Vacationing The Healthy Way
Vino & Vinyasa at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in Waikiki. Photo courtesy Starwood Waikiki
Last Thursday, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in Waikiki took part in the global launch of the Westin Well-being Movement, a $15-million campaign designed to enhance the well-being of guests and associates in its properties around the world, as well as in their surrounding communities.
The yearlong initiative features a variety of innovative partnerships and programs across Westin’s six brand pillars: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well.
For example, at Moana Surfrider, guests and associates now are able to enjoy Superfood breakfast and dinner options, yoga, meditation and more.
Surfboard racks have been installed on property to make it convenient for employees who want to catch some waves before and/or after work. Fresh, made-to-order salads also are offered to its staff at the low price of $6 to encourage healthy eating.
For guests, a meditation room is available at Moana Lani Spa for those who simply want some quiet time.
And at The Veranda, where afternoon tea is a longtime island tradition, new tea menus have been added for those with gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diets.
The iconic hotel also will continue its popular Vino & Vinyasa, held the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. and featuring a free yoga class on the hotel’s beachfront Diamond Lawn or Moana Beach, followed by vino ($5 per glass of wine). Held in partnership with lululemon, it’s open to the public. There’s no age requirement to participate in the yoga session, but guests must be 21 or older to enjoy the wine.
“This was a way for Moana Surfrider to do community outreach and speak through the Westin brand’s Wellness component, which is a global initiative,” says Diana Su, public relations manager. “Plus, our resort’s owners, Kyoya Management Co., supports great community events that locals can attend free of charge and interact with our hotel guests while staying healthy in both mind and body.”
Instructors vary throughout the year, and anyone with any level of yoga experience is invited to participate. Last month’s class was led by Coco Zhang, who specializes in Bhatki Flow.
“Lululemon helps us secure the instructors, who are their ambassadors,” adds Su. “Also, their clothing line helps us spread the word throughout the yoga community to help drive more interest.”
As for the vino afterward, there are usually two types of organic wines served – white and red.
To register for Vino & Vinyasa, kamaaina and resort guests can email moanalanispaevents.00374@westin.com or call 922-3111.
Parking validation is available for those who self-park at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani ($4 for four hours).
In Hawaii, there are three more Westin properties: Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Westin Maui Resort & Spa and Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas. For more information, visit westin.com.
yting@midweek.com
