Review: Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki

_Location: Espacio sits directly opposite Kuhio Beach Park – a prime section of Waikiki Beach – on Kalakaua Avenue, the label-lined main street that runs through the heart of Waikiki, affording excellent access to top sights.

_{First impressions:} The property gives off an air of exclusivity as soon as we arrive, with a doorman ushering us through a discreet entrance and chilled champagne offered over check-in. The concept is simple – nine floors, nine suites – but nothing prepares us for the apartment that awaits us.

Plush bedrooms are immaculately designed in hues of ivory and cream, and equipped with Dyson hairdryers, straighteners and curlers; there are multiple bathrooms clad in Italian marble, one of which features a sauna; and a full-sized kitchen is stocked with welcome treats. On the oceanfront terrace, a whirlpool bath bubbles away flanked by daybeds. Espacio says it is redefining the hotel concept – and it’s hard to disagree.

_{The facts:} Honolulu-based hotel management company Aqua-Aston Hospitality’s flagship property opened in September 2019 following a $50 million renovation of the Aston Waikiki Beachside. Its somewhat thwarted opening just months before the pandemic means it still feels like a well-kept secret, but recent accolades should change that (the property recently became the only hotel in Hawaii to be awarded a five-star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide).

The suites – which range from one to three-bedroom – feature private entrances, as well as a dedicated service lift for the 24/7 butler and staff. An intimate restaurant, Mugen, offers fine-dining French-Japanese fare and a 500-bottle wine cellar. Wellness space The Spa at Espacio features treatments using ocean botanicals, while a compact rooftop infinity pool is the ultimate spot to bask in the Hawaiian sunshine.

_{Ideal for:} Multigenerational groups, long-stay travellers and clients who require ultimate privacy. Those seeking a lively, convivial atmosphere might be left wanting.

_Explore: Head to Kuhio Beach Park to paddle in the warm ocean and watch the surfers skirt the waves. This section of beach is protected by a breakwater, making it perfect for those with young children. Wander the shops and restaurants of downtown Waikiki (poke bowls, lobster rolls and mai tais are a must) or book a surf lesson – most beginners learn in the gentle shallows a little further up the coast.

_Wow: My jaw hit the floor when the lift opened out on to the rooftop pool. Not only did we have it to ourselves – Espacio requires guests book individual 90-minute slots – but the setting is truly serene. At night, fire torches are lit and the concierge team can arrange a private sunset caviar experience.

_{Book it:} Suites start at $3,500 a night.
espaciowaikiki.com