Moana Lani Spa

A few Saturdays ago, I was invited by the Moana Lani Spa to spend the day basking at their tranquil oceanfront oasis. Nestled inside the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort and Spa, the Moana Lani is perfectly positioned to offer its bliss seekers the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. If you have never been, let me start by setting the scene. Guests are invited to relax and unwind both pre and post treatments in the Spa lounge, where the beauty of the turquoise Pacific and gently swaying palms are the main attraction. Let the sound, scent and sight of the ocean fill every corner of your mind as the most gorgeous beach day plays out from the view of your lounge chair. 

On my day at Moana Lani, I enjoyed a Heavenly Signature Massage and Personalized Facial. Choosing the stone of my choice (love, gratitude or hope), I set my intention, while the aromatic oil and expert touch of the Moana Lani's therapists worked their magic. After the expert rub down and glass of champagne, it was time for a facial, which included all natural ESPA products that worked to deeply cleanse and exfoliate my skin through a mask and massage. 

After the treatments, the world class view of Waikiki's shoreline continued from the sauna and hot tub as did my state of pure bliss. Days spent like this remind me of how important it is to take care of myself. And, if I need help with that, the Moana Lani Spa has me covered both head to toe, heart and mind. 

Moana Lani Spa, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, 808-237-2535, 2365 Kalakaua Ave, the 96815. 

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Summer in the City

Summer in the 96815 is upon us and I'm kicking it off in style at the Shoreline Hotel, Waikiki. Just off Kalakaua Avenue, the Shoreline boasts sleek, minimalist rooms that nail Waikiki’s island/city vibe.  Endless dining, shopping, nightlife and Waikiki Beach are all within walking distance from this boutique high-rise property. Looking out over the cityscape from the Shoreline's rooftop pool, I'm lost in the sight of Waikiki’s famous mid-century architecture nestled between the royal blue sea and the intensely green Ko'olau mountains in a late afternoon summer sky. The sight brings a feeling that anything is possible in this magical urban paradise.  All you need is a colorful summer dress, a stylish bikini and a sense of adventure to get carried away this summer in the city.

Shoreline Hotel, 342 Seaside Avenue, the 96815. Check out their site www.ShorelineHotelWaikiki.com for room rates and specials!

Photos by Ijfke Ridgley

Taormina

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a friend for lunch at the Sicilian restaurant, Taormina, in Waikiki. I arrived hungry and ready to chow down, so we went for a tasting of the chef's latest and greatest menu items. If you have been to Taormina, you know that it is a deliciously slow, fine dining experience. The pace is perfect for me. When things taste this good, I like to savor every last bite. At lunch, however, savoring time isn't always on the menu. I am generally not a lady who has time to lunch, so I was pleasantly surprised to find Taormina now offers a lunch menu that can be served up fast if you are short on time.  Favorite dishes: Pork Milanese and the Seared Ahi salad. The rich, tasty balsamic vinegar tomato sauce served over a perfectly crisp pork cutlet is superb! The fresh seared Ahi salad is tasty, lighter fare and lovely to look at (while it lasts!). Taormina has perfected savory fine dining in a flash and I wouldn't expect anything less from Chef Hiro. A true craftsman, he travels to Italy a few times a year to study and to scout out new dishes to bring all the way back to the 96815. Any time of day, I say, "Bravo, Taormina!"

The 96815 Tip! Taormina is offering 50% off the prix fixe lunch menu every Sunday through March from 11am to 3pm. Normally $42, enjoy a four course Sicilian style dining experience for $21! Free parking with validation at Wyndham and Embassy Suites during lunch, daily. 

Taormina, Sunday to Thursday 11am - 10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am - 11pm, ph. 808-926-50550, 227 Lewers Street, the 96815. 

Back to Bills

Most people know bills Waikiki for their famous banana ricotta hotcakes. It's not easy to dine here without ordering this signature scrumptious dish, even for dinner. On this visit, I resisted the urge as I was dying to try their gorgeous new menu items, which proved to be just as wonderful. Both sweet and savory toasts have been added to the lineup. A colorful, jaw dropping raspberry and vanilla jam, labneh and pistachio on toasted brioche and a lightly tea smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, pea shoots and edamame number layered high atop fresh toasted rye were pure brunch perfection!  I could just eat these two forever, but then we were introduced to their friends: the healthy charged buckwheat bowl (quinoa, avocado, beets, poached egg, harissa) and zucchini fritters served with fried egg, cucumber and haloumi cheese. Meatless never looked so good! Of course, all accompanied by stumptown coffee and lattes endlessly flowing for another one of my favorite days spent at bills. And hey, it feels great to support the only green certified restaurant in Waikiki! High efficiency kitchen fixtures, biodegradable takeout containers/cups, LED lights that turn off during bright, sunny daylight hours and local/sustainable produce and meat whenever possible all help to lighten bills carbon footprint on our lovely island paradise.

bills - food you can feel good about!

More delicious stuff to come from bills in 2016! An all new Happy Hour from 3 to 6pm beginning in March - stay tuned!

bills, daily 7am to 10pm, ph. 808.922.1500, 280 Beach Walk, the 96815.