Honeymoon planning- luxury yet still rustic?
 

I'm trying to decide where to go for our honeymoon around 4th of July 09. My fiance and I like to be active, yet pampered, and avoid the traditional sky rise hotels. Any suggestions on more remote luxury lodges? Not sure what islands to focus on though I've heard Kauai is gorgeous. We'll have about 10 days.
Thanks!

You might want to check out some of the lodges in the Canadian National Parks. I understand they are spectacular.

Link to the Chateau Lake Louise in Banff.

http://www.fairmont.com/lakelouise/

A remote luxury lodge in Kauai? Hmmm... not sure.

But the Bali Cottage at the Cliffs Edge in Maui came to mind. I stayed here a few years ago. It's remote and luxury for sure...but the pampering is up to you since it's a rental and not a full service "lodge" (or hotel).

http://cliffsedge.com/cliffs_edge_maui_balicottage.htm

The pictures really don't do this place justice.

My husband and I don't need luxury, but can appreciate it. And we definitely don't want marble in a tropical paradise, nor phones or TVs - just native woods, quiet elegance, a beautiful setting, and plenty to do. Kona Village Resort on the Big Island might fit your criteria, though my husband could have stood more activity (in the middle of winter, the water can be pretty rough so they were careful about the watersports). It's near the Kona airport on the dry side, but if you go make sure you spend a bit of time at Volcano National Park or somewhere on the East side, if only for a night or two. We're headed back to the Big Island ourselves in Jan., though Kaui would also be great. If you end up going to a Hawaiian island, make sure you buy the corresponding book by Andrew Doughty (such as "The Big Island Revealed").
If you end up at the Canadian Rockies, which are indeed spectacular, consider Moraine Lake Lodge, though there are many gorgeous lodges in that neck of the woods.

Do you definitely have your heart set on Hawaii? We were big Hawaii fans, and then we started going to Costa Rica and are now hooked. It's beautiful, full of wildlife, and lots of great lodges. Check out the Peace Lodge, the Lost Iguana in Arenal, or Bosque del Cabo on the Osa Peninsula. Buena Vista Villas in Manuel Antonio is also popular. We love CR because it's only a 3-hour flight for us and cheaper than Hawaii. Hawaii is wonderful though; we went there for our honeymoon as well.

Sebasco Harbor Resort-Maine.
Otesaga-Cooperstown, NY
Sagamore-Bolton Landing, NY
The Emerson-Mt. Tremper, NY (Catskills)

I'm also having trouble thinking of remote/rustic luxurious resort in Hawaii. I can think of plenty of luxury places that aren't your traditional high rises, but they aren't rustic.

If you are considering somewhere other than HI, the Tall Timber Resort in CO definitely fits your bill. It's between Durango and Silverton; can only be reached by the train or helicopter. Very rustic but luxurious cabins in the woods with lots of activities. And the food is incredible. Most of the food is grown on site. If you catch trout during one of your side trips/hikes, they'll cook it to order. One of the chefs only prepares pastries and deserts.

An unforgetable experience.

Kona Village Resort on The Big Island is about the only Hawaiian hotel I can think of that meets your criteria. However, July will be hot and humid on the Kona side, and I believe they don't have air conditioning.

Or maybe check out the Hanalei Colony Resort. It is certainly more isolated area.

With 10 days, you may want to split your time. I've heard the Hotel Hana Maui is more rustic. I've been to their sister hotel, The Post Ranch Inn, in Big Sur and it was amazing. The brochures they had for their hotel in Maui looked rustic... but nice. Also, I think there is a lodge type hotel in Lanai.

:? Truly surprized that no has offered Lanai's Lodge at Koele
http://www.fourseasons.com/koele/

Again, pretty much self-service, but there's the Secret Beach Hideaway near Hanalei.

http://www.secretbeachkauai.com/sbh-index.html

A great little cottage rental on the Big Island. The location is wonderful and it isn't expensive. We're headed there for our second visit this summer. We almost never repeat locations - but think this place is very special.

http://www.blackbamboohawaii.com/hoapili/index.html

And here is another rental that would also be wonderful and slightly less expensive:

http://www.taracottagehawaii.com/

Whatever you decide -- have a wonderful honeymoon.

Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California

Thank you everyone! This is so helpful. We immediately looked at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur- and its ideal.. just quite quite pricey! We aren't set in stone for Hawaii for those that asked... We're going to sketch out about 4 or 5 options and then pic the best from there. The others being maybe Costa Rica, Italy (mountain/lake area), South Africa and then something more "domestic/close by/affordable"- Thanks!

If you would consider Colorado, the Devil's Thumb Ranch has been completely renovated. It's an authentic mountain lodge, with very luxurious fittings and restaurants.

It sits in a beautiful open space, between Winter Park and Granby, with gorgeous views, hiking, horses, or just relaxation. We were there a couple of weeks ago, to see how they had renovated it, and it's stunning. Very authentic 'old west' in all respects.