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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER

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The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

| By: Rachael Weir

Escape to a Hawaiian Paradise for four or more nights and receive a $250 daily resort credit! 

Mauna Lani Resort

Debuting in January 2020, the all-new Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resort on the Kona Coast is bringing a new level of experiential luxury to the Island of Hawaii. The resort offers contemporary guest rooms and suites, along with five private bungalows, and five exclusive restaurants and lounges. For an authentic sense of Hawaii, curated activities are available through the KAINALU active pursuits and the Living Culture programs, three distinct pools await, and the beachfront resort offers a variety of ocean pursuits including outrigger canoeing, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkeling. Learn more about an exclusive Five Star Alliance Perk and a special offer. 

Guest Room at Mauna Lani

Stay 4 Nights or More, get a $250 Daily Resort Credit:

- Credit is valid towards resort experiences, dining, spa, and golf as well as exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks noted above. 

- Offer applies to confirmed stays in an Ocean View Room or higher category up to Ocean Front Signature One Bedroom (does not apply on Bungalows).

- Travel must be completed by November 30, 2020

- Maximum credit is $1,000 USD. 

Please note: offer valid on new bookings, not combinable with any other packages or promotions, not applicable to groups. Resort credit has no cash value and cannot be applied to the guest room rate.

Book a stay at Mauna Lani


| By: Rachael Weir

Happy 2020! It's the start of a new year and a new decade. Where will you go this year? This decade? If you're like us, your list is long. We've put together our top 20 picks for this year. From the Mayflower 400th Anniversary Celebrations in England and Massachusetts, to the Olympics in Tokyo, we've gathered some of the world's most exciting events and happenings, along with luxury hotel suggestions in each locale. 

Happy Travels!

20. Manchester, England

20 Places To Go In 2020 ManchesterOne of Europe's fastest growing cities, Manchester is a popular base for digital and media companies. Blending history and design, the city is experiencing a growth in new development, including the Cultureplex, a railway goods house transformed into a restaurant, bar, and cafe. The revolving program of film, performing arts, and visual arts provides a constant array of entertainment options, and epicurians flock to the city to dine at Mana, the city's first Michelin Star recipient with a Nordic-influenced menu.

A few luxury hotel options ideal for exploring Manchester include The Lowry Hotel, Macdonald Manchester Hotel, and the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Manchester Piccadilly.

Explore Manchester Luxury Hotels

19. The Big Island, Hawaii

20 Places To Go In 2020 Big Island Hawaii

Following the 2018 volcanic activity on Hawaii's Big Island, the five-month eruption has stopped, and the blue skies have returned. The Halemaumau crater is now three times as wide and four times as deep as it was prior to the 2018 eruption, and a freshwater lake has started to form on the crater's floor. The Thurston Lava Tube is expected to reopen in early 2020 with a redesigned parking area, and roads outside of the park have recently reopened. In November, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. There are multiple hotels on the island offering exclusive Perks, including the all-new Mauna Lani luxury resort, which will debut in January 2020 with a new era of experiential luxury. As well as the beachfront Fairmont Orchid Hawaii and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Explore Big Island Luxury Hotels

18. Vienna, Austria

20 Places To Go In 2020 Vienna

There's much to explore in this Germanic destination with cutting-edge art museums and music halls. The Musikverein concert hall will celebrate its 150th anniversary and events will be held throughout the city celebrating Beethoven's 250th birthday. While the classic city is known for its Baroque architecture and classical music venues, the contemporary art venue was transformed into the Belvedere 21, the Freud Museum will reopen in May following a major renovation with nearly 40,000 adds to its library, and the Belvedere Palaces with an extensive classical art collection have been completely renovated.

Luxury hotels in Vienna offer historic charm blended with contemporary amenities, such as the Hotel Sacher Wien, The Ring, and Park Hyatt Vienna, all with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Explore Vienna Luxury Hotels

17. Cape Town, South Africa

20 Places To Go In 2020 Cape Town

Beginning this year, United Airlines will offer non-stop service from Newark to Cape Town, saving travelers up to eight hours of travel time from the United States. In addition to new air routes into the Mother City, there's a constantly evolving art scene, and the nearby Winelands offer plenty of vineyards to explore for wine enthusiasts. 

Cape Town is also home to an array of luxury hotels offering exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including the One&Only Cape Town, Belmond Mount Nelson, and Taj Cape Town

Explore Cape Town Luxury Hotels

16. Buenos Aires, Argentina

20 Places To Go In 2020 Buenos Aires

Currently, travelers can stretch their travel dollars in the land of tango, beef, and Malbec, due to the devaluation of the Argentinian peso. The city is in the midst of a gentrification process with areas like the Old Market expanding with wine bars, cafes, and patisseries, and the Plaza Dorrego neighborhood is bustling with newness. There's a variety of luxury hotels within this South American city, many with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including The Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel, and the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta Hotel

Explore Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

20 Places To Go In 2020 Edinburgh

Scotland's capital city serves up plenty of history, a multitude of festivals, and the famous Edinburgh Castle. But this year the city is debuting several new attractions including the three-story Johnnie Walker Experience, which will feature a museum, event space, and whiskey shop. The city's ever-expanding selection of luxury hotels provide unique lodging options occupying historic buildings such as the Kimpton Charlotte Square within seven Georgian townhouses, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Calendonian Victorian Railway hotel, and the Rocco Forte Balmoral Hotel with its landmark clocktower. 

Explore Edinburgh Luxury Hotels

14. Kyoto, Japan

20 Places To Go In 2020 Kyoto

While Tokyo is hosting the Olympics, Kyoto is another trending destination within Japan. The city's imperial history is evident throughout, providing travelers with a glimpse into the past. There are temples, gardens, and tea houses for an authentic feel, along with museum expansions at the Fukuda Art Museum and the Kyocera Museum of Art.

Kyoto has a variety of luxury hotel options with exclusive Perks ranging from the countryside Suiran within the grounds of the Tenryuji Temple to the contemporary Hyatt Regency Kyoto and the riverside The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Explore Kyoto Luxury Hotels

13. Maine

20 Places To Go In 2020 Maine

2020 marks 200 years of statehood for the state of Maine. In honor of the Bicentennial year, the state is hosting a year of special events. To experience coastal life, the Cliff House Maine has an oceanfront location where travelers can enjoy the waves hitting the rocky coast from the comfort of their room, plus exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. For a private cottage, Hidden Pond offers a charming setting with access to the Tides Beach Club situated two miles away at Goose Rocks Beach. While the White Barn Inn offers rustic luxury with the hotel's restaurant occupying two restored barns from the 1860s. 

Explore Maine Luxury Hotels

12. Galway, Ireland

20 Places To Go In 2020 Galway

This bohemian city with an arts-focused feel on the west coast of Ireland has long been a destination for creatives. Named a European Capital of Culture for 2020, the city by the sea is home to an array of festivals throughout the year, as well as forward-thinking luxury hotels like The G Hotel and The Galmont Hotel & Spa. For a unique and completely Irish experience, the nearby Ashford Castle is about a 30-minute drive from Galway City with creative cuisine, spa, and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Explore Galway Luxury Hotels

11. Macau

20 Places To Go In 2020 Macau

On December 20, Macau will celebrating its 20th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China. Macau is an international destination mixing Asian and European cultures, providing travelers with luxe hotels such as the Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip, Wynn Macao, and the Banyan Tree Macau. In addition to fine hotels, Macau offers travelers an array of world-class dining options, casinos, and cultural experiences. 

Explore Macau Luxury Hotels 

10. Tel Aviv, Israel

20 Places To Go In 2020 Tel Aviv

Experience a destination where modern living merges with ancient history. In 2020, the Ben-Gurion Airport will expand to accommodate additional aircraft. Tel Aviv's White City Zone is a UNESCO-designated site and home to over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings, the largest collection of its kind in the world. The area will take center stage this year, as Tel Aviv commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the Bauhaus architecture movement. The beach city along Israel's Mediterranean coast offers an array of luxury hotels including three with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: The Setai with a seafront location, beachfront Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, and the InterContinental David Tel Aviv

Explore Tel Aviv Luxury Hotels

9. Vancouver Island, Canada

20 Places To Go In 2020 Vancouver Island

From the capital city of Victoria on the harborfront to the surf town of Tofino, Vancouver Island offers land and sea experiences along with local cuisine. Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress is a classic institution. Travelers can experience Native traditions as the island is home to 50 First Nations communities, or book a cycling tour in Ucluelet. Spring is an ideal time to visit the island, with the West Coast Trail opening for hiking season May 1. Watch for whales from Prestige Oceanfront Resort Sook, or dine at the Pointe Restaurant offering ocean views at the Wickaninnish Inn. Located about 70 miles west of Vancouver, the island is reachable via ferry or flight into Victoria's International Airport. 

Explore Victoria Luxury Hotels

8. Doha, Qatar

20 Places To Go In 2020 Doha

In preparation for hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup, Doha introduced a brand-new underground railway system, and the city is expanding its arts and culture scene with the opening of new museums including the National Museum of Qatar. Getting from the airport to the palm-lined Corniche is more convenient than ever with the new transportation system, Old Doha provides a historic feel, and Souq Waqif is a must-see open-air street market. Choose from an array of luxury hotels in the city including the InterContinental Doha, JW Marriott Marquis City Center, and The St. Regis Doha

Explore Doha Luxury Hotels

7. Melbourne, Australia

20 Places To Go In 2020 Melbourne

Providing a European feel in the land of Oz, Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city known for its street art, constantly changing landscape, and live music. There's a strong coffee culture throughout the city, and it is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria. Ideal for foodies, coffee lovers, and art enthusiasts, Melbourne is considered the Culture Capital of Australia. Cobbled laneways in the city center have coffee shops, cafes, and one-of-a-kind boutiques ideal for exploring, while the Queen Victoria Markets is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.

The city will be hosting a number of major events throughout the year, including the Australian Open January 20 - February 2, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 will February 21 - March 8, and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2020 will be October 18 - November 15.

Melbourne is home to an array of five star hotels, including several with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks such as The Langham Melbourne, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, and Park Hyatt Melbourne

Explore Melbourne Luxury Hotels

6. Nashville, Tennessee

20 Places To Go In 2020 Nashville

While this trend-setting destination has been popular for the past few years, Nashville is continuing to grow, adding new draws to the city beyond country music. In the summer of 2020, the National Museum of African American Music will open along Broadway, right in the heart of downtown. The museum will feature five interactive galleries showcasing the 50 genres of African American Music. Plus, the city is constantly expanding its hotel selection with new additions like the JW Marriott Nashville, Thompson Nashville in the growing neighborhood of "The Gulch", and the newly-renovated Hutton Hotel with writer's rooms and a 5,000-square-foot live music venue.

Explore Nashville Luxury Hotels

5. Dominica

20 Places To Go In 2020 Dominica

Paradise for outdoorsy travelers, Dominica is a 290-square-mile teardrop-shaped island with the world's second-largest hot spring, plus 300 miles of hiking trails, 365 rivers, and a dozen waterfalls. The recently opened Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski is a luxury five star resort with a spa designed to create a greater connection to nature and the island's ecosystem. The massive Spa at Kempinski Dominica offers mud baths sourced from the island's ten volcanoes, and a water temple surrounded by rainforest trees. There's also four restaurants and bars each with a local-focused approach, four hot and cold water pools, tennis courts, and easy access to the island's eco-tourism opportunities. Plus, exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Book a stay at Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski

4. Porto, Portugal

20 Places To Go In 2020 Porto Portugal

Ideal for wine lovers and foodies, Porto offers idyllic weather along with great food and wine. As the home of Port wine (and the city's namesake), Porto is perfect as a starting point for exploring historic Port Wine houses and the vineyards of Douro Valley. Offering travelers a good value for their monty the city center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an easy trip from Lisbon.  

The city is also home to several luxury hotels including several with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: The Yeatman, InterContinental Porto Palacio Das Cardosas, and Infante Sagres

Explore Porto Luxury Hotels

3. Plymouth, England & Plymouth, Massachusetts

20 Places To Go In 2020 Plymouth

2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage from Plymouth, England to Plymouth, Massachusetts. In celebration, both cities are hosting an array of events to commemorate the pioneering voyage and the group of travelers that would go on to have more than 30 million United States descendents. In England, the Mayflower 400 celebrations focus on the towns and cities along the national Mayflower Trail. While the Plymouth 400 events in the United States will be centered in the town of Plymouth, located 40 miles south of downtown Boston. 

Interested in partaking in these commemorative events? In England, travelers could consider basing themselves in London and taking daytrips via train to various towns on the Mayflower Trail. An additional option would be the Lime Wood in Lyndhurst, a Regency country house hotel located a short drive from Southampton, a key destination on the Mayflower Trail. For participaing in events near and around Plymouth, Massachusetts, we recommend a luxury hotel in Boston such as the Fairmont Copley Plaza or Fifteen Beacon

2. Dubai, UAE

20 Places To Go In 2020 Dubai

Beginning in October 2020, Dubai is hosting the World Expo. Lasting for 6 months, the city has designed the metropolis of the future with 130 buildings connected via smart technology. Later this year the Museum of the Future designed by a computer algorithm and the Aladdin City will also open.

For accommodations in this world-class city in the desert we have three key recommendations, each with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: One&Only Royal Mirage, Taj Dubai, and Burj Al Arab

Explore Dubai Luxury Hotels

1. Tokyo, Japan

20 Places To Go In 2020 Tokyo

Hosting the XXXII Olympic Summer Games, Jul 24 - Aug 9, Tokyo is a business and cultural megacenter. Known for extreme attention to detail, the cutting-edge destination is home to world-class art galleries and museums, as well nightlife. With 234 Michelin-starred restaurants (the most of any city in the world), Japan's capital city is an ideal destination for foodies.

The Aman Tokyo offers an urban sanctuary setting on the top six floors of the recently-built Otemachi Tower, plus exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including daily breakfast. For a landmark stay, The Peninsula Tokyo is an iconic destination in the prestigious Marunouchi financial district with sophisticated facilities including a wedding chapel, indoor pool, outdoor pool with views of the Imperial Palace Gardens, and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. While the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is located directly above Shibuya Station with a modern design, entertainment venues, and perks for Five Star Alliance guests.

Explore Tokyo Luxury Hotels


| By: Rachael Weir

Featured Journeys: The Hawaiian Islands

In this edition of Featured Journeys, we travel to the Hawaiian Islands. Situated in the Pacific Ocean, these volcano-created islands offer blissful beaches, one-of-a-kind sunsets, and luxury hotels with an array of amenities and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. Plus, each of the island's offers its own unique attractions, cuisine, and adventures from exploring tunnels created by ancient lava flows to kayaking to picturesque waterfalls. 

The "Big Island", The Island of Hawaii

Twice as big as the other Hawaiian Islands giving it the nickname the "Big Island", the Island of Hawaii is the youngest of all the islands, and a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors to the island can travel through all but four of the world's different climate zones, ranging from Polar Tundra to Wet Tundra. The island's vast climates are a result of the variying elevations and geological formations created by the massive Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes. Travelers to the island will want to visit the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the black sands of Punaluu Beach. 

Mauna Kea Beach Resort

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Set along a white sand beach, Mauna Kea Beach Resort is a luxury retreat with world-class golfing at Mauna Kea and Hapuna, 11 seaside tennis courts, and Bocce Ball courts. Offering an array of cultural experiences, guests can partake in nighttime glow-canoe and manta snorkel adventures, art tours, and tropical spa treatments. For children, the Keiki Club Adventures provides supervised programs, and there is a variety of ocean sports and activities for visitors of all ages. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests making reservations with Five Star Alliance will also receive full buffet breakfast for two daily at Manta Restaurant, complimentary WiFi, and a $100 resort credit per stay when booking a room or a $200 resort credit per stay when booking a suite.

Check availability at Mauna Kea Beach Resort

Discover more Big Island Luxury Hotels

 

OAHU

Home to Honolulu, Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Sometimes called "The Gathering Place", the island is diverse with a fusion of East and West cultures blending with native Hawaiian traditions. Mixing ancient and modern, visitors to this island can dine at an eclectic array of restaurants, partake in a variety of activities, and spend the day in the bustling city of Honolulu, or venture to a laid back surf town. 

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikik Beach

Adjacent to the shopping at Luxury Row, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach is a luxury tower hotel celebrating the spirit of the island in a modern way. The all-suite property offers residential-style accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchens, living rooms, furnished balconies, and bathrooms with walk-in showers, state-of-the-art toilets, soaking tubs, and dual vanities. The spa offers treatments inspired by Hawaiian traditions, dining options include the first Hawaii locations of Dean & DeLuca and Sushi Sho, and the BLT Market with Hawaiian-infused cuisine. While the eighth floor infinity pool has private cabanas, and the fitness center was designed by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking  the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include full breakfast for each guest daily in BLT Market (subject to maximum credits per accommodation type)  and a  $100 USD resort credit per Studio, $200 per One Bedroom Suite, $300 per Two or Three Bedroom Suites and $400 per Four Bedroom Suites (not valid on room rate and no cash value). 

Check availability at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Discover more Oahu Luxury Hotels

 

KAUAI

Hawaii's "Island of Discovery" is filled with natural wonders to explore. From the Waimea Canyon to native fishponds with 1,000 years of forward-thinking history, visitors can breathe in the oxygen-rich air of the island's Wailua River while kayaking to a cascading waterfall. Be transported back in time along the Napoli Coast to a laid-back island lifestyle, and explore the small coastal towns like Hanapepe and Old Koloa Town. Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed pace to explore natural wonders, the island also hosts a variety of events throughout the year including Ukelele concerts, Hula Shows, and the Princeville Night Market.

Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort

Oceanfront Guest Room at Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort

Set on Poi'pu Beach, Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort is an intimate luxury boutique resort. Offering the island's closest accommodations to the beach, the award-winning property has a saltwater lava-inspired pool, and award-winning Red Salt restaurant serving a modern take on island cuisine showcasing locally-sourced Hawaiian ingredients. While the Spa at Ko'a Kea provides Hawaiian-inspired treatments infused with natural and indigenous ingredients, as well as a romantic couple's suite, outdoor seaside cabana treatment area, and candlelit treatment rooms.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking  the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily at Red Salt, a $50 resort credit, per room/per stay (if not already included in the rate), and a welcome amenity. 

Check availability at Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort

Discover more Kauai Luxury Hotels


| By: Rachael Weir

Showcasing full views of the Pacific Ocean, the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is a luxurious two bedroom suite with 3,840-square-feet of space. Individually designed and uniquely decorated, the ultra-luxe suite provides authentic Hawaiian styling in a sophisticated, yet laid-back way. The one of a kind space has a multimedia room to accommodate VIP guests, as well as a rooftop Sky Terrace and Lounge, providing an idyllic venue for entertaining or relaxation. Continue reading below the photo of the Sky Terrace. 

Presidential Suite Sky Terrace at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Set on the fourth floor of the property, the Presidential Suite has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and one powder room. There are ocean views from every room of the suite, and the bedrooms have individual styling. Plus, there's an oversized bathroom sanctuary, and a living area with a large dining table providing ocean views. Read more below the photo. 

Presidential Suite at Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina

The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is an oceanfront luxury resort with unlimited water sports and beach activities. There are five restaurants and lounges on-site, including the Fish House Restaurant and the Waterman Bar & Grill. For relaxation, the four-level Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre provides innovative treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian healing traditions, including massages and Keiki O Ka' Aina treatments. 

Check rates and availability at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina


| By: Rachael Weir

Featured Journeys: Hawaiian Islands

Introducing Featured Journeys from Five Star Alliance. Each month we're pulling together a luxurious multi-destination itinerary to discover. First up, the Hawaiian Islands. Offering a plethora of landscapes, scenery, and activities, the U.S.A.'s 50th state has much to be discovered.

Oahu
Maui
The Big Island

Oahu

We recommend starting your journey on the island of Oahu, home of the Honolulu International Airport with nonstop flights arriving daily from around the world. Explore the cosmopolitan city, walk along Waikiki Beach, hike atop Leahi (Diamond Head), and visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial. To experience a laid back surf town, take about a one-hour drive to Haleiwa, on the island's North Shore, where visitors can experience the island's history, dine in restaurants set within former plantation buildings, browse charming art galleries, and shop surfing boutiques. For kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, and bodyboarding, head to Kailua Beach Park on the Windward Coast. Known for white sand and turquoise water, it's an ideal spot for exploring. Nearby Kailua Town offers a range of restaurants, including Island Snow, serving shave ice treats and frequented by the Obama family. 

Here are a few of our top-rated Oahu Hotels:

The Royal Hawaiian

The Royal Hawaiian

Since opening in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian Resort has provided guests with a luxurious Hawaiian setting, along the shore of Waikiki Beach. Learn to surf, experience a luau, or watch the sunset while sipping a tropical drink at the Mai Tai Bar. 

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Completely renovated in 2016, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is set on a private beach with a four-level Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre providing Hawaiian-inspired treatments. Plus, the Ko Olina Golf Club, outrigger canoeing, and sport fishing.

Halekulani

Halekulani Pool

Situated along Waikiki Beach, the Halekulani has an iconic, mosaic-bottomed freshwater pool with ocean views. Along with the award-winning, five-star rated Le Mer Restaurant serving French cuisine infused with tropical ingredients in a romantic setting. 

Discover all Oahu Luxury Hotels

 

Maui

Next, hop a flight to the island of Maui. Referred to as the "Valley Isle," Maui offers a taste of the island's locally sourced cuisine, artist communities, and charming towns. The island is also known for whale watching, and it is located withing the Hawaiian Islands Humpack Whale National Marine Sanctuary. From January to April, Lahaina Harbor offers a wide range of whale watching tours, along with historic attractions from the whaling village's past. For a historical and botanical experience, head to the Iao Valley State Park to see the monument where Kamehameha defeated the Maui army in 1790, and walk the Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop to learn about the flora that Hawaiians brought to the island. For scenic views, Haleakala National Park is home to the island's highest peak, and Kaanapali Beach offers signature Hawaiian sunsets. Don't forget to travel the road to Hana for breathtaking and panoramic scenery. 

Here are a few of our top-rated Maui Hotels:

The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

Fresh off a massive renovation, the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea provides a beachfront setting with a range of activities including tennis fantasy camps, photography tours, Kona Coffee helicopter tours, culinary experiences at Hana Ranch, and whale watch photo excursions. 

Montage Kapalua Bay

Bathroom at the Montage Kapalua Bay

Featuring a multi-tiered lagoon pool and island-inspired cuisine, the Montage Kapalua Bay is located on 24-acres of oceanfront property in Lahaina. The all-suite property has accommodations with private lanais, luxe bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens.

Andaz Maui at Wailea

Infinity pools at Andaz Maui at Wailea

LEED-certified, the Andaz Maui at Wailea is a contemporary beach resort set along a 1.2-mile-long stretch of land along Mokapu Beach. The apothecary-style Awili Spa incorporates locally sourced and destination-inspired ingredients, plus there are three infinity pools, kayak tours, hula, and ukelele lessons. 

Discover all Maui Luxury Hotels

 

The Big Island

Finally, travel to Hawaii Island. Known as the "Big Island," it is the largest of the islands and is constantly growing due to magma flows. It offers the most diverse climate of all the islands with snow-capped mountains, black-sand beaches, uplands, and rainforests. Begin by flying into Kona International Airport where you can discover the Kona coffee plantations, historic Kailua Village, and the resorts along the Kohala Coast. Take a day to head south of Kona to the sacred Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, then onto the Punaluu Black Sand Beach.  Make sure to allow an entire day to explore Volcanoes National Park, a world heritage site with the Kilauea volcano, lava tubes, and deserts. 

Here are a few of our top-rated Big Island Hotels:

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Pool at the Four Seasons Hualalai Kona

Providing authentic Hawaiian luxury, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai features accommodations set within two-story bungalows. There are three restaurants, seven swimming pools, kids' club, Jack Nicklaus' signature Hualalai Golf Course, outdoor movie nights, tennis programs, sunrise meditation, and PiYo classes. 

Fairmont Orchid Hawaii

Fairmont Royal Orchid

Along the Kohala Coast, the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii is set amongst 32 acres of tropical foliage. Offering the Spa Without Wallas, tennis, and an oceanfront swimming pool, guests have access to a variety of activities, including hiking to petroglyph fields, lei making, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, and outrigger canoe paddling in the open ocean. 

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village Pool

Spread throughout 62 acres of oceanfront property, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is a destination resort with Polynesian and Asian Artwork. Guests can stroll flagstone pathways, or be transported via air conditioned trams. The on-site Dolphin Quest provides an opportunity to swim with dolphins, and the Legends of Hawaii Luau features traditional island cuisine with hula and fire dancers.

Discover all Big Island Luxury Hotels

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| By: Five Star Alliance

This article about Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach, where couples can celebrate their special day with a perfect destination wedding, was originally posted by our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, and was written by Nanci McArdle.

Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach

Always a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, Hawaii offers myriad options. Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach near Kauai's southernmost point is one of the many options for couples to spend their honeymoon. Although wedding ceremonies and receptions are not currently available at Ko'a Kea, discounted accommodations are on offer for groups celebrating elsewhere on the island.

Among the most popular retreats for honeymooners is Room No. 376, an oceanfront suite closest to the water on Kauai. The 624-square-foot room has a separate living room, wooden-beamed ceiling and large soaking tub (one of just 12 on property). A patio with chaise lounges is ideal for taking in 180-degree views of Poipu Beach.

For family or friends traveling together to celebrate their loved ones' special day, the resort presents 29 sets of connecting rooms located in various areas of the property. They range from two Partial Ocean View Rooms (Nos. 269 and 271) to an Oceanfront Deluxe Room and Oceanfront Suite (Nos. 378 and 376). And good news for those traveling with their furry friends: the hotel permits dogs 25 lbs. or less. The pet fee is a non-refundable $100 per day, and a bed, food, water bowl and toys are supplied. (Note: Due to limited availability of oceanfront and suite rooms, it is advisable to book at least two months in advance. During high demand periods such as summer and winter holidays, booking three, or more, months before is recommended.)

Romantic dining can be found in the resort's upscale seafood restaurant, Red Salt, where they can enjoy the Red Coral Martini, Ko'a Kea's signature cocktail made with Stolichnaya vanilla and raspberry vodka with a splash of pomegranate juice. Tables 22 or 27, next to the windows overlooking the property and ocean, are the most romantic seats in the house. Reservations are recommended one week in advance.

Couples or groups can enjoy some down time at The Spa at Ko'a Kea, which has five treatment rooms, plus a seaside cabana. Why not live like the natives and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage before taking a walk along the seaside path that runs in front of the hotel or directly on the sand. More vigorous oceanfront hiking is located nearby on the bluffs of Mahaulepu. Bicycle rentals are available at Outfitters Kauai, about four minutes from the hotel.

Discover more about Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach >>

 


| By: Five Star Alliance

Ko Restaurant at Fairmont Kea Lani Resort was voted 2013 Maui Restaurant of the Year. Executive Chef Tylun Pang leads the culinary masterpiece of Kō restaurant in Wailea, the only fine dining restaurant on Maui to offer cuisine inspired by Hawaii's sugarcane plantation era. Ko features island family recipes and includes farm-fresh Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese menu items.

Keiki (Children) five and under eat free at Kō through the Keiki Dining Program.

Fairmont Kea Lani

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| By: Five Star Alliance

Bathrooms in all residences at Montage Kapalua Bay are equipped with thoughtful amenities, such as plush Turkish cotton robes, our exclusive line of Antica Farmacista bath products and separate zone temperature controls. And Bathrooms do have dual vanities.

Montage Kapalu Bay

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| By: Five Star Alliance

A heated 46-by-82 foot fresh water pool overlooking Waikiki Beach has become one of Halekulani's most talked-about
landmarks. On the bottom of the pool is a stunning mosaic of a Cattleya orchid, comprised of 1.2 million pieces of imported
South African glass tiles.

Halekulani

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| By: Five Star Alliance

Lumeria Maui’s dining experience  is a loving journey from Farm to Table. The Chef uses the freshest and finest quality seasonal ingredients, harvested from the garden and from other local farms.

Dine on the inner courtyard lanai, overlooking the tropical and edible gardens, or enjoy a sunset view of the West Maui Mountains on the covered back terrace. For special occasions, the sunken garden terrace is available for dining under the stars.

Lumeria Maui

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