Luxury Resort for First Time Snorkeler
Nov 1, 18, 4:22 pm
#77
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,028
Never have been to Bora Bora but have stayed at Hualalai. I expect you have noticed my persistent nudging against Hualalai. I would chose the FS Bora Bora in a nano second. Having noticed the post here regarding year-round UA flights to Tahiti, I am pondering Tahiti for Spring (March-May) or Autumn 2019, depending on weather research.
Will look for beach-front bure, no over-water nonsense for me.
Will look for beach-front bure, no over-water nonsense for me.
Nov 1, 18, 4:37 pm
#78
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CLE
Programs: UA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,622
Wherever you go, make sure you purchase one of those full face snorkel masks. I had never snorkeled before but when we went to the Galapagos we met a couple who had the full face mask. Hubby had the regular, and had lots of problems with it. He is near sighted and couldn’t use the regular mask and glasses. I had never gone snorkeling and guide suggested I not go.
So before we went to the Maldives last January we bought two full face masks. What a pleasure! We could both wear our contact lenses and could finally see all the fish. I do have medium length hair that did get in the way abit, and had to adjust my mask. I was in such a hurry that I wasn’t careful. But the full face mask is the way to go!
So before we went to the Maldives last January we bought two full face masks. What a pleasure! We could both wear our contact lenses and could finally see all the fish. I do have medium length hair that did get in the way abit, and had to adjust my mask. I was in such a hurry that I wasn’t careful. But the full face mask is the way to go!
I'd be particularly with a child and a new snorkeler.
Missed the earlier caution. But it bears repeating.
Nov 1, 18, 8:29 pm
#79
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: NY
Posts: 224
Be really, really careful with full face snorkel masks. Some do not allow for proper venting of CO2 and there have been deaths wearing them. https://hawaiioceanproject.com/why-w...snorkel-masks/. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hawaii-...elated-deaths/
I'd be particularly with a child and a new snorkeler.
Missed the earlier caution. But it bears repeating.
I'd be particularly with a child and a new snorkeler.
Missed the earlier caution. But it bears repeating.
Nov 12, 18, 1:18 am
#80
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Dia; Marriott Amb; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit; SLH Indulged
Posts: 4,725
St.Regis BB also has lagoonarium (man-made) which was nice for snorkeling. You can read my review in the St.Regis BB thread. I enjoyed the hotel and would not shop around to FS on my next stay given the so-so reviews by others.
Nov 12, 18, 1:34 pm
#81
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Hawai'i
Posts: 122
For anyone interested in something different on Kaua'i, The Lodge at Kukui'ula is a possible option. I've toured the property and had dinner at the Lodge and it's all pretty stunning. For my money, I'd opt for a cottage or villa. They're quite different in style, the villas being modern and the cottages plantation style.
It's difficult to know what the standard for service will be. As a private club, I believe this was quite low key as the members requested.
https://www.lodgeatkukuiula.com
I briefly saw Timbers which I found less impressive. I believe it will be some time before that property is complete. Between on going construction and the location, directly adjacent to the airport on one side and the port on the other, it's not a resort at which I'd want to stay.
It's difficult to know what the standard for service will be. As a private club, I believe this was quite low key as the members requested.
https://www.lodgeatkukuiula.com
I briefly saw Timbers which I found less impressive. I believe it will be some time before that property is complete. Between on going construction and the location, directly adjacent to the airport on one side and the port on the other, it's not a resort at which I'd want to stay.
Nov 13, 18, 3:04 pm
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,780
great to hear! mostly closed to nonmembers?
2BR cottage - can be same rate as 1 room elsewhere
4BR villa - double the rate, but private pool and great value for US
(good combination with renting residences at hualalai and others)
lodgeatkukuiula.com/amenities/makai-pools
kukuiula.com
will be interesting if montage kauai ever gets approved
2BR cottage - can be same rate as 1 room elsewhere
4BR villa - double the rate, but private pool and great value for US
(good combination with renting residences at hualalai and others)
lodgeatkukuiula.com/amenities/makai-pools
kukuiula.com
will be interesting if montage kauai ever gets approved
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 13, 18 at 11:40 pm
Nov 13, 18, 5:56 pm
#83
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Hawai'i
Posts: 122
There are a number of rental villas that don't include club membership in Kukui'ula. As I understand it, only those managed by Two Roads Hospitality have this privilege which includes (among other things) using the on site restaurants not open to the public. Frankly, given the small number of members I'm really surprised they approved this.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikmat.../#388ea3681411
https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikmat.../#388ea3681411
Nov 13, 18, 10:07 pm
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,780
club limiting access by (hotel) renters, so indeed focusing on owners
hawaiilife.com/blog/the-lodge-at-kukuiula
50 to 80 "hotel" out of possibly 1500 planned, triple hualalai planned
many fans here of smaller more private options like this
has to do with hotel vs residence at hotel, nothing else >
at hualalai FS now operates club, complicated renter access
(many here rent residences at hualalai, montage, mauna kea)
Property access is limited to registered guests only.
In 1986, Destination Hotels purchased that company, and for over 30 years, Destination Residences Hawaii has been welcoming visitors from around the world...In 2016, our parent company Destination Hotels merged
Lodge Collection is limited to a total of 80 units...Currently, there are 50 units planned with the potential for 30 more
Kukui’ula properties which include the use of club amenities have the potential for higher daily and weekly rental rates than properties at Kukui’ula without club use for rental guests.
Kukui’ula properties which include the use of club amenities have the potential for higher daily and weekly rental rates than properties at Kukui’ula without club use for rental guests.
many fans here of smaller more private options like this
has to do with hotel vs residence at hotel, nothing else >
at hualalai FS now operates club, complicated renter access
(many here rent residences at hualalai, montage, mauna kea)
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 17, 18 at 12:51 pm
Nov 15, 18, 10:35 am
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,780
For anyone interested in something different on Kaua'i, The Lodge at Kukui'ula is a possible option. I've toured the property and had dinner at the Lodge and it's all pretty stunning. For my money, I'd opt for a cottage or villa. They're quite different in style, the villas being modern and the cottages plantation style. It's difficult to know what the standard for service will be. As a private club, I believe this was quite low key as the members requested.
I briefly saw Timbers which I found less impressive. I believe it will be some time before that property is complete. Between on going construction and the location, directly adjacent to the airport on one side and the port on the other, it's not a resort at which I'd want to stay.
I briefly saw Timbers which I found less impressive. I believe it will be some time before that property is complete. Between on going construction and the location, directly adjacent to the airport on one side and the port on the other, it's not a resort at which I'd want to stay.
Kauai is a bucket list of mine though.
BIG ISLAND 4 nights
KAUAI 2 nights See the Napali Coast via helicopter or boat/snorkel A few things I’ve learned...the Princeville St. Regis has been sold and will likely close for a refurb and rebranding. The new Timbers seems to have a 4 night minimum.
KAUAI 2 nights See the Napali Coast via helicopter or boat/snorkel A few things I’ve learned...the Princeville St. Regis has been sold and will likely close for a refurb and rebranding. The new Timbers seems to have a 4 night minimum.
current scale may be more like aman vs other hotels
not sure re other activities of interest to Ericka and husband
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 15, 18 at 1:56 pm
Nov 15, 18, 1:32 pm
#87
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 26,386
Friendly Message from a Moderator.. Please stay on topic
This thread is not the place to discuss golf, or other options in Hawaiian resorts. The OP specifically asked about a Luxury Resort for First Time Snorkeler
Thanks...
Obscure2k
Moderator
Luxury Hotels and Travel
Thanks...
Obscure2k
Moderator
Luxury Hotels and Travel
Nov 15, 18, 6:34 pm
#88
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,395
Thanks for these additional suggestions, everyone. Will check on them.
Just looked at the Kukui'ula cottages on ParrishKauai. ADORABLE. 5 night minimum though.
Just looked at the Kukui'ula cottages on ParrishKauai. ADORABLE. 5 night minimum though.
Last edited by Ericka; Nov 15, 18 at 6:46 pm
Nov 17, 18, 12:19 am
#90
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Hawai'i
Posts: 122
Erika- Lodge at Kukui'ula is the way to book to use the facilities and I (like Kage) see only a three night minimum.
Back to the snorkeling in this area, there's an area of the beach close to Kukui'ula (Kiahuna Beach) with good beginner snorkeling, particularly at low tide. It's to the left of the beach as you face the ocean, toward Koa Kea, a little point of sand often reveals itself there; please see the photo to get an idea.
