Recently in Hawaii Category

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Global Development and Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa. Over the past few weeks, he has been sharing stories from his recent trip to Hawaii, where he visited Heavenly Spas across the islands.

About 12 years ago, I lived in Hawaii and first learned how to surf on the island of Maui. At that time, the only person I knew of who was doing stand-up paddleboarding was Laird Hamilton, the famous big wave surfer who was always looking for new ways to conquer the ocean's energy. The sport has come a long way since then and now stand-up paddle surfers can be seen along the beaches of all of Hawaii's islands. I tried it in front of the Sheraton Waikiki and I have to say it is harder than it looks. Getting balanced on the board takes some getting used to. But once you get the feel for it, stand-up paddleboarding can be very peaceful and zen-like, almost giving you the experience of walking on water.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Global Development and Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa. Over the past few weeks, he has been sharing stories from his recent trip to Hawaii, where he visited Heavenly Spas across the islands.

I would suggest doing the "Surf and Spa" package while at The Westin Moana Surfrider Resort. Okay, technically this package doesn't really exist (yet), but I can't think of a better way to spend the day in Oahu than taking an early morning surfing or paddleboard lesson on Waikiki beach and then having a relaxing massage and spa day at the Heavenly Spa. The couples' suites in the spa have incredible views of the surfing so you may be able to pick up some additional pointers on your surfing technique while soaking in the tub or having your massage.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Global Development and Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa. Over the past few weeks, he has been sharing stories from his recent trip to Hawaii, where he visited Heavenly Spas across the islands.

When I think of Hawaii, I think of surfing the clear blue waves crashing gently onto soft white sand beaches. Or hiking through bamboo forests to reach crystalline pools under soothing waterfalls. But at Waikiki, one of the biggest attractions is the world class shopping on Kalakaua Avenue. Personally, I'm not much of a shopper, but I did do some "window shopping" by watching the hustle and bustle of the busy street from the window of my elliptical trainer in the well-placed Westin Workout gym at the Westin Moana Surfrider Resort.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Global Development and Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa. During the next few weeks, he will be sharing stories from his recent trip to Hawaii where he visited Heavenly Spas across the islands.

One of the most beautiful places in the world to have a spa treatment has to be the "papa'I" (outdoor cabana) on the cliffs of The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas overlooking the North shore of Kauai. Since it is away from other areas of the resort, you feel a sense of privacy and silence, and yet you are also out in the open with expansive views of the Hawaiian Pacific below. The "Na Lani Mea" package (translated "heavenly things") combines a traditional Lomi Lomi massage with a an aromatherapy facial.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Global Development and Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa. During the next few weeks, he will be sharing stories from his recent trip to Hawaii where he visited Heavenly Spas across the islands.

The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas has set up a new outdoor spa area just outside of its Heavenly Spa in order to offer outdoor massage and exclusive evening spa events. During their Spa Ritual event, held Monday evenings, guests are treated to discounted mini-spa treatments including massage, eye, and lip treatments. The spa's White Tiger Wellness team (yoga and tai chi instructors) are also on hand to talk about mind-body wellness with guests. The best part is breathing in some wonderful Hawaiian essential oils while watching the sun set behind the island of Lanai.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Global Development and Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa. During the next few weeks, he will be sharing stories from his recent trip to Hawaii where he visited Heavenly Spas across the islands.

The best part about staying at the The Westin Moana Surfrider Resort is its sense of place and history. The hotel is over 100 years old, located right on the beach where surfing first became popular. Eating breakfast on the lanai overlooking Diamond Head and the throngs of surfers playing in the waves, you can't help but feel a sense of old Hawaii.