island delights, this large group gathering is inexplicably romantic and a one-time must.
Lush grounds surrounding the beach-front property attract weddings and strolling couples as well as resort guests. Our comfortable suite provided dramatic views of smoldering ocean sunsets from the balcony, a perfect setting for cocktails and cuddling. An island landmark and popular Waikiki hangout for celebrities and diehard romantics since 1927, the Royal is scheduled to be closed for a major restoration beginning in June with a grad reopening near the end of the year. To encourage a return visit, the resort is offering a Hui Hou... Until We Meet Again package through May 31, including daily breakfast for two, an elegant memento gift and a complimentary one-night gift certificate to be used in 2009 in conjunction with the purchase of two consecutive paid nights.
After a lazy days lounging on the beach or riding the waves on surfboards and a catamaran, we became more intimate with islanders and their daily lives by taking in breakfast the next day at a popular local farmer's market accompanied by the resort's chef. He later prepared a succulent lunch for us from fresh selections he made at the market in beautiful Kapi‘olani Park with its fragrant trees and majestic views of Diamond Head.
The hotel was just a leisurely walk back so we declined a ride. We took in an amazing aquarium, shopped street vendors in parks lacing the shoreline and meandered through the local and international shops in Waikiki's famous shopping district along the way.
Dinner and dancing at the posh Hanohano Room at the nearby Sheraton Waikiki topped off the memorable dy. Honeymooners and those celebrating a special occasion should ask for the posh Kamehameha Suite with in-room hot tub and expansive private balcony with ocean views. Named after a former island king, it elevates its occupants to royalty status.
Picture-perfect Maui Holds firm to its claim as the most popular island in Hawaii for couples seeking to renew their intimacy or proclaim their bond to each other. While love is always in the air, the island's resorts don't rest for long on their laurels as they continually strive to outdo one another in their quest to lure year-round romantics.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa will wow you with its island ambience, service and accommodations. Be prepared for lots of people as it is a large property, popular with honeymooners and young families, as well as seasoned seniors who have made the island their frequent home-away-from-home. All seem to blend together beautifully amid a bustling, tropical haven of exotic birds, tumbling waterfalls, interlacing streams, lavish play pools, graceful swans, water sports, a spa-goers spa, entertainment, dining options and shopping.
Toss in golf, children's programs, a complete wedding service center, Starbucks and a vacation ownership desk, and you have something for everyone. Not nearly as ambitious as Atlantis in the Bahamas, it would still take a week to work your way through all the activities and amenities at hand.
The Heavenly Spa lives up to its name as you take in the resort scene below through its floor-to-ceiling serenity enhancing glass windows. For the uninhibited, enjoy an outdoor cabana massage just steps from one of five swim lagoons. The palm frond-topped, open-sided hut is somewhat secluded but passersby are just steps away from your private bliss – a reality that disappears on the breeze as you relax beneath the hands of a skilled massage therapist.
Book a shaded chaise for two on the beach, sheltered by a hedge from a 1.1 mile walkway along the beach, for a relaxing afternoon rediscovering each other. We chose to explore the inland one afternoon booking a rain forest waterfall hike with Maui Eco-Adventures. The ride from the resort to our destination was visually stunning followed by a short, slightly ambitious climb down a lushly forested cliff to a tiny hidden waterfall and pond. Icy cold water kept me ashore as my cold-loving husband took a brisk dip and short ride down the natural water slide.
The concierge can book practically any adventure you can imagine. A horseback ride at Ironwood Ranch amid pineapple fields and deep red soil overlooking Moloka‘i and Lana‘i along West Maui's mountain range is a good choice. Run by a rough and tough cowgirl with a big heart and love for stray cats, the trail guides are engaging and the horses give a good ride among breathtaking scenery.
for a less populated, intimate getaway setting for two, neighboring Sheraton Maui noted to be the first resort in Maui, offers 23 acres of oceanfront property hugging a natural cove beneath famous Black Rock. Names as one of the top 10 shore dive areas in the world, the calmer waters of the cove attract sea turtles and abundant fish life. Whale pods can be seen morning and night in season.
Promoting a You Complete Me couples package with numerous upgrades for a one-time $600 add-on fee over the duration of your stay, this Starwood managed property offers a quiet romance wing while the main area offers a meandering lagoon, lap pools and outdoor bar along with lawn activities popular with families. We enjoyed a savory, romantic sunset dinner for two on a private lawn overlooking Black Rock, made famous by a legend that speaks of couples in transition who leap off as individuals to emerge as one.
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