a new look after a $1.4 million refresh that encompasses new furnishings and technology.
Maui
A $26.5 million renovation of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is transforming the property’s 508 guest rooms and suites. The historic resort, situated on 23 oceanfront acres at popular Pu‘u Kekaa (Black Rock) on Kaanapali Beach, was the first to open in Kaanapali in 1963 and celebrates its 55th anniversary in January. Revamped guest rooms will incorporate colors, textures and artwork that play off Maui’s vibrant hues and views of neighbor islands Lanai and Molokai. It is scheduled for completion in the summer 2018.
The Westin Nanea recently unveiled traditional Hawaiian artwork created by five Maui artisans. The pieces, along with a corresponding ‘olelo no‘eau, or Hawaiian proverb, are showcased within four pillars of the resort’s lobby. Each piece is handmade using natural materials and rare skills that were passed down from generation to generation within each of the artists’ families. Guests can view the artwork and then visit The Westin Nanea’s Pu‘uhonua o Nanea Cultural Center, which is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Kauai
Sheraton Kauai Resort’s new wedding venue, RumFire Point, is in the heart of Poipu Beach and offers 180-degree views of Kauai’s pristine coast. Ideal for wedding ceremonies of up to 75 guests, the intimate space is the latest offering in the resort’s lineup for couples.
Sheraton Kauai Resort also has two new celebratory packages, with four oceanfront ceremony locations for weddings of up to 200 guests. Choose from the Me Ke Aloha (starting at $5,250) or the Pilialoha (starting at $9,250) – providing everything from an officiant to musician and professional wedding coordination. The packages also include up to 14 options to customize your day, ranging from complimentary room nights and dining credits to a poolside bungalow rental and personalized Snapchat filter.
A new, interactive foodie series at The Westin Princeville, "Fire Up the Fun" is an hour-long savory celebration of local island delicacies and cooking techniques. The Sunday gatherings are an opportunity to sample creative pupus paired with a cocktail while enjoying lively conversation with the resort’s chefs and beverage pros. Learn about local ingredients used by the chefs, the history of those ingredients and innovative ways to use them. The cost is $40 per person and includes recipe cards and a gift of Kauai-made spices.
Hawaii Island
Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay’s signature restaurant now offers a full breakfast buffet, in addition to the dinner experience that local and visitors have come to love. The Rays on the Bay upgrades include brand-new flooring, updated modern décor, custom koa breakfast buffet and a cocktail bar boasting stunning ocean views. To complement the renovation, a new menu concept from Executive Chef George Gomes and Senior Executive Sous Chef Michelle Gomez spotlights the use of local ingredients with an international flair.
Sheraton Kona’s Holoholo Café and Market also opened in November 2017 and features an espresso bar, smoothies, snacks, local merchandise and specialty goods. And, the resort’s Kaiulu Club Lounge is sporting a fresh look thanks to a renovation that brought in new modern wood washed vinyl flooring, updated lounge furniture and décor, refreshed paint and two new 60-inch televisions.
Visit www.starwoodhotels.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.
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