Leis and Luxury at the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki (Hotel Review)
Hawaii is a dream destination for many travellers, which is no surprise given the amount of natural scenery, white sand beaches, and colourful traditions that this cluster of islands is famous for. Oahu is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii and it is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, known as Waikiki.
Oahu is much like Singapore or Miami in the sense that you enjoy the big city experience, mixed in with some incredible natural surroundings. The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki was the perfect place for us to soak up the city and enjoy quick access to the beach, which is just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Keep reading to hear all of our highlights during our stay at the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When we first arrived at the Ritz-Carlton, we were greeted by a member of staff who was ready to drape a traditional lei over each of our necks to kick off our Hawaiian vacation. The property is incredibly luxurious, with a breezy, island feel. Our spacious suite featured modern furnishings, incredible city views, and a massive bathtub which was great for relaxing after a long flight.
WATCH OUR HOTEL TOUR BELOW
We also loved that guests have access to kitchen and laundry facilities in their rooms, which is great if you plan on staying for a longer period of time. Since we were here for just a few nights, we opted for some highly recommended restaurants in town along with the two fine dining options on site at the Ritz. On the property, there were two gorgeous infinity pools designated for kids and adults, along with a toasty hot tub which was a perfect place to finish the day when the sun would go down.
POOLSIDE LOUNGING
One of our favourite things about the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki was the extensive poolside area which featured gorgeous, fully stocked cabanas for guests to rent. Our cabana was fully equipped with a flatscreen TV, a fridge full of refreshing drinks, and a few delicious snacks. This was a great place to waste away the afternoon and soak in the Hawaii sun on their comfortable lounge chairs.
DINING EXPERIENCES: WHERE TO EAT IN WAIKIKI
It’s no secret that Hawaii is the place to go for incredible seafood. When we arrived in Oahu, we were overwhelmed with great restaurant recommendations, along with Oahu’s famous shrimp food trucks. Even at the local Foodland, you can find over 30 types of fresh poke to top your rice bowl with.
The Ritz has many culinary experiences on site, including Dean & DeLuca, which has beautiful views overlooking Waikiki Beach. If you’re craving french cuisine, La Vie will be the perfect spot for you, and if you want Italian, definitely don’t miss Quiora.
If you are looking for an excellent fine dining experience, check out Michel’s, where we had several decadent dishes like beef wellington, escargot and lobster bisque. For a more casual, beachy vibe, we also loved the Sunrise Shack, where you can find some of the best acai bowls on the island!
One of our favourite food experiences on the island was Merriman’s, an incredible restaurant that was the pioneer in Hawaii’s farm-to-table scene. We loved the octopus escargot, the fish and shrimps, and the Merriman’s caesar! Despite this being one of the busiest restaurants in Oahu, the Ritz Carlton Conceriege will luckily help you out with reservations!
ACTIVITIES
During our stay, there was one bucket list item that we were both excited and nervous to tick off. We decided to take a helicopter ride across the island with a company called Rainbow Helicopters, where we got up close and personal with the remote, rugged landscape, and marvelled at a full, circular rainbow that gleamed overtop of the crystal clear ocean. It was an absolutely exhilarating experience, and we were so glad we got over our nerves so that we could take in the most breathtaking views of Hawaii!
Another memorable experience on the island was our haku photo op with a well-known floral artist who goes by the name of Ocean Dreamer. A haku is a hand-woven lei that you wear on your head as a flower crown. This tradition has been around since antiquity, and it is still a beautiful way to embrace the Hawaiian culture if you ever have a chance to visit. The artist treated me to a gorgeous flower petal bath and scenic garden backdrop where I got some of the most beautiful pictures. She also created the most stunning, personalized haku for me to wear.
If you are planning a luxury vacation in Oahu, we highly recommend staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Waikiki. This was such a comfortable place to lounge after long days of hitting the beach and exploring the city!
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