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DESTINATION SPAS:
WAIKIKI BEACH
Kevin McClain, CEO, Spa Index Media |
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My staff and our readers have suggested for years
that I visit Honolulu's Waikiki Beach as a spa enthusiast. Waikiki?
A restful spa destination? Hmm. The last time I spent time in
Oahu -- apart from airport layovers -- was many years ago when I took a
vacation while in college. Until recently, every time I heard the
word "Hawaii" (which is fairly often, we travel through Honolulu regularly and
our staff has family living on the Big Island of Hawaii), it conjured up
images of bustling Honolulu and the "Spring Break" atmosphere I experienced at
the time, or a Family Amusement Destination with shave ice vendors and palm
frond hats. "Not so" my staff kept
telling me. "Just try it again, and you'll
be hooked. There is something in the air
and the water, over there, that keeps bringing
you back. You'll see."
So, when I
recently informed my
staff, family and friends that I was going to
Waikiki, they assumed I'd be flying through
Honolulu and on to another destination -- but not this time. Waikiki
Beach on Oahu was my destination.
Oahu is
known as the "Gathering Place" in Hawaii
and is the third largest of the four major
islands, but by far the most populous. It is
home to the well-known Diamond Head Crater,
Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and two Outrigger Hotel
properties which boast two of
Honolulu's best spas.
I returned from my
trip to Honolulu, Hawaii with a
completely different perspective. The warmth of
the people in Hawaii, the graciousness of my
hosts and business contacts, the pride they have
in their properties, the sites, smells, tastes,
and the expert services from
dedicated and enthusiastic spa staff, were so wonderful and
genuine that I told my staff, immediately upon
my return to California "I know what the
Aloha Spirit -- what the 'call of the
islands' actually means. This is REAL."
To my hosts, I say "Maholo (thank you)."
-- K.M. |
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OUTRIGGER
REEF ON THE BEACH |
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| "...when I want to stay at the beach where
warm tropical water is paramount, I don't
want to just see it out of a window. I
want to be able to get off the elevator,
walk outside, and settle into sand." |
The Outrigger
Reef on the Beach in Honolulu has always positioned itself as
the most value-rich hotel on the Waikiki
beachfront. Its location, price point and
level of service has decades made it a
reliable destination, an island home away from
home for loyal repeat guests.
Now, the Outrigger Reef is undergoing a
transformation for 2007. After a
multi-million dollar remodeling and rejuvenation
effort, the Outrigger Reef's repeat guests will
appreciate the same level of service,
activity-rich events, and more, but will enjoy,
with new guests, a full-featured hotel with
modern amenities, 200 state of the
art Ocean Tower Rooms, a world class spa,
restaurants and shops, and a location rivaling any hotel on
the beach.
I was
shown a model room which will soon be the
standard in the Reef. My guest
room during my stay was lovely and
comfortable, but as soon as I entered the
model room, soon to be standard, my
eyes started to dash everywhere to try to take
it all in -- I
was in a new luxury resort hotel room.
The Reef's modern rooms will be large, airy, with
warm and tropical shades of green, and rich
bamboo details. The view of the
beachfront was perfect.
In fact, the Outrigger Reef is one
of the only 7 hotels which are truly “beach
front." Not just a "view" -- but beach
front access. I make this distinction
because when I want to stay on a beach where
warm tropical water is paramount, I don't want
to just see it out of a window. I want
to be able to get off the elevator, walk
outside, and settle into sand -- and the two
Outrigger properties (Outrigger on the Reef
and Outrigger Waikiki) are both perfect for
beach enthusiasts.
The Outrigger
Reef on the Beach is at the top of Waikiki
Beach in Honolulu, has a circular entrance
which allows guests to drop off their luggage
and parcels in a roundabout and be serviced by
the efficient and courteous staff. In a
dense area where parking and ingress and
egress are at a premium, this structural
feature was a nice way to start my island spa
vacation.
The Outrigger Reef and
Outrigger Waikiki
both have the
“Outrigger Connection” for guests, which includes
complimentary
high speed internet, wireless access, direct
calls to the mainland, local calls and inter
island. I give kudus to Outrigger Hotels for breaking from
the industry trend of charging what I think
are often outrageous fees
for services most guests consider a necessity,
and not a luxury, during a hotel stay.
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HAWAIIAN
HEALING; SERENITY
SPA AT THE OUTRIGGER REEF |
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 Hawaii is a
natural and special place for a spa experience,
based on the location alone. Native Hawaiians
were for centuries isolated from other societies
and developed, of necessity, skilled healing
based on local flora and fauna and a profound
spirituality.
Two of the most
well known treatments originating in Hawaii are
the vigorous Lomi Lomi, a form of massage
passed down from
kupuna
(elders),
and an early form
of Hot Stone Massage. Native
Hawaiians long ago knew that fire-heating
ili'ili (little) lava
rocks and other stones and positioning them on a
body rubbed with local nut oils was beneficial
to the mind and body.
There are two
ancient sites on Oahu which pay tribute to
Hawaiian healers: Waikiki’s Healing Stones at
Kuhio Beach, which, according to tradition,
honors the visit of Tahitian healers
centuries ago, and Keaiwa Heiau Temple at
the top of Aiea Heights Drive, which was once a
venerated Hawaiian medical center and school.
Hawaiians believe strongly in promoting the
wellness of mind, heart, body and spirit and
welcome visitors with natural healing energy and
spirituality. Indeed, the entirety of the
Hawaiian Islands is a living definition for a
profound spa experience. |
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 The
Serenity Spa at the Outrigger Reef is
second oldest spa in Honolulu, and honors
the Islands, and its guests, with spa services
worthy of this environment.
Located right off
the pool area at Outrigger Reef Hotel, the
landing area has an immediate calming effect,
away from the beachfront. The spa is popular with hotel guests, of course,
but has also developed a loyal clientele
from within the local community.
The spa offers
a complete menu of both salon services and
spa services, all by licensed and
experienced staff. After
changing and stowing my gear in my personal
locker, I was escorted to one of 9
treatment rooms in the 5,000 square foot
spa. The glass door to each room has
an art etching which corresponds with the
traditional Hawaiian patterned quilts on the
spa treatment tables.
My esthetician
was Dani, who performed the one of
the spa's signature facials, the
Eurostone Anti-Stress Aromatherapy Facial.
I confess that
for a spa guy, I'm not always relaxed in a
spa setting because even when I'm receiving
treatment, I'm working, taking in details,
making mental notes, asking questions.
Not so with Dani -- we had a fast and easy
rapport because she carefully explained
every step of the facial, was deft with her
hands, and her easy nature put me at ease.
The bonus, however, was learning she grew up
in the San Francisco Bay Area not far from
my home.
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Eurostone
Anti-Stress Aromatherapy Facial
Lemon
Verbena Cleanser
Jojoba Facial Polish
Nanshing Anti-Oxident Mask
Botanical Toner
Oxygenating Hydraserum
SPF30
Hydraplenish Collagen Crème
Botanical
Eye Gel
Mango Lip Balm
50 Minutes
($110) |
Dani also took
two steps which were both a pleasant first
for me: My facial included lip balm (a
real treat in a sun drenched locale), and
when my facial was finished, and I was
dressed and ready to go, she gave me a
"Personal Skincare Recommendation" with
descriptions of the products used, a review
of my treatment and suggestions for at home
skincare.
I've reviewed
spa hotels from New York to Thailand, and have
never been given a "home skincare
prescription" as a hotel guest, so I immediately polled my
staff -- was this a usual occurrence for
them? My staff told me it's about 50/50 --
the "skincare artists" do it. The
"mechanics" don't.
It
should be the standard, but sometimes the
transitory nature of guests in a hotel spa
means a long-term relationship isn't
expected, and this step is skipped.
Because Serenity Spa takes the extra step to
care for its hotel guests, even after
they've left, it isn't difficult to see why
local residents of Honolulu come to Dani and
Serenity Spa on a regular basis. |
Massage
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi
Hot Lava
Rock Massage
Swedish
Massage
Deep Tissue
Massage
Sports
Massage
Shiatsu
Massage
Reflexology
Pregnancy
Massage
Couple's
Massage |
Facials
Eurostone
Anti-Stress Aromatherapy Facial
Vitamin C
and Collagen
Nourishing Anti Oxidant
Bridal Facial
Aromatherapy Facial
Hydrotherapy
Purification
Men's Power
Facial
Skin
Brightener
Back Facials
Express
Facial |
Body
Therapies
Hawaiian
Sugar / Salt Body Polish
Golden Goddess
Ti Leaf & Ko'olau Mist Body Therapy
Hydrating Body Wrap
Marine
Detoxifying Therapy
Slimming
Body Wrap
Marine
Anti-Stress Body Mask
Serenity Sea
Foam Cocoon
Aromatherapy
Rejuvenation Treatment
Vichy Shower
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Hands and Feet
Pele's Spa
Manicure and Pedicure
Hawaiian Milk 'n Honey Manicure
Hand and
Foot Massage
More
Cosmetics,
Waxing, Couples Packages, Bridal Packages.
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WEDDINGS
and VOW RENEWAL CEREMONIES |
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I think one of the
more charming amenities offered by the Outrigger
Reef is its beautiful Hawaiian Vow Renewal
Ceremonies, which are complimentary
for its guests.
Every Tuesday and
Friday, at 8:00 a.m., couples gather on
the sand of Waikiki Beach to renew their
commitment to one another, surrounded by friends
and family. The cultural and
non-denominational ceremony draws on an ancient
Hawaiian custom -- Ho'ao Pa'a, in which a
man and woman are bound in a lasting union.
The ceremony is led by a Hawaiian kahu
(priest).
The ceremony is on
the beach in order to put you in touch with the
elements, the sand at your feet, waves gently
lapping on the shore, breezes on your skin.
The practicing kahu walks into the ocean
and offers a chant to cleanse the past, present
and future -- ho'oma'ema'eana -- and to
bless water which is sprinkled on the man and
woman -- pikai -- preserving their love.
A ceremonial kiss, song and dance of love
follow, and a ka palapala oia'i'o, a
Hawaiian certificate signifying that you were
honored this traditional ceremony according to
the words and wisdom of the ancients.
For traditional wedding
ceremonies, receptions and special events, the
Outrigger Reef's Diamond Head Terrace,
with more than 2500 square feet, is ideal, and
the Serenity Spa offers complete bridal party
packages to ready you for the event. |
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ACTIVITIES |
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Outrigger Reef
has a wonderful selection of complimentary
cultural events and fun activities for its
guests on site. Every day, the Outrigger Reef
offers what these "Aloha Activities" which range
from lei making, hula lessons, ukelele lessons,
slate carving, wood carving, Hawaiian quilting,
basket making, weaving, Hawaiian crafts, walking
tours of Waikiki's historical landmarks, musical
entertainment by kapuna (elders), and
more.
For spa
enthusiasts, the most popular activity takes
place every Wednesday and Saturday with "Rhythms
of the Ocean" at sunrise, a refreshing 45
minute low-impact class on the beach in front of
the Outrigger, which incorporates hula movement,
language, history and culture, designed to
awaken the mind, body and spirit and connect
with the island culture.
The Outrigger
Reef is conveniently located at the top of
Waikiki Beach, and affords convenient access
in and out of Waikiki, making it very easy
to explore sites throughout Oahu. The
Outrigger's Activities Center will arrange
scenic island tours or special interest
outings, including Snorkeling,
surfing, golf at Coral Creek, and more.
When leaving the hotel grounds to explore
the city of Honolulu, presenting your
Outrigger Key Card gets you discounted
rates at many popular sites:
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Outrigger
Catamaran Eco-Sail and Snorkel Tour
(onsite)
Dive Oahu
(onsite)
Outrigger
Catamaran Ride (onsite)
Diamond
Head Crater
Iolani Palace / Hawaiian Royal Museum
Hanauma
Bay Nature Preserve
Pearl
Harbor and Arizona Memorial
Hawaii's
Plantation Village
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Deluxe Little Circle Island Tour
Grand Circle Island Tour with a tour of the Dole
Plantation
Society of Seven Show (a fun Broadway style show)
Bishop Museum Tour
Hawaii Maritime Center
Mission Houses Museum
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Waikiki Aquarium
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WAIKIKI
BEACH WALK™ |
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I'm probably a
City Planner at heart -- one of the
unexpected highlights of my stay with Outrigger was
my dinner with Nancy Daniels,
a
Public Relations Manager for Waikiki
Beach Walk™,
to learn about the Outrigger Group's
significant contribution to the redevelopment of the immediate
communities around their properties.
I confess the
last time I visited Honolulu, a great many
years ago, I was somewhat unimpressed by the
most popular attraction in the area, the
International Marketplace, a collection of
food vendors and souvenir shops. Fine
for shave ice and
tchotchkes, but not a "must return" for
me. Now, I
really cannot talk about the exciting future
of the Outrigger Reef without
discussing the new Waikiki Beach Walk™, the
largest development project in Waikiki's
history.
The Waikiki
Beach Walk™
will certainly take care of what I
thought was a bit of a void. The parent of
the Outrigger Reef, Outrigger Enterprises
Group dedicated $535 million for an 8-acre
hotel-retail-dining-entertainment complex --
the largest development in the history of
Waikiki -- which just celebrated its Grand
Opening on January 12, 2007.
Nearly eight acres along the well traversed
Lewers Street has been completely
transformed into a colorful and spirited
showcase -- a gathering place for the new
Waikiki. Some of the highlights of this
beautiful
outdoor
entertainment plaza include nearly fifty new
retailers, including shops and art
galleries, sixteen dining establishments,
including
the popular
Roy's Waikiki
restaurant, Ruth's Chris Steak House,
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Beard Papa's Sweets,
and more.
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GETTING
TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT |
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 Outrigger Reef
is located nine miles from Honolulu
International Airport (HNL), a short taxi
ride or shuttle away. A word about
traveling to Honolulu by air -- it's easy to
print your airline boarding pass online at home,
when you leave for your trip, but coming back
can be less convenient if you don't have a
business center available to you. I was glad I
traveled by Hawaiian Airlines for my
trip, because as soon as I arrived at the hotel
I noted the lobby hosts a Hawaiian Airlines
kiosk for checking flights printing boarding
passes right from the hotel lobby. You can
avoid the lines at the airport by checking out
of your room and checking in for your
flight in the hotel lobby. Non-hotel guests are
welcome to use this kiosk also -- a wonderful
service. |
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2007
SPECIAL RATES: Stay 5 Pay 4 Special |
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With some of the
most affordable room rates on Waikiki Beach,
Outrigger Reef on the Beach
is an excellent choice for
business travel, family vacations, romantic
honeymoons,
and healing spa getaways. |
Outrigger
Reef's sand, surf, and casual island ways
will have you stringing a fragrant flower lei or
swaying your hula hips at an early morning
exercise class on the beach. Two oceanfront
restaurants -- Shorebird Restaurant & Beach Bar
and Ocean House -- offer a choice of casual or
fine dining. Serenity Spa welcomes you to relax
with a rejuvenating massage or soothing facial.
Just steps away is Waikiki's highly acclaimed
shopping with designer labels and specialty
stores to satisfy every budget and personal
style. Take advantage of this
Waikiki Beach Spa Destination with a special rate in
2007:
Book a minimum five night stay, and
pay for only four nights. |
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Through March
31, 2007:
219 USD Moderate
239 USD City View
289 USD Partial Ocean View
379 USD Ocean View
419 USD Oceanfront
April 1 through June 7, 2007
295 USD Partial Ocean View
355 USD Ocean View
425 USD Oceanfront
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June 8 - August
25, 2007
339 USD Partial Ocean View
419 USD Ocean View
489 USD Oceanfront
Per room, per night, for two persons.
August 26
through December 21, 2007
295 USD Partial Ocean View
355 USD Ocean View
425 USD Oceanfront
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VISIT OUTRIGGER REEF ONLINE |
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