Aqua-Aston Hospitality

We are thrilled to announce that Women We Admire recognized our very own Theresa van Greunen, APR, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications, as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Hospitality for 2024!   With 25 years of leadership experience, Theresa is an award-winning professional known for her innovative approach and exceptional achievements in spearheading Aqua-Aston Hospitality’s corporate communication initiatives to enhance the company's reputation. She led the #ForOurReef campaign, which raised public awareness about protecting marine ecosystems. This campaign helped influence legislation to ban reef-damaging sunscreens in Hawaii. Throughout her nine years with Aqua-Aston, Theresa has received multiple accolades from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for her efforts in sustainability and social responsibility, as well as her remarkable PR efforts across various Aqua-Aston properties. Congratulations, Theresa! We are lucky to have you on our team.   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gft879df

We would like to congratulate Sanae Yokota on her remarkable 25-year work anniversary with Aqua-Aston Hospitality. Since joining Aqua-Aston in 1999, Sanae has been an esteemed member at the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower. As the Owner Services Representative, she serves as the owner liaison for the resort and AOAO. With more than two decades of experience, Sanae's expertise ensures that every owner's journey and interaction is seamless. Sanae's fondest memories are establishing heartwarming connections with all the owners over the years. We are proud and honored to have Sanae in our team for all that she has accomplished.

On September 19, Patricia Maher, General Manager for Aqua Palms Waikiki, was one of the esteemed panelists at the Women Mentoring Panel, Round Table & Networking event for the Hawai‘i Women in Lodging & Tourism (HIWIL). HIWIL is dedicated to advancing the careers of women in the hospitality and tourism sector. They focus on professional growth through educational programs, mentoring, and networking opportunities. HIWIL’s initiatives are designed to enhance the success and professionalism of women in the industry, providing them with the tools and support needed to thrive.   The event was moderated by Karen Wataru Nakaoka, President of HIWIL, and Kahealani Colon, Lodging Vice Chairperson of HIWIL. The event featured a panel of five influential female general managers in Hawai’i’s hospitality industry. Each of the panelists brought unique insights and expertise to the roundtable discussions covering various professional development topics: Working in a Male-Dominated World by Patricia Maher, General Manager of Aqua Palms Waikiki Coaching and Confidence by Lynette Eastman, General Manager of The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club Personal Branding by Julie Arigo, General Manager of The Lotus Honolulu   Executive Presence by Kiana Beimes, General Manager of the Ohana Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group Work-Life Balance by Kathy Gunderson Regional General Manager at Springboard Hospitality and 2024 Hawai’i Women in Lodging Women of the Year Patty shared her insights from her personal experience working as a general manager, a role that is statistically more popular among men. She provided invaluable advice for attendees interested in pursuing their passions regardless of gender or traditional roles. Her extensive experience and practical tips inspired attendees, highlighting Aqua-Aston’s commitment to fostering leadership and supporting the growth of women in hospitality.   Congratulations to Patty for her outstanding contribution to this inspirational event!

Today, one year after the tragedy of the Maui wildfires, our associates came together in remembrance. We practiced Hawaiian oli (a traditional chant to express respect and reverence), we participated in moments of silence, we gathered on the beach and released flower petals into the ocean in honor of all those who were lost, and we shared meals together in appreciation of our community and the kōkua (selfless kindness and reciprocity) that has brought us together in our journey to recover as one ʻohana (family). Together, we will continue to stand strong, heal, and rebuild. #MauiStrong #ResilientMaui #MauiRecovery #MauiCommunity How to help: - If you would like to donate funds, please consider giving to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. - If you want to give directly to individuals and families affected by the Maui wildfires, please visit People's Fund of Maui to learn more about its direct financial assistance program. - To learn more about the resources available to residents, businesses, and visitors to Maui, please visit the County of Maui’s website, Maui Nui Strong. @hawaiicommunityfoundation Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority / Heather Goodman / @hbgoodie

Exciting opportunity at Aqua-Aston Hospitality!   Aqua-Aston Hospitality is seeking an experienced finance leader to join as the Vice President of Operational Finance. This role oversee the operational finance teams for our entire portfolio and provide strategic guidance to our dedicated team.   If you have a passion for hospitality finance and are ready to drive business, apply here: https://lnkd.in/gcubF4WN

We're excited to share that our Managing Director, Andrea Mue, was featured in the June issue of Hotel Business Magazine! In the Q&A, Andrea discusses her journey in hospitality, her recent promotion, and the expansion of Aqua-Aston Hospitality to the continental U.S. Learn more about her vision for the company’s growth by reading the full article here: https://bit.ly/3VHVNnF

We are pleased to sponsor Angel Martinez Ko for the Hawai'i Lodging & Tourism Association's Citizen-Scholar Awards. The award recognizes 42 outstanding high school seniors, one from each public high school across the state of Hawai'i for their remarkable involvement in school and the community. Aqua-Aston awarded a scholarship amount of $1000 that will go towards her college expenses. Angel Martinez Ko is a senior from Aiea High School and will be attending the Texas Tech University to pursue an Environmental Engineering degree. Congratulations to Angel for her accomplishment and well-deserved recognition!

We're thrilled to announce that Botánika Osa Peninsula has been honored with the highest and most prestigious award from Hilton: The Connie Award. Named after Hilton founder, Conrad Hilton, the award distinguishes the hotels and their teams that consistently deliver exceptional hospitality to guests. Out of countless properties worldwide, only three receive this honor annually, each represting  a region. We are proud that Botánika is among them, representing the Americas. Congratulations to our team at Botánika! This award is a testament to the team's commitment to excellence and creating wonderful memories for each guest.

Exciting news from our Tempe, Arizona team! The dual-branded hotel Fairfield Inn & Suites and TownePlace Suites Hotel, both Marriott Hotels by EKN Development, is now open. A grand opening event was recently held to celebrate the team’s achievement. The Western-chic themed festivities kicked off with live music and inspiring speeches, followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Drinks were provided by The Way Station, the on-site bar and restaurant, and an assortment of delicious food was prepared by guest Executive Chef Colin Sato of Mugen Waikiki. Congratulations to our outstanding Tempe team!

We are excited to welcome the first dual-branded hotel to our Aqua-Aston portfolio: Fairfield Inn & Suites and TownePlace Suites Hotels in Tempe, Arizona, both Marriott Hotels. Led by EKN Development, 83 guest rooms at Fairfield Inn & Suites cater to short-term leisure travelers, and 65 guest rooms at TownePlace Suites Tempe are thoughtfully designed for extended stays. Guests will enjoy outstanding amenities, including The Way Station restaurant and bar's line-up of sips and bites, live entertainment on stage, a resort-class fitness room, pool and hot tub complete with outdoor seating, misters, a firepit and Western Chic décor. Centrally located, shopping at the popular Tempe Marketplace is easily accessible and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is just 15-minutes away.