Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Sometimes you do get what you pay for—and that’s just about anything you could desire at this serenely welcoming resort, only a 15-minute drive from the airport but worlds away from anything resembling hustle and bustle. Rooms in the small clusters of two-story guest-room buildings and villa start at 635 square feet, with private lanais and large bathrooms outfitted with glass-walled showers and deep soaking tubs; ask for one with an outdoor lava-rock shower. All have views of the ocean or one of seven swimming pools; the adults-only Palm Grove Pool offers a swim-up bar and daybeds, but snorkeling in Kings’ Pond amid rays and tropical fish remains a top draw. Dinner at Ulu Ocean Grill or the Beach Tree is consistently excellent, if costly; it can be hard to tear yourself away in search of cheaper options nearly a half-hour away. Kudos to the Four Seasons for bucking the resort-fee trend, for not charging for its children’s or cultural programs, and for numerous environmental measures, including support for the Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods’ koa reforestation.
Note: The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, excellent spa and huge fitness center are open only to hotel guests and members.
Sometimes you do get what you pay for—and that’s just about anything you could desire at this serenely welcoming resort, only a 15-minute drive from the airport but worlds away from anything resembling hustle and bustle. Rooms in the small clusters of two-story guest-room buildings and villa start at 635 square feet, with private lanais and large bathrooms outfitted with glass-walled showers and deep soaking tubs; ask for one with an outdoor lava-rock shower. All have views of the ocean or one of seven swimming pools; the adults-only Palm Grove Pool offers a swim-up bar and daybeds, but snorkeling in Kings’ Pond amid rays and tropical fish remains a top draw. Dinner at Ulu Ocean Grill or the Beach Tree is consistently excellent, if costly; it can be hard to tear yourself away in search of cheaper options nearly a half-hour away. Kudos to the Four Seasons for bucking the resort-fee trend, for not charging for its children’s or cultural programs, and for numerous environmental measures, including support for the Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods’ koa reforestation.
Note: The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, excellent spa and huge fitness center are open only to hotel guests and members.
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