The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii

Located on 32 acres of oceanfront property, the Orchid is the place for watersports nuts, cultural explorers, families with children, or anyone who just wants to lie back and soak up the sun. This elegant beach resort takes full advantage of the spectacular ocean views and historic sites on its grounds. The sports facilities here are extensive, and there's an excellent Hawaiiana program: The "beach boys" demonstrate how to do everything from creating drums from the trunks of coconut trees to paddling a Hawaiian canoe to strumming a ukulele.

All rooms in this luxury hotel underwent complete renovation in 2006 (to the tune of $9.3 million) and sport new carpets, paint, artwork, lanai furniture, and amenities. Every unit has a big lanai, sitting area, and marble bathroom with double vanity and separate shower. I recommend spending a few dollars more to book a room on the Fairmont Gold Floor, which offers personalized service, complimentary Internet access, a lounge (serving continental breakfast, finger sandwiches in the afternoon, and appetizers in the evening), and exquisite ocean views. The Spa Without Walls allows you to book a massage just about anywhere on the property -- overlooking the ocean, nestled deep in the lush vegetation, or in the privacy of your room.

The Orchid's four restaurants are all wonderful, with a casual, relaxed atmosphere. The award-winning Norio's Sushi Bar & Restaurant has expanded, with three sushi chefs chopping, rolling, and performing magic at the sushi bar. The recently opened luau and Polynesian revue ("Gathering of the Kings") is making a big splash, with everything from fire-knife dancing performances to culinary creations from Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand. The Keiki Aloha program, for kids 5 to 12, features watersports, Hawaiian cultural activities, and other supervised adventures. Some special money-saving family packages are also available.

I applaud the Fairmont Orchid for dropping the obnoxious "resort fee" and allowing guests to pay for the extra services they want. Hot tip: Before you arrive, sign up online for the Fairmont President's Club (which is free) -- you'll get lots of benefits, including free Internet access.

Facilities: 4 restaurants (including Norio's Sushi Bar & Restaurant and Brown's Beach House); 5 bars (w/evening entertainment in the Paniolo Lounge); luau and Polynesian revue; large outdoor pool; 2 championship golf courses; 10 award-winning Plexipave tennis courts (7 lit for night play); well-equipped fitness center; outstanding spa; 2 lava-rock whirlpools; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; year-round children's program; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service; babysitting; same-day laundry service and dry cleaning; concierge-level rooms

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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