Here: The Luxury Collection

February 3, 2012 by  
Filed under columns, hotels, Life in Hawaii

Before I became a flight attendant I used to work for the Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki which included the beautiful Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Also known as The Pink Palace, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel has been holding court on the shores of Waikiki Beach for 85 years. It’s one of the most beautiful and historic hotels I’ve ever stayed in and it’s currently being featured in the new film entitled Here.

Here has reunited Waris Ahluwalia with Luca Guadagnino, the director of their Golden Globe-nominated film, I Am Love, to create a cinematic experience that offers a glimpse into the hidden treasures of some of America’s favorite destinations. The short film, starring Agyness Deyn, co-written by Tilda Swinton with music by Jason Schwartzman, was shot at three of The Luxury Collection’s most iconic properties across the United States, aiming to inspire global travelers to explore and discover destinations in a unique and authentic way.

This haunting indie film is about a woman who is sent to three of the most beautiful resorts in the United States through mysterious notes and clues and arrives at her final destination in beautiful Hawaii. From the first note to the last scene, I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to see what the next property would look like or how it would all end. See it for yourself!


Stop by the Here website to find out more about these featured properties. You can even book the entire Here experience and visit these Luxury Collection hotels in person! What an experience of a lifetime!

Courtesy of The Luxury Collection

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Poipu Kai Resort

December 18, 2011 by  
Filed under columns, hotels, Life in Hawaii

In the heart of Poipu on Kaui’s sunny south coast is Poipu Kai Resort, 70 acres of beautiful meandering grounds nestled between Poipu Beach Park and Shipwreck beach. Poipu Kai Resort is home to several condominium developments, each with its own distinct style. It also has a very nice tennis facility with 8 courts.

Which Kauai condo complex to choose for a vacation depends on several factors: which beach do you want to be closest to; would you like an ocean view condo; how many bedrooms do you need, your budget, and whether you need air conditioning.

The table below will help you chose a condo complex at Poipu Kai. All the developments offer large and comfortable units. Oftentimes the choice may come down to price and what’s available. With Hawaii’s cooling trade winds and mild temperatures air conditioning is considered unnecessary but there are people who find it a needed comfort.

The above information was compiled from HawaiiGaga.com, the Hawaii vacation rental directory.

This is a sponsored post

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Kauai GPS Tour Guide for the iPhone (FREE Download Codes)

Kauai GPS Tour Guide is a virtual tour guide that talks to you as you drive around Kauai. Using the GPS built into the iPhone, the Tour Guide knows exactly where you are and alerts you to hidden beaches, scenic lookouts, historic sites, hikes, farmers markets and many other Kauai attractions.

The Kauai GPS Tour Guide is the first and only App of its kind available to Kauai visitors. It’s like having an island resident drive with you to tell you about the island. Unlike a guide book where you’re constantly flipping through pages trying to figure out where you are and what’s around you, the Tour Guide tells you about hidden places, and guides you to difficult-to-find attractions. For example, the Tour Guide will tell you where to find parking for Tunnels beach, show you the location of the Queen’s Bath, and provide important safety guidance, and tell you about movies filmed in the area you’re driving through.

The Tour Guide includes over 200 points of interest and uses a real human voice – not a computer generated one. The application also includes comprehensive information about Kauai’s beaches, weather and surf forecasts, driving directions, Kauai background information for tourists including detailed ocean safety guidelines, and select activity and restaurant recommendations.

I have FREE download codes to the first 5 people who request it.

This is a sponsored post

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Kauai Resorts

September 9, 2011 by  
Filed under hotels, Life in Hawaii, promotions

Kauai, nicknamed the Garden Island, is known for its beautiful scenery, miles of beaches, and laid back style. The island has a two resort areas – Princeville on the north shore, and Poipu on the south shore. Although there are several hotels, Kauai caters largely to condominium style vacationing with dozens of options on the north, east and south coasts. This article will give you an idea of the choices available on the island.

Located next to the St. Regis hotel in Princeville is the distinctively modern looking Puu Poa condo complex. At over 1800 square feet the units at Puu Poa are large and very comfortable, some featuring two lanais, or one lanai and a sun room. Puu Poa is perched on a cliff and all the units have fantastic ocean views. In the winter months you can whale watch right from your Lanai. Hideaways beach is located below the cliff, and offers snorkeling in the summer months.

On the South shore in Poipu is Kuhio Shores, one of Kauai’s favorite oceanfront condominiums. Kuhio Shores is situated about as close to the ocean as you can get in Kauai. Fortunately the off shore reef ensures that condo is kept safe from big waves. Kuhio Shores is located directed beside Lawai beach, a small beach that has good snorkeling and a short stroll from Baby beach, a nice beach for infants.

Another oceanfront complex in Poipu is Poipu Shores, a 5 minute walk from Poipu Beach. Poipu Shores is built around Lava rocks on the ocean. Waves crashing against the rocks just feet from the building make for some magical moments, especially for those lounging at the pool who may get hit by ocean spray. Like Kuhio Shores, all the units at Poipu Shores have ocean views.

Located almost next to Poipu Shores is Nihi Kai Villas featuring mature grounds with fruit trees and many interesting plants, a couple tennis courts, a nice BBQ area, and a pool and kids wading pool. Some of the units at Nihi Kai Villas have amazing ocean views, sweeping down the coastline past Poipu Beach. Nihi Kai Villas are only a couple minute walk from Poipu Beach park.

If you don’t need ocean views but have a desire for a very comfortable, air conditioned units, the Regency at Poipu Kai Resort is the answer. Spacious and inviting with large grounds, these newer condos even have units with 3 bedrooms plus loft. Regency is a short walk from Poipu Beach Park, Brennecke Beach, and Shipwreck beach and the Hyatt Resort.

Poipu Sands is another condo development within the Poipu Kai resort, located right beside the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Shipwreck beach. With large units, some with ocean views, a lovely pool and its own tennis court, Poipu Sands is a great choice for families with children. Guests can also take advantage of Poipu Kai Resorts’ 9 court tennis facility, located a 10 minute walk away.

For those seeking luxury in a quiet intimate setting, Whalers Cove in Poipu is one of the finest. This oceanfront resort features very large 2 bedroom units, large lanais, and excellent ocean views. The resort includes a heated infinity pool, hot tub, and BBQ area. The resort is nearby Baby beach and about a 7 minute walk from Lawai beach. Popiu Beach Park and Kiahuna beach are a 5 minute drive away.

If you’re unsure about whether to stay on the north or south shore, splitting your stay is a great way to explore the island. Poipu is close to Waimea Canyon, one of Kauai’s most popular tourist attractions. And while staying on the north side you’ll be able to explore the miles of uncrowded beaches.

Guest post written by Amy Grant

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