In The Mix Jason Genegabus

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Pearl lounge aims to be an Ala Moana gem

AFTER more than six months of anticipation, it looks like Honolulu residents will get their first glimpse of the Pearl Ultra Lounge in August.

Pearl Entertainment president Beau Mohr addressed the CCIM Hawaii Chapter's general membership meeting last week, telling the crowd of certified commercial investment members that he looked forward to seeing them for the ultra lounge's grand opening next month.

"I wish I was open already," Mohr said. "It's another reason to draw people to the mall. Nightlife has become a bigger part of pop culture."

Located on the mauka side of Ala Moana Center's third level, Pearl will serve as an "adult luxury nightlife destination." Expect a lot of onyx, granite, marble and leather throughout the approximately 5,000 square feet of space, along with a small outdoor lounge (too bad the new no-smoking law will still send folks outside to the parking lot in order to light up).

Also planned is a 35-foot, half-moon shaped main bar, which will be used as a runway for models during fashion shows. Lighting was added specifically for that purpose.

"I'm targeting the local crowd," said Mohr, who will draw upon his experience as general manager of the Ocean Club, where 85 percent of business comes from local residents. "People are looking for a new destination." ...

I FOUND a tiny slice of heaven last week, high atop the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.

The Waikiki Plantation Spa opened for business on June 19, with co-owner Sheryl Bell hosting a soft-opening reception for invited guests last Wednesday. An express elevator ride from the hotel lobby provides quick access to the spa, the opening of which caps off a $20 million remodeling project for the property.

Walk inside, and you get the feeling you're entering a luxury penthouse. Tropical wood accents, stone tiling and island-themed furnishings are all nice touches, but pale in comparison to the view of Waikiki from the hotel roof. There's nothing else like it in Waikiki.

You don't have to be a registered guest to visit the Waikiki Plantation Spa, but why not splurge a bit? A stay at the Outrigger Waikiki includes a free broadband Internet connection in every room, free local calls and domestic long-distance, and access to the hotel's new fitness center ...