Prevue May-June 2017 - 28

Above: Rendering of Prince Waikiki's rooftop pool

grounds are regarded as a wahi pana, or a sacred place, to the
Hawaiian people. Traditional Hawaiian quilting classes for all levels of
learning are held every Saturday in the palace's old archives building.
The island of Oahu is also widely regarded as the birthplace
of surfing (Duke Kahanamoku, the "father of modern surfing" has
been immortalized in bronze on Kuhio Beach) so groups would
be remiss not to hit the waves. Waikiki's calm waters offer a prime
opportunity for beginners, and Surf Hawaii Surf School as well
as Nancy Emerson Aloha Surf Clinics, the first surfing school to
open in Hawaii, offer instruction to small incentive groups.
Oahu's 35 hiking trails entice attendees to get outdoors and
get inspired. While hiking Oahu's North Shore, groups should stop
by for a bite at one of the area's many shrimp food trucks. Another
"must" is the trek to Makapuu Point Lighthouse, positioned on
the cliffs overlooking Makapuu Beach. In the Valley of the Temples,
groups will certainly want to ring the Byodo-In Temple's three-ton
brass bell for happiness and longevity. Yoga sessions under the
deep drone of the temple bell with roaming peacocks, black swans
and lounging turtles intermixed add to the ambiance.
Waikiki Beach is also worth a look as new and revitalized
hotels bring new meeting possibilities to the area. The 563-room
Prince Waikiki, formerly Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf
Club, just underwent a $55 million rebranding that injected local
elements that once flourished at the site. The hinana fish is
reflected in an 800-piece lobby art installation made of copper
by local artists, as well as throughout guest rooms, which also
feature organic products, painted murals of indigenous flowers and
floor-to-ceiling windows that open for the Hawaiian breeze. The

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100 Sails Restaurant & Bar is a top gathering spot for corporate
groups. A new infinity pool, Prince Waikiki Club lounge, Muliwai
Deck and remodeled event spaces also speak to this local vibe.
Waikiki also saw the opening of the Hyatt Centric Waikiki
Beach in the former Waikiki Trade Center, offering tapas-style dining, as
well as quick access to popular attractions like the Diamond Head trail
or the 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch, where eco-adventures happen and
countless movies have been filmed. This brand is expected to nearly
double its portfolio globally by the end of 2019.

FORT LAUDERDALE & HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA
A luxury vibe is rolling into Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Fla., via
a wave of new high-end and hyperlocal restaurants and hotels. It all
began with the opening of Hyde Resort & Residences this past
January, a 362-suite property overlooking the Atlantic with infinity
pools, a sprawling sun deck, eco-spa and a curated art collection
that extends to the property's two meeting spaces (for up to 75).
European-inspired decor, seasonal menus, craft cocktails and two
"see and be seen" dining venues top off the experience.
The new Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, offering 290 studios
and suites, will bring 30,000 sf of indoor/outdoor meeting space
to the area when it opens later this year. The resort hotel will have
international flair with a twist, reflected in everything from "poolside
elegance" and other highbrow design touches to customized services
and amenities (the events team will even create personalized group
webpages) and Mediterranean-inspired al fresco dining.
The 2-story Four Seasons Private Residences Fort
Lauderdale will also bring it when it opens in 2019 in terms
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May-June 2017
