Halekulani Appoints New Spa Director
Gloria Williams-Ah Sam for SpaHalekulani

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HONOLULU – September 2005. SpaHalekulani, the luxurious oasis at Honolulu’s acclaimed Halekulani resort, has named Gloria Williams-Ah Sam as its new Spa Director. Overseeing all aspects of the world-renowned spa’s day-to-day operations, Ms. Williams-Ah Sam will also design and implement new, exotic and rejuvenating spa experiences. SpaHalekulani is known for its indulgent service standards and array of distinctive island healing experiences, such as the full-body Polynesian Nonu and Ton Ton Amma and spa expressions including Elegant Passage and Heavenly Journey, among others.

“Ms. Willams-Ah Sam is an esteemed industry professional and brings a wealth of knowledge, innovative thinking and thoughtful customer service to SpaHalekulani. We look forward to unveiling her fresh, new spa-treatment ideas, destined to enhance an already exquisite spa experience at Halekulani,” said Janis Clapoff, General Manager of Halekulani.

Ms. Williams-Ah Sam has more than 13-years of experience in spa management and luxury hospitality. Most recently she served as Spa Manager for Abhasa Waikiki Spa at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Honolulu. Prior experience also includes Malama Salon and Spa, Frederic Fekkai Company, and Liberty House at Macy’s, Honolulu.  Ms. William-Ah Sam is known for her excellent operational skills, knowledge of spa, health and wellness industry trends, and personable clientele rapport.

Gray’s Beach, which fronts Halekulani, was known to early Hawaiians for its healing waters or “kawehewehe,” and this legacy continues with SpaHalekulani, which opened its oasis in 2003. The first spa to fully explore the healing traditions of the Pacific Islands, SpaHalekulani provides guests with an all-enveloping experience appealing to the inner self and creating a harmonious fusion of senses that promotes well being beyond skin deep…a respite that is elegantly spiritual, cultural and emotional.

Halekulani, which celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2004, is the recipient of innumerable awards, honoraria and accolades. In its ongoing commitment to hospitality excellence, the property recently unveiled the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani. This exceptional 2,135 square foot suite sets a new standard in sensual elegance by uniting the superb taste and design sensibility of the esteemed designer with the iconic aesthetic of Halekulani.

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About SpaHalekulani
Consistently ranked among the world’s best hotels, Halekulani is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Okura Hotels & Resorts, two exclusive organizations comprised of the very finest hotels, pursuing service excellence and standards of the highest quality.  SpaHalekulani opened its doors in April 2002, and since then, has consistently been recognized for its luxurious spa services.  From 2004 to 2006, SpaHalekulani has received four-star status from Mobile Travel Guide.  2005 MassageToday.com ranked SpaHalekulani as Best Massage, and in April 2006, Condé Nast Traveler rated SpaHalekulani as being the number two Best Spa in North America.  Since 2005 and in 2006, SpaHalekulani has been a member of Accredited Leading Spa.  In addition, SpaHalekulani is a member of ISPA.

About Halekulani
Consistently ranked among the world’s best hotels, Halekulani is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Okura Hotels & Resorts, two exclusive organizations pursuing service excellence and standards of the highest quality. Travel + Leisure ranked Halekulani as one of the top 20 hotels in the world in 2006, while the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani was named one of the 50 most romantic destinations in the world. Also in 2006, the three year-old SpaHalekulani was named a “Leading Spa of the World” and the #2 best resort spa in North America by Conde Nast Traveler. In addition, Halekulani’s fine dining restaurant La Mer is Hawaii’s only AAA-Five Diamond Restaurant, holding this esteemed rating for 17-consecutive years, as well as being voted #8 of “America’s Top 100 Hotel Restaurants” by Zagat in 2006. The Leading Hotels of the World, ltd. has bestowed Halekulani with its annual Quality Award, making the Waikiki resort the only Leading Hotel to achieve this prestigious honor in either the United States or Canada.

Halekulani is managed by the Hotels and Resorts of Halekulani, a brand management division of the Honolulu-based Halekulani Corporation, which also manages Waikiki Parc Hotel.  For reservations and information contact your travel planner or the hotel at (800) 367-2343 or (808) 923-2311.  Reservations can also be made through Halekulani’s website at www.halekulani.com.