All Entries in the "Hotel" Category
The Big Island Hawaii: The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
Our last hotel spotlight is on The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. The Mauna Lani is situated on the Kohala Coast on acres of gorgeous Hawaiian land. The hotel can best be described as classic luxury. It has maintained its clean look and feel over time; not over done or understated, The Mani Lani boasts its tropical elegance through its open-air hotel architecture, lush gardens, and sandy beaches on the property’s oceanfront.
The experience at The Mani Lani extends from the cushioned lounge chairs poolside to the turndown service guests receive each night. Every guest room has a lanai, and the hotel is constructed so that each room captures as much ocean view available. The interior of the hotel is highlighted by plants and ponds, which are inhabited by baby sea turtles and fish.
If you’re one that prefers more seclusion from other hotel guests, the bungalows are only a short walk away. Each bungalow has its own private beachfront and driveway access, providing a truly exclusive experience. With 4,000 square feet of living space in each bungalow, more than a few people can stay comfortably in them.
A lot of the activities at The Mauna Lani are free of charge and the kids program focuses on exploration of the natural grounds. With so many sea creatures and ancient petroglyphs close by, the family will never run out of things to see and do. For those that want to relax, there is a spa that features a Vichy shower and natural lava sauna and also a fitness center.
The Big Island Hawaii: Four Seasons Hualalai
Our next stop on The Big Island is as ‘LUX’ as it can get. The Four Seasons Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu on the North Kona Coast was recently voted the #1 hotel in all of Hawaii by Travel & Leisure Magazine.
The 243-room resort went through a recent renovation and now upholds a standard as one of the nicest hotels in the world. All guest rooms are extremely spacious, with 32 of them bungalows. The Four Seasons Hualalai does not have a central tower so the resort is no higher than 2 stories in height throughout the grounds, allowing the natural elements to be the main feature. As a guest you have the opportunity to enjoy 5 unique pools, plus a snorkeling pond, 4 restaurants, and a spa that’s quality is unmatched on the Island. If you’re looking to golf, the resort features a Jack Nicklaus signature 18-hole, 7,100-yard golf course.
Complimentary services for guests include scuba lessons, valet parking, and twice-daily maid service. Kids will have just as much fun as adults at the Four Seasons Hualalai; they can enjoy the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program, featuring a dedicated kids room with video games, TV, toys, and more. The resort draws celebrities and other well-known guests, so don’t be surprised if you end up bumping shoulders with some of Hollywood’s best.
The Big Island Hawaii: Kona Village Resort
Our next LUX Destination spotlight is Kona Village. Kona Village is located in, well…Kona, on The Big Island. This 82-acre resort encompasses everything the beautiful Kohala Coast has to offer – palm trees swaying, glistening lagoons, piled lava rocks, black sand beaches, and the ocean. Focused on traditional Polynesian culture, the resort is made up of 82 oceanfront hales, or bungalows, that come free of phones, TVs, radios, or internet, forcing the overworked traveler to really relax into the aloha spirit.
Upon arrival at Kona Village, expect to be greeted with a traditional Hawaiian lei of orchid flowers. After check-in, one is swept away by a golf cart to one’s hale. Each hale is cooled by the breeze of the tradewinds blowing through its slatted doors from the sea; only ceiling fans are used for extra circulation, and there’s not even a lock on the door. As unconventional as it may sound, there’s something very quaint in having to write messages to your resort staff on a clipboard outside your door or placing a coconut on your front porch as a sign of do not disturb.
Appropriately named, Kona Village was once a fishing village. To preserve and respect the land that was once frequented by the King and other royalty, the resort is set up to resemble a Polynesian village. The hales are elevated by stilts to protect from high tide and the roofs are thatched; some hales even come with a private hot tub on the deck – not authentic, but a luxurious necessity.
The Big Island Hawaii: Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village is the largest hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii with 1,240 guest rooms and suites and a wide array of activities and amenities. The Hilton is located on the Kohala Coast of The Big Island of Hawaii, just 20 minutes north of Kona International Airport.
What makes this hotel more unique than any other on the island are its on-property transportation systems. (Yes, that’s right – there are multiple transportation systems within the property…it’s that big!) Right upon entry into the resort you will find an option for either a sleek air-conditioned tram or a leisurely canal boat ride. Of course you can walk to your room as well, but if you are further away a tram is always fastest.
One attraction that sets this resort apart from others is their Dolphin Quest, an opportunity to swim with dolphins. A marine mammal expert guides the experience with these intelligent creatures, with encounters of 30 minutes to over 5 hours. Packages to swim with dolphins start at just over $200. This can be a memorable adventure, even if you’re not a guest at the resort.
The Big Island Hawaii: The Fairmont Orchid
First up in our LUX Destination spotlight is The Fairmont Orchid. It is located on the Kohala Coast, north of Kona, in the resort area of Mauna Lani. Sitting on 32 acres of beach and black lava, this Hawaiian hotel is complete with a swimmable lagoon and breath-taking views. The feeling one gets upon arrival at The Fairmont Orchid is one of anticipation, when seeing its grand elegance for the first time. Expect to be escorted from your car with a lei greeting of Kukui Nuts, which symbolize enlightenment, protection, and peace. These 3 values are exemplified through the elevated level of service one receives at The Fairmont Orchid.
The Fairmont Gold Floor is something unique to The Orchid, as only a limited number of Fairmont properties throughout the world offer this level of service. The Gold Floor takes the already exceptional service of The Fairmont to an elevated level. At The Orchid, Gold Floor guests check in at a private reception on the 6th floor where 45 rooms and suites are reserved only for Fairmont Gold guests. Many of the guestrooms have sweeping views of either the ocean or beautiful Fairmont grounds.
The most appealing thing about the Gold Floor at The Orchid is the dedicated Gold Floor staff that can assist you with any need and the complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon happy hour that’s offered daily. Being able to relax in an oversized chair in the Gold Lounge or outside on the private Gold Lounge lanai (patio), while enjoying a cocktail or working on one’s laptop, is a luxury any traveler can enjoy. Fairmont Gold guests also have access to free wi-fi.
LUX Destination: The Big Island of Hawaii
Welcome to The Big Island of Hawaii. The Big Island is the largest island in the Hawaiian chain at 4,038 sq. miles and has the most diversity in not only climate and terrain, but in activities it offers as well.
Over the next several days we will reveal our experiences at the best hotels and resorts on The Big Island of Hawaii, specifically on the Kona side of the island – the “Golden Coast.” We will also share the top activities and adventures you won’t want to miss upon your next visit!
Ames Boston – Historic, Yet Modern Luxury Hotel
Ames is located in located in Boston in the beautiful and unique Ames building. The building is coupled with both historic and modern style. It is conveniently located close to the airport and near historic Faneuil Hall and Beacon Hill. Ames Boston has 114 rooms, with a vibrant restaurant, and bar.
Rooms at Ames provide a contrast of history and modernism. The luxury guest rooms are designed with both comfort and style in mind. From standard rooms to one bedroom all are designed in a unique way that provides comfort and luxury to all guests. Guest rooms at the hotel feature walk-in glass showers with rain showerhead or large soaking tubs, flat screen HDTV, Mini Bar, iPod Docking Station, & Wireless internet. Also special to this hotel is that they offer in-room spa services to guests.
Breathtaking Views in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands Hotel
The Hotel at Marina Bay Sands is located in Singapore offering remarkable views of the city skyline and the peaceful sea. The hotel offers several types of rooms including Atrium Rooms, Horizon Rooms, Orchid Suite, and more.
The rooms offer easy access to shops, casino, entertainments, dining, and the Sands Sky Park when it is complete. The Horizon rooms, which feature the best views, are located on near the top of the 55-story hotel.
The Club at Marina Bay Sands room once open will offer guests access to the most unique and luxurious club found in any hotel. Guest rooms offer outstanding services such as in-room media, in-room dining available 24 hours a day, daily turndown service, access to The Club at Marina Bay Club, and access to The Club at Marina Bay Sands.
Toronto’s Trendy Thompson Hotel
Thompson Hotel in Toronto is located in the trendy area of Central King West. This area is known for its art and design, as well as the boutiques, galleries and restaurants. The luxurious 102 guest rooms are beautifully designed by Studio Gaia and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with extensive views of the city.
The luxury hotel includes a heated rooftop infinity pool, a private rooftop bar and event space with great views of Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. The hotel also includes a theatre with 40 over sized seats and writing tables, ideal room for seminars and presentations.
Other hotel amenities include has 24-hour concierge and room service, daily delivery of domestic and international newspapers, and twice daily housekeeping service. The event room has the latest technology and business needs, yet is still stylish enough to arrange weddings and receptions.
Concierge.com Rates World’s Sexiest Hotel Staffs
Concierge.com has chosen the top 8 hotels that have the world’s sexiest staff. So if you are interested in more than just the scenery overlooking your hotel you may be interested in viewing the list! Hotels on the list include:
- The Standard, New York City
- Mondrian Los Angeles, California
- The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Miami, Florida
- Paia Inn, Paia, Maui, Hawaii
- Faena Hotel + Universe, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- The Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Lukula Selous, Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
