Friday's postcard from Four Seasons Ko Olina

ocean view behind FS Ko Olina (c) 2018 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

There's a real ocean beach at Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina. I'm not speaking of the "main" beach on the lagoon that Four Seasons shares with Disney's Aulani. Instead you'll find a small and empty ocean beach just behind the Adult Resort Pool. We found exactly one other guest on the beach enjoying the seclusion and gorgeous ocean views. And if you walk just a bit further around the bend, you'll come across the panorama pictured above.

For a relaxing beach holiday on Oahu, I recommend you avoid Disney's Aulani; it's very crowded, filled with kids, with tiny rooms they call "villas." We have been impressed by the spaciousness and luxury of guest rooms at Four Seasons Ko Olina.

copyright  (c)  2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit our website.

Thursday's postcard from Four Seasons Hawaii

complimentary suntan lotion at FS Lanai (c) 2018 by David Ourisman

Four Seasons Hawaii resorts are quite guest friendly. Unlike some resorts that charge resort fees, you'll never feel nickeled-and-dimed to death at Four Seasons. I've posted this picture of a small but significant amenity at every Four Seasons in Hawaii — complimentary organic sunscreen!

Anyone who's traveled to the tropics and forgotten to pack sunscreen has learned about island price gouging. Because you can't pack enough sunscreen in your hand luggage due to TSA regulations on transporting liquids, this perk is quite valuable ... and just the beginning of the great values you can expect at the Four Seasons in Maui, Hualalai, Lanai, and Oahu (and many other destinations worldwide): complimentary sunscreen, complimentary Kids for All Seasons, and Preferred Partner amenities that offer hundreds of dollars of additional value throughout your stay.

copyright  (c)  2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit our website.

#Virtuoso Week top ten | FS Oahu at Ko Olina

This is the second of my "top ten list" of takeaways from this year's #Virtuoso Week where I'm on the lookout for great travel ideas. Although not "yet" a part of Virtuoso, FS Oahu will have FSPP amenities from Day One!

Just one week until reservations open The opening of reservations has been postponed at FS Oahu at Ko Olina. I had lunch with my Four Seasons Hawaii rep on Sunday. She told me that the website is going live August 18, but that date has been pushed back. The opening date is expected to be in April, 2016, but we'll know for sure hopefully soon.

Occupying the former JW Marriott, Four Seasons has undertaken a complete renovation of the resort. Existing guest rooms are large — 640 square feet — and of the total 358 rooms, 52 will be suites. There will be five restaurants on property including a seafood restaurant.

Located on a protected lagoon with clear water and calm waves, Four Seasons looks across the lagoon to Disney's Aulani. This will be the first Four Seasons resort on Oahu and the fifth in Hawaii. The other four are FS Hualalai (Big Island), FS Maui, FS Manele Bay (Lana'i), and FS Lodge at Koele (Lana'i).

More news will be forthcoming, including the Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities that guests will receive at FS Oahu when booking through your FSPP travel consultant. Although I'm not permitted to publish these amenities, please email me for my guide to the FSPP amenities at every Four Seasons hotel and resort worldwide.

copyright  (c)  2015 by David Ourisman LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

multi-island Hawaii trip

the beach at Manele Bay, Lana'i

While west coast residents have the luxury of traveling frequently to Hawaii and experiencing a different island each time, the rest of North America doesn't have that luxury. That's one reason to consider a multi-island Hawaii trip.

the Hawaiian Islands

Oahu is the most populated Hawaiian island. While many people enjoy Waikiki Beach for its buzz (lots of bars, restaurants, and nightlife - and an ABC Store on every corner), I recommend getting away to a more secluded tropical setting, the Kahala Resort, which I've enjoyed both times I've stayed there. Oahu is also the home of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.

Maui is blessed with great beaches and offers beach vacations at every price point, from affordable condos to luxurious five star resorts such as the Four Seasons Maui. There's plenty to do. Many vacationers enjoy a bike ride down Haleakala Volcano at sunrise ... or a submarine tour from Lahaina.

Kauai is an active vacationer's dream, with widely varied landscapes on a small island easily explored in a week. Don't miss the Napili Coast, but wear shoes you won't mind throwing away after your unforgettable hike along a sometimes muddy trail. Stay at the St. Regis Princeville in the summer months and at the Grand Hyatt Kauai in the winter months.

The Big Island (Hawaii) offers an incredible diversity of scenery: fields of hardened lava flows north of Kona (resembling a lunar landscape), verdant rain forests on the Hilo side of the island, black sand beaches, and even an active volcano. Four Seasons Hualalai is my idea of what every tropical resort should be - low rise, two-story buildings spread out over a spacious resort.

Lana'i is what Hawaii used to be before the developers discovered this tropical paradise — not a single traffic light on the island. There are just two resorts: one by the sea (Four Seasons Manele Bay) with its beautiful, secluded beach — and one 1,500 feet above sea level in a setting that resembles a traditional Hawaiian pineapple plantation (Four Seasons Lodge at Koele). Still relatively undiscovered, Lana'i offers the best luxury values in Hawaii.

my favorite two-island itinerary

Maui and Lana'i are just a 45-minute ferry ride apart, and it's easy to combine a stay on these two islands. Begin your vacation in Maui, easily reached with non-stop flights from the west coast as well as Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, and Chicago — and many Canadian cities. Kick back your feet and enjoy a casual beach vacation. Rent from Hertz at the Maui airport (OGG), and plan to drop off your car at the West Maui Hertz office for a small drop-off fee. Hertz will drive you to Lahaina Harbor where you can catch the Ferry to Lana'i. Finish your vacation in the lap of Four Seasons luxury, either at Manele Bay or the Lodge at Koele. Fly home through Honolulu with easy connections everywhere.


multi-island Hawaii trip (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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The Kahala Resort | 7 Day Sale

The Kahala Resort on the island of Oahu is one of my favorite beach resorts in Hawaii. In fact, the banner picture across the top of this blog was taken from its beach one morning at sunrise.

What do I like about the Kahala? It's not on Waikiki Beach, for starters. While Waikiki is perhaps the most famous beach in the world, it's in the busy downtown of Honolulu (population about one million) on a busy street lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and the ubiquitous ABC Stores. If you want nightlife and non-stop action, Waikiki is your destination. But if you want a beach vacation in a secluded tropical paradise... I recommend the Kahala.

For a limited time, the Kahala is on sale (through Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010). Guests staying a minimum of 4 nights receive:

• A $200 Air Credit
• Every 4th night free
• Full buffet breakfast for two daily in the Plumeria Beach House
• Alamo full size car rental per day.

Rates begin at just $339.50 per room per night including tax. Book from Oct. 18 - Oct. 24 and travel from Jan. 3, 2011 through Dec. 23, 2011. Blackout dates are Jan. 9-12. There is a minimum 4 night stay. Contact me for a quote - or for other vacation ideas in Hawaii.


Kahala Resort (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Hawaii | which island to visit?

A common question from first time travelers to Hawaii — which island to visit? Each is actually quite unique and offers a different vacation experience. Here's a brief rundown on your five island choices.

Oahu is the most populous island in the chain. Many travelers fly into Honolulu because of the wide choice of non-stop flights from many international and U.S. cities (including the major east coast hubs of Newark and Atlanta). Many visitors make a point to visit Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki Beach is a world-famous beach. Waikiki doesn't really appeal to me, but if you love the bustle and excitement of crowds, lots of shopping, an ABC store on every corner, and some very inexpensive hotel rooms, Honolulu could be a good choice. If Oahu is in your plans, my recommendation is the Kahala Resort, about 15 minutes from Waikiki with a beautiful, secluded beach (and a good spot for celebrity watching).

Maui is the other major tourist destination in Hawaii. It has become so popular, unfortunately, that its single two-lane road is often crowded and slow. Maui has great beaches and great golf, but I fear that it's a victim of its own popularity: lots of condos and strip malls have been built over the years. Maui is the home to the original Four Seasons Resort, the FS Maui at Wailea, and there is a large and beautiful Ritz-Carlton in the Napili area of Maui.

Kauai is a great spot for active adventurers. Small enough to get anyplace in a few hours, you can fully explore Kauai in a one-week visit. Pictured here is Waimea Canyon, the so-called "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Located in the warm and dry southwest corner of Kauai, this is a spectacular area for hiking. You will also enjoy hiking the Napili Coast (wear shoes you won't mind walking through the mud in ... as this island is a veritable rainforest). You can also see the spectacular scenery from a helicopter or dinner cruise. The newly remodeled St. Regis Princeville Resort on the north coast is a beautiful and luxurious property - a good spot for summer visitors. In the winter, stay on Poipu Beach for the better weather (where the Grand Hyatt is a good choice).

You might guess that the Big Island (Hawaii) is the largest island in the Hawaiian chain. With a still-active volcano creating a lava stream that flows to the sea, the Big Island offers the greatest variety of natural wonders. The first time I flew into Kona and drove north towards my hotel, I was struck by the lunar landscape left behind by the lava flows that formed the island. Not to worry, all of the resorts are very green and lush with beautiful beaches and championship golf courses. While the Kona side of the island is the most dependable for warm, dry weather, the Hilo side of the island is a veritable rain forest - very beautiful in its own way. Four Seasons Hualalai, a short drive from Kona, is perhaps the most idyllic resort in Hawaii.

Lanai is the smallest and quietest of the five major tourist islands, and it provides a sense of what Hawaii used to be before it was developed for tourism. With no large cities and not a single traffic light, this is a place to go and relax. Four Seasons Manele Bay sits beside one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever walked on, and there's good snorkeling right off shore. Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is 1500 feet above sea level and offers the atmosphere of a Hawaiian pineapple plantation. Both are really beautiful properties and among the best luxury resort values anywhere in the world.

I can provide exclusive amenities at all of the resorts mentioned in this article, including complimentary daily breakfast for two, room upgrades when available at check-in, and extra value-added amenities. These are available just by booking through a Virtuoso and Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant.


Hawaii which island to visit (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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luxury tropical resorts

Winter is upon us with a vengeance, and parts of the country are already enduring frigid temperatures and driving snowstorms. Even here in Berkeley, California where I live, this week has seen unseasonably cold temperatures with a slight accumulation of snow on Monday and temperatures in the 30's. It's enough to make a winter-weary traveler start thinking about warm-weather getaways to luxury tropical resorts in Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

I am most familiar with Hawaii, being based on the west coast. Non-stops are available from SFO and LAX, as well as many secondary airports, to the major Hawaiian islands. Step on the plane at 8 a.m., and by 11 a.m. you'll find yourself in the warm, sunny tropics.

Where to stay in Hawaii? There are lodging options to match most budgets, but these are my choices for the best of the best.

Big Island — Four Seasons Hualalai. Land in Kona, drive a few minutes through the lava fields that remind one of a lunar landscape, and you will find yourself in this lush tropical resort that is the epitome of what a luxury vacation should be. No high-rise towers here — just two story buildings around four crescents, each with its own lawn and pool. Rooms are large and comfortable. Choose a second floor room for the best ocean views or, as many guests prefer, a ground floor room with its own outdoor lava shower.

Families will appreciate the complimentary kids program, and adults will enjoy the challenging 18-hole championship golf course as well as Hualalai's renowned spa (with both indoor and outdoor options for relaxing massages).

Oahu — The Kahala Resort. I love this hotel. There's a warm, relaxing, and comfortable feeling to this resort. 15 minutes away from the hectic, crowded madness of Waikiki Beach, I much prefer walking down the nearly empty beach in Kahala. If you're an early riser, you'll enjoy the beautiful sunrise (which is pictured at the very top of this blog as well as on my website).

Kauai — St. Regis Princeville Resort. Recently renovated and now under the management of St. Regis, one of my clients who just stayed at Princeville reports that the property is stunning and has a great general manager. Once this newly re-opened and re-branded hotel gets its service organized, this will be the luxury choice on Kauai. My favorite part of Hawaii - and a great destination for active travelers - Kauai is small enough to explore the entire island ... and varied enough to maintain your interest. Hike the Waimea Canyon (the "Grand Canyon" of Hawaii) or the beautiful Napili coast (wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy). Visit colorful botanical gardens or gaze at Kawaikini, the highest point on Kauai at 5,243 feet and the wettest spot on earth.

Maui — Four Seasons Maui or Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. These properties will appeal to different families. The Ritz-Carlton, in the Napili area of Maui, is a large resort set on an immense property. If you want lots of space, acres of green lawns, a beautiful beach, an award-wining children's environmental education program, and a challenging golf course, consider the Ritz-Carlton. Or, for a more compact setting with a complimentary kids program, you can't go wrong with the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.

Enjoy value added amenities at any of these properties simply by booking through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner or Virtuoso luxury travel consultant. You will receive complimentary daily breakfasts, room upgrades if available, and other amenities that can include free lunches or spa credits.



luxury tropical resorts (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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last minute Hawaiian vacation

When life gives you a lemon... turn it into a Mai Tai! Along with thousands of other travelers this Christmas, inclement weather forced us to make some last minute Christmas vacation plans. We had been planning to visit family who live near Portland, OR. Severe winter weather made that visit impossible. Horizon Air cancelled our flight, and even if we could have made it, Hertz could not have provided the (required) chains. Every car rental agency in Portland was sold out of 4x4s.

So I found myself on the morning of Dec. 22 with my long-planned Christmas vacation snowed out. My mission was simple, to find...

• a desirable location (i.e., with better weather than Northern California)
  
• reachable via non-stop flight from Oakland or San Francisco
  
• flight availability the next day
  
• last-minute availability at a Virtuoso hotel during Festive Season

Phoenix was out — too cold (60º) and rainy. Maui, Kona, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta had no non-stop availability. That left Honolulu with its 80º temperatures and sunny skies at the top of my list.

I got extremely lucky and booked a room at The Kahala Resort. I had stayed here several years ago and really love this property! In fact, the banner at the top of every Travel Horizons page is a photograph I took during my former visit to the Kahala — a sunrise seen from their beach. The lead picture for this article — three fishermen at dawn — was photographed on the same beach. And check out my website for another sunrise shot from The Kahala. Clearly, this is a photogenic place to stay!

What do I like so much about the Kahala? It's a mid-size resort with a few more than 300 rooms. The Kahala offers a casually elegant and relaxing ambiance. The rooms are spacious (550 square feet) and have been newly renovated with a beautiful color scheme and carpeting replacing the old parquet wood floors (although I actually preferred the funky old parquet!). The bathrooms are large with two separate vanities, a soaking tub, a glass-enclosed shower, and two closets. We were upgraded to a lanai room with a large balcony overlooking the mountains; we kept the lanai doors opened and the air conditioning off and enjoyed the tropical breezes.

Best of all, service at the Kahala is genuine and personable. On Christmas morning, every guest room had a Christmas stocking hung outside its door with a few surprises within. This is typical of the warmth and friendliness of this very Hawaiian resort. Be sure to book through a Virtuoso luxury travel consultant to receive a complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily ($60 value) and free parking.

While in Honolulu, I had a site inspection of the other Virtuoso property, the Halekulani (seen at the far left of the row of hotels in this picture). An urban beach resort, the Halekulani has created a secluded and quiet oasis within the excitement and bustle of Waikiki. The rooms are not as large as those at the Kahala, although every room has its own balcony. Virtuoso clients receive an upgrade at the time of booking from Partial Ocean View to Ocean View — or from Ocean View to Ocean Front. This amounts to a very nice discount, and Virtuoso clients receive free parking and a free breakfast buffet in addition!

Waikiki or not? Oahu has a lot to offer vacationers — the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, world class waves on the north coast, great snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Park, and beautiful, sunny weather most of the year. If you like the excitement of a vibrant urban shopping mecca with upscale stores, a vast variety of restaurants, and lively nightlife, you'll enjoy Waikiki Beach. (Keep walking east on the beach till you're beyond the crescent of hotels and you'll find a park-like setting where the beach is much less crowded.) If, on the other hand, you want quiet and seclusion, you'll love the Kahala — a great family destination resort where your kids can swim with the dolphins!


The Kahala Resort (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2008 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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