Inn-escapable: Waikiki
New and freshly renovated hotels are opening across the Hawaiian Islands. Here are two new options in Honolulu:
Ritz-Carlton Residences, Honolulu
The vibe: Walk up to the Hermes-inspired, leather-wrapped front desk at O’ahu’s first Ritz-Carlton property, and you’re greeted with a warm smile, a cold towel and a frothy pineapple drink with an optional shot of locally produced rum. Down that, turn the corner and gasp at the view: This eighth-floor infinity pool is the highest in Waikiki and overlooks the lush treetops of Fort DeRussy and the Pacific Ocean. It’s stunning — and so is the level of service: They won’t even let you refill your own cucumber water.
The new Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Beach Residences, which opened in July, is centrally located (next to Luxury Row, if shopping is your thing) and houses BLT Market, an open-air restaurant with an all-day menu fusing fresh ingredients from local purveyors and Hawaiian farmers. When construction of the hotel’s second tower is completed in 2018, it will add another 250-plus rooms to the current 307, a larger resort pool with BLT poolside bar and grill and a Ritz-Kids facility.
Our light-filled deluxe studio was furnished in subdued, island-inspired decor with a king bed, sofa bed, a kitchenette with Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, a washer and dryer, and a smart TV loaded with Netflix and Hulu. Oddly enough, the room lacked a closet.
ZZZ’S: Simmons designed this cushy mattress exclusively for The Ritz-Carlton (it’s called a Beautyrest Black) with soft Frette sheets and a designer Chaz Stevens duvet cover. We typically don’t follow hotel bedding trends, but these were so cozy we had to investigate.
SPLASHES: An oversized limestone bathroom with soaking tub, walk-in shower and state-of-the-art electric toilet that warms upon contact — now that’s luxury.
EXTRAS: Hawaii’s first Dean & DeLuca is here, so load up on gourmet breakfast sammies, espresso, deli salads and divine pastries during your stay. The deli also runs the second floor wine bar.
DETAILS: Rates start at $669/night for ocean-view studios. 383 Kalaimoku St., Honolulu; www.ritzcarlton.com, click on Waikiki Beach.
Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, Honolulu
THE VIBE: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club (formerly Hokele Suites) opened in the spring of 2016 after a major renovation and has quickly become something of a low-key landmark, where Waikiki’s laid-back beach culture is celebrated over its frenzied tourism. Walk in and grin at the cursive “Wish You Were Here” message carved into the bottom of the swimming pool; it looks like a retro postcard. The hotel’s design offers 1960s surfer sensibility mixed with chic modern touches, from a living fern wall and reclaimed wood to bright pops of color. For designer finds, wander into the Olive & Oliver boutique and coffee bar, or listen to the DJ spinning tunes outside the always-buzzing Mahina & Sun’s restaurant.
The 112 bungalow-inspired rooms, spread out over 10 floors, showcase locally designed furniture, including handcrafted, midcentury-inspired coffee tables — plus gorgeous woven accents, handmade wallpaper and local art. One- and two- bedroom suites feature king beds, local snacks, vintage board games, books, 50-inch smart TVs and Wi-Fi.
ZZZ’S: We melted into our cozy king bed — the perfect balance of soft and firm — while our son curled up on the custom, denim-swathed sofa bed in the living room.
SPLASHES: Natural stone walk-in showers have cobbled surfaces that ease the feet. We loved the handmade North Shore bath products, too.
EXTRAS: Enjoy free Hale 412 coffee custom-roasted by Caffe Luxxe for the Surfjack and in-room cocktail service. The Mahina & Sun’s restaurant is excellent, but for casual grab-andgo, be sure to check out the Maguro Brothers walk-up window across the street. They do great made-to-order poke bowls.
DETAILS: Rates start at $185. 412 Lewers St., Honolulu; http://surfjack.com.