Best Small Luxury Hotel - Hawaii
Jul 10th, 2004, 03:17 AM
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Best Small Luxury Hotel - Hawaii
My wife and I are thinking of Hawaii as an alternative for our 20th anniversary trip. We generally travel caribbean getaways because of travel time.
Looking for small luxury hotel on Kauai or Maui, on the beach with superior service, accomodations and food - or access to food.
We are not the big resort types. We like seclusion, room service and snorkeling. Cost not a problem.
Where can I find the best in Hawaii?
Looking for small luxury hotel on Kauai or Maui, on the beach with superior service, accomodations and food - or access to food.
We are not the big resort types. We like seclusion, room service and snorkeling. Cost not a problem.
Where can I find the best in Hawaii?
Jul 10th, 2004, 07:02 AM
#3
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I don't believe there is actually such a thing as a small, true luxury hotel, on the beach on Kauai or Maui.
Beach proprty is, of course, extremely limited and expensive. Hard to pay the bills with a 10-50 unit property.
Beach proprty is, of course, extremely limited and expensive. Hard to pay the bills with a 10-50 unit property.
Jul 10th, 2004, 08:22 AM
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I think travleis may be correct, in which case you could just opt for a smaller resort. We loved the all-suite Kea Lani in Wailea on Maui and I think you would find that it fits all of your requirements. They are known for fabulous food & service and are located on a nice, little beach. If cost is not a problem, the individual Kea Lani ocean-view bungalows may be a perfect choice, as well. They are spacious and each have their own pool, although it is about the size of a jacuzzi.
The Four Seasons in Wailea is another option. The Grand Wailea is incredible, but probably too large for your taste.
You may also want to consider the Hotel Hana Maui for get-away-from-it-all luxury in a more tropical setting, including a private Jacuzzi in some rooms. Unfortunately, the food options are practically nil on that side of the island.
In Kauai, you may prefer the more serene Princeville over the family-oriented Hyatt for luxury accomodations.
There are also a few smaller hotels on these islands, but if you want superior service and accomodations, the resorts are your best bet.
If you decide against a resort, you have many condos in a variety of price ranges from which to choose on both islands, but you would be sacrificing room service, maid service and luxury for privacy and space.
There are also a few Bed & Breakfast places, but they are often not very private.
Basically, I can't think of one property that fits everything on your wish list. You may have to prioritize your requirements as you examine all the options. Good luck!
The Four Seasons in Wailea is another option. The Grand Wailea is incredible, but probably too large for your taste.
You may also want to consider the Hotel Hana Maui for get-away-from-it-all luxury in a more tropical setting, including a private Jacuzzi in some rooms. Unfortunately, the food options are practically nil on that side of the island.
In Kauai, you may prefer the more serene Princeville over the family-oriented Hyatt for luxury accomodations.
There are also a few smaller hotels on these islands, but if you want superior service and accomodations, the resorts are your best bet.
If you decide against a resort, you have many condos in a variety of price ranges from which to choose on both islands, but you would be sacrificing room service, maid service and luxury for privacy and space.
There are also a few Bed & Breakfast places, but they are often not very private.
Basically, I can't think of one property that fits everything on your wish list. You may have to prioritize your requirements as you examine all the options. Good luck!
Jul 10th, 2004, 08:46 AM
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Well $4800 is a bit much. I was thinking in the 750-1000 range. I'll check out some of these suggestions. More would be appreciated. I've always liked the smaller spots in the caribbean.
Jul 10th, 2004, 09:53 AM
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Kona Village next to the 4S BI is also another choice with private bungalows on the beach. But could you survive without a television in your room? That's the one thing that keeps us from staying there. I think the bungalows directly on the beach run around 900/nt, with all 3 meals included. Also no cell phones are permitted in common areas which is a nice touch for relaxation.
Jul 10th, 2004, 10:01 AM
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Also, what do you consider for a smaller hotel? Most of the hotels that offer room serive, ammenities, and the like have 200+ rooms. My other choice would be the 4S BI that I think has around 250? rooms. 4S also has their own snorkeling pond. While during the summer there may be many families there is also an adults only pool and it is easy to find a secluded spot with covered canopy chairs to enjoy by the beach.
Jul 10th, 2004, 11:34 AM
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Although I'm a big fan of the Hawaiian islands, I agree with the above posters that you're not likely to find many small, luxury hotels in Hawaii that offer seclusion, room service and snorkeling. For the things you desire, you're better off looking at French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, etc.), Cook Islands and Fiji.
Most of the luxury hotels in Hawaii are the big resort types. The only ones that may meet your requirements were already offered above: Hotel Hana Maui (no snorkeling nearby) and Kona Village on the Big Island, but it's more rustic ("authentic") than luxurious.
Most of the luxury hotels in Hawaii are the big resort types. The only ones that may meet your requirements were already offered above: Hotel Hana Maui (no snorkeling nearby) and Kona Village on the Big Island, but it's more rustic ("authentic") than luxurious.
Jul 10th, 2004, 12:06 PM
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Oh yes, I thought of one more. Gloria's Spouting Horn Bed and Breakfast at gloriasbedandbreakfast.com. I believe there are only 3 rooms and breafast is included. It is located beach front, with snorkeling on property. All rooms have sweeping ocean views. I believe you can spot seals and sea turtles nearby. No room service but I belive there is a small town with restaurants nearby.
Jul 11th, 2004, 02:49 AM
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Jul 11th, 2004, 07:15 AM
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Don't give up on Hawaii! It really is a wonderful, magical place. In my opinion only the Mandarin Oriental is a congested hotel though, with a dime-sized pool for several hundred people. Perhaps one day you will decide to visit the islands. Have a wonderful 20th.
Jul 11th, 2004, 08:52 AM
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On the BI there is the Fairmont Orchid and also the Mana Kea. They both have a small, intimate feel to them, they have wonderful service, food, and locations right on the beach. They have lovely grounds and are very romantic, IMO. Check them out.
Jul 12th, 2004, 08:22 AM
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I second that you take a look at the Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island. It was formerly a "rock resort" founded by a Rockefeller just like Caneel Bay and Little Dix were - emphasis on the natural landscape and surroundings.
Size wise, it is about 200 rooms right on the ocean, with an award winning golf course. I found better snorkeling right off the beach at the Mauna Kea than I did at Little Dix. Saw 10's of sea turtles , manta rays and 100's of colorful fish.
The hotel's ambiance is relaxed elegance and the food and service were great. Don't give up on Hawaii. The Carribean is great and certainly more convenient if you are from the east coast, but Hawaii is a whole other experience, that if you have the time and money now you surely check it out!
Aloha
Size wise, it is about 200 rooms right on the ocean, with an award winning golf course. I found better snorkeling right off the beach at the Mauna Kea than I did at Little Dix. Saw 10's of sea turtles , manta rays and 100's of colorful fish.
The hotel's ambiance is relaxed elegance and the food and service were great. Don't give up on Hawaii. The Carribean is great and certainly more convenient if you are from the east coast, but Hawaii is a whole other experience, that if you have the time and money now you surely check it out!
Aloha
Jul 12th, 2004, 11:30 AM
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I have to endorse what the last poster said. Hawaii is just another experience. We have been to the Carribean many times and, although we love it, Hawaii is just so lush and wonderful. The travel from the east coast is quite long but once you get there...The snorkeling in Maui is easy and wonderful in many places. It is great to be able to just swim from the shore and hit the reefs. There are no end of excellent restaurants on Maui. Kaui is even more beautiful but doesn't have quite the number of restaurants. We loved the Hotel Hana Maui for a two day stay. They really have a service attidude and a lovely setting. The food is not fabulous though and there is no where else to go to eat.
You may not do it for your anniversay but go to Hawaii!
You may not do it for your anniversay but go to Hawaii!
Jul 13th, 2004, 07:22 AM
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I have heard nice things about Secret Hideaway in kauai.
http://secretbeachkauai.com/about.html
However, they are cottage rentals, not luxury hotels.
We stayed at the Princeville in June. I was not as impressed as I was with the Four Seasons Maui, but we have friends that splurged and got a junior suite at the Princeville and were very happy.
I highly recommend the Four Seasons Wailea. Get a junior suite and even though it is not a "small" property, you will feel like it due to the incredible service. You would have access to Spago, Ferraros, Nicks is next door at the Fairmont..incredible.
Although the FS is a resort, this is not your average resort. The only place where it may feel touristy is the pool area, but you two don't sound like pool people anyway.
If you like snorkeling, there are so many great places in the Wailea area that you can drive too and get away from the crowds.
maui is wonderful.
Good luck!
Becca
http://secretbeachkauai.com/about.html
However, they are cottage rentals, not luxury hotels.
We stayed at the Princeville in June. I was not as impressed as I was with the Four Seasons Maui, but we have friends that splurged and got a junior suite at the Princeville and were very happy.
I highly recommend the Four Seasons Wailea. Get a junior suite and even though it is not a "small" property, you will feel like it due to the incredible service. You would have access to Spago, Ferraros, Nicks is next door at the Fairmont..incredible.
Although the FS is a resort, this is not your average resort. The only place where it may feel touristy is the pool area, but you two don't sound like pool people anyway.
If you like snorkeling, there are so many great places in the Wailea area that you can drive too and get away from the crowds.
maui is wonderful.
Good luck!
Becca
Jul 13th, 2004, 09:41 AM
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I think people here are missing cio457's point.
Having stayed at the big Wailea resorts, Kapalua Bay, and Caneel Bay, the difference is dramatic. Caneel is far from being my favorite Caribbean resort, but what it offers which I have never found anywhere in Hawaii, is a combination of: powdery white sand beaches (7 private ones at the resort itself), shades of very warm turquoise water which has outstanding snorkelling, serenity and a feeling of being one of only a handful of guests at the resort (due to the sheer acreage of the resort and multiple beaches), and a relaxed Caribbean attitude which is different (not necessarily better, just different and very pleasant) from Hawaii.
If the comparison is St. John vs. Hawaii, there are unique elements at Caneel which can't be found in Hawaii.
Hawaii has lots of advantages over the Caribbean when it comes to top end hotel quality (Caneel's rooms are nice but not great), and overall food quality, though.
Having stayed at the big Wailea resorts, Kapalua Bay, and Caneel Bay, the difference is dramatic. Caneel is far from being my favorite Caribbean resort, but what it offers which I have never found anywhere in Hawaii, is a combination of: powdery white sand beaches (7 private ones at the resort itself), shades of very warm turquoise water which has outstanding snorkelling, serenity and a feeling of being one of only a handful of guests at the resort (due to the sheer acreage of the resort and multiple beaches), and a relaxed Caribbean attitude which is different (not necessarily better, just different and very pleasant) from Hawaii.
If the comparison is St. John vs. Hawaii, there are unique elements at Caneel which can't be found in Hawaii.
Hawaii has lots of advantages over the Caribbean when it comes to top end hotel quality (Caneel's rooms are nice but not great), and overall food quality, though.
Jul 30th, 2004, 08:46 PM
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Well, CIO457, I can understand your point of view. Number one is I love Hawaii (a recent convert) and number two is exactly what rwilliams said which is that for all its small flaws Caneel Bay offers what no resort in Hawaii offers (which is 7 powdery sand beaches within a 2 to 15 minute WALK from each other). Having done both (I have been to Caneel Bay about 6 times in 20 years) and having enjoyed both, I am sure you would have a great time at either destination.
What the other posters have said about Hawaii is generally true. There are very few luxury hotels which meet your requirements. The best would be the Four Seasons BI and the Secret Hideaway (given that Mauna Lani's bungalows are outrageously priced). Mauna Kea may work but it is rather faded (more so than Caneel Bay), but the beach is absolutely wonderful. In fact it would remind you very much of Scott's Beach at Caneel.
I would focus on one of the properties mentioned above or try Mustique or Anguilla if you want instead of Caneel Bay.
Let us know how it works out.
What the other posters have said about Hawaii is generally true. There are very few luxury hotels which meet your requirements. The best would be the Four Seasons BI and the Secret Hideaway (given that Mauna Lani's bungalows are outrageously priced). Mauna Kea may work but it is rather faded (more so than Caneel Bay), but the beach is absolutely wonderful. In fact it would remind you very much of Scott's Beach at Caneel.
I would focus on one of the properties mentioned above or try Mustique or Anguilla if you want instead of Caneel Bay.
Let us know how it works out.
