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TheBuzz Erika Engle |
Four Seasons Hualalai
earns bragging rights
for the top canHawaii is the top honeymoon destination in the world, according to a Modern Bride magazine survey -- for the seventh consecutive year. Listings are in the magazine's October/November issue.
Several of Hawaii's luxury resorts also top, or place high in several categories, including the magazine's first listing of most luxurious bathrooms. That distinction goes to the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island.
It could be seen as amusing, but the hotel takes it seriously and sees it as an honor.
"Our bathrooms have been very strategically designed to feel comfortable and to capture the essence of Hawaii," said Danny Breatchel, director of marketing.
COURTESY FOUR SEASONS HUALALAI
Bathrooms at the Four Seasons Hualalai, which include picture windows, were rated most luxurious by Modern Bride maga.
The bathrooms feature twin granite-topped vanities, slate flooring, deep soaking tubs and the showers are separate.
"All the bathrooms feature a picture window that brings the outdoor lighting in," Breatchel said." The view is either a private bath garden or landscaped grounds.
A private bath garden?
"Many of our ground floor rooms feature a private, outdoor bath garden, which is a private, lava-rock-walled outdoor shower. You walk through the back of your indoor shower into this private bath garden, landscaped with orchids and tropical plants and you can shower indoors or outdoors," said Breatchel. "It adds an element of romance to what is already planned to be an exotic, tropical experience in Hawaii."
The winner of the Best Room Service category was Halekulani, followed by Four Seasons Resort, Nevis (in the Caribbean) and third-ranked Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui.
The world's third-ranked "ultimate honeymoon suite" is found amid the bungalows at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. "We're really excited about that. It's a great honor," said Kurt Matsumoto, general manager.
The bungalows opened in 1988 and the goal has always been to be among the best in the world, he said. Each has its own pool, Jacuzzi, chef and butler and guests are picked up at the airport in a limousine. "That's standard," Matsumoto said.
Starting at about $5,000 a night, they're not for the faint of budget. "They definitely are upscale, but they're, I think, don't laugh now, a good value," he said. "Because you can go to a lot of hotels and you will pay this much for a suite, there are private homes rented for more money, but they don't come with the services."
The survey is intended as a resource for newlyweds-to-be, said Modern Bride magazine Editor-in-Chief Antonia van der Meer.
Often a bride and groom have different ideas. One wants beaches, one wants nightlife, for example. The survey allows them to pick and choose and cross-reference the lists to choose their own highest-scoring honeymoon destination. "Obviously Hawaii blends a wonderful combination of being part of the United States with being exotic," van der Meer said.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at: eengle@starbulletin.com
