Hawai'i- A Sense of Place

Mary Philpotts' design book

Guestroom Hawai'i Prince Hotel Waikiki

Luxury Suite Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

Some of the more enduring- and iconic- images I remember from my days in Hawai'i are the interior designs by Mary Philpotts.  Whenever I need my “fix” of classic and timeless Hawai'i-style, I flip through the pages of Aunty Mary’s book “Hawai’i- A Sense of Place”.  Aunty Mary creates environments that are an artful blend of the outdoors, a simple and understated lifestyle, and an eclectic mix of old and new, Western and Eastern, and modern and traditional furnishings.  I was excited to hear that she just completed a “re-fresh” of the 521 guestrooms at the Hawai'i Prince Hotel Waikiki and the 96 luxury suites and oceanfront guestrooms at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Big Island.

The early reviews are in from Waikiki and here’s the news from the coconut wireless:  “Spiffy and crisp, the multi-million dollar room renovation brings new sophistication with an island-vibe to this marina front gem. Mary Philpotts, in her signature style, provides a "sense of place" with her usual classy, understated touch.  Always a favorite, the hotel's welcoming staff, convenient location and spectacular views all remain unchanged...exactly what we hoped for!”

I look forward to visiting soon because I know Mary Philpotts’ designs are not to be missed.

With additional reporting by Margaret Kearns from Honolulu