There are a few of you who have been with me from the very beginning of my blog…and you’ll appreciate this the most. But I’m pretty sure that all of you will understand why I’m all teary-eyed and happy as I write this.
It is through this blogging journey of nearly four years, that I have discovered, developed… and at times felt almost overtaken by a passion for writing. As you know, I am a busy (homeschooling) mom, with the same laundry, and dishes, and life-stuff to manage as everyone else. But as my love for writing has grown, I have labored to squeeze in moments (sometimes slivers of time,) to write…Sometimes late at night or in the wee hours of the morning, and sometimes just in my head as I go through my day–I write. And I have written and written.
I wrote back when the audience was oh-so-small, and sometimes it felt like such a lonely road. I wasn’t even sure why I did it or where I was heading, and I had so much self doubt and insecurity about my writing, but even then- I was always excited to start my next blog post. (weird, right? :)) Oh there is so much I could say on all of that, and sometime soon I think I will share more of my blogging journey, but the point I am trying to make now is that I’m pretty sure that I would keep writing whether there was one person or one million reading what I write.
But more recently, in my fourth year of blogging–something happened. I don’t know if my writing improved or it was timing, or luck or what…But my writing began to get spread around….a LOT….and suddenly, my audience began to grow. Of course that has been incredibly exciting. When someone tells me that I have encouraged or inspired them, I feel like all of my hard work has paid off. Knowing that what I write these days is actually reaching out across nations!? Well, it pretty much blows my mind. I couldn’t be more grateful.
So, when I received an invitation from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel to join an intimate group of “influential people” for a special night at their resort, it was almost surreal.
The invitation was for a celebration called: The Perfect Day: Waikiki, presented by The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort with One Kings Lane. (an online store I adore!)
The Royal Hawaiian has always been my favorite hotel in Waikiki. I love to wander the lovely grounds, and imagine what it was like when King Kamehameha lived on the the property. I’ve heard about their recent upgrades as they have joined the Luxury Collection of hotels, added a fabulous kids swimming pool, and have great reviews on their amazing restaurant, Azure.
Of course I accepted the invitation, but I admit that I wondered what they would be asking of me. Would there be a lecture, or a tour, or what kinds of strings might be attached? It didn’t really matter to me, because a night a night at the Royal Hawaiian? It would be worth it, regardless.
So, Tuesday afternoon came, and I arrived at the beautiful hotel. (Dave was completely happy for me, and gladly took care of the boys for the night.) I was greeted by a Hawaiian doorman with a lei, and checked in to my room. As I stepped into the garden view suite–the kind with a bedroom and a living room (!) I couldn’t decide if I wanted to jump up and down like a little girl or fall down and cry happy tears. It was beautiful! There was an iPad and bathrobes and a tray with fresh lilikoi that I immediately started popping in my mouth like candy while I turned around and around taking it all in. The room was so clean and modern but had an old-Hawaii vintage vibe all throughout–with gorgeous pink floral wallpaper, and warm tropical details everywhere.
Then I turned to the bed and had to take a double take. Next to the bed was a framed picture of my family, with a hand-written welcome note . I could hardly believe my eyes.
Then I just smiled all the while, slipping into my new dress–a (Royal Hawaiian-inspired) cream slip with islet lace overlay, and cream Tom’s heeled sandals. (I only hoped I had picked the right attire!)
Two floors down I found the Kim Kamehameha suite, which extended out onto a balcony, overlooking Waikiki beach. The event began just as the sun was going down, and I found about twenty five other people there, many looking as curious and nervous as I was. Right away I met a few super friendly women who had travelled with One Kings Lane, and soon I met a few warm and welcoming folks from the Royal Hawaiian. Trays of fancy tropical drinks were being served, and I tried to act like I do this kind of thing all of the time.
Totally normal.
(sorry, but throwing in a few iPhone photos from the night–)
A tall woman with a bright smile introduced herself as Kelly Hoen, General Manager of the hotel. I stood talking to her but all the while thinking, “Did she say General Manager of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel!?” When she said “Oh, You’re Monica–the grommom,” I’m not sure if she noticed my jaw drop to the floor. I found Kelly to be the most humble, fun, and down to earth person, (and also a mother of four!) My love for the hotel just grew by the minute.
Well, the night went on and we all gathered around a beautiful table, decorated by by One Kings Lane. Kelly, the hotel general manager, welcomed us all, and said about two sentences about the hotel, the history there, and how glad she was to have us. Andrea Stanford, Vice President of Merchandising at One Kings Lane also welcomed us, shared a little about their partnership with the Royal Hawaiian, and how soon there will be an exclusive Royal Hawaiian Line on the One King’s Lane website. (cool!)
Then they said “Let’s enjoy the meal!”
(So much for a lecture.)
We were served the exclusive Royal Papa’aina dinner, and it was presented by Shaymus Alwin, Chef de Cuisines of Azure Restaurant. Shaymus stepped out to introduce each of the courses, and the wine which was paired with each. Each course was completely unique, with perfect presentation and flavors that delighted my taste buds. From a Japanese Hamachi Crudo, to Kona Lobster Brioche, abalone–cooked tender, and bubbling with something straight from heaven, and duck–served smoking as it hit your plate. It just kept coming. I could hardly believe how good it all was. I wiped every dish clean. No shame. The chocolate peanut butter dessert, complete with toasted marshmallow, and ice cream, almost did me in.
Every detail of the night was just perfect, with a team of servers so on-it, you hardly noticed their ninja hands switching out silverware and replacing napkins. I forgot all about being nervous because the atmosphere was full of laughter and Aloha.
(As you can imagine, all-of-the -smart phones were clicking away capturing food photos all night long. Look for hashtag #lcperfectday on instagram to see everyone’s pictures from the event.)
It was a treat to meet other bloggers and instagrammers who I had never met before, and I was happy to see my friend Brooklyn of Roam Hawaii with another fashion blogger, PineappleIce.
I think every guest was touched and a bit mystified.
Maybe these things happen in other places, but something tells me that there is something very unique about Hawaii, and the Royal Hawaiian, that would bring the General Manager of a major luxury resort to take a night to hang out with a group of local bloggers and talk story. Really.
I was reminded of all that I love about our islands!
When the night was coming to a close, I had to double check with Kelly to ask if they were asking anything of us in return for the night. (I seriously thought they forgot to make an announcement!)
She just smiled and said “Go, enjoy your room!”
I took the short elevator ride back to my room at about 10:30, where my bed was turned down, and chocolate mint coins waited for me. There was also a gift bag and card, and a plate of the coolest shortbread cookies ever–with social media icons stamped on each of them. So cute! It was almost too much– I felt so spoiled, so blessed.
Now I’m sure that everyone at the event felt blessed and honored by the experience, but for me–it was even more than that. It was a kiss from Heaven. A long awaited whisper of “I’ve seen every minute of your work, and I know your heart.” And another bit of encouragement to keep doing what I love to do, with all of my heart.
I tried hard to sleep but my stomach and my mind were just too full, so I lay a long time in the cool dark room, smiling.
Sure, I had to get up the next morning and go back to another homeschool day. The laundry would be there, and no one would be turning down my bed, or serving me on a tray. But I knew I would go home full of gratitude and feeling royally spoiled.
So it is my great pleasure to say with all of my heart–I hope you will consider booking a stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel! You will not find a more gracious staff, or a more peaceful, charming resort anywhere. Absolutely book a meal at the Azure restaurant, and if lobster is on the menu–Go for it!
You’ll soon hear more about One Kings Lane here as well, because I’ve been given some shopping credit to use online, and you better believe I’m all over that!
Thank you all for letting me carry on like this about my special night. I thought you might understand my excitement! I don’t know if bigger bloggers or social media folks get this kind of thing all of the time, but I am pretty sure that my experience this week was pretty unique.
And now my friends–If I may encourage you with the encouragement that I have received:
I wish for you that whatever you do–however it is that you pour out your heart and perhaps quietly pursue your passion–you find reward in your work. If you get all kinds of perks and recognition–enjoy it–you are blessed! But if you feel like you walk a lonely road, or if you ever wonder if you’re getting anywhere, I hope you can hang in there. Rewards come in many forms, and sometimes they take a long time to come (right Moms!?) but they do find you. Press on in the things you are called to do.
To the Royal Hawaiian, and One King’s Lane, I say thank you. I am sure that every person at that event was truly blessed. But I am pretty convinced that no one–NO ONE appreciated it more than I did!
With Aloha,
Monica
The post Spoiled Royally: My Night at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. appeared first on Monica Swanson.