In Hawaii and beyond, Aqua-Aston Hospitality is looking forward to a strong and exciting 2024. New experiences have recently been introduced at multiple Aloha State properties, as well as at resorts in Arizona and Costa Rica, keeping things fresh for guests. And this year, the company will expand its footprint in the continental U.S. with a dual-branded property in Tempe, Ariz.
We recently chatted with Theresa van Greunen, assistant vice president of corporate communications for Aqua-Aston Hospitality, to learn about what the company has been up to recently, what is going to be hot in the year ahead and more. Here are the highlights.
First of all, what’s new at Aqua-Aston’s Hawaii properties?
Travel advisors can book clients at recently renovated properties including Aqua Palms Waikiki, named one of Oahu’s Best Boutique Hotels by Hawaii Magazine in 2023, and Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel, located just steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach. Visitors will love the refreshed look and comfort both properties offer with updated in-room furnishings and amenities.
Across our properties, we’ve also taken steps to enhance our guests’ responsible travel experience, from eliminating single-use plastics to forging partnerships with the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Bishop Museum to offer guests complimentary visits and the chance to learn about Hawaii’s heritage through engaging exhibits.
A Deluxe Junior Suite at Aqua Palms Waikiki
Credit: 2024 Aqua-Aston HospitalityOn the property level, Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki debuted an all-new breakfast experience at its five-star restaurant, Mugen, featuring an elevated loco moco with A5 Wagyu and a lobster eggs benedict. The restaurant has introduced a reimagined dinner experience, as well.
How about updates for hotels outside of Hawaii?
Botanika Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica just celebrated its one-year anniversary and unveiled signature beach club experiences, including guided birdwatching and a rainforest cruise along Golfo Dulce for more up-close encounters with nature.
Looking ahead, what are the company’s plans for 2024 (and beyond)?
We’re excited to expand our footprint in the continental United States with dual-branded Fairfield Inn & Suites and TownePlace Suites Hotels in Tempe, Arizona — slated to debut in early 2024. We’re working with California-based EKN Development to bring the four-story property to life, which will include an Old West-inspired restaurant called The Way Station, an outdoor pool, spacious suites and more. The property’s prime location in Tempe’s downtown is close to Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, Arizona State University and numerous sports venues, making it an ideal home away from home for a diverse customer base.
Aqua-Aston has long been part of the Hawaii tourism scene — how is the company continuing to support Maui in its wildfire recovery efforts?
The devastating Maui fires impacted many Aqua-Aston associates, with some losing their loved ones, homes and personal belongings. Aqua-Aston is committed to helping the community recover, and has supported relief organizations including the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and the American Red Cross since the fires broke out. Our company jumped into action shortly after the fires and held brand-wide donation drives to collect essential items. As part of Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW), Aqua-Aston guests and associates have also had the opportunity to give directly to impacted colleagues by supporting MVW’s Company Relief Fund.
Sustainability is a longstanding tenet for the brand, especially in Hawaii — how are you continuing, and perhaps even accelerating, this commitment?
We recently completed the shift to bulk bathroom amenities with Hotel Emporium across our properties, saving 5.5 million single-use plastics from our annual operations. It’s been over six years since our #ForOurReef reef-safe sunscreen public education campaign began, and we’re still going strong. This initiative has become a core pillar of the Aqua-Aston Hospitality brand, and we continue to educate guests on responsible tourism in Hawaii by equipping them with reef-safe sunscreen from local brands, such as Little Hands Hawaii, as well as with reusable tote bags and water bottles.
Theresa van Greunen, assistant vice president of corporate communications for Aqua-Aston Hospitality
Credit: 2024 Aqua-Aston HospitalityEspacio The Jewel of Waikiki, a five-star boutique luxury hotel we manage on Oahu, is the most recent participant, through its new partnership with Project Reef. Project Reef sunscreen is made in Hawaii and is available on a complimentary basis to Espacio guests in suites and at the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool.
We see a lot of surveys that indicate travelers are taking sustainability more seriously than ever before. Do you see that among your guests?
We’ve found that our guests are valuing sustainable travel experiences now more than before. This is especially the case with those visiting Hawaii, as both locals and travelers want to preserve the land and culture, so people can continue enjoying the islands for years to come.
Are you seeing any emerging trends for 2024? What are your bookings indicating for the year ahead?
We’re seeing demand for our spacious suites and are finding that our customers are opting for longer stays in condominium-style properties that allow them to stay together as a group, with amenities such as full kitchens, washer/dryers and spacious living areas. Overall, vacation rental condominium units have continued to rise in popularity across Hawaii — accounting for 19% of all accommodations in the destination and marking a 13.5% increase since 2019. As a brand, we offer the most affordable, multi-bed condominium suites in Hawaii, and we’re excited to continue investing in our condominium hotel and vacation rental program into 2024.
