Cover Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki is located just steps from the world-famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii
Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki is located just steps from the world-famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii
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Inside Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki, a stunning property that offers utmost privacy in the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii
When one thinks of Hawaiian holidays, several images and experiences immediately come to mind: pristine beaches, exotic flora and fauna, lush landscapes and most of all, the Aloha spirit that is best captured through refined hospitality.
Located just steps from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki Beach, in the heart of Honolulu, it is an exclusive luxury boutique hotel that offers an unparalleled Hawaiian experience.
Espacio, the Jewel of Waikiki, tastefully blends modern sophistication with the serene beauty of Hawaii at every touch point for guests. From thoughtfully curated interiors to bespoke service, holidaymakers who choose this property will have a tough time choosing between spending time indoors within their suite or at the world-renowned beach located just across the street.
At Espacio, privacy is at the heart of its impeccable service. The best part? Each suite occupies an entire floor for complete privacy.
Read on for our review of the luxury hotel in the city of Honolulu.
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First Impressions
Above Waikiki Beach is located directly opposite the Espacio, offering vast oceanfront views from the private balcony of each suite
Waikiki Beach is located directly opposite the Espacio, offering vast oceanfront views from the private balcony of each suite
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Locating the hotel may be a little tricky initially if you are making your way over by car. The hotel’s signage is easy to miss amidst throngs of people walking up and down Kalakaua Avenue, which is located along Waikiki Beach.
But once you locate it, hotel staff will immediately offer assistance and lead guests into a small and private lift lobby area for guests. Upon stepping into the property, guests will appreciate the serene and peaceful space with meticulously crafted details evident throughout the hotel. Check-in begins on the third floor of the 13-storey building, where guests will be offered individually wrapped cold towels by Bulgari. Each person will also be presented with a lei as it is a traditional Hawaiian way of welcoming guests. This warm gesture of hospitality is normally done to greet visitors upon their arrival.
After the check-in process is done, guests will be led to their suites to be given a personal tour of their private space.
Do Not Disturb
View from the private balcony
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There are nine guest suites available at the Espacio, each measuring 2,250 sq ft in size and can fit up to six persons per stay. The property offers two- and three-bedroom options for its suites, some with den configurations.
Each floor is themed around the unique hues that can be observed from the Waikiki horizon such as Emerald, Garnet, Coral, Sapphire and more. The suite interiors feature exquisite Italian marble finishes, Moroccan metalwork, smart home features and a luxurious fully-equipped chef’s kitchen with a five-burner stove top and high-quality appliances.
Other amenities include a deep soaking tub and separate shower in the bathrooms, a dry sauna and what is probably the highlight for many guests: a jacuzzi on their private balcony, overlooking the ocean.
We were told by hotel staff that they occasionally welcome guests who love their suites so much that they hardly leave their rooms. And who could blame them?
The Extras
Above Chef Mamoru Tatemori will be able to create a private in-suite traditional Kaiseki dining experience for guests
Chef Mamoru Tatemori will be able to create a private in-suite traditional Kaiseki dining experience for guests
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There is quite possibly no other property in Honolulu that offers complete privacy while being just a stone’s throw from the main shopping belt, iconic landmarks, popular dining establishments and more.
To up the ante when it comes to exquisite hospitality, Espacio now offers a private in-suite traditional Japanese kaiseki dining experience. An award-winning master chef will prepare a multi-course tasting menu using rare and seasonal ingredients. This private chef experience is exclusively curated by acclaimed chef Mamoru Tatemori, named among the “Top 100 Global Japanese Chefs” by Tokyo-based Pen magazine.
This traditional Kaiseki dining experience can also be tweaked according to guests’ unique preferences to suit their tastes.
Additionally, Espacio’s also offers private in-suite spa treatments. Guests can choose from 60- to 90-minute treatments, namely the Kaiholo (Hawaiian lomi lomi); Ikaika (deep tissue massage); and Noelani (Swedish essence massage). Whether it is to unwind or destress, each treatment can be customised for guests to meet their specific health and wellness needs.
Food & Drink
Above Mizayaki A5 Wagyu
Above Mugen
Mizayaki A5 Wagyu
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Honolulu is not short of dining destinations for gourmands. For starters, Espacio boasts its very own fine dining restaurant within the property. Mugen, which means infinity in Japanese, is a modern contemporary restaurant that seats 34 guests and offers a stellar culinary experience in an intimate setting.
Executive Chef Colin Sato, a rising star in Hawaii’s culinary scene, is one to watch as Mugen cements its status as a dining hotspot. He created the dinner menu with consultation from Chef Alan Wong, an iconic Hawaii chef and restaurateur; each dish consists of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Wine pairing is available so patrons can choose from Mugen’s extensive collection of rare wines to elevate their dinner experience. Opt for the six-course Tasting Menu to savour the best of Mugen as you will be treated to an explosion of flavours with each dish. Look forward to starters such as poke served with caviar and mains like Washugyu ribeye or Maui venison that can be enhanced with foie gras, caviar or A5 Wagyu.
Previously only offered to hotel guests, breakfast at Mugen is now available to all. The restaurant offers a luxurious version of a local Hawaiian breakfast favourite Loco Moco, made with Miyazaki A5 Wagyu beef.
Tatler Tip
Above The entrance to Espacio
The entrance to Espacio
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For an unforgettable stay at the Espacio, visit the rooftop infinity pool and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you above the Waikiki horizon line. Here, you can bask in serene seclusion while taking in breathtaking, expansive oceanfront views in utmost privacy.
The hotel also offers an exclusive car service within Waikiki so guests can take advantage of a chauffeured vehicle (a Tesla, no less) that will allow them to reach their destinations without having to worry about traffic or large crowds.
Within walking distance or a short drive from Espacio, you’ll find some of Hawaii’s best beaches, historic landmarks, and unrivalled shopping experiences that range from small local boutiques to luxury shopping centres, fine dining and much more.
The Ala Moana Center is a short ten-minute drive away and is one of the largest shopping centres in the US. With both high-end luxury boutiques and department stores, there are plenty of options for shoppers so the mall is a must-visit for those who love shopping while on vacation.
Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
