Finding a place to entertain our two young adult sons on holiday may be a bit of a challenge. Both wanted to surf, and one did not want to go to our beloved Malibu for our annual surf holiday since he attends university in Southern California. With one day to plan, I found the crown jewel in one of the best surfing spots (ahem, I’m an intermediate surfer at best), landing us in Oahu.
Reaching out to friends and asking for recommendations, Bergen Soudan of Magma Global Travel came up with the perfect spot. One flight five hours later, we were received at the airport and whisked to an oasis of tranquility. We arrived at ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki which was nothing short of extraordinary.
This lavish hotel, which opened most recently, redefines luxury with its unique blend of privacy, comfort, and top-tier amenities. Traveling with my husband and our two young adult sons, we embarked on a memorable vacation that combined the ultimate relaxation with the opportunity to go surfing with my sons.
“Espacio,” the direct translation of which means “room” in Spanish, doesn’t quite translate to what this luxury hotel is really all about. From the moment we arrived at ESPACIO, we were captivated by its elegant design and welcoming atmosphere. Each suite occupies an entire floor, providing an unparalleled level of privacy that made us feel like we were in our own oasis.
Our multi-room suite featured Italian marble bathrooms, a dry sauna, and a private Jacuzzi® on the oceanfront lanai, offering the perfect amount of privacy and family space for the four of us. Facing one of the best beaches for our ideal surfing holiday, the suite offered luxury and space that was much needed for our family of four.
The hotel’s omotenashi-inspired service—rooted in the Japanese philosophy of hospitality—was evident in every interaction. The 24/7 butler and concierge services ensured our every need was met promptly and discreetly, from arranging our surf boards to lunch on the beach to securing reservations at the acclaimed Mugen restaurant.
The location of ESPACIO, directly across from Kuhio Beach on Kalākaua Avenue, was perfect for our surfing escapades. After spending the day surfing, You realize that ESPACIO is not just a hotel; it’s an experience. The rooftop infinity pool offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, where we spent relaxing afternoons soaking in the sun and enjoyed the daily champagne and caviar sunset hour.
Spending time with my husband on holiday was easy. Spending time with two grown young men, who clearly were missing their schoolmates and girlfriends, added some challenge in entertaining. However, sitting rooftop and reminiscing about the day’s great waves really made for a memorable time together.
The Spa at ESPACIO provided rejuvenating treatments, allowing us to recharge after our active days.
No stay at ESPACIO would be complete without indulging in the culinary delights offered at Mugen, the hotel’s Forbes Five-Star award-winning restaurant. Under the direction of executive chef Colin Sato, Mugen provides an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates contemporary cuisine with hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced locally and globally.
More importantly, we were truly impressed by their sommelier, Douglas Priesel, who complemented our dining experience perfectly with the right combination of wines from around the globe. It truly was a feast for the senses with beautifully presented dishes that evoked the spirit of Hawaii.
ESPACIO’s prime location on Kalākaua Avenue placed us at the heart of Waikiki, where we could easily access myriad activities and shopping and dining experiences. The convenience of being steps away from the beach and local attractions allowed us to immerse ourselves fully in Waikiki.
Our stay at ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki was a luxurious escape that catered to our family’s needs. From the stunning accommodations and world-class service to the amazing surfing in crystal clear, blue, and warm water and exceptional dining, every aspect of our vacation was meticulously designed to create lasting memories.
As we left this beautiful oasis, we carried with us not just our suntans, but also cherished moments that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. For anyone seeking a blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation in the heart of paradise, ESPACIO is undoubtedly the place to be.