Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Located off Highway 19 between Kailua and Waimea, the Mauna Lani Hotel is part of the astounding 3,200-acre Mauna Lani Resort. It includes two renowned golf course, a tennis club and number of extravagant multimillion dollar residences.
The service at the Mauni Lani is excellent and the recreational options are numerous and world class. The accommodations are updated regularly and are elegant and well designed.
The inviting and breezy five-story atrium has a few handsomely furnished conversation nooks with ornate area rugs and sophisticated rattan sofas upholstered in rich orchid hues. Glimpses of the ocean excite arrivals as they sit at contemporary teak credenzas for check-in, where fresh juice and oshibori towels are offered.
Stairs lead down to an impressive series of waterways filled with tropical fish, rays, turtles, and at times, even sharks. Trained marine biologists maintain this rescue and release sanctuary and introduce children to sea life as part of the Kid's Club program.
Strolling out through fragrant frangipani, guests will discover delicious, innovative Pacific Rim food in the beachfront Canoe House. The Ocean Grill provides a less-expensive option. The terraced international buffet is next to the atrium, and the lounge envelops a bar with billiards, backgammon and dancing. The plantation-style restaurant at the clubhouse shares space with a bar, a lounge and is the site for weekly luaus.
A wing of shops extends from reception to the function area with a capacity of 420. The Macy's outlet is a surprise that underwhelms guests in search of Coach or Tiffany's, but the newly opened The Shops at Mauna Lani provide a more extensive roster of brand names and a trio of dining options.
The small but beautiful beach is dotted with cabanas, lounge chairs and palm-slung hammocks. The 10-court tennis club charges guests and imposes a dress code (no T-shirts), but courtside pitchers of lemon water and Gatorade offer solace.
The striking 18-hole championship course carved from oceanside lava beds and flanked by a petroglyph site. (Probably more than a million golf balls have disappeared into the ocean from the legendary 15th hole.) Two nine-hole golf courses supplement the spectacular course.
The gracious pool and whirlpool command a convenient beachside setting, and the placid sand and rock beach is ideal for snorkeling. Complimentary cabanas, beach chairs, boogey boards and snorkeling equipment are thoughtful perks.
A staffed health club, diving, fishing, sailing, riding, hiking and jogging are also offered, and children enjoy their own beach with pint-sized cabanas. Parking is complimentary.
The large accommodations, simply and tastefully decorated, do a superior job of representing elegant tropical style. Done in soothing sand and sea hues, all display well-kept soft goods, elegant, dark-stained, architectural furnishings, Parsons-esque tables, comfortable desks, interesting headboards with shelves, and plush textured carpeting underfoot.
New bureaus are topped with streamlined flat-screen TVs and new alarm clocks with MP3 capabilities.High-speed Internet access and daily rations of bottled water are free. Ceiling fans, air conditioning, DVD players and refrigerators that can be stocked upon request are standard. Comfortable and stylish furniture awaits on the lovely, mostly ocean-view lanais. The well-appointed baths offer dual vanities. A few have stall showers. Sliding mahogany louvers and drapes conceal window-walls.
The hotel has lavish suites, but the extravagantly appointed bungalows are the most elaborate and expensive offerings here, each boasting a private pool, two bedrooms, three baths and extra amenities, such as a friendly airport welcome from one's personal butler. Room service never stops. Pets are not permitted.
Service here sets the benchmark for other hotels in the area. Despite the successes of the Fairmont Orchid and the more sophisticated Four Seasons Hualalai, the luxury hotel Mauna Lani offers exceptional value for Hawaiian bound traveler.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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