REVIEWS


Honolulu, Hawaii


LOCATION: Espacio sits directly opposite Kuhio Beach Park – a prime section of Waikiki Beach – on Kalakaua Avenue, the label-lined main street that runs through the heart of Waikiki, affording excellent access to top sights.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The property gives off an air of exclusivity as soon as we arrive, with a doorman ushering us through a discreet entrance and chilled champagne offered oÛiÀ VhiVk-in° /hi VonVi«Ì ià Ãim«li q nini yooÀÃ] nini ÃÕiÌià – but nothing prepares us for the apartment that awaits us. Plush bedrooms are immaculately designed in hues of ivory and cream, and equipped with Dyson hairdryers, straighteners and curlers; there are multiple bathrooms clad in Italian marble, one of which features a sauna; and a full-sized kitchen is stocked with welcome treats. On the oceanfront terrace, a ÜhiÀl«ool L>Ìh LÕLLlià >Ü>Þ y>nki` LÞ `>ÞLi`ð


iÌ ià Ài`iwnin} Ìhi hoÌil VonVi«Ì q >n` i̽à h>À` Ìo `iÃ>}Àii°


THE FACTS: Honolulu-based hotel management company ƂµÕ>-ƂÃÌon oëiÌ>liÌ޽à y>}Ãhi« «Ào«iÀÌÞ o«ini` in September 2019 following a $50 million renovation of the Aston Waikiki Beachside. Its somewhat thwarted opening just months before the pandemic means it still feels like a well-kept secret, but recent accolades should change that (the property recently became the only hotel in Hawaii to be >Ü>À`i` > wÛi-ÃÌ>À À>Ìin} in Ìhi Forbes Travel Guide). The suites – which range from one to three-bedroom – feature private entrances, as well as a dedicated service lift for the


24/7 butler and staff. An intimate restaurant, Mugen, offers wni-`inin} ÀinVh- >«>niÃi v>Ài >n` > xää-LoÌÌli Üini Vill>À° Wellness space The Spa at Espacio features treatments using oVi>n LoÌ>niV>lÃ] Ühili > Vom«>VÌ ÀoovÌo« inwniÌÞ «ool ià Ìhi ultimate spot to bask in the Hawaiian sunshine.


IDEAL FOR: Multigenerational groups, long-stay travellers and clients who require ultimate privacy. Those seeking a lively, convivial atmosphere might be left wanting.


ë>Vio Ã>ÞÃ


EXPLORE: Head to Kuhio Beach Park to paddle in the warm ocean and watch the surfers skirt the waves. This section of beach is protected by a breakwater, making it perfect for those with young children. Wander the shops and restaurants of downtown Waikiki (poke bowls, lobster rolls and mai tais are a must) or book a surf lesson – most beginners learn in the gentle shallows a little further up the coast.


WOW: Þ j>Ü hiÌ Ìhi yooÀ Ühin Ìhi livÌ o«ini` oÕÌ on Ìo Ìhi rooftop pool. Not only did we have it to ourselves – Espacio requires guests book individual 90-minute slots – but the ÃiÌÌin} ià ÌÀÕlÞ ÃiÀini° ƂÌ ni}hÌ] wÀi ÌoÀVhià >Ài liÌ >n` Ìhi concierge team can arrange a private sunset caviar experience.


BOOK IT: Suites start at $3,500 a night.


ESPACIOWAIKIKI.COM Erica Bush


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


JUNE 2023 ASPIRE 115


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