True luxury is not something that is accommodated as an after-thought once a void has been discovered, true luxury is providing for your every need before you even anticipate what your need or want is. The Four Seasons Hualalai located on the Kona Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii understands this concept and makes it a point to always stay one step ahead of their guests’ needs.
I experienced this attentive hospitality first-hand from the moment I arrived. I was immediately greeted by a bevy of Bellman who personally addressed me by name, and in true Hawaiian tradition, I received a warm welcome with a beautiful flower lei and my husband with kukui beads.
Check-In
Within minutes of arriving, a reception relations manager introduced himself and led us to a private seating area in the open-air lobby designed in a luxurious Polynesian style decor with rich woods, wicker weave furniture, authentic art work and stunning orchids scattered throughout. We were handed a cold towel and a refreshing island beverage as the relations manager reviewed our paperwork and within no time, we were being escorted to our room.
The Property
One of the aspects that I love most about this resort is what I consider the “old school” Hawaiian charm that the resort evokes. There is lush vegetation throughout the property and the bungalow style accommodations feel more authentic than being in a high-rise hotel. The attention to detail in creating this oasis is what makes this resort stand out above the rest.
This resort is a village unto itself. Quite honestly there is no need to leave this property as it offers all the amenities you could want and you would remain quite content throughout your stay.
There are several dining options on property along with some casual beachside alternatives, as well as a charming grocery store designed with the characteristics and details of an authentic store that you might find remotely on the island. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, arrange for a romantic dinner on the beach.
And don’t think for a moment that you will be bored, your activity choices include the likes of a world class spa, gym, outdoor yoga classes, golf course, tennis courts, a rock climbing wall, a kids program, outrigger canoe – paddle boards – diving or snorkeling rentals, along with a some high-end boutique shops and a cultural center to mention just a few of the attractions on the property.
Along with the white sand beach, there are numerous pools scattered throughout the property from extremely kid-friendly including a salt water pool stocked with local fish for snorkeling, all the way to the adult tranquility pool which is a restricted cell phone and whispering zone with the convenience of a swim up bar…the latter was my preference.
Guest Rooms
All the rooms at the resort are spacious and comfortable in square footage. Since we stayed for a week, we opted for an Ocean View room located in Palm Grove for our maximum viewing pleasure (view from our room below). The rooms, like the lobby, are designed with the Polynesian flavor and offer all the convenient amenities that we look for in this day and age.
I mentioned in my opening statement that a true luxury property anticipates your needs before you even realize what your needs are; as we were unpacking our 3 cell phones, iPad, laptop computer, camera battery chargers and more, we jokingly stated that the next time we travel, we should bring a strip cord with us to accommodate all our devices. Well, low and behold, what do you think we found tucked away in a drawer but a strip cord for our use. This is a simple accommodation but it puts a huge smile on my face to know that someone anticipated this need and it exemplifies the type of service that the Four Seasons brand provides.
I woke up early each morning, made a pot of coffee and sat on the balcony listening to the ocean waves crashing, the birds chirping and watching dolphins as they playfully swam by ~ a simplistic morning but it felt quite decadent.
And once the sun goes down, the resort takes on a whole new ambiance. The warm glow from the tiki torches, the twinkle lights in the trees and the sound of the ukulele playing in the background cradles you into a picture perfect paradise that you never want to leave.
If you can tear yourself away from this paradise for the day, connect with the concierge to book one of the many island excursions available to you. If you’re looking for something a little more low key, take a drive around the island to experience the different terrain on each side of the island. See here for my list of top 10 things to do on the island.
If it’s not clear by now, let me make it clear that this resort sits at the top of my list for favorite escapes, and I will bet that it will be yours too!
*sigh* You’ve stolen my heart Four Seasons Hualalai….until next time. *sniff*sniff*
If you would like more information on this property or help in booking a stay, please contact me using the contact box below.
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