KAHALA MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HAWAII INTRODUCES NEW CONCEPT IN SPA EXPERIENCE AND DESIGN WITH LAUNCH OF SPA SUITES

30 July 2002

A highly personalised spa concept has just been launched at Hawaii's luxurious beachfront resort, Kahala Mandarin Oriental. The 364-room luxury resort this week unveiled its exotic Spa Suite concept that focuses on the individual and offers the ultimate in privacy and rejuvenation within each of its spacious suites.

Setting a new standard of spa luxury in Hawaii, each suite is 550 square feet and features a personal relaxation area, changing area, private shower, signature infinity edge soaking bath and landscaped courtyard of native Hawaiian flora.

Jan Goessing, General Manager, Kahala Mandarin Oriental, further emphasizes what makes the Spa Suites so unique by explaining "respect for privacy and time is paramount, so our guests are personally escorted through a private and lush tropical garden to their very own residential-style suite. This personal journey helps them transcend from the hectic pace of everyday life. Seldom will they meet another spa-user during this experience."

In keeping with a sense of place and re-enforcing the exotic roots of Mandarin Oriental yet individuality of the Group's award-winning properties worldwide, the resort's Spa Suites each capture Hawaii's tropical ambiance with their plantation shutter doors, warm wood flooring, and island-style ceiling fans. Fabrics are rich in earthy shades of olive, mustard and walnut, accented by Asian artwork and even feature Hawaiian handmade quilts. Each Spa Suite is bestowed with the name of a Hawaiian flower.

Working with Kahala Mandarin Oriental behind the new concept is internationally-renowned spa consultant, ESPA. In collaboration with the resort, they have developed a series of innovative and restorative treatments inspired by the elements of life, embracing Hawaiian culture and traditional therapies. Coupled with ESPA's product line - formulated using the highest quality organically grown plants - these unique treatments are renowned for their healing and meditative qualities.

Two unique signature treatments have been developed. Pi'ha Kino, the resort's full body treatment commences with a welcoming foot ritual followed by a bath infused with aromatic oils. The body is then prepared with skin brushing and exfoliation to enhance the effects of the full body aromatherapy massage to follow. A gentle facial cleanse and scalp treatment adds the finishing touch to this total body indulgence. Lokahi, signifying one mind and one spirit, focuses on the traditions of Lomi-Lomi massage using Kukui and Macadamia Nut oil versus an aromatherapy application, while still following the relaxing sequences of the Pi'ha Kino.

Mandarin Oriental's award-winning spa concept continues to receive international acclaim for its focus on well-being and for providing guests with luxury spa experiences that draw on the Group's oriental origins. The Group currently operates seven spas worldwide with a further three under development, each one being unique from its design concept to the exotic array of international therapies that it provides. Consistently, the Group's spas are voted leaders within their field. Recently accorded the number one positions worldwide and nationally were The Oriental Spa in Bangkok (Travel & Leisure, USA) and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami (Celebrated Living, USA, June 2002).

Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii is located on the island of O'ahu, fifteen minutes from Waikiki, in the prestigious residential area known as Kahala. The resort's timeless beauty is reminiscent of Hawaii's gentle times of grace and elegance. Located between Diamond Head and Koko Head craters, it is nestled amidst exotic gardens with an exclusive 800-foot ivory sand beach. The 364 spacious guest rooms offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Ko'olau Mountain Range and a private dolphin lagoon. Amenities include five distinctive restaurants, swimming pool, ocean activities, fitness center, shopping, and Dolphin Quest interaction program with our four resident Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Guests also enjoy hiking, bicycling, kayaking, scuba diving, sailing and a Keiki Club offering children an education in the Hawaiian culture. 

In 2002, the resort was accorded the prestigious title of the "Best Rooms in the United States" by Conde Nast Traveler, USA. 

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels and resorts. In total, the Group operates 18 luxury hotels in key business and leisure destinations, with three additional hotels under development, including New York (opening late 2003), Washington D.C. (opening 2004) and Tokyo (opening 2006). Mandarin Oriental now operates some 7,000 rooms in eleven countries with nine hotels in Asia, six in The Americas and three in Europe.