With three layovers and a total of about thirty hours of travel, you could say we were relieved and excited to finally arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia. My best friend, girlfriend and I had been planning our trip for months and finally, we made it. Without a plan for a place to stay, we grabbed a tuk tuk from the airport and heading into town.
Exploring the town brought back memories for me because I had been there five years ago with my family. And seeing a place that I once explored as a child, with the perspective I now have as a young adult was intriguing. This being my first real trip as an adult in another country, everything felt more real. Adventuring with our own budget and our own rules was something new to all of us and it felt great.
As we searched around for a cheap hostel I noticed so much more life in the booming traveler’s hub. Finding a place to stay was painless, the town is full of hostels which are great for meeting people and having a super cheap place to stay, if you’re willing to share a room of course. It’s understandable that it isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfectly suitable for three teenagers.
After about a week or so we wanted to have a little get away from the hustle and bustle of the hostel life. So, we started looking around for something a little nicer for a night or two. After doing some research we didn’t seem to find anything that caught our eyes until we were invited to stay at the Tresur d’Angkor Suite. We couldn’t pass up the surprisingly affordable resort. We booked a two-night stay and packed our bags!
When we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by a wonderful staff and some refreshments in the form of fresh cut coconuts. Every member of staff we interacted with were all very friendly and helpful with anything we needed. I could not be more pleased by their wonderful service.
We decided to have our days of exploring Angkor Wat and other surrounding temples to be the same days we were staying at Tresur d’Angkor. I cannot stress enough how great it was to come back to this relaxing haven and lounge by the pool after a full day of walking around in the Cambodian heat.
The rooms also had powerful air conditioning allowing for a nice escape from the heat. And if you’re looking for comfort you won’t be disappointed with some of the most comfortable beds we slept in on our trip.
We were treated to a four course meal at the their restaurant that was fantastic! Once again the service was splendid and the food was mouthwatering. Hats off too the chef and the rest of the kitchen crew.
The resort is somewhat of a hidden gem. It’s just far enough away to be difficult to find or maybe seems too far away from all the action. But being just a short 5-minute tuk tuk ride from the center of town, it makes for a great getaway. And grabbing a tuk tuk from the hotel is as simple as asking at the front desk.
The real beauty of being located outside of town is the amount of space they have. Instead of being crammed into a little lot, they had a charmingly landscaped wide-open space. With nine whitewashed villas and a total of eighteen rooms surrounding a huge freshwater pool, it really is a hidden paradise. The traditional Khmer style and more modern elements blend amazingly in the architecture and interior design of all the villas.
All and all, we were thrilled with our stay here and how affordable it is to have such a luxurious experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for some of the more modern comforts while off on an adventure.
After about a week or so we wanted to have a little get away from the hustle and bustle of the hostel life. So, we started looking around for something a little nicer for a night or two. After doing some research we didn’t seem to find anything that caught our eyes until we were invited to stay at the Tresur d’Angkor Suite. We couldn’t pass up the surprisingly affordable resort. We booked a two-night stay and packed our bags!
The rooms also had powerful air conditioning allowing for a nice escape from the heat. And if you’re looking for comfort you won’t be disappointed with some of the most comfortable beds we slept in on our trip.
The resort is somewhat of a hidden gem. It’s just far enough away to be difficult to find or maybe seems too far away from all the action. But being just a short 5-minute tuk tuk ride from the center of town, it makes for a great getaway. And grabbing a tuk tuk from the hotel is as simple as asking at the front desk.
All and all, we were thrilled with our stay here and how affordable it is to have such a luxurious experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for some of the more modern comforts while off on an adventure.
So many people want to visit Hawaii. I mean why not right?? It is beautiful, adventurous, exotic, and expensive..oh wait that last bit is not exactly a positive is it? In fact it is the most common reason that people do NOT visit Hawaii.
After living there for 3 years I can attest to the fact that yes it is expensive, more expensive than any other state to visit. But I can also attest to the fact that it can be done for far less money than people think.
No need to stay in fancy resorts, take all the, made for tourists, tours, or eat out every meal. There is a better way, a more affordable way to enjoy the paradise that is Hawaii. I get asked all the time, how to visit Hawaii affordably, and so finally here is my response:
There are countless ways to save when staying in Hawaii. To start with you have to pick the island that is right for you. When it comes to finances I have found the Big Island to be the most affordable with the Hilo side being the most affordable on the whole island. It is a desirable place to visit because of Kilauea, the most easily accessible active volcano in the world, and due to the high levels of rain leading to glorious waterfalls and stunning greenery.
Lodging
There are numerous ways you can save on lodging in the Hilo area of Hawaii. There are air bnb's, house sitting opportunities, and a few scattered hostels that can assist many people. Often times though they come with hidden fees and house sitting, well that is a tough nut to crack here in Hawaii.
When you think of vacation most people envision staying in a lovely hotel or resort where they can have a full break. No cooking, no cleaning, and a nice cozy spot to relax while inside. I have stayed at quite a few hotels in the area and by far the most affordable option, that gives the most bang for your buck is the Hilo Naniloa hotel.
It is under new management and is undergoing some amazing transformations. The lobby is stunning, the rooms are newly redone, maybe not perfect but at the prices they charge who cares?! The beds and bedding are comfy and everything is clean. The hotel is located on the ocean making the views outstanding, you can even see Mauna Kea from most of the property, when she is cooperating that is. There is also a beautiful park next door, free golf when you stay, and both restaurants and an international airport are close by.
There is a pool, ocean entry with really beautiful tide pools and colorful fish, fast wifi (will be in all rooms soon), a nice breakfast buffet, and big fridges in every room. The prices will go up slightly when all the rooms are renovated but it will still be the most affordable hotel in the area. No doubt the most bang for your buck in the area!
Eating
If you stay in a place like the Naniloa where there is a fridge or even a microwave we oftentimes buy sandwich stuff and cereal and juice. This helps us cover breakfasts or lunches and saves a ton. When you only eat one meal out it can save you hundreds of dollars over a weeks time.
There are also some great affordable restaurants in the area. Big Island pizza, Hilo Burger Joint, Kamana kitchen, and the newly opened Wikifresh are all great options for healthy, locally grown and more affordable grindz in the area. Look around, keep some snacks and easy meals in the room and you'll be surprised how much you can save. Milk may cost close to $8 a gallon but shopping wisely and thinking ahead can really help out if not for the milk at least for everything else.
Activities
Now this is where Hawaii edges so many places out on ability to save money. Between beaches and hiking options alone you can see the best that Hawaii has to offer without spending a dime other than on gas.
Here is a list of free or inexpensive places to enjoy:
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| Mauna Kea from Puna |
No need to stay in fancy resorts, take all the, made for tourists, tours, or eat out every meal. There is a better way, a more affordable way to enjoy the paradise that is Hawaii. I get asked all the time, how to visit Hawaii affordably, and so finally here is my response:
There are countless ways to save when staying in Hawaii. To start with you have to pick the island that is right for you. When it comes to finances I have found the Big Island to be the most affordable with the Hilo side being the most affordable on the whole island. It is a desirable place to visit because of Kilauea, the most easily accessible active volcano in the world, and due to the high levels of rain leading to glorious waterfalls and stunning greenery.
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| Akaka Falls |
There are numerous ways you can save on lodging in the Hilo area of Hawaii. There are air bnb's, house sitting opportunities, and a few scattered hostels that can assist many people. Often times though they come with hidden fees and house sitting, well that is a tough nut to crack here in Hawaii.
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| Attention to detail can be witnessed all over the property |
It is under new management and is undergoing some amazing transformations. The lobby is stunning, the rooms are newly redone, maybe not perfect but at the prices they charge who cares?! The beds and bedding are comfy and everything is clean. The hotel is located on the ocean making the views outstanding, you can even see Mauna Kea from most of the property, when she is cooperating that is. There is also a beautiful park next door, free golf when you stay, and both restaurants and an international airport are close by.
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| Comfy room, beautiful ocean and Mauna Kea views |
Eating
If you stay in a place like the Naniloa where there is a fridge or even a microwave we oftentimes buy sandwich stuff and cereal and juice. This helps us cover breakfasts or lunches and saves a ton. When you only eat one meal out it can save you hundreds of dollars over a weeks time.
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| Macadamia nut |
Activities
Now this is where Hawaii edges so many places out on ability to save money. Between beaches and hiking options alone you can see the best that Hawaii has to offer without spending a dime other than on gas.
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| Resident turtle at Carl Smith beach park in Hilo |
- Rainbow Falls, Hilo
- Boiling Pots, Hilo
- Akaka falls state park, North of Hilo
- Waipio Valley lookout, North of Hilo
- Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut factory, South of Hilo
- Kalapana Lave Viewing, Puna
- Lava Tree state park, Puna
- Red road drive, Puna
- All beaches but preferred in the area are Carl Smith (great for turtles), Pohoiki (surfing) Honolii (great for sea glass and surfing), and Richardsons (great family beach, calm waters)
- Drive up Mauna Kea for sunset or skiing
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| Mauna Kea skiing |
- Ahalanui hot ponds, Puna
- Walk the town center
- Enjoy all the local goods at the Hilo Farmers Market
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (lava tubes, lookouts, petroglyph trail, loads of hiking)
- Drive the Hamakua Coast, North of Hilo
- Hike to Black sand or green sand beaches on Southern part of island
- View the most Southern point of the US where people leap off the ocean cliff into the water
As you can see there is a huge list of free or really inexpensive things to do in the Hilo area. There are great tours as well like zip lining, quad riding through Waipio valley, whale watching, etc and although those are also great options and in my opinion worth the splurge you can still enjoy all the beauty Hawaii has to offer if you skip them. If you expand to Kona, which is only a 2 hour drive and can easily be a day trip, you get even more options for culture, swimming, and seeing native wildlife. There is something for each and every budget!
There are loads of ways to save money on a trip to Hawaii. It may take a little more work and it may not look as luxurious as the ways most people spend there time in Hawaii but I find you actually get to see more of Hawaii this way giving you a beautiful vacation and a better sense of the culture.
Have you been to Hawaii? Any cost saving tips? Share below in the comments!
If you're an avid traveler, like I am, it is likely you're always looking for new and exciting ways to experience the world. There are so many places to see and explore, why limit yourself to one destination per excursion? I stumbled upon a really cool new way to do a timeshare and wanted to share it with you all! I've always wanted to sail but the cost of a boat and figuring out what is needed seemed a bit overwhelming. With Festiva Sailing Vacations, you don't have to worry about any of that and you can still sail and see many areas of the world all in one trip!
Festiva Sailing Vacations
With this unique ownership, you get to hop on a six to eight person catamaran and set sail to explore
multiple destinations in a one-week tropical trip that can't be beat. You get the choice of sailing out to the British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, St. John, or the Greek Isles--making multiple stops along the way. These incredible trips are coordinated seamlessly by a small group of skilled crew members that will ensure you have a safe and fun-filled adventure. These crew members make it their number one priority to make sure you are comfortable and have a positive experience, welcoming you onto their catamaran as if it were their own home.
Being on-board the boat is an experience in itself. The rooms are cozy, but well-appointed with a place to rest and shower with their own in-suite bath and shower. On-deck, there are activities available to you such as paddle boarding, snorkeling, sea kayaking, bird watching, and of course relaxing and sunbathing. All the equipment you need for these activities is found right onboard for your convenience.
During your travels, there is a chef on board to prepare delicious cuisine that will blow you away. Indulge on everything from bruschetta and tapas, to marinated mahi mahi and “Soutzoukakia” (Greek meatballs). All three meals are prepared and served daily along with snacks and of course, an open bar.
If you choose a sailing trip to Greece, you have the chance to explore the various Islands where you will experience Greek culture and ancient ruins. A Caribbean trip will bring you to the best beaches with exotic bars and opportunities to snorkel in coveted reefs. These trips are perfect for the bohemian travelling family that only has a week of time for explorations, you won’t be sequestered to only one resort, instead you’ll get to explore a few destinations at once!
Benefits of Festiva Ownership
If you purchase one of these coveted Festiva Sailing Vacations, you automatically have more vacation options than ever before. Festiva resorts is redefining vacation ownership by constantly striving to make it better, more flexible, and more fun for owners.
Festiva allows you to exchange your timeshare to change up your vacation annually. If you wish to take to the land for a getaway instead of sailing across the sea, you have that option. Festiva Resorts is composed of 25 different vacation ownership properties in locations such as Orlando, the Bahamas, New Orleans, and Myrtle Beach.
Peppertree Ocean Club is a resort in Myrtle Beach that resides right on the coast for a relaxing beach retreat. With ample golfing nearby, shopping, and live entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Accommodations come in studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms with full kitchens, oceanfront views, and whirlpool tubs. Paradise Harbour Club provides you with a deluxe tropical escape in the Bahamas. Take advantage of the exciting nightlife, plethora of outdoor dining options, and chances to interact with the fish and dolphins during your stay. There are one- and two-bedroom options with comfortably controlled temperatures, sitting areas, patios or balconies, and wireless Internet access.
Festiva Adventure Club Offers Travel Perks
Festiva Resorts also offers its own vacation club, Festiva Adventure Club (or FAC for short). This is a great ownership program for the travel enthusiast who likes plenty of flexibility with a vacation. Perfect for the worldly traveler, this points-based ownership doesn't put restrictions on your travel experience. You can travel any time of year, choose any size accommodations, and stay at any of Festiva's 25 resort properties. You also aren't tied down to a full week with the option to enjoy a 3-, 4-, or 7-night stay. This allows you to experience a wide variety of getaways throughout the year under one ownership. Not to mention, there are special discounts for travel and vacation products reserved for owners.
So there you have it! One super cool and really unique vacation idea. It is a must for those wanting to see the world, but only have just a week or two leave. To learn more about the ability to own or rent a Festiva timeshare for less, or to learn about ownership in general you can visit a resale company like SellMyTimeshareNow. com
Festiva Sailing Vacations
With this unique ownership, you get to hop on a six to eight person catamaran and set sail to explore
multiple destinations in a one-week tropical trip that can't be beat. You get the choice of sailing out to the British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, St. John, or the Greek Isles--making multiple stops along the way. These incredible trips are coordinated seamlessly by a small group of skilled crew members that will ensure you have a safe and fun-filled adventure. These crew members make it their number one priority to make sure you are comfortable and have a positive experience, welcoming you onto their catamaran as if it were their own home.
Being on-board the boat is an experience in itself. The rooms are cozy, but well-appointed with a place to rest and shower with their own in-suite bath and shower. On-deck, there are activities available to you such as paddle boarding, snorkeling, sea kayaking, bird watching, and of course relaxing and sunbathing. All the equipment you need for these activities is found right onboard for your convenience.
During your travels, there is a chef on board to prepare delicious cuisine that will blow you away. Indulge on everything from bruschetta and tapas, to marinated mahi mahi and “Soutzoukakia” (Greek meatballs). All three meals are prepared and served daily along with snacks and of course, an open bar.
If you choose a sailing trip to Greece, you have the chance to explore the various Islands where you will experience Greek culture and ancient ruins. A Caribbean trip will bring you to the best beaches with exotic bars and opportunities to snorkel in coveted reefs. These trips are perfect for the bohemian travelling family that only has a week of time for explorations, you won’t be sequestered to only one resort, instead you’ll get to explore a few destinations at once!
Benefits of Festiva Ownership
If you purchase one of these coveted Festiva Sailing Vacations, you automatically have more vacation options than ever before. Festiva resorts is redefining vacation ownership by constantly striving to make it better, more flexible, and more fun for owners.
Festiva allows you to exchange your timeshare to change up your vacation annually. If you wish to take to the land for a getaway instead of sailing across the sea, you have that option. Festiva Resorts is composed of 25 different vacation ownership properties in locations such as Orlando, the Bahamas, New Orleans, and Myrtle Beach.
Peppertree Ocean Club is a resort in Myrtle Beach that resides right on the coast for a relaxing beach retreat. With ample golfing nearby, shopping, and live entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Accommodations come in studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms with full kitchens, oceanfront views, and whirlpool tubs. Paradise Harbour Club provides you with a deluxe tropical escape in the Bahamas. Take advantage of the exciting nightlife, plethora of outdoor dining options, and chances to interact with the fish and dolphins during your stay. There are one- and two-bedroom options with comfortably controlled temperatures, sitting areas, patios or balconies, and wireless Internet access.
Festiva Adventure Club Offers Travel Perks
Festiva Resorts also offers its own vacation club, Festiva Adventure Club (or FAC for short). This is a great ownership program for the travel enthusiast who likes plenty of flexibility with a vacation. Perfect for the worldly traveler, this points-based ownership doesn't put restrictions on your travel experience. You can travel any time of year, choose any size accommodations, and stay at any of Festiva's 25 resort properties. You also aren't tied down to a full week with the option to enjoy a 3-, 4-, or 7-night stay. This allows you to experience a wide variety of getaways throughout the year under one ownership. Not to mention, there are special discounts for travel and vacation products reserved for owners.
So there you have it! One super cool and really unique vacation idea. It is a must for those wanting to see the world, but only have just a week or two leave. To learn more about the ability to own or rent a Festiva timeshare for less, or to learn about ownership in general you can visit a resale company like SellMyTimeshareNow. com
Have you always wanted to sail? Would you try this unique timeshare opportunity?
I've already told you all about how much I love the North Shore of Kauai. Hanalei, Na Pali, and the area surrounding it have stolen my heart and soul, but really the whole of Kauai is one beautiful spot after another.
I was lucky enough to be hosted in the Poipu area as well and quickly discovered why some of the nicest resorts call that area it's home. Poipu is lovely, the beaches are stunning, there are hidden caves and great surf spots not to mention one stunning golf course after another. It also places you super close to Koloa which is my second favorite town on the island. Adorably quaint cafe and shop lined streets, completely walkable, and with more charm than most towns I have ever seen. Being close to Koloa gives Poipu even more credibility as the perfect spot for a luxury resort.
The Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu is the spot for luxury and relaxation. I won't pretend it is cheap, certainly not a budget accommodation but when headed to Hawaii that isn't really the goal for many. The rooms are beautifully decorated, come with gorgeous ocean and golf course views, the beds are probably the most comfortable and well appointed that I have ever experienced, and hey even the toilet was super fancy!
The grounds themselves are beautiful. Perfectly manicured with loads of walking paths, freshwater pools, restaurants, shops, even a lagoon complete with a safe beach for the kiddos. It is located on the ocean so if you want to surf, body board, or simply relax in the ocean you can do that as well. The pool system is vast and has a thrilling slide as well as a lazy river to enjoy. For those with more time for relaxation than we had there is also a luxurious spa, golf course, shops, restaurants, and more spots to relax and enjoy the lovely ocean breeze than any other hotel I think I've ever stayed in.
As soon as we exited the car we felt like we were stepping into the lap of luxury. The entrance way and lobby are beautiful and offer gorgeous views. The staff was attentive, friendly, and more than willing to help us in any way. The pool system was expansive with plenty of different areas so it never felt crowded. The sand bottomed lagoon was perfect for small kiddos, especially lovely with the hammocks strewn all over nearby. My sister in law and I were quite fond of the lazy river and slide though!
The rooms are spacious and well appointed. Probably the only complaint I could have about the resort is in regards to the distance the room was from the lobby. Honestly it felt like we walked a mile every time we left the room. It is done that way for 2 reasons, 1 so almost everyone can have an ocean front room, and 2 because you are not allowed to build up more than just a few stories in Kauai, so really they had no choice but to go out. It is something to consider though for some people.
The beds were super comfortable with all the bells and whistles in regards to fancy bedding and loads of pillows. The WiFi was fast, the view was amazing, TV was large, and the bathroom was wonderful. Nice shower and uber fancy toilet.
Seriously I know this is the second time I am mentioning the toilet but that thing really freaked us out. It deserves it's own paragraph! It seemed to have a motion sensor so every time you walked in the room it automatically cleaned itself for you. It also flushed on it's own but it went way beyond that. It was capable of cleaning each and every orifice as well as dry them. It really was the most spectacular toilet I've ever encountered.
OK back on track. If staying in Kauai I definitely recommend you stay in the Poipu area for at least a few days as there is no better spot for luxury, in my opinion, than the Grand Hyatt. It is not budget but sometimes a vacation calls for far more than budget accommodation. If yours does I can highly recommend this resort for luxury living and relaxation.
I was lucky enough to be hosted in the Poipu area as well and quickly discovered why some of the nicest resorts call that area it's home. Poipu is lovely, the beaches are stunning, there are hidden caves and great surf spots not to mention one stunning golf course after another. It also places you super close to Koloa which is my second favorite town on the island. Adorably quaint cafe and shop lined streets, completely walkable, and with more charm than most towns I have ever seen. Being close to Koloa gives Poipu even more credibility as the perfect spot for a luxury resort.
The Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu is the spot for luxury and relaxation. I won't pretend it is cheap, certainly not a budget accommodation but when headed to Hawaii that isn't really the goal for many. The rooms are beautifully decorated, come with gorgeous ocean and golf course views, the beds are probably the most comfortable and well appointed that I have ever experienced, and hey even the toilet was super fancy!
The grounds themselves are beautiful. Perfectly manicured with loads of walking paths, freshwater pools, restaurants, shops, even a lagoon complete with a safe beach for the kiddos. It is located on the ocean so if you want to surf, body board, or simply relax in the ocean you can do that as well. The pool system is vast and has a thrilling slide as well as a lazy river to enjoy. For those with more time for relaxation than we had there is also a luxurious spa, golf course, shops, restaurants, and more spots to relax and enjoy the lovely ocean breeze than any other hotel I think I've ever stayed in.
As soon as we exited the car we felt like we were stepping into the lap of luxury. The entrance way and lobby are beautiful and offer gorgeous views. The staff was attentive, friendly, and more than willing to help us in any way. The pool system was expansive with plenty of different areas so it never felt crowded. The sand bottomed lagoon was perfect for small kiddos, especially lovely with the hammocks strewn all over nearby. My sister in law and I were quite fond of the lazy river and slide though!
The rooms are spacious and well appointed. Probably the only complaint I could have about the resort is in regards to the distance the room was from the lobby. Honestly it felt like we walked a mile every time we left the room. It is done that way for 2 reasons, 1 so almost everyone can have an ocean front room, and 2 because you are not allowed to build up more than just a few stories in Kauai, so really they had no choice but to go out. It is something to consider though for some people.
The beds were super comfortable with all the bells and whistles in regards to fancy bedding and loads of pillows. The WiFi was fast, the view was amazing, TV was large, and the bathroom was wonderful. Nice shower and uber fancy toilet.
Seriously I know this is the second time I am mentioning the toilet but that thing really freaked us out. It deserves it's own paragraph! It seemed to have a motion sensor so every time you walked in the room it automatically cleaned itself for you. It also flushed on it's own but it went way beyond that. It was capable of cleaning each and every orifice as well as dry them. It really was the most spectacular toilet I've ever encountered.
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| Pin, me, pin me, you know you want to! |
How about you? Have you visited the Grand Hyatt before? What did you think? Tell us about it in the comments below!
After my last posts on our time in Kauai I know you are itching to head over and explore this amazing island. I told you already what you must do while visiting, where the most beautiful spot on the planet is located, and where you can find some great food in Kauai so now I need to fill you in on where to lay your head next time you head to Kauai.
If you choose to stay in or near Hanalei, and you ABSOLUTELY should, then there is no better choice than the Hanalei Colony Resort.
For starters, Hanalei as a town and area of the island is an extremely special place. The ocean is beautiful, it is the gateway to the Na Pali coast, and the town itself is adorably quaint. But the aspect that really blew our minds was the gorgeous mountain views that backed right up to the town and the resort itself.
The resort is roughly 10 minutes from Hanalei town, through a lovely, albeit narrow, winding, cliff hugging road, and 10 minutes from the famous tunnels beach and start of the Kalalau trail. The location really cannot be beat, stunning is an understatement!
We arrived after a stunning drive over and discovered we would be staying in one of the beautiful ocean view rooms. There are many different room types but most have at least a partial ocean view.
The rooms themselves are lovely. More like mini apartments with loads of room to fit even my crew of boys. There is a well appointed kitchen and the 2 bedrooms are sort of convertible. They can be all closed up for privacy or opened up so that the feel of the whole space is that much bigger. I really liked that.
The beds were comfortable although some were more so than others and the living room had beautiful wooden tables, reading material and comfy couches and chairs. If staying long term there was also plenty of closet space for storing things. The bathroom was also newly renovated and it had one of the nicest showers I have yet to encounter!
The property is spread out and located directly on the beach with gorgeous mountains behind. There is an amazing restaurant, the Mediterranean Gourmet, and a spa for those that desire even more relaxation. The pool is small, nothing super special but a pool none the less. The nice thing was how many beach and pool toys were available for anyone to use. I also noticed a BBQ area and laundry facilities. I didn't have a chance to use either but they are available, a nice option to have especially if staying longer than we did.
The thing that really helps the Hanalei Colony stand out is it's unplugged status. There is wifi but no TVs, telephones, or AC. You can sleep to the waves crashing (fans are available for hot nights but being right on the ocean we found the trade winds to be sufficient) and focus on each other rather than the lull of the TV. It may not be for everyone but with so much natural beauty around you really there is no need for any other entertainment. They offer games and puzzles in the office and are very attentive to any concerns you have.
We had a great 2 nights at the HCR. If you get a chance to visit the North shore of Kauai I would not hesitate to recommend this laid back beach resort.
Thank you to the Hanalei Colony Resort for the lovely 2 night stay. As always my thoughts are my own!
For starters, Hanalei as a town and area of the island is an extremely special place. The ocean is beautiful, it is the gateway to the Na Pali coast, and the town itself is adorably quaint. But the aspect that really blew our minds was the gorgeous mountain views that backed right up to the town and the resort itself.
The resort is roughly 10 minutes from Hanalei town, through a lovely, albeit narrow, winding, cliff hugging road, and 10 minutes from the famous tunnels beach and start of the Kalalau trail. The location really cannot be beat, stunning is an understatement!
We arrived after a stunning drive over and discovered we would be staying in one of the beautiful ocean view rooms. There are many different room types but most have at least a partial ocean view.
The rooms themselves are lovely. More like mini apartments with loads of room to fit even my crew of boys. There is a well appointed kitchen and the 2 bedrooms are sort of convertible. They can be all closed up for privacy or opened up so that the feel of the whole space is that much bigger. I really liked that.
The beds were comfortable although some were more so than others and the living room had beautiful wooden tables, reading material and comfy couches and chairs. If staying long term there was also plenty of closet space for storing things. The bathroom was also newly renovated and it had one of the nicest showers I have yet to encounter!
The property is spread out and located directly on the beach with gorgeous mountains behind. There is an amazing restaurant, the Mediterranean Gourmet, and a spa for those that desire even more relaxation. The pool is small, nothing super special but a pool none the less. The nice thing was how many beach and pool toys were available for anyone to use. I also noticed a BBQ area and laundry facilities. I didn't have a chance to use either but they are available, a nice option to have especially if staying longer than we did.
The thing that really helps the Hanalei Colony stand out is it's unplugged status. There is wifi but no TVs, telephones, or AC. You can sleep to the waves crashing (fans are available for hot nights but being right on the ocean we found the trade winds to be sufficient) and focus on each other rather than the lull of the TV. It may not be for everyone but with so much natural beauty around you really there is no need for any other entertainment. They offer games and puzzles in the office and are very attentive to any concerns you have.
We had a great 2 nights at the HCR. If you get a chance to visit the North shore of Kauai I would not hesitate to recommend this laid back beach resort.
Thank you to the Hanalei Colony Resort for the lovely 2 night stay. As always my thoughts are my own!
Over the years we have stayed in a lot of hotels, some have been wonderful and others, well, not so much. When we had the opportunity to head over to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii we were excited about staying with the Sheraton.
After our experience at the Sheraton in Maui we knew it would be nice but we had no idea just how lovely the resort would be. Check out these 17 stunning photos that prove the Sheraton Kona is an amazing place to stay.
After our experience at the Sheraton in Maui we knew it would be nice but we had no idea just how lovely the resort would be. Check out these 17 stunning photos that prove the Sheraton Kona is an amazing place to stay.
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| Extremely comfortable bedding, always an important factor in deciding where to stay |
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| Attention to detail |
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| Large pool with a great view and comfy water beanbags for lounging |
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| The kids favorite water slide |
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| View from our balcony |
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| Lobby seating |
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| Another beautiful spot to relax, highlighting the Manta ray that the area is famous for |
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| A view to remember |
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| Lovely grounds for a wedding |
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| Lovely menehune tree |
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| One of the breakfast spots, Akule Supply Co. |
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| Sunset views from the delicious Rays on the Bay restaurant, located in the hotel offering amazing food and lively entertainment |
So what do you think? Does this look like an amazing place to stay to you?