Click here for a slideshow of Hotel Wailea

Last summer while I was scouting great wedding venues in Wailea, Maui, I was introduced to the Hotel Wailea.  Hotel Wailea is a beautiful small, only 72, 1 bedroom suites, hotel, which has beautifully landscaped gardens with a waterfall, and koi pond. A lovely gazebo is the perfect venue for a small wedding!
Perched 300 feet above the seal, Hotel Wailea offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Maui’s alluring white beaches and the West Maui Mountains.

Although, Hotel Wailea does not have full kitchens, it does offer a mini-fridge and micro-waves to allow you to serve up breakfast or snacks! The best thing about the suites, however, is that they offer spectacular, panoramic ocean views.

Maui was recently ranked #4 Best Adventure Vacation by US News and World Report. Anyone who has visited Maui lately has been impressed by the number of water sports available. At Hotel Wailea, packages are offered to learn Kite boarding, and Paddle boarding. Kite boarding lessons are private and all necessary gear is included. Maui’s premier kite beach, Kanaha Beach Park, will be your lesson venue. Paddle boarding is the newest craze which combines stand-up surfing and paddling. Hotel Wailea offers a package to include the whole family. Even though it is the newest craze in Maui, the activity can actually be traced back to the early days of Polynesia.

Want to travel with your BFFs and enjoy everything Maui has to offer? Packages which include kite boarding, paddle boarding and Yoga are offered by Hotel Wailea. The Yoga instructors are long-time Maui residents with many years of experience. A facial and pedicure complete this “Maui Ocean Divas” package.

As you can see, Hotel Wailea is not just a wedding venue, although it is perfect for weddings and honeymoons,
It is also great for a family vacation or a best friends get-a-way.

I would love to help you plan your Maui escape, so please give me a call, 425-821-4100, or send an email: sandi@totemtravel.com. You can even book on line here.

Click here for a slideshow of Aston Maui Hill

Maui Hill is a beautiful property in the Kihei area of Maui. As you can derive from the name, it sits on a hill overlooking the ocean. While it is not on the beach, it is just a short walk to Kamaole Beach.

Quote from a recent honeymoon couple:

Aston Maui Hill was perfect! We really enjoyed staying in Kihei also! We had a wonderful time in Maui. We can’t wait to go back! Thanks again for all your help!
-Sara and Patrick

Most units give you a view of the ocean, some more than others. The gardens are beautiful, so whether you book an ocean view or garden view room, your lanai will afford you a lovely view. We thoroughly enjoyed this feature for our breakfast! Fresh pineapple and papaya, with Kona Coffee on the lanai in Maui, what could be better!

Maui Hill has 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units. It is one of the few properties on Maui that do have 3 bedrooms, and allow 8 people in a unit. Each of the units is privately owned so actual furnishings vary from room to room. All units have 2 bathrooms (except the 3 bedroom which has 3 bathrooms), 2 televisions, private lanais, kitchens, AND a washer and dryer (a big plus with children!!). They also have free high speed internet access, if you need to keep in touch.

Because Aston Maui Hill has multi-bedroom units at an affordable price it is the perfect family reunion venue, or accommodations for a bridal party.

Kitchens are fully equipped with a refrigerator, range, micro-wave, and dishwasher. Small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers and blenders are also included. All kitchens are fully stocked with pots and pans, dishes and flatware, coffee mugs and drinking glasses. You just supply the food!!

Each bedroom is furnished with a queen bed, and the living room has a sleeper sofa. The 3rd bedroom in the 3 bedroom unit is a loft with an attached bath.

The property itself, offers a swimming pool, jet spa, a putting green, shuffleboard, tennis court, barbecue area and an internet workstation in the lobby. And the property is entirely smoke-free with smoking allowed in designated areas only.

While, Maui Hill does not have a restaurant, there are many within a short drive, as well as several grocery stores.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at ResortQuest Maui Hill, and I know that you will too! If it’s time to book your Maui vacation please call, email or book online and Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!

sandi@totemtravel.com
425 821-4100

On the Magical date of August 29^th, Oahu, Hawaii officially welcomed Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.  Aulani does not mean magical Hawaiian Vacation, but it should.  This brand new, luxury hotel, on the west side of the Oahu, is just that: Magical!!

Amazingly, the Disney Imagineers, have created the Aulani to fully represent the local Hawaiian craftsman, by incorporating many of the Hawaiian fabrics, beautiful flowers, and native Hawaiian woods, with the quality and fantasy that is Disney.  Your children will be searching for Mickey in the pineapple-patterned Hawaiian quilts. Or turning on the living room lamp to see a silhouette of Minnie Mouse hanging ten on her surfboard!  Or find Mickey hiding in the patterned wall coverings.

Disney has tried to celebrate the Hawaiian Culture in every way:  the foods are grown by local farmers, the fish caught fresh daily, and the thousands of fish you see while snorkeling in Rainbow Reef, are native to Hawaii.  Hawaiian dancers entertain on special nights, and of course, no Hawaiian visit would be complete without hearing a few Hawaiian legends.  No one can “Talk Story” like the local Hawaiian storytellers!

When we think of Disney, we think of children, of course.  And Aulani is no exception.  The kids will have a great time visiting Aunty’s Beach House where they can experiment making special goo that really food for the Manta Rays!  (Which they will be able to fee at the Resort’s Conservation pool) Or blast self-made volcanoes on the beach!  Can’t do that at Disneyland!!  But some of the Disney characters on vacation too, so you never know who might show up!!

Teens are going to be thrilled with the idea of their own spa, Painted Sky, and the teens-only parties!  Even guided excursions and surfing lessons are available just for your teens.

What are the adults going to do while the kids are off having all this fun?  So many ideas!  How about customized spa treatments at the Laniwai Spa? Or maybe a romantic dip in the sunset whirlpools?  Of course, guided excursions are available to some pretty amazing places, too!  Golf?  Of course!  It’s only a few steps away.

Have you thought about a honeymoon in Hawaii?  The Aulani has beautiful accommodations, lots of activities, romantic sunsets, and good food!  I always say that a happy marriage is about having fun together!  What could be more fun that Disney!!  And Hawaii!  At the same time!

Aulani is the perfect combination of Hawaiian Culture, Disney fun, water fun and beautiful sunsets!  Please contact Sandi to book the newest Disney destination: Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.

sandi@totemtravel.com
425-821-4100
or 800-327-7907

Click here for slideshow of St. Regis

The St. Regis Princeville Resort, on the North Shore of Kauai, right on Hanalei Bay, is the ultimate in luxury.  The St. Regis is home to 2 world class golf courses, Halele’a Spa, a huge infinity pool surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, and 5 sumptuous restaurants.

The St. Regis is an average size hotel, but that’s where average ends!  The rooms and suites are magnificently furnished and feature several amenities that are not available at most hotels:  large widows with plantation shutters, and luxurious, out of this world, marble bathrooms with huge soaking tubs.  The most unique feature is a transparent glass reveal.  This allows windows beside the tub to be controlled to display a beautiful oceanview, or opaque if you prefer privacy.  You decide!!

The pool, with its natural lava rock and water features, reflects Hawaii’s tropical outdoor lifestyle.

Private, luxurious, poolside cabanas are available to rent for full and half days.  Prefer the ocean to the pool?  No problem, the beach is perfect for snorkeling and kayaking or just sunbathing and enjoying the breathtaking views!

To make your stay even more memorable, take advantage of St. Regis Signature Romantic Candlelit Dinner.  You will enjoy a private, elegant customized dinner for two.  You will meet with the chef to discuss your food preferences and any dietary restrictions to ensure the perfect 4 course meal for the 2 of you!  Private entertainment can also be arranged!  Talk about romantic elegance!

In addition to the private dining option, St. Regis also has 5 restaurants to satisfy everyone’s dining expectations.  There’s even a Dinner Show Buffet with great Hawaiian cuisine, hula dancing, and storytelling.  I know that guests from the Seattle area want to know: is there Espresso!! Yes, there is!  The Napali Café has a full complement of espresso, lattes and cappuccinos, as well as salads, sandwiches, and baked goods.

If the St. Regis Princeville Resort sounds like your perfect romantic getaway, please email or call 425 821 4100.

I look forward to helping you plan a visit to the St. Regis Princeville Resort for luxury at its best!

Get personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!

Click here for a slideshow of the Grand Hyatt Kauai

During my latest visit to the Hawaiian islands  I was very fortunate to stay at the Grand Hyatt on Kauai.  Our luxurious room faced  the  ocean,  gardens and waterfalls so we had the best of the tropical islands in view at all times.  Can’t get much better than that!!

The Grand Hyatt Kauai fronts the Keoneloa Bay in sunny Poipu, on the south coast of Kauai.  Poipu is about 20-30 minutes from the airport in Lihue, which is the main airport on the island.   While there are many resorts, condominiums and boutique hotels in Poipu, the Grand Hyatt beckons you as the “place to be”.  As soon as you turn onto the beautiful, long, palm-tree lined drive, you feel that something special is waiting!  You will not be disappointed.  A hotel valet will greet you with a beautiful flower lei, and escort you to the lobby, where the friendly front desk staff awaits your arrival.  Check-in is painless, and made even more so by the personal escort to your room!  All of the room’s attributes are explained, as well as the function of various room features.  Talk about personal service!

The Grand Hyatt rooms are newly renovated, and include a marble entry way, rich mahogany furniture and luxurious rain style showers!

As beautiful as the rooms are, the resort itself is absolutely breathtaking.  The landscaping is over the top!  From the beautiful gardens, with rock waterfalls, 2 tier pools that are open 24 hours, a 150 foot water slide and saltwater lagoon, you will feel as though you have arrived in paradise!  Not to mention the beautiful beach, lined with Cabanas, lawn swings, and lounge chairs.

While Grand Hyatt is very luxurious and elegant, it is also offers many fun activities for the whole family.  Camp Hyatt is a fun, active program exclusively for keiki (children) ages 3 to 12.  The camp counselors try to fit the day’s schedule to the group’s interest.  Your children will enjoy making leis and feeding the Koi fish.  The Hawaiian culture is also integrated into the Camp Hyatt program where the kids will learn about the endangered Hawaiian monk seals and Nene (Hawaii’s state bird), and through crafts like palm frond weaving, shell bracelet making, and hula lessons.  The adults can enjoy a day at the Spa or lounge at the beach or by the pool, and know that the kids are having a great vacation, too!

You can keep in shape while vacationing at Grand Hyatt by playing a few games of tennis on one of 3 tennis courts, or play a round of golf at the adjacent Poipu Bay Golf Course.  A variety of yoga, fitness, dance and wellness classes are available at the Fitness Center.  The classes are complimentary for hotel guests.

Of course, trying new foods is part of vacationing in Hawaii, and Grand Hyatt has many restaurant options.  The newest restaurant, the Yum Cha, is an Asian Fusion style restaurant with diverse offerings.  Treat yourself to a plate of Vietnamese Lettuce Wraps, enjoy the Yellow Coconut Curry Soup or explore the extensive variety of teas, Asian beer, and sake.

At Tidepools, an open air restaurant with waterfalls and koi-filled lagoons, offers many traditional Hawaiian dishes.  You can’t miss with the Macadamia Nut encrusted Mahi Mahi or the Grilled Hawaiian Ahi.

No visit to Hawaii would be complete without at least one Luau experience. Grand Hyatt Kauai presents this unforgettable Hawaiian tradition each week.  In additional to the traditional Hawaiian feast of Kalua pork, (roast pork cooked in an underground steam oven) and Lomi Lomi Salmon, you will also be treated to the rich musical culture of Hawaii.  Hula dancers and fire eaters are favorites at every luau!

When you are ready to book your Hawaii vacation please call, email sandi@totemtravel.com or book online and Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

Click here for Slideshow of Kaanapali Ali’i

Maui is the Magic Island of Hawaii, and Kaanapali Beach does much to contribute to that Magic!  Kaanapali Beach is a 3 mile stretch of beach which many say is the best beach in Maui and maybe even America!!  Long ago the sand and lush gardens were enjoyed by Hawaiian kings and queens, and today, couples and families still gravitate here for this beautiful beach.

There are many choices for accommodations on Kaanapali Beach.  Condominiums, small hotels, and mega resorts line the beach!  One of the most spectacular condominium properties is the luxurious Kaanapali Ali’i.  Usually one does not think of condo and luxury in the same context, but Kaanapali Ali’I is truly a deluxe home away from home!!

Many amenities that are usually reserved for full service hotels and resorts are available at the Kaanapali

Ali’i.  A spa for those relaxing massages, or maybe a yoga class on the beach, a 3,000 square foot fitness center, and a complementary children’s program, are just a few of the services available at Kaanapali Ali’I, and no resort fees, and free parking!

Each unit is completely furnished and is equipped with a full service kitchen.  All kitchen utensils, pots and pans, and tableware are included.  Now we need groceries!  Kaanapali Ali’I has a grocery shopping service.  Send them you list before you arrive, and they will have your refrigerator and cupboards stocked when you arrive.

Don’t feel like cooking?  The Westin Maui provides room service for the Kaanapali Ali’i!  Rather go out?  Kaanapali Ali’I has shuttle service throughout the Kaanapali Beach Resort area.

The units at Kaanapali Ali’I are beautifully furnished and include 2 full bathrooms, a lanai for watching those sunsets, a washer and dryer, 2 televisions and free in-room coffee and a newspaper.

The beach at Kaanapali Ali’i is the widest stretch of Kaanapali Beach, with snorkeling and boogie boarding, but Kaanapali Ali’I also has 2 swimming pools, whirlpool spas, and an oceanside entertainment pavilion with gas grills.  Tennis anyone?  Kaanapali Ali’I also has 3 lighted tennis courts.  The courts are free for guests.  If you need a few pointers, an on-site tennis pro is available.

Kaanapali Ali’I is an ideal choice of accommodations for just about anyone.  Honeymooners and families, alike will enjoy all that Kaanapali Ali’I has to offer.

When you are ready to book your Hawaii vacation please call, email or book online and “Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com

Click here for Slideshow of Whaler’s Cove

We are often asked for an adult’s only resort in Hawaii.

Actually there are none that are exclusive to adults, but Whaler’s Cove comes very close!  Whaler’s Cove is located on the sunniest shore of Kauai on Poipu Bay in a quiet residential area with little traffic.  This is the perfect choice if you are looking for privacy and to get away from it all.  Whaler’s Cove has won many awards for most Romantic Hotels in Hawaii!
While Whaler’s Cove is a condominium property, it does still have many of the amenities offered in full service hotels.  Full maid service, and oceanfront pool, and hot tub, along with many amenities hotels do not offer.  There are only 38 units, all of which have either one or two bedroom.  The two bedroom units have 2 bathrooms, which makes this a perfect fit for 2 couples.  Each unit also has a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, cable TV and, for those who just can’t leave everything behind, Wi-Fi!  Oh and did I mention a spectacular oceanview from each unit?

If you prefer to not cook every meal, and who wants that on their vacation, there are many great dining options: The Beach House, Joe’s on the Green, and Roy’s at Poipu, to name a few.

The Island of Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Isle is the home of Mount Waialeale, which means overflowing water.   The summit of Mount Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on Earth, averaging over 400 inches of rain per year.  (And you though the Pacific NW had lots of rain!!).  All of this rainfall yields lots of waterfalls, a beautiful rainforest and amazing flora and fauna!  Don’t worry, though, the rain that falls at Mount Waialeale, does not generally affect the coastal parts of the island, particularly Poipu.

If Kauai sounds like the perfect place for you to escape the hustle bustle of daily life, please contact me at 425-821-4100, or Sandi@totemtravel.com

“Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com
-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com