Archive for the ‘Waikiki’ Category

I’ll never forget the first time I saw “The Pink Palace of the Pacific.” About seven years ago, I made my first journey to Oahu to run the Honolulu Marathon. The night before the big day, a few of us walked along the beautiful beaches of Waikiki, marveling at the hotels along the shimmering coast.

One stood out among the others. This iconic hotel dates back to 1927, when it first ushered in luxury to the Hawaiian Islands.

Even since I visited less than a decade ago, the property has undergone a major renovation, first in 2009 with a complete re-imagining that included a new lobby, rooms and suites, restaurants, spa and multi-level resort pool.

This year, the resort introduced The Royal Beach Tower, a 17-floor ocean-facing tower with contemporary accommodations. Despite all the new additions, the Royal Hawaiian has never lost its original charm, melding classic elegance with modern comforts.

Recommended Resort:  The Royal Hawaiian. An expansive property on the crowded Waikiki landscape, the Pink Palace occupies 12,000 square feet, with over 66,000 additional square feet devoted to outdoor spaces, like the oceanfront Monarch Terrace, the Ocean Lawn and the glamorous Coconut Grove.

There are 528 rooms in all, including 34 suites (18 oceanfront). Though of course you’ll be tempted to explore the sights, shops and sands of Waikiki, if you didn’t want to leave the Royal Hawaiian, you really have everything at your disposal on site, including two pools, a spa, great dining and lovely Hawaiian entertainment.

Check In:  2259 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu. 808-923-3711, royal-hawaiian.com.

Check Out:  Abhasa Spa. Brand new and definitely worth the visit, this exclusive spa experience surrounds you in a tropical plant and tree sanctuary.

Abhasa means “illusion” in Sanskrit, referring to the only spa in Oahu where you can have a treatment in this kind of private and serene natural setting right in the middle of a bustling town.

Highlights include the rhythmic Lomi Lomi massage and the Ola Honua, a nourishing cocoon of warm mud rich in natural vitamins and minerals.

Don’t Miss:  Holiday dining at the Royal Hawaiian. Culinary treats are always a joy at the resort, but the holidays are particularly merry should you make it out this season. Azure Restaurant will feature a gourmet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner menu courtesy of Chef Jon Matsubara.

The Monarch Room will offer a more casual experience with Christmas Brunch for the entire family. Other yuletide activities include a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Christmas Carols, Gingerbread House Decorating Party and a trolley to the Honololu City Lights festival. Ho Ho Honolulu.

Want more honeymoon ideas? Check out our other Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Blog Posts!

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian

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