Pampering In Halekulani’s Paradise
Photo Courtesy of Halekulani
These days, when the savvy traveler goes on vacation, he isn’t just looking to hit up some tourist sites and try a few local restaurants. The modern jetsetter wants a unique, personalized experience he can talk about when he gets home. Since we know you fall into this category of elevated globetrotter, we’ve scoured the map for seven memorable hotel programs that feature fun, one-of-a-kind concierge services.
Enjoy Oceanfront Services in Hawaii
A new Oceanfront Concierge Service has recently been introduced at the stunning, beachside Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at historic Ka’upulehu. Everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., a team will be on-duty at the property’s seven pools and beaches. Guests can make diner reservations, book aquatic activities and create customized Hawaiian adventures while watching their kiddos build sandcastles. The concierges are also able to perform practical services as well, such as confirming flights and printing boarding passes without you ever having to leave your chaise lounge.
Romance Is In The Air (And Sands) In Bora Bora, Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc
Plan the Ultimate Tropical Proposal in Bora Bora
If you’re in need of an over-the-top way to propose to the love of your life, head to The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. This property in paradise has a team of love experts known as the Romance Concierges. Simply put, you supply the engagement ring and the St. Regis crew handles everything else. You’ll depart from the hotel’s helipad for a private helicopter tour above Bora Bora’s lagoon. As your beloved looks out the window, you point out the island of Tupai, which happens to be heart-shaped. “Wait, what’s that in the sand?” she asks. The words “Marry Me” will be written in coconuts on the private beach. Naturally, when you land, champagne and flutes will await you and your future spouse’s first toast as a soon-to-be-married couple.
Explore the Nation’s Rich History in New York City
The Four-Star Waldorf Astoria New York originally opened in 1893 and re-opened at its current location in 1931. Being 84 years old, the hotel has a rich past that is worth investigating. Not only are daily historical tours offered, but the property also has a hotel archivist. This educated staff member collects items from New York City’s hospitality history — photos, old uniforms, former menus and vintage art drawings — and displays them around the hotel.
Tasting With Chef Agarwal, Photo Courtesy of Loews Hotels & Resorts
Take a Chef’s Market Tour in San Francisco
Foodies who book a stay at the Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel have an opportunity to go on the ultimate market walking tour. Led by Loews executive chef, Amol Agarwal, the one-hour Saturday morning tour that starts at the hotel before venturing a very short walk over to the Ferry Building, a landmark that’s home to restaurants, artisanal food shops and, on Saturdays, a massive farmer’s market. All the city’s best chefs shop the market and Agarwal, almost playing the role of a culinary concierge, will introduce you to some of his favorite farmers and purveyors. Sip Blue Bottle Coffee and savor many tasty treats, such as melt-in-your mouth prosciutto from Boccalone or Cowgirl Creamery’s decadent cheese, while you walk through the building, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the city hosting the Panama-Pacific International Exposition this year.
Curate Culture in Mexico City
At Four-Star The St. Regis Mexico City, you are invited to set up an appointment with a cultural curator. These esteemed team members can arrange private tours at museums and landmarks, provide insider access to top curators at the attractions and share invitations to special openings and events. As there is more to culture than art, the cultural curators can also create a one-of-a-kind, in-room personal shopping experience. Who wouldn’t want to return from a leisurely lunch and find your hotel closet filled with an assortment of designer clothing, from both internationally known and trendsetting local designers? The curators can set you up with a running experience with a local marathoner, too. Once you’re laced up, you will be guided through Mexico City’s massive park and national heritage site, Chapultepec Chapel.
Wine Expert Tegan Wilson, Photo Courtesy of Hotel Healdsburg
Access Acclaimed Vitners in Wine Country
At Northern California’s Hotel Healdsburg, you can sip your way through Sonoma’s best vineyards. The chief wine concierge, Tegan Wilson, who has been at the hotel for over 10 years, will work with you to create the most individualized tasting experience possible. Access wineries that are otherwise closed to the public, get a private tour with a winemaker and receive discounts on food and wine pairings to some of the region’s most prestigious wineries, including Lancaster, Copain and Williams Selyem. Wilson is quite approachable and fast to share her wisdom of the area. Looking for the next big winemaker? Wondering what winery is having the best season? Want to add a prized vintage to your cellar? She can answer all of those between sips of zinfandel.
Live Well in Honolulu
The Four-Star SpaHalekulani at Four-Star Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu has premiered a Living Well program which includes a series of wellness lectures, a cleanse and lifestyle coaching sessions. In-house lifestyle coach, Kamala Skipper, sets guests up with the tools to self-motivate, self-regulate and create long-lasting life changes. Packages include a nutritional consolation, a personal training session, a spa service and personalized emails and phone support with Skipper. One-on-one consultations are available as well. During complimentary 60-minute lectures that happen the last Saturday of every month (November 28’s focus will be on the connection between the mind and body), hotel guests will also learn how to reduce stress, add years to their lives, realize the connection between the mind and physical health and understand why movement is crucial to a happy body and mind.
