B on Hawaii

With summer in full swing, anyone not embarking on a European holiday or mainland sojourn tshould consider a neighbor island jaunt to one of many inn experiences we are lucky to have among us. We’ve written at length about the quaint (and historic) Shipman House in lush Hilo; you’ve drooled over the elite homes of Pure Kauai, as well as some stunning oceanfront estates on O‘ahu. But it’s been a while since we directed our gaze towards the coffee-laden hillsides above Kona—and the sublimely serene Holualoa Inn.

Sometimes a girl comes across a deal so good, she doesn’t want to share it. But I’m not that kind of girl, so read on...
When I signed up for my facial at the Makana Academy and Spa, I had braced myself for “the student experience”. Memories of botched hair colorings, blotchy skin and all the dreamt nightmares of having someone inexperienced work their magic on those looking to save a dime are impossible to neglect. Yet

Last week it hit me: It’s a New Year—and I should try new things. So I took the opportunity to experience Mandara Spa’s new Shiatsu treatment, something that I had experienced years ago, but hadn’t revisited in quite some time. Since I am generally first in line for the deep tissue or hot stone therapy, I decided it was high-time I learned what has made the ancient art of Shiatsu so popular—and long lasting—in Japan.

We’ve said it before: This dismal economy has its silver linings. Today, it comes in the form of a stellar “stay-cation” for kama‘aina interested in heading to the Valley Isle between now and the end of the year. Kapalua, Maui is the destination.

Eager to spread the word that the Spa at Trump is open for business as a day spa, the swank locale is opening its doors on December 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for an open preview of treatments, available on a first-come basis. Having attended one of these events earlier this month, we can safely say it’s a worthy few hours of pampering, which is sure to initiate a few long-term followers.

One thing we c

Maui lovers rejoice! Perhaps one of the best "steals" out there in the accommodations scene is the newly announced kama`aina rates (for local residents) at the Kapalua Villas. Now managed by Outrigger Resorts, the Villas are currently being offered at $159 per night.

Four Seasons doesn't let much time slip by without a major renovation or improvement to one of their deluxe Hawaii properties. This week, it's the Hualalai locale that announces the completion of a 15-month, $40 million face lift.

As most retailers strive to remain open during these waning "hunker down" months, Michael Zhang has taken Blue Hawaii LifeStyle Café to unprecedented heights. This month, he opens a second location, at 1111 Bishop Street in downtown Honolulu, while plans for a third store, to open in San Francisco—are slated for May 2010.

When Dana Roberts launched her Malie Organics line of spa products, she was looking to share the healing properties of botanical elements found throughout Hawai`i with those who would appreciate them most. She found a symbiotic partnership at Halele'a Spa in the St. Regis Princeville, where, as far as she knows, they are the only spa in the world to use taro for body treatments.