Just coming home from two back-to-back lengthy trips (out of country and out of state) my body was in need of a good therapeutic massage. I was invited to try a brand new treatment at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa in Waikiki. 

Na Ho'ola Spa often features new promotions and specialty treatments aimed at channeling complete relaxation and body balance. These rejuvenating wraps, scrubs, facials and more often utilize exclusive products and one-of-a-kind innovative techniques.

The Sea Holistic Relaxation Massage starts with a delicate body scrub using sugar-like mineral crystals... and begins with the arms, legs and then back.  The body scrub is a no-rinse powder that serves as a smooth yet creamy exfoliant. A towel is used to gently wipe the Phytomer crystals from your skin and the Creamy Body Scrub with Oligomer Crystals powder is then removed in preparation for the massage. 

In an effort to recharge the skin and rejuvenate the body, Phytomer Bi-Phase Massage Concentrate with Oligomer is applied for the full-body massage. This truly was one of the best massages I've ever had. Although the main purpose of this massage is relaxation I like extra firm pressure and have some problem areas that need a bit more attention. Typically my hips and lower back are a bit tight and I like my massages to get deep into the tissue and muscles. 

Using a technique similar to lomi lomi but also the various movements of the ocean and rolling tides, the massage was outstanding and really got into those problem areas. The product used is meant to replenish minerals while strengthening the skin. This was wonderful as my legs and arms were very dry and I needed to replenish the minerals in my body. The oil in the lotion is aimed at improving circulation and the storage of water, meanwhile the epidermis is smoothed and recharged. The 80 minute holistic treatment was absolutely relaxing, yet recharging and extremely therapeutic. My skin felt silky soft, hydrated and all muscles relaxed. Once complete take a moment to sip fruit infused water and enjoy the turquoise blue Pacific Ocean views for as long as you like. A great respite that will leave you ready to take on the world. 

Na Ho'ola Spa 
New Promotion - Sea Holistic Relaxation Massage 80 minutes $195 valid through April 30, 2018. 
Includes all products used during treatment, spa access (showers, locker room, amenities) to enjoy during the day, beverages and relaxation lounge. 
2424 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96825
(808) 237-6330 nahoolaspahnlrw@hyatt.com
Open 8:30am-9pm

As a child I have fond memories of watching the Winter Olympics on TV. I was a young girl on the island of Kauai with dreams of being a figure skater one day. I remember my mom buying me rollerblades and I used to skate in the driveway and imagine that I was on a rink. You can only imagine my excitement when I realized my upcoming trip to Seoul was taking place during the opening of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. I had my sights set on getting there, seeing it and hopefully meeting an athlete or two. 

The road to the Olympics was a bit of a bumpy one. We didn't have tickets and didn't know how we were going to get there. In total I was traveling with 5 friends and nailing down when we would go, what to see and how we would get there was a bit tedious. When we finally agreed on what we wanted to see the tickets to the events were selling out so quick that we were left with no other option but to try and grab whatever we could. 

I registered with the official olympics site and purchased 5 tickets for the women's snowboarding half-pipe final the same day as our return flight to Hawaii. After buying the tickets I realized booking the train tickets was no easy task as much of the routes were sold out too. But in the end I had faith that it was all going to work out and we would get there. 

We decided it would be best to go Sunday (the day before our departure). We managed to score additional tickets on the train from Seoul to the nearest train station. After arriving in PyeongChang we managed to snatch up 6 tickets to the Cross Country Skiing event that afternoon. Watch the video below for a look at the journey. Sadly, I don't have more images or videos as the weather was so cold my iPhone kept shutting off every time I took it out. 

Gladly though, it was really such a dream come true. I love every moment. Being there, the excitement, all the people in attendance from across the globe, the camaraderie, live music, emcee, sound blaring from the speakers and even the risers and ice were all a part of the experience. It was truly incredible to be there amongst these world class athletes and to see their friends and family making the voyage to cheer them on. This truly was a day I will never forget! 

Known for their Asian-inspired cuisine P.F. Chang's Waikiki always delivers fresh food, bold flavors and generous portions. I was invited to attend a tasting of the latest menu inspirations and entrees created for Chinese New Year and the Valentine's Day prix fixe menu. 

One of my fondest memories visiting LA was always stopping at P.F. Chang's -- now with their Waikiki restaurant sometimes I have to be reminded that we have one here on Oahu. While they offer the classic items you can find at any restaurant around the world they also offer some specialty dishes that are unique to Hawaii. 

The Mongolian Beef is probably one of my all time favorite dishes, I could eat an entire serving with a bowl of white rice. Adding shrimp to it makes it a phenomenal combo. 

Here's a look at some of the new menu items and also some of the classic favorites:
NEW
Asian Caesar Salad
Surf & Turf Mongolian Beef and Shrimp
Salt & Pepper Shrimp with Spicy Garlic Noodles (special for Chinese New Year celebration)
Uncle's Ice Cream Sandwich (Valentine's Day). 

It's been a few years since I visited M.A.C. 24/7 in Waikiki. Admittedly, this is the location where I had my bridal shower (in the fabulous private dinning room) and I think I may have been back once after that, but kind of forgot about the restaurant which is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Compared to other 24-hour eateries the cuisine here has really stepped up and offers classic American fare with local ingredients and familiar Hawaiian flavors. 

In December (Executive Chef Rey Baysa) they started adding new dishes and began shaking things up when it comes to the traditional classics. Here's a look at some of the new menu items along with some of the signature specialities I'd recommend trying. 

NEW:
Bacon Bloody Mary
Mushroom Swiss Burger
Honey Chicken & Ham Sandwich
Double Decker Grilled Mac & Cheese
Smoked Half Rack baby Back Ribs
Donut Split Sundae

AWESOME CLASSICS:
Fried Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites
Ahi Poke Stack
Mochi Pancakes -- these were phenomenal (highlight of the night + gluten free).
Hawaiian Moonfish Tacos
Pina Colada Creme Brûlée
Ooey Gooey Mac nut Brownies