Cover The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
1 / 1
Experience an unparalleled standard of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, located in the heart of Honolulu's most iconic neighbourhood
In the heart of Waikiki, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach stands as one of the island’s top luxury hotels visited by the well-heeled from all over the world. After all, the property was Oahu’s first Ritz-Carlton Residences when it opened its doors in 2016.
The world-renowned hotel offers an unparalleled experience that blends the aloha spirit with world-class amenities in one of Hawaii’s most popular islands.
Boasting the largest number of luxury suites on the island of Oahu, the resort comprises two towers: the 'Ewa Tower and the Diamond Head Tower, each offering a range of accommodations from deluxe rooms to penthouse suites.
Today, the property continues to redefine opulence and exclusivity on the island. Tatler Singapore was offered the opportunity to experience two nights of sophisticated island living at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. Read on for our review.
Read more: A Taste of Home: Jordan Keao on his favourite places to eat in Hawaii
First Impressions
Above Porte-cochere on the ground floor
Above The lobby
Porte-cochere on the ground floor
1 / 2
Stepping into The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, I was immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of refined elegance. The property, nestled in the quieter northwest stretch of Waikiki, exudes a sense of exclusivity for its guests. As I drove up to the hotel entrance, the warm Hawaiian welcome, complete with traditional leis and impeccable service, set the tone for my stay.
The staff’s attention to detail was evident from the outset, as my vehicle was also taken care of immediately by the valet team.
Then, I was whisked away upstairs for a seamless check-in experience that continued in the main lobby with the friendly concierge team. The modern, Japanese-influenced design of the lobby, combined with the breathtaking ocean views visible through expansive windows, instantly conveyed that this was no ordinary hotel, but a sanctuary of luxury in the heart of Honolulu.
Do Not Disturb
Above Marble bathroom
Above King-size bed in the Grand Ocean View Suite
Marble bathroom
1 / 2
Above Spacious living area
Above Fully furnished kitchenette or kitchen with premium appliances
Spacious living area
1 / 2
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach boasts 552 ocean-view rooms and suites. With expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, guests can enjoy unobstructed vistas of the Pacific Ocean, making every stay a scenic retreat.
What sets this property apart is its attention to detail and focus on providing a truly luxurious experience. Every room and suite offers breathtaking ocean views, enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive private balconies. The residential amenities include furnished kitchenettes and kitchens with premium brand appliances, marble countertops, and bathrooms with dual vanities, separate showers, and deep soaking tubs.
The 'Ewa Tower features 307 rooms and suites, ranging from the Deluxe Level on floors nine to 22 to the exclusive Penthouse Level on floors 37 to 38. Similarly, the Diamond Head Tower comprises 245 rooms and suites, extending from the Deluxe Level on floors ten to 25 to the Penthouse Level on floors 37 to 38. These accommodations range from one-bedroom to expansive four-bedroom, two-storey duplex suites that can host up to ten guests.
We stayed in the Grand Ocean View Suite at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. This expansive suite offers a luxurious one-bedroom accommodation that includes a king-size bed in the primary bedroom and a separate living area with a comfortable sofa bed, allowing it to sleep up to four guests comfortably.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the suite with natural light, showcasing the vast ocean from every angle. The private balcony provides an ideal spot for guests to relax and enjoy the stunning Waikiki scenery, perfect for watching the sunset or starting the day with a peaceful breakfast (which you can opt to enjoy in the suite) overlooking the water. Pro tip: we used this space to set up our camera and left the device there to capture the sunset and sunrise while we explored the Waikiki shopping belt.
The suite is also equipped with high-end amenities, including a fully furnished kitchenette or kitchen with premium appliances, marble countertops, and a washer and dryer for added convenience. The bathroom comes fitted with dual vanities—a welcome feature for couples and bigger families to enjoy.
Food & Drink
Above Dean & DeLuca offers gourmet dining options
Above Sushi Sho chefs
Dean & DeLuca offers gourmet dining options
1 / 2
One of our favourite parts about this property is its extensive breakfast menu that includes classic Hawaiian dishes such as Loco Moco, which is made up of half a pound of Wagyu beef patty on a bed of rice, topped with a sunny-side-up egg with Hamakua mushroom and onion gravy. For those with a sweet tooth or want something even more indulgent, go for the Signature Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes which comes with guava coulis and coconut sabayon or indulge in the colourful Fruit Compote French Toast, which comprises seasonal fruit compote, granola crumble and whipped cream.
Culinary connoisseurs will not want to miss the highly raved omakase experience in Hawaii at Sushi Sho, led by master chef Keiji Nakazawa in his first location outside Japan.
Additionally, guests can savour gourmet offerings at Hawaii’s first Dean & DeLuca, located on the first floor of its premises.
The Extras
Above Treatment room at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Above Relaxation lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Treatment room at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
1 / 2
Infusing the amenities and services of a five-star resort with modern and local touches, The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers rejuvenating treatments inspired by local traditions, enhancing the overall sense of relaxation and well-being.
I chose the Endless Escape treatment for a much-needed rejuvenating experience after several days of travelling in Hawaii. This bespoke experience harnesses the power of botanicals and artfully combines this with cutting-edge wellness practices to create a truly transformative journey. It also includes a full-body lomi lomi massage, a traditional Hawaiian technique known for its flowing, rhythmic strokes.
The experience is further elevated by the strategic placement of warm stones from head to toe. This ancient method not only soothes tired muscles but also encourages a deeper state of relaxation, allowing the mind to drift into a meditative state. To complete this journey of rejuvenation, a detailed scalp and foot massage is then performed. These often-neglected areas are given focused attention, releasing tension and promoting a sense of overall balance.
Not only does this innovative treatment offer relaxation; but it also provides a holistic reset, leaving one refreshed and rebalanced. Sure enough, I emerged from this immersive experience in a state of blissful tranquillity, with my body soothed and my mind calmed.
Tatler Tip
1 / 1
There is so much to do in Oahu. For starters, the property is just a short walk away from Waikiki Beach. Take a morning stroll here to people-watch with a bowl of authentic Hawaiian shave ice and then spend the afternoon (and evening) shopping at Luxury Row, Oahu’s sleek shopping district. It is just steps away from The Ritz-Carlton Residences, which puts guests within easy walking distance of high-end boutiques and designer stores.
Luxury Row features a collection of prestigious international designer boutiques, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara and more.
Beyond the luxury offerings, Waikiki is known for its mix of high-end retail, local boutiques, and souvenir shops catering to various tastes and budgets.
This prime location for shopping enhances the overall luxury experience of staying at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, allowing guests to easily indulge in retail therapy while just a hop and a skip away from their accommodation.
Otherwise, lounge at one of the outdoor tables with a glass of bubbly at La Vie (the same dining establishment where breakfast is served) during sunset and watch as the bustling city of Honolulu slows down... but never retires.
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).
