Spa Index Featured Spa: Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii

View of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach

DESTINATION SPAS: WAIKIKI BEACH
Kevin McClain, CEO, Spa Index Media

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.

OUTRIGGER REEF ON THE BEACH

"...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.

HAWAIIAN HEALING; SERENITY SPA AT THE OUTRIGGER REEF

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.

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.

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	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.

WEDDINGS and VOW RENEWAL CEREMONIES

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.

ACTIVITIES

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:

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

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

WAIKIKI BEACH WALK™

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.

GETTING TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT

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.

VISIT OUTRIGGER REEF ONLINE