Most of us share a periodic urge to escape to a land of paradise to be pampered beyond our wildest dreams. My wife and I recently visited such a place in the land of sun, sand and clear blue water where hospitality, serenity, and service were daily hallmarks. Upon arriving in the lobby of this luxury resort we immediately noticed several large floral displays with exotics such as huge heliconia and rare orchids. After providing just my name we were immediately escorted to our ocean front room where we were informed that all guests received in-room check-in service. Fifteen minutes later we were actually standing alone on one of 2 balconies enjoying a fresh ocean breeze.
During our stay, on a daily basis we received fresh flowers, including orchids, from the in-house flower shop, fresh fruit and decadent chocolates from the on site bake shop, and two newspapers hung on the door in a specially treated canvas bag that you could take to the beach. This premier luxury resort is one of only 22 properties in the United States, Mexico, and Canada to earn AAA’s five diamond rating for both lodging and dining. The name of this romantic getaway is Halekulani, on the beach at Waikiki. Halekulani is the only hotel in Hawaii with a five-diamond restaurant, LaMer. You may have recently seen LaMer featured on the popular TV show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. We can personally vouch for the Lobster Galette of Basmati Rice with roasted Opakapaka Sausage (yum, yum). Other luxuries we didn’t realize we needed were a bedside switch that adjusted the soft Hawaiian music from specially installed closet speakers. My wife especially enjoyed the terry-covered stool in front of the vanity and the effervescent tub tablets the size of eggs. How about your own doorbell and a light switch inside the door that tells those outside not to disturb you or fresh ice delivered twice a day. The closet doors were fully mirrored and opened into the bedroom on one side and into the bathroom on the other side allowing access to your clothes with returning to the bedroom. We even had our own personal Lovebirds who woke us up each morning with soft cooing from the balcony. Also impressive was the ability to sneak out for pizza in style in a long white limo that was actually our cab, at cab rates!
I would recommend this property for an extended week of pampering or just a 2 to 3 day layover. You might depart the pampered environment long enough to visit some of Oahu, Hawaii’s top attractions such as Hanauma Bay Beach park, on the best snorkeling locations in the world. Or perhaps take an excursion out to the U.S.S Arizona War Memorial, which honors those who perished during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. You might also enjoy a scenic ride along the windward coast of Oahu to the world famous Polynesian cultural center, which is a perfect fit for visitors with limited leisure time.
We, at James TravelPOINTS, can help arrange your memorable stay at Halekulani in Waikiki or help you chose another resort that meets your needs. Just give us a call at 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.
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