Halekulani | Country & Town House Spa Guide
Country & Town House Spa Guide | AUGUST 2014
Far Flung Flings
Halekulani, Honolulu, Hawaii
Without doubt, the coolest place for surfer dudes on the planet is Hawaii. The archipelago is as far flung as you can get - in the North Pacific, the islands are the most remote land on Earth. Five hours from LA, Hollywood A-listers come here to play and Obama, who grew up here, always brings the family “back home” every year. And no wonder, the beaches are divine, and cool surfers hang out all day waiting for the perfect “break”. The food here is as home-grown as it can be (avoiding all those food miles), with the freshest seafood and Japanese influences.
Honolulu is where most visitors fly into, and some fly out to island-hop. The city sweeps inland from the coast until the volcanic slopes, covered in lush, green rainforest, soar skywards. Without doubt, the most glamorous place to stay is Halekulani. It's right in the centre of Waikiki Beach.
Don’t be put off by its size (453 rooms), chic Japanese families and well-dressed honeymooners set the tone and there’s a Loro Piana boutique within the grounds. At night, taking a stroll along the promenade, the wide beach is tranquil and romantic, and the lights from the high-rises twinkle in a chic Manhattan/Tokyo way – there's nothing trashy here.
It’s a peach of a five-star hotel, with welcoming, attentive, relaxing service, beautifully styled, fresh, modern rooms that ooze comfort and have the most sought-after views over the beach and towards the iconic cone-shaped volcano on the edge of town, Diamond Head.
The spa opens onto the gardens, where you relax, so you don’t feel hidden away from the balmy tropical Pacific palms swaying in the breeze. There’s an extensive treatment menu that covers Polynesian and Asian techniques, using local oils.
The 80-minute facial is pure indulgence. Nalani, born and bred here on the main island of Oahu, cossets your feet and hands in a warm masks to deeply moisturise and soothe, while she works on your face with products from the US beauty line Epicuren. It also includes steam and extraction, before the application of a hydrating mask infused with rose. There's no better way to relax and rehydrate after a long journey.
Don't miss The hotel’s swimming pool is inlaid with shimmering tiles depicting an orchid. A stunning centrepiece.
Book it Doubles from £306.
halekulani.com