Hawaii – Mitch's Muse

Halekulani Corp., which owns and manages both Halekulani and the Waikiki Parc Hotel on Oahu, Hawaii, has appointed Ulrich Krauer to the position of general manager of Halekulani. Krauer, who has helmed several of the world’s most iconic hotels during the course of his career, will join Halekulani on Aug. 27, 2012, and will be responsible for directing all aspects of day-to-day management and operations of the legendary 453-room property. This announcement was made by Peter Shaindlin, chief operating officer of Halekulani Corp.

“From its modest beginning as a private beachfront estate to its current incarnation as one of the world’s most acclaimed properties, Halekulani has maintained a steadfast commitment to leadership, excellence and to offering an extraordinary guest experience,” said Shaindlin in a news release. “I know that Ulrich’s exceptional expertise, professionalism and values will safeguard the Halekulani legacy and ensure that Halekulani continues to represent an incomparable standard of excellence.”

“It is both a privilege and a pleasure for me to take on the role of general manager of Halekulani, a property that is renowned throughout the world for its gracious hospitality, incomparable service and for exemplifying the finest in luxury hospitality,” said Krauer. “I look forward to working with its exceptionally dedicated team of professionals committed to providing guests with an experience and a spirit that is truly like no other.”

Mr. Krauer most recently served as asset manager to Somerset Grace Bay in the Caribbean and, previously, as general manager of Kona Village Resort on the Big Island. In addition, he has held the position of manager director and General Manager at the St. Regis Monarch Beach and Sonoma Mission Inn in California; Hotel Crescent Court in Dallas, Texas; Hotel La Samanna in St. Martin, French West Indies and the legendary Hotel Bel Air in Beverly Hills. He also served as resident manager at the Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and the Grand Bay Hotel Miami. Mr. Krauer’s international experience includes management positions in five-star properties in Bern, Davos, Locarno, St. Moritz and Vevey in Switzerland; Megeve, France; St. Andrews, Scotland; Costa Smeralda in Sardinia and the luxury cruise ship MS Vistafjord of Norwegian America Lines.

Hailing originally from Bern, Switzerland. He is a passionate aficionado of Hawaiian culture, culinary arts and wine, and is an avid outdoor sports enthusiast.

Halekulani Corp., which includes globally-acclaimed luxury resort Halekulani and Waikiki Parc Hotel, is pleased to announce an inspiring partnership with Japan’s premier air travel provider, Japan Airlines (JAL). From June 1 to August 31, 2012, the alliance will extend the hotel’s renowned gracious hospitality and iconic services to flyers on the Narita – Honolulu route. Offering JAL’s discerning clients a taste of Halekulani Living, a unique lifestyle that is distinctly Halekulani and founded upon the core principles of Connoisseur, Wellness, Masterworks, and Legacy, this collaboration marks a new phase in the airline’s focus to extend a cultured experience and deliver a personalized service. The alliance builds upon Halekulani and JAL’s existing relationships with Japan’s legendary hotel group, Imperial Hotel, LTD of Tokyo.

“The partnerships of Halekulani, Imperial Hotel and JAL offer a powerful fusion of legacy-based world class services that provides the discerning Japanese traveler with a fluid, harmonious experience in either or both locales,” said Peter Shaindlin, chief operating officer of Halekulani Corp. in a news release. “It’s about offering the best of both worlds to every guest: two iconic, luxury independent hotels, east and west, at your personal service from door to door.”

Halekulani’s three most popular signature drinks will be offered throughout the evening in JAL’s First Class Lounge and Sakura Lounge at Narita Airport. Each beverage perfectly captures the essence of the world-class hotel. A tropical cocktail, the Halekulani Sunset features fresh guava, pineapple, rum and orchid flower. The Halekulani Iced Tea is the ideal summer infusion with a hint of lime for a refreshing finish, while the Passion Fruit Iced Tea offers a dash of sweetness from passion fruit that instantly brings a taste of Hawaii. In addition, Halekulani’s iconic Coconut Cake, featuring custard cream and a handcrafted raspberry sauce with a sprinkling of fresh coconut shavings, will be offered in JAL’s Executive Class onboard its three daily Narita-Honolulu flights.

Furthermore, as part of the alliance, all travelers who make reservations on a JAL flight to Honolulu during the Halekulani Fair taking place at Imperial Hotel Tokyo until June 30 will receive access to the JAL Sakura Lounge at Narita Airport through August 31, 2012.

Halekulani, meaning “House Befitting Heaven,” is an oasis of luxury, fine cuisine and personalized service for travelers worldwide. The property’s highly acclaimed original cocktails, refreshing iced teas and signature coconut cake, served every day at the hotel’s historical House Without A Key outdoor lounge and at award-winning Orchids restaurant represent one of the many unparalleled experiences of Halekulani.

For additional details on the collaboration, please visit www.jal.co.jp/japan/collaboration/halekulani/. For additional information on Halekulani, go to www.halekulani.com.