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.

Kona Village is Hawaii’s only ‘inclusive’ resort and offers many resort dining options. Much of the Hawaiian cuisine served is sourced from local farms on the island. You can taste the difference in freshness from the fruit alone – it’s colorful and sweet, as if it were just plucked off the tree. In fact, more than 70% of all the produce consumed at Kona Village is from The Big Island. As authentic as its culinary presentation, Kona Village also puts on an island-renowned luau.

Along with the dining, many water sport activities are included in the daily ‘inclusive’ rate. You can snorkel, canoe, kayak, or use a paddleboard to explore the ocean. Since the property has such an expansive beachfront, there is plenty of space for guests and turtles to bask in the sun. On a stroll along the beach, one is sure to spot a Hawaiian Sea Turtle lounging on the sand or feeding near one of the many natural tide pools.

The most spectacular thing about the resort is really the authentic Hawaiian experience it has maintained for its guests. From the accommodations, to the food, to the entertainment, and the natural setting, there is an ancient story told through the hospitality at Kona Village.

Rates start just under $300.

Kona Village Resort
www.konavillage.com
Kona Village Resort
Kohala Coast
Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96745

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What better place to spend a honeymoon this summer than the beautiful tranquility of the Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas. The Mexican layout combined with the beauty of the Sea of Cortez can make for the most memorable vacation or honeymoon of one’s entire life. Love the resort? Partial ownership (Priviate Residence Club) or whole ownerships are also available.

With 60 villas, this is a paradise unlike any you could have dreamed of. As you walk along the private beach, you find yourself dreaming and wishing you could live there forever, which is why it has such frequent return guests. Whether your pleasure is indulging at the spa, or wandering among the wonderful talent displayed at the Art and Sculpture gallery, or even playing online thorugh the wireless internet that is offered, your desires can be fulfilled at one of the most magical and tranquil resorts to ever grace existence.

Owned by the professional and accommodating Timbers Resorts, Esperanza allows its guests to feel pampered and indulged, to feel young at heart and to feel like the most special person in the world. The scene of several weddings, many honeymoons and anniversaries, even business meetings, the Esperanza Resort allows for people of all ages and walks of life to feel at one with nature and success.

If you are wise enough to choose the Esperanza Resort, make sure you feast upon the cuisine available at El Restaurante, with a lovely view of the Sea of Cortez. The Mediterranean style cooking will leave you raving for months afterwards as you picture in your mind your next trip to the Esperanza Resort. The best wines from all over the world are served, perhaps even making you aware that you have it in you to become a wine connoisseur.

Opening in 2006, Esperanza quickly became one of the most frequented spa resorts ever. A trip to the beautiful seaside tranquil haven will tell you why.

Summer is almost here. Whether you are planning a dream wedding or simply want a vacation spot unlike any you have ever seen, travel down to the Esperanza Resort by the Sea of Cortez. Indulge yourself in the early morning hours as you sit out on your deck in a bikini or a pair of capris. Celebrate the memory of the day you had under the stars as you and your lover share a bottle of wine while taking in the sights and sounds of the water on the beach and the music from the resort bar.

Prices for nightly stays are priced at over $600 a night.

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