Travel
Originally published on Wednesday, 9th February 2011
The idyllic islands turn cool with two hip new hotspots.
Think of Hawaii and you’ll see vintage postcards of lithe-hipped luau girls; coconuts clattering on the beach whilst a perfect sunset descends in the background. There’s sun, sea and sand in swathes, the locals hang out in surf shorts and mahi-mahi is always the special of the day. So far so clichéd. But for a dose of contemporary culture that doesn’t include a trip to Bubba Gumps, UJ have scouted out two hotspots on the islands of Maui and O’ahu to keep urbanites out of the hula skirts and in on the action;The Edition Waikiki in Honolulu, and Timba Maui.
STAY: The Edition Waikiki
With a Nobu serving up sushi and a shopping strip reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in place, the upscale neighbourhood of Waikiki in the capital of Honolulu already has more of a buzz than other Hawaiian hangouts. But if you’re looking for a chic place to stay, there’s only one real option courtesy of The Edition’s new property which launched at the end of 2010.
Say it in a sentence: Ian Schrager’s Marriot hook-up has created a new breed of super swank hotels, of which Waikiki is the first.
Brush shoulders with: The Wallpaper brigade.
Check in for: A mid-size hotel with serious personality. This is Schrager in his element- you can see hints of his previous hotel ventures (especially at the Lobby Bar), but they have been seriously updated - and feel 'oh so right' for now. Refreshingly you won’t find a lei on arrival or luau at night, but hints of Hawaii have been integrated throughout. A surf board installation at reception. A deconstructed Mai Tai on the menu.
Get busy with: Lounging. From hammocks and daybeds, to deck chairs in the pool and bar stools a plenty- this place wills you to relax.
You’ll love: Rooms that are luxe, spacious and have all the mod cons you’d expect, and chic, open air common areas.
We heart: The lighting throughout the hotel (candles everywhere at night), and the staff, who seem to be largely recruited from Select Models (we jest, but seriously- this is one hot team) as well as their contemporary uniforms which leave the competition and their Hawaiian shirts in the surf.
Don’t miss out on: The main Sunrise Pool, inclusive of underwater music and a beautiful staircase made with wood from the Amazon; the Sunset Beach with individual beds and hammocks and the poolside bars at both. Some might complain the hotel’s not actually on the beach. We say, we’ll take an adult occupied pool in front of the harbour over a crowded family beach fest any day.
UJ’s shared secret: Head to the Lobby Bar, which opens at 4pm via a bookcase that moves and is currently hosting Waikiki’s hipsters and any tourists with a clue.
Anything Else: There’s a Morimoto restaurant to rival Nobu (we met him- Morimoto- he’s nice), a club (Crazybox) that’s open Thurs- Sun and a spa that carries a UJ fave - Elemental Herbology. We’ve been told that their pool parties (the last one had 800 people) are not to be missed.
The Edition: Waikiki
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96815
+001 808 943 5800
* Want to surf/get into shape whilst you holiday? Then check out their Surf and Bikini bootcamps.
Rates from: 375 USD
