A new exclusive partnership between The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach and Ladurée will bring the Parisian pâtisserie, known for its macarons, to Hawai‘i for the first time.
Launching in celebration of the hotel's 10-year anniversary, the collab introduces a "collection of elevated guest experiences" that culminate in the debut of a pop-up Ladurée cafe in December, an announcement from the luxury hotel noted.
Designed as an "immersive extension of the Ladurée brand," the hotel says that the seasonal experience will transform the hotel's outdoor terrace into a Parisian-inspired garden where guests can "linger over pastries and tea beneath cafe umbrellas surrounded by lush greenery."
The partnership also includes The Ritz-Carlton Suite Collection Tea Experience with Ladurée, which is available exclusively for guests staying in the hotel's three top-floor suites, which were introduced as part of an $82 million renovation last year.
According to the announcement, the bookable, in-residence tea experience will be available through the end of the year and features a curated selection of Ladurée teas paired with its macarons, Eugénies and other signature sweets, presented in the suites.
The holiday season pop-up market, which is expected to open Dec. 4, will be Ladurée's first activation in the Islands.
"Centered around Ladurée's signature pâtisserie cart and inspired by the famed Parisian maison, the elegant outdoor cafe will invite guests to enjoy Ladurée's famed macarons, Eugénies and other signature confections beneath café umbrellas with intimate bistro seating, blending the timeless elegance of Paris with the relaxed sophistication of Waikīkī," the announcement notes.
You'll also be able to buy gift boxes of the brand's macarons and Eugénie cookies.
Hotel officials made the announcement during a media luncheon on Wednesday.
Huy Vo, director of marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, told Aloha State Daily following the luncheon and announcement that General Manager Mike Kass wanted to choose an iconic luxury brand that was not available in Hawai‘i, "because we know, especially me, for someone who's born and raised in Hawai‘i ... we go crazy, we love brands that aren't available in Hawai‘i."
"When we came across Ladurée, we thought, 'Oh my gosh, we see these similarities in between the Ritz Carlton and Ladurée,'" he continued. "We share the same values. We really are all about the craftsmanship, the pursuit of excellence, the attention to detail, and we're both iconic brands, so it was a natural fit."
"Ten years ago, we set out to create a residential luxury experience unlike anything else in Hawaiʻi, and since then, we have remained committed to thoughtfully evolving the guest experience in ways that reflect both the spirit of Oʻahu and the expectations of today’s global traveler,” Kass said in the announcement. “Ladurée is an iconic brand whose dedication to craftsmanship, artistry and timeless hospitality aligns beautifully with our own. This collaboration allows us to celebrate 10-year milestone and journey into a new era by introducing a collection of distinctive experiences that blend French elegance with the warmth and sense of place that define our property.”
As far as the response they're expecting, Vo says, "I've seen what the kama‘āina impact and effect does for brands' foray into the Hawai‘i market. I think we need to be prepared."
Vo says, too, that while the cafe will debut for the holiday season, it will remain open past New Years. More details, including hours of operation and reservations, are coming soon.
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
