Four Seasons Oahu Media Highlights 2017

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Media Highlights 2017

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TRAVEL S U N D A Y , J A N U A R Y 1 , 2 0 1 7 :: L A T I M E S . C O M / T R AV E L

17 PLACES

Peter and Maria Hoey For The Times

TO GO &

17 THINGS TO KNOW

FOR 2017

Utah, Oahu, Canada, Korea — they’re among our top destinations for the new year. Plus, how to navigate in the ever-changing world. L2-L5

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Gilitukha Getty Images / iStockphoto

THE ENORMOUS CAVE SYSTEM at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam is about 400 million years old. The system is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Where to go in 2017

BY CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS >>> Here are 17 destinations that look especially fetching right now. The list includes cities, countries, islands and national parks on five continents; bohemians and Slovenians; spherical Canadian treehouses; vast Vietnamese caves; train tracks at 14,000 feet; and the mother of all Marimekko stores. ¶ Some of these spots are in the middle of building booms. Some are celebrating historic anniversaries. Some have matured in subtler ways, thanks to tour guides, chefs or hoteliers.

Bordeaux

Take a walking history tour with Walk Hong Kong. More than a dozen hotels are opening in 2017, including the luxury Murray hotel beside Hong Kong Park.

Info: Hong Kong Tourism Board, www.lat.ms/hktourism

The city of Bordeaux, which straddles the Garonne River in southwestern France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wine and food. And its attractions are multiplying. In the last three years, at least four river-cruise companies have added Bordeaux itineraries.

Waterfront redevelopment and a growing tram system have improved downtown, allowing the city’s many 18th century buildings to shine more brightly.

La Cité du Vin, a museum devoted to the history of wine, opened in 2016. And as soon as July, a new LGV high-speed train line is expected to cut travel time from Paris from three to two hours.

Tip: Avoid travel to the area from June 18 to 21, when the global wine-industry conference Vinexpo takes up many hotel rooms and boosts prices.

Info: Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions, www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk

Boston Boston is booming, adding restaurants and lodgings even as a commemorative note sounds: May 29 marks the centennial of the birth of favorite son John F. Kennedy. Expect special programming at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and Kennedy’s birthplace in Brookline (a Boston suburb), now known as John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site.

Meanwhile, the Godfrey Hotel Boston, a luxury boutique lodging in the Downtown Crossing area, opened in early 2016, as did Aloft and Element hotels on D Street near the city convention center. A 326-room Yotel micro-hotel is due to open this year in Boston’s Seaport Innovation District.

Info: Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.bostonusa.com

Oahu, Hawaii

David L. Ryan Boston Globe

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and

Museum is expected to mark the centennial of the birth of Boston’s favorite son.

Cambodia The ruins of the Angkor Wat Temple, near Siem Reap, speak for themselves. Mekong River cruises are growing in popularity, and some visitors are eager to arrive ahead of an expected flood of visitors from China.

Though Cambodia’s infrastructure has a long way to go, tour operators such as REI Adventures are lining up trips.

Luxury resorts also are opening. In 2015, it was Phum Baitang outside Siem Reap. In 2017, expect openings to include the Rosewood Phnom Penh, with another Rosewood to follow at Siem Reap in 2019, and the Six Senses Krabey Island and Alila Villas Koh Russey on an island off the south coast.

Info: Ministry of Tourism, www.tourism cambodia.org

Chad Ehlers Getty Images

Vince Cavataio Getty Images / Perspectives

THE SURF and sun of Oahu will share

a spotlight with the Honolulu Biennial.

BORDEAUX, France, with its many

vineyards, is known for food and wine.

Cuzco-Arequipa train, Peru Cuzco is best known as the jumping-off point for the train trip to Machu Picchu. But travelers from Cuzco also can journey by rail to the edge of Lake Titicaca — a stark, startling, 101⁄2-hour trip across the high Andean plains to the lakeside city of Puno. (This is one of the highest train trips in the world, topping off at more than 14,000 feet above sea level.)

Starting in May, a new luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer, will offer three-day, two-night itineraries from Cuzco to Puno and on to the city of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage site built with white volcanic rock.

At $1,283 per person and up, the Andean Explorer fare includes meals, open bar, side excursions and extra oxygen to combat altitude sickness.

Belmond (formerly Orient-Express) and PeruRail will operate the trains. Andean Explorer service is also offered for two-day Arequipa-Cuzco, Cuzco-Puno and Puno-

YinYang Getty Images / iStockphoto

Rick Bowmer Associated Press

THE YUCATAN Peninsula in Mexico

MISCHA GASSER of Switzerland

Cuzco trips at $462 and up. PeruRail will continue to offer more basic service too.

Info: Belmond, www.lat.ms/andeanex plorer

niemi Market Hall, more than a century old.

Helsinki set an all-time incoming tourism record in 2015 — nearly 3.5 million overnight stays in a country with only 5.5 million people — despite a big drop in visitors from Russia next door.

Info: Visit Helsinki, www.visithelsinki.fi/ en

has added hotels, shops, restaurants.

Helsinki, Finland On Dec. 6, 1917, Finland declared independence so Helsinki, the capital, will see celebrating this year.

Hot spots include the Helsinki Art Museum (reborn after renovation and rebranding in 2015), the Helsinki Music Centre (a.k.a. Musiikkitalo, opened 2011), the Design District, the Marimekko flagship store (revamped in 2015), the Hotel Lilla Roberts (a 2015 boutique property with a sibling, Hotel St. George, opening in 2017) and the Haka-

competes at ski-haven Park City, Utah.

Hong Kong It’s been almost 20 years since Britain handed over Hong Kong to China. As Chinese travelers rush in and authorities push the island toward greater compliance with the mainland, Westerners may want to travel sooner rather than later, as vestiges fade from Hong Kong’s 150 years as a British colony.

In spring, the first Honolulu Biennial will bring international artists to show works alongside local artists.

In 2016 the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina opened, as did the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club in Waikiki.

In the Chinatown district of Honolulu, the new Tchin Tchin! is a rooftop bar and smallplates eatery. Also in Honolulu, there’s SALT at Our Kaka’ako, a recently opened collection of eateries and shops at 660 Ala Moana Blvd.

And don’t overlook the 15th Waikiki Spam Jam (a street festival that features Spam dishes from local restaurants, live music and related merriment), coming April 29.

Info: Hawaii Tourism Authority, www.go hawaii.com/oahu

Park City, Utah Park City is 45 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport. It has an old-fashioned Main Street. And it has the biggest ski resort in the country: Park City Mountain Resort, which combined with Canyons Resort in 2015, setting off changes all over town.

Chef John Murcko’s Firewood Restaurant opened in December at 306 Main St. At 314 Main, visitors can browse landscape photos at David Beavis Gallery. At 509 Main, get caffeine from Pink Elephant Coffee Roasters.

At 738 Main, get a sugar fix at Peace, Love & Little Donuts. At 890 Main, taste wine at Old Town Cellars, a private-label winery. (All opened in 2016.)

By the way: Think twice before booking Jan. 19 to 29. Those are the 2017 Sundance Film Festival dates.

Info: Park City Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitparkcity.com

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam This park’s enormous cave system, added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2003, dates back about 400 million years.

Even now, exploration continues. The Son Doong Cave, discovered (or perhaps rediscovered) in 2009, may be the largest cave on Earth. Tour operator Oxalis Adventure Tours offers expeditions there for travelers who are ready for 30 miles of jungle and mountain trekking and various rope climbs and descents.

There are other caves with far easier access, including Phong Nha, big enough for boats to ply its waters, and the Tu Lan system, where visitors hike and swim in an underground river.

Adventure tour operator Geo Ex has added the Tu Lan cave system to a new Vietnam trip for 2017. The area is about 300 miles south of Hanoi.

Info: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, www.vietnamtourism.com

Riviera Maya, Mexico This Mexican Caribbean coastline, which extends south of Cancún along the eastern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula, has been steadily adding resorts that capitalize on dense greenery and turquoise waters.

At the luxury end, El Dorado Resort, about 30 miles south of Cancún, recently opened 30 palafitos — above-water bungalows with glass floors and private infinity pools. The 92-room Thompson Playa del Carmen, a luxe lodging that opened in 2015, [See Places, L5]

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[Places, from L4] added a 27-unit Beach House in 2016.

The Mayakoba development, which emphasizes sustainability and is home to Rosewood, Fairmont and Banyan Tree hotels, added a 214-room Andaz Resort in December.

The all-inclusive, family-friendly Ocean Riviera Paradise also opened in December.

The all-inclusive, adults-only Unico Riviera Maya, south of Playa del Carmen, is to open in March.

Info: Visit Mexico, www.lat.ms/riviera maya

San Francisco Here comes the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, and San Francisco ventures such as the Magic Bus (which does ’60s-themed local tours), San Francisco Love Tours (which uses VW buses with psychedelic paint jobs) and Flower Power Walking Tours will make the most of that in HaightAshbury and beyond.

Find Jimi Hendrix’s old place at 1524A Haight St. (the apartment, above a tobacco shop, is a private residence) and the North Beach coffee shop where Janis Joplin did some singing. Now it’s Maggie McGarry’s Irish Pub, and there’s more singing than ever.

Various street fairs are in the works, including one in Haight-Ashbury in June (details TBA), and ’60s-themed exhibitions are planned at the California Historical Society, the De Young Museum, the Berkeley Art Museum and San Francisco City Hall. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art will still be celebrating its May 2016 expansion.

Info: San Francisco Travel, www.sftravel .com

Seoul This South Korean capital city on the Han River is as urban as they come with a population of about 10 million, but it’s been renewing its natural connections.

Explore the Cheonggyecheon, a sevenmile-long restored urban stream that replaced an elevated highway and acts as a linear park through the center of the city.

In late 2017, the Seoul Skygarden, an urban overpass replanted with local plant species, will reopen for pedestrians, creating an arboretum above the Seoul Station transportation center. Visit soon and you’ll beat the crowds expected for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang (80 miles east of Seoul) Feb. 9 to 25, 2018.

Info: Visit Seoul, english.visitseoul.net

Slovenia Slovenia, part of Yugoslavia until the 1990s, has been gaining momentum for years.

The site of bloody conflict during both world wars, it’s now a treasure-trove of scenery. Its capital, Ljubljana, is just two hours’ drive from Italy’s Friuli wine region.

Bike tour company Backroads has added a 2017 tour that combines Slovenia and Friuli.

Ljubljana is a short drive to placid Lake Bled and the Soca River Valley — lots of cycling and rafting — and the cave system of Postojna, about 30 miles southwest of Ljubljana.

Postojna is also the beginning of the Via Dinarica, a recently developed mountain hiking trail that runs through several western Balkan nations. Many adventure tour operators now are running Slovenian trips.

Info: Slovenian Tourist Board, www.slovenia.info

Alan Copson Getty Images / AWL Images RM

THE CHURCH of the Assumption, on an island in Lake Bled, is among a treasure-trove of scenery found in Slovenia.

Tanzania Why see Tanzania? We need not say more than: 8 Serengeti, a national park with some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife; 8 Ngorongoro, a crater with some of the most spectacular views on the continent, and Kilimanjaro, the 19,341-foot mountain that is Africa’s highest point; 8 The Highlands, a safari camp north of the crater on the slopes of Olmoti volcano that opened in 2016 with eight domed tentsuites of canvas and glass; 8 Jabali Ridge, a fancier 10-unit camp from the same company (Asilia), due to open in September in the larger but less-trafficked Ruaha National Park.

Info: Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tan zaniatouristboard.com

Robyn Beck AFP / Getty Images

HAIGHT-ASHBURY in San Francisco

will mark Summer of Love anniversary.

Norma Yuskos

ZEBRAS quench their thirst in Seren-

geti National Park in Tanzania.

Christopher Reynolds L.A. Times

CUZCO, Peru, home to the Plaza de

Armas, is getting new train service.

Todos Santos, Baja California Todos Santos is an artsy, expat-friendly beach town an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas.

The quaint restaurants, shops and uncrowded rough-water beaches are enough to attract visitors, especially surfers.

If you’re a growth-friendly optimist, you may be eager to see the first signs of Tres Santos, an ambitious new resort and wellness community whose short-term plans include 29 residences, restaurant, farm, farmers’ market, desalination plant and the 32-room Hotel San Cristóbal, which aims to open in March. If you’re a skeptic, you might have doubts about the project’s water use, its effect on the beach, its potential to grow to more than 4,000 units — and you might be eager to see Todos Santos before there are too many changes.

Info: Visit Mexico, www.lat.ms/todossan tos

Vancouver Island, Canada

Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost Getty Images

HONG KONG will have more than a dozen hotels opening during the new year. It

has been almost 20 years since Britain handed over its former colony to China.

It’s a short hop from big-city Vancouver, yet the island’s wild feel is drawing adventurous travelers to the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (open mid-May through late September) and the Free Spirit Spheres treehouses (near Qualicum Beach), which hopes to add a fourth sphere in time for summer.

In the resort town of Tofino, which has become a storm-watching destination from November through March (and was named Sunset magazine’s “Best Beach town in the West” for 2016), there’s the much-praised Wolf in the Fog restaurant; Sea Monster Noodle Bar; Calypso Roti Shop; and the Pacific Sands Beach Resort, whose 77 beach houses and suites will be joined by 40 new units this spring.

Info: Destination BC, www.lat.ms/van couverisland

Hadynyah Getty Images

A GIRL rides along the freshwater

Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia.

UIG via Getty Images

THE HELSINKI Music Centre will

help Finland mark its independence.

Christopher Reynolds L.A. Times

TODOS SANTOS is a friendly, evolv-

ing beach town in Baja California.

Yosemite National Park All the usual reasons apply, plus this: In early summer, rangers will reopen the park’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to about 500 of California’s biggest trees.

During the grove’s two-year closure, the National Park Service has added hiking trails and boardwalks, upgraded toilets, removed a gift shop and rerouted tram traffic.

Info: Yosemite National Park, www.nps.gov/yose Peter Unger Getty Images / Lonely Planet Image

christopher.reynolds@latimes.com Twitter: @mrcsreynolds

MARIPOSA GROVE of Giant Se-

quoias will reopen in Yosemite.

Ed Jones AFP / Getty Images

SEOUL, on the Han River, has been

renewing its connections to nature.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S Clayoquot

Wilderness Resort is a summer draw.

EDITED BY LESLEY McKENZIE WRITTEN BY MARGARET KEARNS

Pick Your Paradise

FIND YOUR PERFECT STATE OF ALOHA

FOUR SEASONS RESORT OAHU AT KO OLINA

Travel - opener

You can’t really go wrong when plotting a trip to the jasmine blossom-scented archipelago of Hawaii—the very word elicits a contended exhale. But each of the major

A cabana at the adults-only infinity pool at FOUR SEASONS RESORT OAHU AT KO OLINA.

islands offers its own unique magic, suited to varied types of travelers. Here, a miniguide to our favorites, from the Big Island to Kauai.

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THE JET-SETTER

will also arrange for everything, from a once-in-a-lifetime flight aboard a World War II warbird to a diving trip off a private yacht and a helicopter tour around the island.

From $625; fourseasons.com/oahu.

THE HONEYMOONERS

The MAUNA LANI SPA outdoor hale.

The Big Island is known for its varied terrain— from black volcanic rock to lush rainforest—and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, set on a white, sandy beach, promises environs that live up to your vision of tropical paradise (and unabashed newlywed bliss). Highlights include a freestanding spa envisioned by Sylvia Sepielli and in-demand local designer Gina Willman, regional cuisine at the CanoeHouse restaurant, and the property’s luxurious 2,700-square-foot oceanfront bungalows (with an additional 1,300 square feet of private exterior space), outfitted with private pools, spas and outdoor grills. Rooms from $419; maunalani.com.

ISLAND Life What’s better than visiting Hawaii?

Living there, of course, at least parttime. As demand for high-end second homes continues to climb—especially on the Big Island—developers are answering with new and expanded luxury residential communities.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, a property on the Kohala Coast’s worldclass Hapuna Beach, will convert one of its towers from

Travel - turn THE FAMILY

The GRAND WAILEA Wailea Canyon Activity Pool includes nine slides.

The Grand Wailea—a Waldorf Astoria resort and oceanfront mainstay—offers activities for the entire family in a prime, perennially sunny location on the island. Activities abound: from The Rock, the 20,000-squarefoot complex that houses the resort’s kids club, Camp Grande, to the 25,700-square-foot Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, replete with waterslides, rapids, rope swings, caves, a lazy river and a sand beach. Don’t miss the Fishpipe, a 90-second water ride that spins thrill seekers inside a rotating barrel, akin to a mile-long slide. From $495; grandwailea.com.

THE COUNTRY-CLUBBER Feel right at home renting a custom modern residence in the private club community at Lodge at Kukui’ula, whose abundant amenities include golf and tennis, dining at Umeke Kitchen + Bar, picnicking on the area’s lush 10-acre farm, and recreation and relaxation at Hi’ilani Spa + Fitness (the signature Seven-Step Wet Ritual, complete with plunge pool, is a must). Rooms from $750, with a three-night minimum stay required; lodgeatkukuiula.com.

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A view of the REES JONES GOLF COURSE at KOHANAIKI.

guest rooms to oceanfront condominiums as the Hapuna Beach Residences at Mauna Kea Resort, inviting 60 families to stay in residences ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, priced from about $1.6 million to $7 million.

Pre-sales begin in January 2018. maunakealiving.com.

Kohanaiki, the Big Island’s newest high-design luxury residential community, encompasses 450 acres along the Kona Coast, and is set to offer the most unique resort amenities in the islands (read: a 67,000-squarefoot clubhouse that features, among other draws, a movie theater and a bowling alley). Devel- From above: A SHAY ZAKopment continues; designed current prices range custom hale.

HAPUNA BEACH from about $3 million to $22 million. kohanaiki.com.

The PLANTATION HOUSE at LODGE AT KUKUI’ULA.

RESIDENCES AT MAUNA KEA RESORT.

FOUR SEASONS: FOUR SEASONS RESORT OAHU AT KO OLINA. MAUNA LANI: MAUNA LANI BAY HOTEL & BUNGALOWS. GRAND WAILEA: GRAND WAILEA. KUKUI’ULA: KUKUI’ULA. KOHANAIKI: KOHANAIKI.

The penthouse suite terrace at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

Featuring a casually elegant design by de Reus Architects and Philpotts Interiors— one of Hawaii’s most beloved design firms— Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, a five-star resort that opened in May 2016, is Oahu’s most hotly tipped luxury destination in decades. Its defining elements include the four-level Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre and a Michael Mina-helmed Fish House restaurant. The over-the-top concierge service

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WINE TIME Five Under-theRadar Makers

MVFF GUIDE

Celebrating 40 Years of Film

Going

Groundbreaking Tech Debuts in Mill Valley

GR EN

Destinations

T H E L AT E ST LO C A L T R AV E L D E A L S A N D G E TAWAYS PLU S J O U R N E YS A RO U N D T H E G LO B E The pool area at Four Seasons Resort Oahu.

ESCAPE AND EXPLORE

Warm winter wellness is just a flight away.

BY MIMI TOWLE, KASIA PAWLOWSKA AND ANN WYCOFF

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Destinations / GO BEACHES

Hawaii

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

It took the Four Seasons nearly two decades to find the best location for its Oahu property and the search was worth the wait. With a $250 million resort transformation that took 18 months, the hotel now occupies the location of the erstwhile classic Ihilani, designed by famed architect Edward A. Killingsworth in 1993. Killingsworth’s other buildings include Kahala Hilton (1964), Kapalua Bay Hotel (1977), Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows (1983) and Halekulani (1990). Situated on one of the four pristine lagoons of the Ko Olina Resort, this new high-end Four Seasons shares a crescent-shaped white sand beach with Disney’s Aulani resort.

Opposite, clockwise from top: A private cabana at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu; an ocean view cabana at Wailea; paddleboarding near the Four Seasons.

! EAT Mornings start with the famous over-the-top Four Seasons buffet breakfast, offering fresh island fruit, dim sum, miso soup and other treats. Sunday’s more opulent Brunch for All Seasons includes lobster and prime rib along with a mimosa and bloody mary bar. In December, Michael Mina will be taking over Fish House, the signature open-air restaurant with views of the Pacific from every table. Diners can expect Mina’s usual culinary magic, incorporating the freshest ingredients from local organic farms, ranches and fisherman. ! FIT Besides the fitness center and beach path fronting the property, Four Seasons Oahu’s #FSWayfinder program offers many unique opportunities for guests, including hula lessons and a signature guided hike with Kumu Hula Laakea Perry to the remote Kaena Point, which features tidepools large enough to float in as well as significant cultural points historically rich enough to give you chicken skin, as the locals say. ! SPA Given the proximity to the spiritual and deeprooted Hawaiian culture of Oahu’s West Side, Naupaka Spa employs a team of authentic lomilomi practitioners who will introduce you to the true essence of this ancient healing art form. A series of treatments during your stay is highly recommended. ! DON’T MISS The Yamaguchi Salon, with visits by celebrity stylist Billy Yamaguchi, is famous for his feng shui approach to beauty. Yamaguchi teaches around the planet and runs one of the top salons in Southern California, in addition to being on property every month and available to Four Seasons guests. ! PROPERTY DETAILS The resort features 370 rooms (most with full ocean views), three pools with private cabanas available, five restaurants and bars and an elegant spa with yet another pool. Beach activities and gear rentals

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are offered on site as well as sun-shaded lounges with amenities on the beach. Guests can also enjoy tennis courts and the Ko Olina Golf Club and Ko Olina Marina.

Ocean view rooms start at $775. fourseasons.com/oahu

Wailea Beach Resort

The newly refreshed Wailea Beach Resort has quickly become a favorite with families, groups, and couples.

For years this Marriott property was known as the value spot in Wailea, surrounded by uberluxe neighbors, and with a $519 starting rate, it can still be considered priced comparably for the location. Because it is on the site of the area’s first hotel — built in 1973, before setback laws — its restaurant and guest rooms are closer to the ocean than any other lodgings on this side of the island. And since it’s in the middle of the famed Wailea Beach Path, guests can easily stroll to surrounding properties.

! EAT A pioneer of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement, chef Roy Yamaguchi created Humble Market Kitchin, an open-air luxe eatery, as an ode to his grandfather Henry, who immigrated to the islands, pulling inspiration from various local cuisines — Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, native Hawaiian — to create an internationally influenced, Hawaiian-inspired menu. ! FIT On the 2.1-mile beachfront path, guests can walk, jog, jump in the water and swog (swim jog) on Wailea Beach. For more focused workouts, the gym is packed with state-of-the-art equipment. ! SPA For anyone seeking wellness in Wailea, it would be a crime not to partake in the Wailea Spa Crawl. All the participating spas are world-famous award-winning stress busters. At Fairmont Kea Lani, the signature experience is enhanced with the three Hawaiian Rain Experience Showers and the Pālolo (mud) bar and a heated stone mud bench and foot bed. The Four Seasons spa is known for excellent therapists, and the Aquacranial treatment, which happens in the ocean, is a standout. Spa Grande at The Grand Wailea is the largest spa in the state, with 40 treatment rooms in a 50,000-square-foot facility, and features the exclusive Healing Waters of Maui treatment, plus such aquatic offerings as a Roman tub, saunas, Swiss jet showers, a Japanese furo and five specialty baths. The Wailea Beach Resort has the MandAra Spa, inspired by the island traditions of Bali. And the awardwinning Awili Spa and Salon at Andaz Maui at Wailea is famous for its apothecary-style spin on the traditional Japanese spa experience. ! DON’T MISS Family fun here includes the longest slide on the island (325 feet); the Kolohe (translates as rascal)

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SPE CIAL HAWAII ISSUE

NEED TO KNOW NEWS • TIPS • TRENDS

Caltrans

New Hwy. 1 bridge planned for Sept.

Lehua Waipa AhNee Hawaii Tourism Authority

THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL in Hilo was voted best cultural celebration in Hawaii Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards.

Psst! Insiders say ...

A new $24-million bridge on Highway 1, replacing the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge that sank into the Big Sur hillside, could open as soon as September. The Pfeiffer bridge, a few miles south of Big Sur Station, closed Feb. 15 and was demolished in March, leaving a gap in the roadway, which temporarily cuts Highway 1 into two. The area has been off-limits to travelers who want to drive the scenic coastal route. The new bridge, seen in a rendering above, will rise 320 feet above the canyon and use steel girders instead of columns. Heavy rains caused the original bridge’s cement columns to buckle and sink into the hillside. Storm damage and landslides have kept three other sections of the road south of the failed bridge — Ragged Point, Mud Creek near Gorda and Paul’s Slide near Lucia — closed to traffic.

The reopening date is unknown.

— Mary Forgione

Here’s where to find the best the islands offer, from those who know

BY JAY JONES >>> Want to know where to find the best hotels, best restaurants and even the best mai tai in Hawaii? Hawaii Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards features places locals like to eat, stay and play, creating an insider’s guide for anyone planning a trip to the islands. ¶ Readers submitted thousands of entries for the “best” honor, said Christine Hitt, the magazine’s editor. The number of submissions per person was limited, Hitt said, and editors prevented “ballot box stuffing” by watching IP addresses and cookies and manually perusing the entries. ¶ Here are some of the winners in the 2017 vote: Best island Maui was voted the best island in Hawaii. Readers gave the Valley Isle glowing reviews, with one respondent saying it has “the best mix of quiet, natural scenery and crazy fun activities.”

Oahu finished second and Kauai third in the poll.

Best city Lahaina, the former whaling center on Maui’s west coast, was selected best city or town. Now a charming town full of galleries, inns and restaurants, it’s a fun diversion for folks staying at the beachfront resorts to the north and south.

Much larger and touristy Honolulu/Waikiki came in second.

Tor Johnson Hawaii Tourism Authority

WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARK , with its colorful cliffs, won the magazine readers’ vote for

the best park. The park on Kauai is sometimes called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Best hotels Oahu has plenty of other winners in various categories. Along the beach, the sprawling Hilton Hawaiian Village was ranked as the state’s No. 1 hotel. A couple of neighbors, the Moana Surfrider and Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, finished second and third.

Oahu has plenty of luxury hotel choices, but for readers, the island’s No. 1 is its grande dame, the Royal Hawaiian, which turned 90 recently.

Rounding out the island’s top three are the Moana Surfrider and Turtle Bay Resort, which is on the North Shore, about an hour’s drive from Honolulu.

Best drink The Royal Hawaiian also gets top honors in another category: best mai tai. The drink is said to have originated in California in the 1930s, but the rum-based drink is widely associated with the islands.

The magazine’s readers prefer to sip theirs at the Royal’s Mai Tai Bar.

Best new restaurants Mahina & Sun’s at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Honolulu was voted the state’s best new restaurant, followed by Tin Roof in Kahului, Maui, and Ai Love Nalo in Waimanalo, Oahu.

Best new hotel Burgeoning West Oahu is becoming an alternative to Waikiki, and the Four Seasons Resort Oahu was selected as Hawaii’s best new hotel. (The property used to be a J.W. Marriott.)

The top three include two other Oahu choices, Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club and the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki.

Best park Head to Kauai for the best park: Waimea Canyon State Park. With its towering red cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, it is sometimes called

You can get free entry to national park sites during National Park Week, saving $20 on an entry to Death Valley, and $25 to $35 on a visit to Yosemite. Not all parks charge entry fees, but those that do will be free Sunday (Easter), Saturday and April 23. Choose from more than 400 national parks, monuments, recreation areas and historic sites. To see the California list: www.lat.ms/califparks. You also can participate in special events at various parks units, including Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego. You learn about history and even do a little stargazing. Info: www.lat.ms/ca brillo. To see activities at all parks: www.lat.ms/parksevents.

— Mary Forgione

Vegas pros tell all

Best beach World-famous Waikiki Beach was voted the state’s top beach.

Tourism to this now-bustling destination began in the early 1900s when the area was marshy wetlands full of taro. Beyond the beach, there are attractions such as Diamond Head and the Honolulu Zoo.

Brian van der Brug Los Angeles Times

Free entry to parks

Tor Johnson Hawaii Tourism Authority

GUESTS at the readers’ No. 1 hotel, the sprawling Hilton

Hawaiian Village on Oahu, watch Friday evening fireworks.

If you’ve dreamed of spinning records at a Vegas nightclub or creating your own craft cocktail, Wynn Las Vegas invites you behind the scenes to learn a thing or two in its hands-on workshops with inhouse professionals who show you how to make wine varietals or work a club’s sound and light board.

Classes include “Spin with a Star DJ” on May 4; “Mastering Your Most Flattering Selfie” on May 12; and “Mixology 2.0” on June 9. Additional classes will be announced later in the year. Info www.lat.ms/ wynnclasses — Jay Jones

Royal Hawaiian Hotel

THE MAI TAIS at Oahu’s Royal Hawaiian were tops.

CEP

the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and one of the top sights in the state.

Maui’s Waianapanapa State Park, just off the Hana Highway, was the runner-up.

Compressed comfort

Best coffee While on Kauai, head to the Kalaheo area for a taste of the state’s best coffee. Besides selling its wares, Kauai Coffee offers free guided and self-guided tours of its plantation. The Kauai grower and roaster gives better-known Kona brands a run for their money.

Aqua-Aston Hospitality

Best cultural celebrations

MAHINA & SUN’S, at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in

Cultural celebrations around Hawaii occur almost weekly, but readers preferred the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, which will be Sunday through Saturday in Hilo on Hawaii Island. The event honors King David Kalakaua, a 19th century monarch known for his love of the arts.

world.

Now a national historical park, Kalaupapa is reached either by small plane or mule. The Kalaupapa Mule Tour, a harrowing trek down the cliff face, was voted the best land activity or adventure tour in the state.

Best activity

Favorite places, island by island

Besides its uncrowded beaches, Molokai is known for what many consider a shocking piece of history, the former leper colony at Kalaupapa. Despite its lovely setting, the town was built to isolate those with leprosy (now called Hansen’s disease) from the

Honolulu, was chosen best new restaurant in the vote.

For the first time, Hawaii Magazine readers ranked not only their favorite places statewide, but also island by island, including the less-visited Lanai and Molokai.

On Lanai, the No. 1 choice for lodging is the secluded Four Sea-

sons Resort Lanai. With an enviable oceanfront location and killer views from many rooms, it’s a great base on Lanai, where the lodging choices are limited. The modest Hotel Lanai in Lanai City finished second.

Choices of where to stay are even fewer on Molokai, where the charming Hotel Molokai was voted best hotel, an easy choice because it’s the island’s only hotel.

Info: Copies of the magazine may be ordered online at www.lat.ms/ bestofhawaii or by calling (800) 788-4230. travel@latimes.com

It’s no surprise that a long flight in a cramped seat can produce swollen, aching feet and legs. The blood in your veins must work against gravity to flow back to your heart, which happens when you move. If there’s no movement, blood can pool painfully in the veins of the lower legs and feet. Enter knee-high Progressive Compression Run Socks 2.0 from CEP. They come in blue, pink, purple and other neon hues, with swirls of contrasting colors at strategically engineered support sites. They’re made of a soft-to-the-touch knit of 85% nylon and 15% Spandex and they have a ventilation-enhancing open-pore mesh weave at the calf and comfy padding in the soles. A sleeker model, the Progressive Ultralight Compression Run Sock, is 30% lighter and has less foot padding. Graduated compression socks may be unsafe for some medical conditions, so check with your doctor if in doubt. CEP Progressive Compression Run Socks 2.0 and Progressive Ultralight Compression Run Socks sell for $60 in men’s or women’s sizes, but are available for less online. Info: www.cepcom pression.com — Judi Dash

The

Restaurant Issue

FINDS T R AV E L

The bold, colorful patterns of designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard flourish in guest rooms at Casa Laguna, refurbished last year. Its mission-style buildings were gently restored with respect to the hotel’s long history.

The first thing that pops out at Casa Laguna (casalaguna.com; from $249) is its tile—hand-painted squares from Morocco in intricate patterns of bold blue, green, and yellow. Combined with the Spanish colonial architecture and rambling overgrown gardens, the 23-room Laguna Beach property is a hidden gem set walking distance from the beach and downtown.

“Orange County is dominated

by newer hotels and cookie-cutter luxury resorts,” says co-owner David Dittmer. “They’re amazing, but there is a predictability that goes with those $900-a-night rates, which isn’t so much fun if you’re interested in seeing something new.”

After purchasing Casa Laguna, Dittmer and his partners at PRG Hospitality hired interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, renowned

for his use of color and mix of exotic pieces in contemporary environments, to renovate the hotel, which was originally built in the 1920s as a private home. It is outfitted with Cowshed bath amenities from London’s Soho House & Co. and snacks from Dean & DeLuca in the minibars. The pool has ocean views, but the staff supplies an umbrella and chair to those who prefer to hit the beach.

Oahu West

The word “oahu” can conjure images of high-rise hotels in Waikiki and surfers crowding the North Shore, but the western, or leeward, coastline feels more authentic with its pristine white sand beaches and single resort area. The Four Seasons chose this stretch of land for its first hotel on the island, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (fourseasons.com/oahu; from $645), which opened last May. “It has a true sense of Hawaii,” says general manager Sanjiv Hulugalle. “Our property is next to the Lanikuhonua cultural estate, where heaven meets the earth. It was once a special retreat for Hawaiian royalty.”

The hotel, which shares its snorkel-friendly beach with Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, offers everything expected of a Four Seasons resort, including ocean views from most rooms,

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an adults-only pool, a kids program, and a spa with outdoor treatment cabanas, as well as some high-end vehicles for discovering a remote piece of beach: Guests can rent a Tesla or BMW convertible, a helicopter, or a 75-foot luxury yacht. >

TOP LEFT AND RIGHT: TIM STREET-PORTER; BOTTOM: FOUR SEASONS RESORT OAHU AT KO OLINA

BOUTIQUE LAGUNA BEACH

A l s l i t i r i p S a h o l A s ' Today bility a n i a t s About Su

Smart Meetings Supplement

Wakiki Beach, Honolulu

By Gary Diedrichs

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Hawaii is still a heavenly paradise. As visitors to the Aloha State, we can witness for ourselves the grandeur and kaleidoscopic variety in these and many other ways: •

Team-building on a Super SUP (14-foot-long stand-up paddleboard) on which up to six people can explore the near-shore marine environment off Puu Kekaa (Black Rock), with Hale Huakai in Kaanapali, Maui

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“Greening your seat” on Paradise Helicopters tours of Oahu, Lanai and the Island of Hawaii by the planting of an endemic koa tree on the Island of Hawaii

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Flying from Hawaii’s only plank-launch zipline, thrill to 200-foot drop-offs and reach speeds faster than 50 mph, on Kauai, with Hawaii Ecotourism-certified Skyline EcoAdventures, which has donated more than $1 million to nonprofit groups since 2002

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“Talking story” with farmers and makers of artisanal products about how they farm or craft their products, and the best ways to use them, followed by a lunch showcasing a featured farmer or product at The Red Barn Farmstand, at Haleiwa, on the idyllic North Shore of Oahu

So, slip a fragrant melia (plumeria) flower lei over your neck, and join our tour for meeting professionals of the best, latest and most sustainable on these storied islands—and in malama i ka hanauna (preserving it for future generations).

Cover photo and Wakiki Beach, Honolulu photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

he first Hawaiians arrived some 1,600 years ago, by canoe. This year, in a similar Polynesian canoe named Hokulea, Hawaiians completed a round-the-world journey across 40,000 nautical miles of ocean using the same navigational aids as the original voyagers—the sun, stars and ocean swells.

Malama honua, the rallying cry for this epic voyage, means “to care for our island Earth.” But as the Hokulea website notes, “The Hawaiian language is beautiful and complex. Malama honua [also] means to take care of and protect everything that makes up our world: land, oceans, living beings, our cultures and our communities. It means learning from the lessons of islanders to take care of your limited resources, as though you were living on a canoe in the open ocean or an island in the middle of the sea.”

Sustainability is a clarion call to action in our 50th state. And with good reason. As the most isolated archipelago on Earth, it is buffered from many of the world’s woes, but in its very apartness lies a threat that only sustainability can begin to address.

This year, Gov. David Y. Ige pledged to double agricultural production by 2020. He also put the state’s power grid on a path to be 100 percent renewable by 2045. Because climate change is causing rising sea temperatures around the world, Hawaii suffered its first statewide bleaching of coral reefs in 2015. Ige is working to reduce stressors on reefs, including illegal and unsustainable fishing. Also targeted are threats to rainforests and endangered species (Hawaii has more endemic and endangered species than any other state), especially from invasive species.

Smart Meetings Supplement

Diamond Head, Honolulu

Mea hana mea kuikawa :*

Waikiki Beach and Banzai Pipeline are worlds apart.

Honolulu may be America’s most chill major metropolis, and one of its most scenic and visitor friendly, but you haven’t really seen how Oahu is maikai loa (awesome) until you venture beyond the city limits to the North Shore and Leeward Coast.

*What makes it special 6 smartmeetings.com

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Smart S mart Meetings M i Supplement S l

ONLY HERE Hawaii Convention Center • 1.1 million sq. ft. of total meeting space • 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall • 35,000-square-foot ballroom • Satisfaction ratings from meeting planners between 95 and 100 percent • Multiple Green Event Awards from State of Hawaii and recognition from City and County of Honolulu for recycling

Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor

“Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there’s music in the air there.”

–Bruno Mars, musician

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Penthouse Suite Terrace at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

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for intimate gatherings. Hilton’s Living Sustainably Campaign shares best practices developed by Hilton colleagues around the world.

Hilton Waikiki Beach is the first hotel in Hawaii to offer planners a stand-alone virtual reality (VR) app for mobile users. It also gives a 360-degree video tour on desktop and a fully immersive VR experience on headsets. The hotel features 601 guest rooms and more than 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, also known as the First Lady of Waikiki since 1901, offers 793 guest rooms and a 10,782-square-foot conference area. Ninety percent of guests forgo daily laundering services as part of the resort’s opt-in green program.

Prince Waikiki, formerly known as Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club, has undergone a $55.4 million repositioning that includes renewal of its 563 guest rooms, a modernized lobby, a new infinity-edge pool and enhanced meeting space totaling 22,000 sq. ft., including a 6,960-square-foot ballroom. The hotel was the recipient of a 2016 Hawaii Green Business Award.

The Modern Honolulu is a full-service boutique hotel overlooking Ala Wai yacht harbor with an excellent curated list of eco-tourism activities. It features 353 guest rooms, four meeting studios and

Kualoa Private Nature Reserve • 4,000 acres and sacred Hawaiian site located 40 minutes’ drive from Waikiki • Horseback riding, movie-site tours and catamaran rides • Group venues such as beach, gardens • Team-building packages • Catering for 20 to 10,000 • Eco-initiatives include upkeep and restoration of 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina photo by Christian Horan

the loi kalo (taro field), a conservation project planted and harvested by community volunteers. The resort has 800 guest rooms, 76,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space and a 21,000-square-foot conference center.

Other noteworthy Oahu hotels: • Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach will be the new incarnation of Pacific Beach Hotel by fall 2017, after a $115 million renovation to its 839 guest rooms and 21,784 sq. ft. of meeting space, re-conceptualized Oceanarium aquarium and lobby bar. Two new restaurants by chef Masaharu Morimoto will debut, as well.

• Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, the newest major property in Hawaii, has 315 guest rooms and 77,958 sq. ft. of indoor meeting and event space. Adjacent to the resort is Lanikuhonua Cultural Estate, with 10 acres of pristine gardens for events.

The kitchen works closely with Mao Organic Farms, a nonprofit enterprise on the island’s West Shore with a mission to fight hunger, improve nutrition and empower low-income families to move towards selfsufficiency.

• Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach just marked its first year in Waikiki after a $115 million redevelopment and rebranding. With 623 guest rooms, it’s the world’s largest HGI, and has a 500-square-foot event space

• Eight event venues, for 190–5,000 attendees • Hanger 37 features aircraft and exhibits in 1940s decor • For 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, F-105 aircraft on display this summer • Powered by Oahu’s 2nd-biggest solar farm, installed by the U.S. Navy

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(CNN) If spring is your favorite season, you don't have to go outside to enjoy beautiful flowers. Just check into one of these hotels, from Mumbai to Manhattan to Monaco, for some of the world's most elegant and opulent floral displays all year round.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Hawaii Florist Fong Tagawa of Floral Inspirations happens to come from a background in fine arts and music, which helps to explain not just her artistic sensibility but also how she's able to capture different emotions in her floral work at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu.

She and her team tend to design around seasonal blooms, with an emphasis on local varieties.

For example, the whimsical peacock took advantage of seasonal Dendrobium orchids and the low-wind factor.

(Unlike the average hotel, they have to take the wind and other weather into consideration, since the resort has an open-air lobby.)

Beyond arranging flowers, Tagawa and her team also create designs around events and holidays, such as a larger-than-life rooster for the Year of the Rooster.

If you're considering holding a wedding at the hotel and want to take your flowers in a different direction, you're in luck. For one lucky couple, Tagawa arranged thousands of loose orchid heads on the grass in order to recreate a traditional Hawaiian quilt pattern.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina at 92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707; +1 808-679-0079

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Invented by the British and turned into a full-blown occasion by Americans, brunch has become the best way to waste a perfectly good Sunday. Finding the right place to spend hours among friends, coffee, Bloody Marys, and eggs can elevate this midday ritual from good to great. So we’re in pursuit of the best brunches around, no matter where that journey takes us. This week, we venture to Hawaii, where the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina whips up a decadent party for the palate with a healthy helping of aloha.

The Restaurant Named for the Hawaiian phrase mai ka la hiki a ka la kau (“from sunrise to sunset”), La Hiki Kitchen is one of three restaurants on the property, along with Noe and Fish House (soon to relaunch as a Michael Mina restaurant). Arguably the most casual of the three spots, the open-air La Hiki Kitchen offers easy-breezy tropical dining with plum views of the pool and Pacific Ocean beyond.

Since the resort is located on Oahu’s west side—still largely untapped by tourism—a number of locally owned farms and fruit stands are within close reach, and it shows in the selections. Think native ginger; fresh, exotic fruits like lilikoi, dragonfruit, longan, and Makaha mangoes; and local fish such as opah and onaga (long-tail red snapper).

Though the restaurant has only been offering its Sunday brunch since June, its brunch game is already strong. In fact, Frolic Hawaii recently dubbed it “Oahu’s best brunch buffet.”

The Cuisine La Hiki Kitchen’s aptly named “Brunch for All Seasons” dares diners to choose their own culinary adventure with an almost dizzying array of food stations. Along with classic staples like a prime-rib carving station, Bloody Mary bar, frittata station, and waffle bar, this bustling buffet delights in the unexpected.

Hit the raw seafood bar for crab claws and several varieties of oysters, or design your own poké cup at the DIY bar— where you can choose from ahi, Hamachi, swordfish, and even tako (octopus) poké topped with local limu and various dressings. As a nod to the hotel’s high percentage of Asian travelers, the noodle bar offers a wide selection of specialties, including Chinese dim sum, Japanese somen noodles, and Korean-style kimchee pancakes.

Throughout the buffet, local flavor abounds with poi smoothies, dishes like kalua pork benedict, and—naturally—a madeto-order loco moco station for that ultimate Hawaiian comfort-food fix. A poolside barbecue station rounds out the equation with chef Martin Knaubert often playing pitmaster, grilling selections like lamb chops, lobster tail, garlic shrimp, and rib-eye steaks.

If dessert beckons (and it should), chef Helen Hong’s pastry station delivers, with everything from cake pops to toffee bread pudding to churros fresh from the fryer. True to form, there’s also a malasada station on hand for those who want to sample the Hawaiian fried-dough favorite.

The Vibe The resort’s brunch attracts a high ratio of locals, giving it the islanders’ stamp of credibility. (In fact, Knaubert estimates that as many as 90 percent of brunch guests come from outside the resort.) As buzz has built outside the resort for the brunch, so has the buzz inside the restaurant—but the lively din just adds to the atmosphere.

For those with little ones, La Hiki Kitchen offers a discounted Keiki buffet as well as a supervised “Keiki Corner” in the private dining room. It’s manned by Kids for All Seasons staff so that adults can get their brunch on with ease.

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A"wedding"proposal"used"to"just"mean"getting"down"on"one"knee"in"the"living"room,"a"romantic"walk"followed"by"popping"“the" question,”"or—if"you’re"going"all@out—perhaps"a"ring"in"a"Champagne"glass"with"dessert."But"just"as"weddings"have"become" grander"affairs,"so"have"proposals."Of"course,"there’s"absolutely"nothing"wrong"with"a"low@key"engagement."But"for"those"with"a" flair"for"the"dramatic"or"want"to"ensure"that"this"first"big"step"together"as"a"married"couple"is"a"story"for"the"ages,"it"may"be"time" to"go"big."Really"big." " You"can"absolutely"set"about"planning"a"wild"proposal"from"scratch,"but"consider"the"logistics"of,"say,"planting"a"ring"in"a"glacier" in"Iceland"or"having"an"eagle"drop"a"ring"into"your"fiancée’s"hands"in"Mongolia."(Yes,"both"of"those"proposals"actually"occurred.)"

Do"yourself"a"favor"and"call"in"some"expert"advice."Whether"it’s"an"engagement"concierge"to"help"craft"a"completely"bespoke" experience"or"a"resort"with"some"pre@planned"extravagant"proposals,"here"are"a"few"ideas"to"get"you"started:" " Jenifour"Jones"of"event"travel"firm"Go"Get"It"created"a"seriously"epic"scavenger"hunt"through"California"for"one"soon@to@be" groom:"It"included"a"trail"of"roses"on"a"beach,"a"private"flight,"and"a"spa"day,"all"capped"off"by"a"stay"in"a"suite"at"Big"Sur’s"Post" Ranch"Inn"where"a"commissioned"mural"of"the"couple’s"journey"together"hung"over"the"fireplace"and"a"photographer"was" hiding"to"capture"the"“yes.”"She"has"also"hired"actors"to"create"Off@Broadway"plays"that"set"the"stage"for"the"big"question."These" services"don’t"come"without"a"bit"of"a"price"tag:"They"start"at"$5,000"and"can"run"north"of"$25,000." " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " If"you’re"heading"to"Hawaii,"the"Four"Seasons"Resort"Oahu"at"Ko"Olina"has"a"standout"proposal"idea:"a"private"helicopter"ride"to" the"Hawaiian"Legacy"forest"on"the"Big"Island"for"a"private"tree@planting"tour,"a"meal"in"the"forest,"a"glass"of"Champagne"once"it’s" official,"and"even"La"Perla"lingerie"delivered"to"the"Penthouse"Suite"that"evening."Want"a"big"bang?"The"Four"Seasons"Lanai"can" arrange"fireworks"after"you"get"a"“yes.”"The"Montage"Kapalua"Bay"puts"a"spin"on"things:"Prospective"grooms"propose"with"an" empty"Harry"Winston"box,"and"then,"the"couple"takes"a"helicopter"trip"to"Oahu"for"a"personal"consultation"with"the"jewelry" house’s"team."

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Looking for magic on your honeymoon? Let’s be honest, who isn’t? When it comes to sure things, Hawaii is call to make.

There’s no shortage of dreaminess to be had on these jewels of the Pacific, where there’s plenty of opportunity to indulge in the classic Hawaiiana hallmarks—luau and ukulele lessons, anyone?—along with brilliant and less expected experiences across the islands.

With daily flights from the mainland U.S. to several of the eight major islands, it could be tempting to fly in and plop down in the first infinity pool–adjacent lounge chair you see for 10 days. But that wouldn’t be doing justice to the diverse archipelago, which has so much to offer. An alternate plan: Hitting two to three of the stunners for an island-hopping adventure that is sure to serve up more beauty than imagined.

There are so many ways to go about piecing together your once-in-a-lifetime trip, but one way is by figuring out what you want. Is it a mix of cosmopolitan city with picturesque beaches, views of Diamond Head and maybe surfing one of the world’s most epic waves? Definitely get to Oahu. Are plush resorts with scene-y pools and incredible dining—and maybe some kitesurfing for a dose of adrenaline—your priority? Hit Maui. For total immersion in nature at its best with a strong sense of seclusion, there’s the Big Island, or Kauai, with its hippie vibe, verdant jungles and plentiful opportunities to commune with Mother Earth on trails and cliffs. Lanai, meanwhile, is more off the beaten path—almost literally, it has just one paved road on the whole island—yet boasts one of the world’s most fabulous resorts.

Once you have your priorities straight, it’s just a matter of fitting them all together, with short inter-island flights or even boats. You can hop an hour-long ferry from Maui to Lanai, and vice versa, for example, or another to Molokai, to get truly off the radar—Lanai is separated by the two islands by a wide channel, affording jaw-dropping views packed with fastmoving azure water and jagged mountains and cliffs nine miles in the distance.

One idyllic itinerary might begin like this: Land in Honolulu and head west—away from overrun Waikiki—to the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (new last year) where the sunsets are flawless and the adults-only pool and cabanas perfect for lazing a day away. Book a heavenly couples’ treatment (you can’t too wrong with a lomilomi massage preceded by a local passion fruit and Maui sugar cane scrub) in one of the Muliwai Healing Hales which, with one wall open to nature, you'll truly be living the Hawaiian dream. Feast on the freshest fish prepared in a multitude of forms (tacos, grilled, poke) alongside mango-drizzled piña coladas and then mouthwatering Mediterranean-Italian fare at Noe, outfitted with vibrant artwork. Hike to a secluded waterfall, tour a local organic farm, snorkel with sea turtles, make Haku Lei flower crowns, stargaze with a powerful telescope and learn about ancient Polynesian vooyaging, and learn the art of lauhala weaving.

When you’re ready to venture out, those in specialty suites (booked at published rates) can grab a Tesla Model S or X for a day trip, say up to the quaint North Shore to see the iconic Pipeline or hike to WWII pillboxes, or to Waikiki or Honolulu for shopping and a day at the iconic beach. Make like the #couplegoals Obamas and grab a bite at Mahina and Sun’s restaurant. From there, those seeking more relaxation could head to the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui, while couples who want to turn up the activity level may choose the Big Island, where Volcanoes National Park shouldn’t be missed— you can even trek near active red lava flow. Hiking enthusiasts can get their fill all across the island, on some of the most picturesque trails known to man.

But it’s not only hiking. Exploratory types can seek out black-sand beaches and even green, which must be one of the world’s rarest sand colors. Base yourselves in Kona, where the beer and coffee are world-class, at a rental house on the beach or a the Four Seasons Hualalai, adjacent to Kekaha Kai State Park. There are also local wineries, biking, golfing and sunrise summits to make.

For any itinerary, Lanai makes the ideal finale. The tiny former pineapple plantation island— where Four Seasons Lanai is the place for luxury like you’ve never seen—offers some adventure, but also lots of ways to decompress together.

The resort puts a premium on intimacy and privacy—as opposed to militaristic rows and rows of lounge chairs beside the pool, these free-form stunners are surrounded by lush gardens with hideaways and hammocks that allow couples to feel like they’re in their own gorgeous world. Of course, staff can still find you to deliver fresh, fruity cocktails and light, colorful fare from Malibu Farms.

Because of the manageable size of the island, there’s no pressure on Lanai to do too much—a welcome feeling after the stress of a wedding. After opening the blackout curtain in your seductive room and spotting the alluring big blue ocean from bed out floor-to-ceiling windows, you might be inclined to spend a lazy morning snorkeling alongside tropical fish and spinner dolphins just below the resort, and you’ll feel like you really accomplished something. Ditto if you rent a white Jeep Wrangler and venture out to the amazing red Mars-like landscape at Garden of the Gods, take a trail ride on horseback, or go to town for poke at the Ohana Poke Market stand and a movie at the small but world-class theater.

Stress-melting volcanic stone massages are also a good call, before a long, drawn-out dinner under the blanket of stars at Nobu (don’t miss the tempura whitefish, only on Lanai’s menu), or the best surf and turf of your life at One Forty. While the property is filled with gorgeous, authentic reminders of where you are (like a giant wooden outrigger canoe), the most charming part may be the exotic birds who will likely bid you “aloha.”

Tours of Kahumana cover the nonprofit organization's social and community mission, including the transitional housing that provides shelter for 125 families, and how that connects to their food production goals. Guests can then see the farm's aquaponics facility, sheep, free range chickens and growing fields, where LaDrig touches on soil health, crop rotation and other keys to sustainable agriculture.

"I want them to come away with an understanding of the disconnect we have with food today," LaDrig said. "Food is a universal vehicle and language we have to build connections around. If we're always busy, busy, busy and eating on the run or not cooking, then we lose that connection food and each other. Food can be the place where we start rebuilding those connections." ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

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The Hawaiian island of Oahu has no shortage of great hotels. However, Oahu’s newest and most sparkling diamond is certainly the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. To add to its glorious location on the island’s peaceful west side, it has some of the planet’s finest sunsets that money cannot buy.

Just a short 30-minute drive from Honolulu International Airport, the Ko Olina Resort area is a 642-acre master-planned vacation and residential community – only about half of which has been developed – offering two miles of calm, white sand beaches, man-made lagoons, a Ted Robinson-designed golf course with extraordinary water features and Hawaii’s only deep-draft marina. Nearby in Makaha and Yokohama are more perfect, unspoiled beaches, and captivating hiking.

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For those seeking tranquility away from the cacophony of Waikiki without having to travel to one of Hawaii’s outer islands, but desiring elegance, excellent cuisine, impeccable Four Seasons

service, a host of indoor at outdoor activities for young and young-at-heart, and yes, those gorgeous beaches, look no further. !

Originally the Ihilani Hotel, developer Jeffrey Stone reimagined the property – situated in the best part of the resort area – spending $250 million over an 18-month period. The renovated hotel, originally built by architectural giant Edward Killingworth, reopened to acclaim as the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina last May. The magnificent result is an expansive lobby and glass roof that takes advantage of Killingsworth’s genius vision of a ship’s bow facing the ocean, with 370 light-filled and spacious rooms, including 55 suites. Rooms are equipped with every imaginable convenience, the industry’s best bedding causing rising in the morning to become an actual task, but helpfully the Four Seasons Oahu provides the all-important Nespresso makers, and the small, perfect touches for which the brand is famous, like eyeglass cleaner pads left discreetly near sunglasses and USB cords magically disentangled and rolled with cool Velcro widgets.

There is also a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis center with five courts, three equipped with lights, the Naupaka Spa & Wellness Center so well-designed for relaxation and so Zen it could probably forever cure most Type-A Wall Street denizens. The Yamaguchi Salon is an absolute must for some of the finest personalized beauty services available. In addition to a turquoise beach just yards away, family pool, and serene adults-only infinity pool, there were so many activities to choose from – yoga, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba, outrigger canoeing, art and cultural lessons, yachting, hiking and running, and the all-important cocktail sipping while marveling over those mind-bogglingly beautiful neon-colored sunsets, it was difficult to decide what to do. But I like a good challenge.

For those traveling with children ages five through 12, there is a complimentary “Kids For All Seasons” club available daily that provides an extensive summer camp like experience including hula, tennis, canoeing, lei making, sandcastle building and cookie decorating, among many other activities.

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There is much to do at Ko Olina so one can stay as busy or as idle as one would like.

As a tennis lover, I grabbed my racket and headed to one of the five ocean view courts located on the terrace of a separate building a few paces away from the main hotel. Local tennis pro Carter Lam maneuvered me with useful drills and helped strengthen my serve. Near the courts are a fully equipped gym, an outdoor basketball court and large exercise and yoga class area.

After all that exercise it was time for the Naupaka Spa & Wellness Center. A flowing, beautifully designed space where gentle ceiling fans and orchids set the tone. The indoor wet area with steam room, sauna, cold plunge and Jacuzzi is decorated with blue tiles and white marble walls giving the sensation of floating in the clouds. Discreetly secluded

comfortably furnished outdoor relaxation areas where island trade winds billowed gauzy chiffon curtains add to ethereal sentiments.

Following an 80-minute massage where my masseuse Bronson also used aromatic coconut oil to treat my locks, I had lunch by the outdoor spa pool – another haven of complete relaxation – then a Sodashi Samadara age-defying facial. My facialist Cheryl had fingers like delicate flower petals with which she cleansed and massaged my face with hot rose quartz crystals that cajoled my skin into believing – if not looking – like it was 25 again.

To take advantage of the sunsets for which West Oahu is famous, I jumped onto the 47-foot ‘Serendipity,’ a Meridian 441 diesel engine yacht available for two-hour sunset cruises, snorkeling trips or full day outings that depart from the marina just a 10-minute walk or short drive from the hotel. With a large stateroom, crew room, flat-screen television, two granite bathrooms and stainless steel kitchen, dining and several seating areas, this was true luxury. Heading towards Electric Beach, Captain Bruce and his crew regaled stories and plied champagne and hors d’oeuvres. In vintage West Oahu fashion, a sunset with bands of gold, ochre, orange and burnt sienna was a reminder of why Hawaii remains deep in one’s heart long after the tan has faded.

A late morning rain shower was the perfect time to call up my nonexistent inner Gauguin and take a lesson with local artist Jan Tetsutani. Jan set up up six easels in the lobby and provided all art supplies. Three kids and three adults sat with our smocks and followed Jan’s patient and talented instructions. The result was that all six of us were able to paint a local scene on a canvas that actually resembled Jan’s sample. While sadly, I may never be able to quit my day job, run off to Tahiti and make a living painting landscapes and locals, the art lesson was extremely enjoyable and my five able comrades-in-acrylics thought so too. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Long wanting to drive a Tesla, I hit pay dirt with Four Seasons “Tesla Drive & Delight” that is available on selected weekends. With this program, guests can test drive a Tesla Model S or X. Arranged by the concierge, this dream ride – mine was a Model X – was fully charged and waiting for me in the driveway.I drove the Tesla north past the pristine beaches of the Waianae coast for a hike. On the westernmost point of Oahu, the trail up to Ka’ena Point follows an old railroad bed leading to a reserve that’s home to native plants and seabirds. Huffing blowholes, jagged rock formations, intense tides and crystal clear waters in the 3.5-mile loop vied for my attention with the knowledge that Hawaiians have long believed Ka’ena Point to be one of their most sacred spiritual places. ! ! ! !

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During the last few days of each month, feng shui practitioner, international celebrity stylist and author Billy Yamaguchi is based at the Four Seasons Oahu. He gives complimentary feng shui beauty seminars and also accepts salon appointments. Ever the skeptic, I made an appointment to understand how the Eastern philosophy could be married to Western beauty concepts.

With answers to a short series of questions, such as what color best describes your personality, Billy drew feng shui elements on a five-pointed star with a sharpie pen on the mirror facing me. Discussing lifestyle, family and professional obligations, Billy made feng shui connections to arrive at his artistry. While we did not solve world peace or eradicate the national debt, my hair never looked better, I felt like a million bucks and I understood why Billy is called the Deepak Chopra of beauty.

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the Four Seasons Oahu, there’s no shortage of sights on the island: Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri Memorials, Bishop Museum of Hawaiian history, Iolani Palace – the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy – and of course Waikiki, Diamond Head and more glorious beaches.

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Hunger is an adjective never felt and dieting is not a permitted activity at the Four Seasons Oahu.

At Noe Italian restaurant, the coupling of Hawaii and Italy was evident while dining al fresco under lanterns by rushing waterfalls near the beach. The ahi tuna with snap peas, grilled mushroom with apple salad and lemon-laced king crab over fresh pasta was so expertly prepared and delicious that there was a risk that I’d fall in love with Noe’s Michelin-starred Chef Ryo Takatsuka. Remembering I was already married, I instead bid arrivederci following an exquisite meal.

Dining at The Fish House, famous for its seafood towers containing shrimps, oysters, crab claws, lobster tails, poke and sashimi is a great choice for commitment phobic eaters. Also fantastic were the grilled Mahi-Mahi with fennel salad and the grilled Ahi with hapa rice that had me contemplating altering my normally carnivorous ways.

Following another stunningly surreal sunset, I had dinner with a friend at La Hiki Kitchen. Together we swooned over savory crab cakes atop sweet mango salad that would make the entire state of Maryland green with envy. The miso-glazed black cod, intoxicating with its distinct, velvety flavor was superb. The spicy short rib Bao with Sichuan peppercorn sauce cemented any delusions of ever being a full-time pescatarian. We had no room for dessert, but of course that did not stop us from trying the tart and sweet lemon merengue pie or the blueberry-draped creamy cheesecake.

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The lessons learned To have an inspiring and tranquil Hawaiian holiday, with as little or as much activity as one desires, one does not need to fly off to the neighboring islands. There is magic in West Oahu with its natural blessings, far away from the crowds of Waikiki. In vintage Four Seasons fashion, with excellent service, food fit for royalty, and plenty of activities, the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina shines bright and gets it just right. !

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B Y M E L IS S A C . G IL L E S P IE

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has launched its first Caribbean property, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, on Grand Cayman’s spectacular Seven Mile Beach. Designed by SB Architects, with interiors

by Powerstrip Studio and landscape design by EDSA, the 266-room resort is Grand Cayman’s first new hotel in more than a decade and the tallest structure on the island. “The design team was mindful of its responsibility to create an authentic architectural language that responds to the site, light, views and water,” says Mark Sopp, senior vice president and principal of SB Architects. seafireresortandspa.com

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Nestled in a 10-acre gated reserve, a short drive from beautiful Zuma Beach in Malibu, Calif., the soon-to-open Cavalleri will comprise 68 residences designed by Edmonds + Lee Architects. The resort- like development features a landscape designed by Pamela Burton and includes a pool, outdoor dining pavilion, yoga terrace, tennis courts, bocce ball court, dog parks, citrus groves and quiet meditation spaces. Prices range from $998,000 to just under $2 million. cavallerimalibu.com

The new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina delivers a luxurious, multifaceted vacation experience. The 17-story hotel, designed by Edward Killingsworth, is perched on the island’s pristine western coastline overlooking beautiful beaches and tropical gardens. Almost all of the 371 spacious rooms and suites enjoy ocean views with floor-to-ceiling windows and private lanais. Additional features include five dining options, an expansive spa and fitness complex and a custom- built wedding chapel nestled within the lush gardens. fourseasons.com/oahu/ !

The stunning Milaidhoo Island Maldives heralds a new chapter of barefoot island living in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on Baa Atoll in the Republic of Maldives. The 50 deluxe accommodations include 30 magnificent over-water villas, perched on stilts over the lagoon, along with 20 serene villas on the beach. The resort offers four dining and bar venues and four overwater spa suites as well as daily complimentary yoga and meditation classes. Rates for a Water Pool Villa start from $1,420 a night. milaidhoo.com

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Gansevoort Turks & Caicos is launching five new oceanfront villas in 2017. Priced from $3.75 million to $4.2 million, each villa is set on about half an acre and designed with four or five bedrooms, an infinity pool, sunken outdoor fire pit lounge area, expansive deck and indoor/outdoor living. The villas are located on Providenciales’ beautiful southern shore in an area known as Turtle Tail. Owners have the option to rent their residences through Gansevoort Turks & Caicos’ resort program. gansevoortvillastc.com

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Waited ’til the last minute to plan for the most romantic day of the year? No problem. You have options, and we've got a slew of romantic Valentine's Day trip ideas right here. Valentine’s Day being during the week is a good thing — it means there are two weekends you can opt to celebrate, and there are nearly endless ways to get out of town on a quick lovers’ getaway with just a short drive or flight.

With just a couple nights in mind, here are some alluring Valentine's Day trip ideas that capture all the magic of, say, Paris, without the long flight.

For East Coast Couples If you’re an East Coaster, your best bets are to stay on the continent or jet off to the Gulf of Mexico and load up on the mosquito spray to help stave off Zika.

Riviera Maya, Mexico The secluded NIZUC Resort & Spa in Cancun is offering couples who want to keep the Valentine’s spirit going as long as possible a free fourth night (more time for couples’ spa rituals). Also in the seductively gorgeous Caribbean there’s Banyan Tree Mayakoba—where a proposal package includes an intimate dinner aboard a boat as it weaves through canals, plus spa experiences and a pro photo shoot—and the Thompson Playa del Carmen, where dining under the stars is the norm.

The Caribbean Seafood lovers can immerse themselves in fruits from the sea at the paradisiacal Palms Turks and Caicos, where

not only will the chef cook dinner for two in your suite and you can attend a fish fry, but couples can go conch diving and even moonbathing. At Hotel Le Toiny on St. Barth’s you can swim in a private infinity pool at your secluded villa, sipping rosé, and leave only for picnics on the property’s private sands.

The South If you're aiming to stay stateside, try The Ritz-Carlton in Miami’s South Beach, where the Ocean of Love package includes a couples’ massage and beach picnic for two. Slow down and savor the moment at the Montage Palmetto Bluff, in a South Carolina nature preserve, where fantastic food, a top-rated spa and Jack Nicklaus golf course beckon. At Greyfield Inn on Georgia’s picturesque Cumberland Island, you can enjoy each other without distraction over picnic lunches and long walks on the coast. The destination is totally Internetfree, allowing for the ultimate social media detox.

The Northeast Get active at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa with indoor paddleboard yoga classes, or just indulge in pampering at the oceanfront property’s spa. Opt for fondue by a fire pit, hot tub sessions and windy walks along the dunes at The Nantucket Hotel + Resort, on the empty island (it’s shoulder season). The Relais & Chateaux Camden Harbour Inn by the sea in Maine has a romance-packed package that includes Champagne and chocolates, lift tickets for Camden Snowbowl, and a seductive seven-course dinner.

See More: How to Create a Valentine's Day Getaway Without Leaving Your House For West Coast Couples For those on the West Coast, there’s the Baja Peninsula, which is gloriously Zika-free, and Hawaii, as well as a few places to feel the chill—and let your man warm you up.

Montana + Idaho Step into the wild west at The Ranch at Rock Creek in snowy Montana, where it’s a given that you’ll snuggle up in front of a fire. There’s even a barn dance if you’re feeling frisky. More cold-weather adventure can be had in Idaho—think snowmobiling and heli-skiing—at Shore Lodge in McCall, surrounded by mountains and a frozen lake.

California NorCal’s Carmel-by-the-Sea, just a short drive from wedding hot spot Lover’s Point was practically made for Valentine’s Day. The Hideaway bed-and-breakfast and Hotel Carmel (where an All Signs Point to Love package includes kayaking to Lover’s Point and a couples’ massage) make perfect overnights between wine tasting, picnics and spa treatments in the charming town. In Laguna Beach, a room at the Surf & Sand ensures you’ll hear the waves crashing on the beach and see stars twinkling above—they also offer romantic decorating with rose petals, candles, roses and chocolate-covered strawberries and bubbly.

Baja California Sur, Mexico Down south, Costa Baja La Paz puts you in perfect proximity to the stunning Sea of Cortez, while the new fivestar Chileno Bay Resort & Residences—think outdoor showers and soaking tubs in villas and mucho tequila— is situated on Cabo’s very best and largest swimmable beach.

Hawaii Hawaii is a no-brainer from California. The new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina feels far from civilization and perfectly intimate, especially with offerings like private dinners punctuated with your very own fireworks show for two. On Maui, the Andaz’s spa uses chocolate and cherries in luscious lovers’ treatments, accompanied by Champagne.

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Given!the!current!state!of!affairs,!it’s!no!exaggeration!to!say!travel!is!more!important!now!than!ever.!Despite! the!tightening!of!borders,!savvy!travelers!know!that!exploring!destinations!both!near!and!far!opens!our!eyes! and!hearts!to!other!cultures!and!enriches!our!lives!and!the!lives!of!the!people!we!encounter.!Now!is!the!time! to!plan!your!March!travels,!and!there!are!plenty!of!worthwhile!places!to!go!around!the!globe.!In!New!York,!Art! Week!and!Asia!Week!will!gather!contemporary!artists,!collectors,!and!aficionados!to!see!the!latest! developments!in!the!art!world.!On!the!other!side!of!the!U.S.,!Honolulu!hosts!its!inaugural!biennial,!which! promises!to!be!a!mustHattend!event.!Design!Shanghai!returns,!luring!architects!and!designers!to!mainland!

China’s!financial!heart.!A!new!luxury!hotel!by!Rocco!Forte!in!Jeddah!is!set!to!make!this!Saudi!Arabian!seaside! city!more!accessible!and!appealing.!Finally,!One&Only!Ocean!Club!in!the!Bahamas!aims!to!lure!vacationers!to! the!everHpopular!Caribbean!islands!with!an!exclusive!yachting!and!dining!package.!Where!will!you!go?!

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Honolulu!

No!longer!just!a!destination!for!great!surf!and!allHinclusive!resorts,!Hawaii!is!upping!its!cultural!ante!with!the! inaugural!Honolulu!Biennial,!which!debuts!on!March!8.!Spotlighting!contemporary!art!from!the!Americas,!Asia,! and!the!Pacific,!the!biennial!aims!to!create!intercultural!dialogue!around!the!arts.!If!you!go,!be!sure!to!visit!

ShangriHLa,!Doris!Duke’s!estate!filled!with!art!and!antiques!from!around!the!world,!and!tour!some!of!

Honolulu’s!midcenturyHmodern!gems.!Book!a!room!at!Waikiki’s!top!luxury!resort!Halekulani!or!the!Four!

Seasons!Resort!Oahu!at!Ko!Olina!and!you’ll!want!to!extend!your!stay!for!a!few!days!to!soak!up!the!sun!and! sand.!

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OAHU%

% Local%Update • The 371-room Four%Seasons%Resort%Oahu%at%Ko% Olina has opened at the Ko Olina resort on the island's western coast. The property, the former JW Marriott Ihilani, had been closed since January 2015 while it was being renovated. The resort has approximately 78,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including a ballroom and five function rooms, and 10 acres for outdoor events. Other amenities include five restaurants and lounges, golf at the Ko Olina Golf Club and the 35,000-square-foot Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre.

• In other Ko Olina news, the first U.S.-based Atlantis:brand%resort will open there (no date has been announced). The 800-room property, which will be developed by China-based Oceanwide Holdings Group, will sit on 26 acres and include 524 residences, a waterpark and an aquarium.

• Hawaii's first Hyatt Centric branded hotel debuted last month in the former Waikiki Trade Center.

The Hyatt%Centric%Waikiki Beach has 230 guest rooms, a lounge pool, outdoor seating with circular fire pits, a 24/7 fitness facility, a bar and restaurants.

• The 839-room Pacific%Beach%Hotel on Waikiki Beach is in the midst of a wide-ranging revamp. In January, the property unveiled its refreshed guest rooms; other enhancements taking place over the next new months include the addition of a new lobby bar, two signature restaurants by famed chef Masaharu Morimoto, a new pool deck with a saltwater infinity pool, and a new fitness center and spa.

The centerpiece of the head-to-toe renovation is the new lobby Oceanarium Aquarium, which displays more than 1,000 protected species of marine life in filtered water piped in from the ocean. This fall, the hotel, which has 23,000 square feet of meeting space, will be renamed the Alohilani%Resort%Waikiki% Beach.

• The 623-room Hilton%Garden%Inn%Waikiki%Beach, the largest hotel yet for the brand, opened in June.

The property is two blocks from Waikiki Beach and convenient to nearby shopping, dining and entertainment areas.

• Last spring, the 443-room, 800-acre Turtle%Bay%Resort on Oahu's North Shore revealed expansion plans that will include a new 452-room hotel, two golf courses, a spa, horse stables and a golf clubhouse.

• This past summer, the 1,000-room Sheraton%Princess%Kaiulani in Waikiki conducted a soft refresh of all 280 guest rooms on the top 10 floors of its Ainahau Tower. The upgrade includes new furniture, artwork and other decorative accents, along with fresh carpets, linens and mattresses.!

Meeting%Hotels: Properties include the 2,860-room Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort; 1,636-room Sheraton Waikiki; 426-room Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach; 359-room Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; 353-room The Modern Honolulu, and 311-room Ambassador Hotel Waikiki.

To find and compare hotels, and send RFPs, visit mcvenues.com.

Convention%Center: Hawaii Convention Center; exhibit space, 204,249 square feet; number of meeting rooms, 49. (808) 943-3500; meethawaii.com Airport%Transit: Honolulu International Airport, eight miles west of the Hawaii Convention Center.

Transfer cost by taxi, $35 Taxes: Room tax, 9.25%; sales tax, 4.7125%; total tax on hotel rooms, 13.96% % Group%Venue: Set sail at sunset aboard Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. newest offering, the 150-foot Majestic. The cruise vessel, which departs from Waikiki, features two expansive airconditioned decks with panoramic windows and high ceilings, plus a huge open-air top deck. Private dinners and receptions for up to 400 participants are accommodated. (800) 381-0237 Contact: Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, (808) 923-1811!

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It’s a long haul between end-of-year holidays and summer sojourning, but that’s not the only reason celebs clamor for late-winter/early-spring vacays. Getting through awards season is the cinematic equivalent of running a triathalon (all those gowns to deal with! the 24/7 parties!), and by the time the last Oscar envelope is ripped open (quite an event this year) and the final flute of champagne is downed at Vanity Fair’s Oscar bash, all thoughts turn to the sands or the slopes for a major dose of R&R. So where do celebs go for spring breaks? Some like to turn up at a new resort every couple of months, so past flight patterns may not be indicative of where the gilded set will land this year. In 2016 one spring-breaking A-lister, Gwyneth Paltrow, took her kids to Peru—while others turned up at popular destinations like Hawaii (Jessica Alba) and the Bahamas (Jennifer Lawrence). Wherever they go, you know they’re traveling in high style (posh, secluded resort; private villa; or yacht). Here we check in at celeb favorite locales to help you plan your own A-list holiday.

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SOME LIKE IT HOT Mustique: How can you go wrong with an island that lures Mick Jagger, Bill Gates, Prince William and Duchess Kate? The action here is in the private villas, so, in keeping with the royal vibe, you might want to look into renting the home designed by renowned set designer Oliver Messel for Princess Margaret (the queen’s late sister): Les Jolies Eaux ($34,000 per week during March;, located on a private peninsula in the southern part of Mustique.

Turks & Caicos: The big question is, when will Brad Pitt be back? Seems like the über-star, last seen in Allied, headed here over Thanksgiving weekend, sans Angelina, of course. Pitt, who is reportedly developing a luxury resort in Croatia, holed up in a very private villa at the posh Aman retreat on the T&C island of Providenciales. This is the type of place that’s so secluded you might not even know who your fellow guests are, which no doubt is the way stars like Pitt like it. Turks & Caicos are beloved by other celebs, too—they tend to tie the knot here, particularly on Parrot Cay (Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck; Bruce Willis and Emma Heming; among others), or buy homes as Keith Richards and Donna Karan have done. The Bahamas: Jennifer Lawrence and Cindy Crawford turned up at these conveniently located (to Miami and New York) islands for their spring breaks last year. The paps went crazy photographing Lawrence diving off a yacht for conch, a Bahamian sea snail used in many local dishes.

Crawford, along with hubby Rande Gerber and daughters Kaia and Presley, pitched up at Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club, where Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen have also vacationed. This sun-kissed escape is a private club community on Great Guana Cay in the Abaco Islands in the northern Bahamas.

Hawaii: These islands are a favorite stomping ground for West Coast celebs. Jessica Alba spent some quality family time with husband Cash Warren and children Honor and Haven in Maui for their March break, sharing moments from the blissful beach getaway on Snapchat. A few months later, Alba was also spot- ted at the new Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina on Oahu, where Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn filmed Mother and Daughter. Los Cabos: In the past Reese Witherspoon and Maria Sharapova have chosen Cabo San Lucas, a resort area with plenty of luxury villas and hotels, for their March fun in the sun. A celeb favorite, where Jennifer Aniston has stayed, is The One & Only Palmilla, at the tip of the Baja peninsula. Here you’ll find oceanfront rooms overlooking the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, and a new secluded villa perched high on the resort’s grounds, offering “absolute privacy” with four bedrooms and a butler’s suite.

SOME LIKE IT COLD Switzerland Klosters: Long a favorite of Euro aristos, this charming village has drawn British, Danish, and Swedish royals for years—and even Greta Garbo in her day. (Although Prince William and Duchess Kate have decamped to Courchevel for ski breaks, they schussed Klosters slopes during their dating days.) When royal highnesses aren’t opting for private villas, they head to the Hotel Walserhof, a chalet-style hotel with two-bedroom suites and rooms decorated in modern Alpine style. Verbier: The resort, known for its superb off-piste trails, drew Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary and their families last winter and early spring. For aristos not opting for private villas, The Chalet D’Adrien, a Relais & Chateaux property, is a popular choice with an outdoor pool, knockout Alpine views, and easy access to the slopes. Zermatt: This lovely car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn attracted Brangelina in happier days. It’s also where Nicole Kidman, Sting and many members of the Agnelli clan have skied. Because of the altitude, the season is long and snow isassured (in certain areas all year-round). For lodging, big names either rent a posh chalet or head to a five-star property like the Mont Cervin Palace in the heart of the village, with a glam indoor-outdoor pool. Pippa Middleton gave a shout-out to The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, a celebrity favorite where Kidman has stayed, when she penned a ski resort guide for Vanity Fair.

France Megeve -While Courchevel 1850 draws A-listers of global renown (see our report in the December/January issue of Haute Living New York, or online), Megeve, in southwestern France, has plenty of glitter too. In the early 20th century, a Rothschild (Baroness Noémie) helped put Megeve on the map for rich Europeans, and an international roster of swells from Norwegian royals to Tom Cruise have been coming ever since. A favorite stop is the stylish Les Fermes de Marie, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year.

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Austria LechZurs am Arlberg. Last February, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands vacationed here with their daughters; the Monaco royals like to visit too (Prince Albert of Monaco reportedly has a chalet in the region). There are plenty of posh lodging options to choose from: the late Princess Diana stayed at the Error!

Hyperlink reference not valid.; the Gasthof Post has attracted two generations of Dutch queens and the late King Hussein of Jordan. The intimate, five-star Thurnhers Alpenhof, in the town of Zurs and offering only 14 luxury rooms and 24 suites, is also a celeb favorite.

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By!Jay!Jones!!

March!2,!2017!

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Oahu's!Ko!Olina!coast!is!home!to!two!upscale!resorts,!the!Four!Seasons!Oahu!and!Disney’s!Aulani.!The!area!west!of!Kapolei!is! booming,!with!a!third!resort,!the!Atlantis,!now!on!the!drawing!board.!(Tor!Johnson!/!Hawaii!Tourism!Authority)

Oahu’s once-sleepy town of Kapolei, about 20 miles west of Honolulu, is enjoying a growth spurt in resorts that could turn it into a rival of the popular Waikiki Beach.

The Ko Olina coastline, home of Kapolei, already has a Four Seasons resort and Disney’s Aulani.

Now Atlantis, a name associated with water-themed resorts in the Bahamas and in Dubai, is in the “early planning stages” east of the Aulani, a news release says.

Plans call for 800 guest rooms and suites as well as 524 residences on the 26-acre resort . The Oahu property will feature an Aquaventure water park and an aquarium.

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A!family!looks!across!a!bay!to!the!Four!Seasons!Oahu!at!Ko!Olina.!(Four!Seasons!Oahu)

The resort site isn’t new. The Ihilani Resort and Spa opened in 1993 near the western end of Interstate H-1. The hotel became a JW Marriott in 1999 and a Four Seasons in 2016.

Disney’s Aulani opened in 2011.

Aside from the luxury resorts, you’ll find budget-minded options in West Oahu.

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In the fall, the Hampton Inn & Suites Kapolei became the brand’s first location in Hawaii. !

Rooms starting at around $200 a night may seem high for this chain hotel, but that price is hundreds of dollars less than many of Waikiki lodgings.

Other pluses: Rooms are brand-new, and breakfast is included in the price.

Aside from places to stay, West Oahu also offers attractions that visitors won’t find in Waikiki.

Naked Cow Dairy Farm and Creamery, opened in 2007, welcomes guests to its location in Waianae, about 13 miles up the coast from Kapolei.

The dairy farm offers tours starting at $7 for kids and $10 for adults. To make a day of it, consider taking a cheese-making class.

During the 90-minute sessions, participants have a hands-on experience learning how to make mozzarella from start to finish.

Classes begin 11 a.m. Saturdays and cost $85 per person.

For an adrenaline rush, visitors can spend a few hours at Coral Crater Adventure Park in Kapolei. Instead of merry-go-rounds and roller coasters, the theme here is challenging, hands-on experiences.

You can go off-roading on an electric mountain bike or ATV, or soar above the island on the park’s Adventure Tower. The climbing, jumping and swinging experiences start at $50.

Luaus are a staple in the islands. Disney is the latest entrant in this evening dinner-and-a-show category.

When the dinner show started in November, the Ka Waa was restricted to guests. Now it’s open to all.

It costs $119 for adults and $79 for kids ages 3 to 9 years old. VIP seating is also offered.

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Guests staying at the Four Seasons can take a five-mile trek on private land to sacred and historic sites in the mountains of West Oahu.

From a scenic perch overlooking the Waianae coastline, hikers can see the neighboring islands of Lanai, Maui and Molokai.

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I swim.

I don’t do it to stay fit (though it helps with that). I do it for my soul.

Even as a child, I knew that diving into a pool (or a lake or the sea) and stroking through it swept me into a place of pure peace. It induced a deep meditative state that brought lucidity, harmony, and wonderment. Today, it instantly resets my essence, so often sullied from the effects of living in our noisy world, so often led astray by intrusions of fear, anxiety, depression, and obsession.

Swimming clears my mind. Fluid and free, it welcomes me when I weep, taking my tears into its wholeness, washing them into its largesse. When, I’m gleeful, it celebrates with me, encircling my limbs, begging them to work harder, to pump blood through every inch of my body. When I’m confused, I freestyle and breaststroke my way to answers.

Swimming teaches me. Be like water it whispers, as I somersault below the surface, weightless and empowered by movement. Beneath water, the sun’s light bounces and radiates as magic dust expelled from a wand. In the pool, I learn to apply swimming to life—to sometimes go around things, not through them. Like water, I never give up. I make my mark, as water does to a stone, with repetitive tasks, like seekers knocking on wisdom’s door. Each time I plunge in, water—swimming—gives me my chance to be a blank slate, to start again, to be pliant, porous, open, and renewed.

For many cultures, water (and the immersion in it), reoccurs as a symbol of rebirth and revival. Water was where we swam as babes in the womb, and today, it comprises more than fifty percent of our bodies. It epitomizes the lifeblood that courses through us, so to swim amongst its malleability is to remember both our

vulnerability and our strength, to be enlivened by the very vividness of the moment, the very instantaneous celebration of being alive.

Swimming teaches me. “Be like water,” it whispers as I somersault below the surface, weightless and empowered by movement.

While most people intuitively connect to water, a recent tome, Blue Mind, by WALLACE J. NICHOLS , pays homage to the mood altering effects of simply being near water—let alone swimming in it. According to Nichols, “water unleashes the uninhibited child in all of us, unlocking our creativity and curiosity.” He shows how exercise beside water (let alone inside it) enhances the effect, exponentially reducing stress.

Reminding us that water helps us relax—the sound of it, for example—Nichols further extols it for enhancing creativity. According to him, a shower alone can spark an idea, something I know to be true, though my go-to stimulus between paragraphs is a bubble bath or thirty minutes of idea producing laps. Nichols reminds us that humans have always swum to relax—think about the Romans and their commitment to healing springs. And, in all ancient disciplines from Ayurveda to Chinese medicine, water plays a critical part in healing and wisdom.

Blue space for Nichols, is water—it’s why humans have an affinity for shades of blue. It soothes us, lowers our stress levels, and brings us to a mindful place.

As a travel, I find my blue space everywhere I go. Pools invite me to enter them, as sanctuaries call to the bereaved and longing. Here are some that have given me grace.

One Aldwych, London In Covent Garden, ensconced in a refurbished newspaper building, One Aldwych, A Leading Hotel of the World, flourishes as a chichi, fine-art-rich, hotel, known as a haven for glitterati. But its true inner sanctum is its 59-foot, chlorine-free, lap pool, where a wall projects a video of colorful sea life. Subterranean, mood-lit, and equipped with an underwater music system, it offers ultimate quietude from urbanity. I reward myself after laps with drinks at its bustling Lobby Bar. ONEALDWYCH.COM

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como While its difficult to leave my rooftop suite with views of the lake to swim, I eventually venture to this historic villa-style hotel’s eye-popping, see-and-be-seen, floating pool, called Water-on-the-Water. Immense and hovering atop Lake Como, fringed by T-Beach (equipped with sand, umbrellas, lounges, and Prosecco-laden waiters) and blessed with a happening bar, it’s the perfect spot for people watching, as well as exercise. GRANDHOTELTREMEZZO

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Set on Oahu’s lesser-traveled western side, Ko Olina means “place of joy.” On a landmass, shadowed by mountains, edged by sea, considered sacred by ancient Hawaiians, the 17-story hotel incorporates their legacy and teachings in its Hawaii-centric programs and presentations. Elegant and culture-rich, with Hawaiiana design motifs—such as banana leaf headboards—the hotel boasts Oahu’s only oceanside lap pool. I swim here at sunset, bathing in rose-colored light. A magnificent spot for a Mai Tai, this adult-cool splash zone exudes harmony. FOURSEASONS.COM/OAHU

Park Hyatt New York Incorporating cityscape through panoramic windows and Manhattan elegance through understated, sleek decor, this Mid-town hotel seems to hover, embraced by surrounding skyscrapers. It’s Spa Nalai soothes with pampering on the same floor as its lap pool. As I swim here, I swoon to Carnegie Hall tunes piped by underwater speakers in celebration of the adjacent concert venue. A cool urbanblue light suffuses the pool from colossal windows.

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Shangri La Paris In the bedazzling former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, this regal stay offers easy access to the fashion houses along Avenue Montaigne. A villa, with suite balconies made for sipping Champagne with the Eiffel Tower in view, the hotel never lets me forget I’ve arrived in Paris. Even its stunning lap pool presents the Art Nouveau icon in all its glory. I do my workout at night when the tower glitters with colorful lights. SHANGRI-LAPARIS Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort In the sylvan jungle of northern Thailand, where two rivers converge and three countries can be seen from the balconies, this lodge-like resort cares for rescued elephants in a nature preserve setting. While I spend days walking with, bathing, and feeding friendly pachyderms, I cool off at intervals in the resort’s long, blue-andgold, glass-tiled, infinity pool which overlooks the elephant-filled expanses. I cap my swim here with a masterful Thai massage in the multi-storied spa. SPA.GOLDENTRIANGLE.ANANTARA.COM The Finest Playa Mujeres In a less-developed part of greater Cancun, with views of Islas Mujeres, this sun-dappled all-inclusive, familyfriendly resort is a symphony of Santorini-like white and blue, built to frame a perfect crescent of sugary beach— and pools galore. While the kids splash in the mega-pool, rife with activities, I escape to the garden-sited lap pool near the spa, which features an array of indigenously inspired treatments. I can’t resist a chile-infused margarita for my efforts. FINESTRESORTS.COM

Montpelier Plantation At this Relais & Chateaux hotel on Nevis, I live like the locals—above the sea in a cottage overlooking the water.

When I hanker to put my toes in the sea, I grab a bike and pedal downhill to the hotel’s private beach. But, mostly I stay on the be-flowered property, dining inside a restored sugar mill and taking laps in the glamorous pool, which serves as the property’s al-fresco living room. MONTPELIERNEVIS.COM !

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How many striped ties or bottles of cologne can one man own? This year, we’re skipping the same old uninspired Father’s Day gifts in favor of an epic adventure that Dad will never forget. From helicopter tours and Ferrari joy rides to tiger safaris and, yes, even an ultimate golf trip, these over-the-top experiences promise the thrills every superhero dad wants and deserves.

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When you want to soak up some sun, swim in some surf, or play in some sand, the beach obviously is the best place to do it. When you want to engage, educate, or entertain a meeting group, however, going to the beach probably isn't your first instinct. If it's summer, it should be. After all, the beach offers warm weather, ample space, a casual atmosphere, and a naturally social setting -- everything you could possibly need for an afternoon or evening of authentic group fun. Volleyball and Frisbee golf aren't your only options, either. Here are five activities that will unite your group and show you a different side of the sand.

CrossFit at Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort (St. John's, Antigua)

Anyone who's tried jogging on sand knows from experience the beach has all the makings of a killer workout. Rosewood's Antigua resort, Jumby Bay, harnesses that potential through its partnership with ICE NYC, a New York-based CrossFit, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and yoga studio whose trainers offer weeklong CrossFit training retreats on the private-island property.

Retreats include warm-ups on the dock and a daily "workout-of-theday" on the beach, all of which could be distilled into a daylong program for groups that want to add an active element to their meeting.

Beach Olympics at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort (Naples, FL)

If physical activity sounds appealing, but you'd rather do "fun" than "fitness," check out LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, which offers a Beach Olympics activity for groups on its private, white sand beach.

With teams of seven to eight players each, the activity consists of physical and mental challenges and is staffed with uniformed referees who provide game instructions, timekeeping, and scorekeeping. Games include a jigsaw jumble, Scrabble scramble, shortstop tossup, obstacle relay, team ski, speed stackers, island hoppers, Hungry Hippos, and bubble soccer, among others.

Simulated Surfing at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort (Hollywood, FL)

Although surfing is a quintessential beach activity, learning how to do it can be an intimidating proposition for amateurs. That's why Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort offers the FlowRider Double, a simulated surfing experience that allows meeting attendees to ride artificial waves beside the ocean instead of real waves in it. It's just as fun as the real thing, but a lot easier, a lot safer, and a lot more social.

Sand Sculpting at Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Key West, FL)

Sandcastles aren't just for kids. At Casa Marina, professional sand sculpting firm Sand Isle offers "Sand Sculpting 101" workshops: twoand-a-half-hour workshops during which attendees learn the fundamentals of building awesome sand sculptures using only sand and water. Past participants have made bears, mermaids, dragons, ships, sharks, cars, and even historical landmarks -- all out of sand.

Sarong Dyeing at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (Kapolei, HI)

To help both individual guests and meeting groups discover authentic Polynesian traditions, Four Seasons Resort Oahu offers #FSWayfinders, an ongoing weekly series featuring art, culture, 2!

history, and other in-depth workshops. Among its offerings is an exclusive Indigo Sarong Dye workshop on the beach (pictured) led

by Island Bungalow Hawaii, a local boutique specializing in globally inspired textiles and furniture. Participants learn the history, alchemy, and traditional techniques of natural indigo dyeing -- practiced by ancient Polynesians, who extracted organic dye from native plants and used it to color fabrics and other artifacts. The best part of the workshop: Everyone leaves with a stylish new cover-up they can wear to the beach.

Cornhole at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa (Palm Beach, FL)

Sure, relaxing on this resort's white-sand beaches might keep attendees plenty occupied between meeting sessions. But for those looking for a more active break or teambuilding experience, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island provides a variety of sand-inspired activities, from volleyball to ring toss, beach pong, and more.

Cornhole is a favorite option, where players compete against one another, tossing bean bags into the specially designed, raised platforms with a small hole cut in the center. Competition gets fierce as teams battle one another for who has aim and tossing skills to land more of the beanbags into the hole.! !

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When Kukuiula, a property on Kauai's south shore featuring a resort and residences, started a farm seven years ago, the managers thought it would be a nice addition that would allow for some easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

But the farm, and other gardens and growing areas, have been a much more popular feature than originally expected, and Kukuiula is in the process of doubling its space used for growing.

Kukuiula is made up of a handful of residential neighborhoods and also features a boutique resort open to the public with a managed rental pool of accommodations that travelers can book. They now run several programs involving the farm, including farmers markets, a monthly farm-to-table dinner in the summer and community gardening plots.

Kukuiula is not alone in augmenting its farm- and food-related offerings. Agritourism has proven to be no passing trend, and now resorts and other properties are investing more resources and staff than ever into building their agritourism features.

"It's become bigger than I ever thought it would be," said Kukuiula landscape and farm project manager Roger Peckenpaugh. "When the agritourism stuff started I thought it would be a fad. But it's turned out to be a big movement, and people are really interested in seeing where their food comes from. It's somewhat surprising how interested they are.

It seems to be only growing."

In addition to the farm, which grows tropical fruits like papayas and bananas in addition to chard, arugula and herbs, there is also an orchard and a medicinal herb garden. Chef Ben Takahashi runs Umeke Kitchen + Bar on property, using the farm's produce and coordinating the farm-to-table dinners, which often feature a local producer.

Kukuiula also has plans to add to the amenities at the farm, including camping areas, more bike trails, a zipline and a pavilion with a stone oven for hosting more food events.

Two Four Seasons properties in the Aloha State have also started digging deeper to uncover unique and rewarding agritourism experiences for guests.

At Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii Island, natural resources director David Chai pushed to turn the golf course's features into more than just hazards for players. Below the surface of the course's manmade pond are 50,000 oysters, which help keep the water clean and also end up on the resort restaurant's menu. They have three varieties, including the popular Kumamoto oyster. Guests can get a behind the scenes tour of the oyster operation, including the chance to slurp down a fresh-out-of-the-water mollusk.

The Kaupulehu Marine Life Advisory Committee, which Chai is a member of, and local families recently worked together to establish a 10-year ban on fishing along a 3-mile stretch of coastline with the intention of allowing depleted fish stocks to rebound. Hawaiian law stipulates oceanside developments have to provide public access to the coast. When construction started at Hualalai in 1993 and roads were developed, that opened up the waters to shoreline fishing.

"There are not a lot of rules in Hawaii regulating take, and it was very unrestricted fishing," Chai said. "It is relied on by families that live here. When it reopens after 10 years we want to work with the community to allow fishing in a sustainable way."

Guests can get hands-on and participate in marine life surveys in the protected zone, or enjoy activities like the resort's fish circus where a variety of fish perform tricks like shooting a ball through a hoop.

Chai and his staff have also restored a number of anchialine pools and fish ponds on the property, and run a hatchery that is currently producing Hawaiian yellowtail. Today the resort offers 16 programs related to its food, sustainability and conservation efforts, some of which are complimentary.

"It's growing more and more and word is getting out," Chai said. "When we first started we didn't have a lot of programs for guests, and my role was mostly maintaining things.

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But guests started to show real interest in these things, environmental programs and fish feeding."

At sister property Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, the resort has partnered with a farm with a unique mission that has operated since the 1970s. Kahumana Farmprovides transitional housing and employment assistance to homeless families and adults with developmental disabilities, and helps fund the services through its farm cafe and agricultural operations. Guests of the resort can arrange an hour-long tour of the farm.

Chef Martin Knaubert of the resort's La Hiki Kitchen uses fruits and vegetables from the farm, including its flagship salad mix, and also hosts a farm-to-table brunch.!

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The oldest farmer at Kahumana, which works with approximately 70 different restaurants, is 30, and agritourism manager Rachel LaDrig says that has created an atmosphere of experimentation.

"We like to try things, and we're willing to fail," she said.

For example, staff have recently began knocking on doors in Waianae to inquire about backyard fruit trees to supply its community farm hub.

"Waianae has one of the largest native populations of indigenous Hawaiians in the whole world, and it's an area that has had a lack of educational resources and support," LaDrig said.

Kahumana wanted to address both the limited sources of income for the community as well as the high proportion of food that is imported. They asked residents with pomelo, tangerine and other trees in their yards if they would be willing to sell, and then set up a market for the community bounty of fruits.

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We've been dying to get behind the wheel of a Tesla—now it's possible across America and Canada.

Sure, you could test drive a Tesla at the store, but wouldn’t the experience be better on an island in Hawaii? The allelectric luxury vehicles and their charging stations are getting easier to find, and they’re making their way into hotels.

Many resorts and hotels have started offering Teslas to guests looking to take one for a weekend spin. For visitors who already own a Tesla, charging stations—that Model S can only make it 210-315 miles, after all—are readily available to keep the battery full and ready for an adventure. Here are some places to give it a try: Rent from Tesla Owners Car rental service Turo specializes in luxury vehicles (although it offers a range). Vehicles listed on the site are typically owned by individuals who use the service to make extra money off their car when they’re not driving it. Teslas on the site range from older Model S vehicles to brand new Model Xs. Since the inventory is owned by individuals, you can find the vehicles all over the United States and Canada. GetAround has a similar business model, and offers a wide range of Teslas for rent as well.

Traditional Car Rental Both Enterprise and Hertz offer Teslas in select cities. Enterprise offers the Model S through its Exotic Car Collection at select locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. Hertz offers a Model S in select locations as well, but be forewarned, your $179/day rental only includes 75 miles a day. With each mile costing an extra $.75, that environmentally friendly road trip could become a pretty costly endeavor.

Take a Test Drive at a Hotel Kukui’ula, a resort and real-estate community on the South Shore of Kauai, has Tesla batteries in several of its vacation homes. One home set to be completed this month will come with a Tesla Model X in the garage.

Guests at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina can borrow a Tesla Model S or X for the day. Penthouse and Presidential Suite guests can enjoy the cars for the duration of their trip, and all guests who book specialty suites can book up to 48 hours with one of the cars. Kids can even get in on the action, with an on-site Tesla Model S Radio Flyer.

In New York, Teslas are the house cars at 1 Hotel Central Park and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, the Mandarin Oriental, and The Delmar Hotel in Greenwich. The Standard offers Teslas for guests to use overnight when you book a corresponding room package. The Mandarin Oriental, Miami also offers Tesla Model S vehicles for guests to rent during their stay.

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These luxury escapes in Hollywood, Hawaii and Napa come with seriously premium car perks.

Traveling — or even being on a business trip — affords a certain feeling of freedom. You’re in a new city, a new bed, you don’t know anyone and most every experience is new. The excitement of this fresh place and perspective can be dampened just a bit, however, if you’re someone who gets antsy and wants to get out and see things on your own terms.

Ensuring your opportunities to do just that, some luxury properties have paired with top automotive brands to make their most plush models available to VIP (and in some cases, all) guests. !

Imagine spending a week at the year-old Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina — where Amy Schumer holed up while shooting Snatched, and Kourtney Kardashian and Katie Lowes have called the Presidential Suite home. There’s no shortage of ways to spend your time, from seeking out sea turtles beyond the beach to standup paddle boarding, doing vinyasas, having massages in open-air spa hales, noshing on perfectly prepared fresh fish and trying your hand at making haku leis from just-picked tropical flowers. But still, there’s a whole island out there worth a peek, too. Fortunately, those booking the Presidential or Penthouse suites get a Tesla Model X or S for their entire stay, while those booking specialty suites at published rates can use one of these high-tech space-agey cars for up to 48 hours, the ideal amount of time for a day drive up to, say, the North Shore (check out Brian Grazer’s favorite surf break, Pipeline, from the top of a pillbox hike), Waikiki’s

iconic sands or Honolulu for some shopping. Not to be left out, kids can also spin around in Radio Flyer’s Tesla Model S.

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While the whole family can tool around in Teslas on Oahu, there are also ways to get out and experience what’s beyond the property on the mainland, too. Hollywood’s new Dream hotel has super luxe Lincolns — the new Continental Black Label, MKZ Black Label and Navigator, to be exact — awaiting VIP guests staying in suites. The refreshed Continental, a favorite vehicle of Frank Lloyd Wright in the ‘40s, and Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin in the ‘60s, is now sleekly modern with a timeless look that’s been updated with sumptuous seats and even hidden-away doorhandles that are integrated into the chrome, making a design statement. It’s a stately way to navigate Los Angeles, from an outing to Griffith Park for a hike to a trip downtown for dinner at the latest new foodie opening (if not staying put for meals at Beauty & Essex or the Highlight Room on the rooftop, a see-and-be-seen scene). Lincoln has a similar partnership with Montauk’s always-buzzing Surf Lodge.

In Beverly Hills, guests who spring for the hotel’s Escape to Xanadu package — which comprises a jaunt to an oceanfront Malibu estate once owned by Olivia Newton-John along with outdoor activities and al fresco lunch — may opt to drive themselves there in a Rolls-Royce Dawn, with the top down, naturally. Others staying in town, in a suite, may drive the hotel’s fleet of Infinitis.

Other appealing experiences to test out an exciting ride include San Diego’s Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa’s program giving guests up to four hours per day in either a 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster convertible or a 2017 Cayenne, which could take them to La Jolla’s beaches, through Temecula’s wine country or perhaps to the Gaslamp Quarter downtown for a flashy evening out. At Auberge du Soleil in Napa, time with their newmodel Mercedes-Benz (which include the S 550 and GLS 450) is limited to three hours, but those who are already Mercedes owners receive perks including $100 resort credit, room upgrade (if available) and two $50 spa certificates. For short drives of up to four hours along Southern California’s picturesque coastline — from Palos Verdes’ Terranea Resort — guests can hop in a new Lexus sedan, SUV or hybrid, or book a Terranea Drive Series program that comes with GPS-guided experiences (think picnic lunches, VIP shopping and secluded beach walks) and a stay in an ultra-plush Shearwater Suite (these bookings include a complimentary Lexus for the entire stay).

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For more wine-region exploration, the superluxe Cadillac CT6 sedan is available to all guests of Carneros Resort and Spa, who only need to reserve the vehicle at the front desk and can travel up to a 50-mile radius from the property for a full day. Of course, if lots of vino tasting is on the schedule, it might be wise to hop a ride in the Escalade, courtesy of the resort. (The Broadmoor and Gurney’s Montauk have similar opportunities, too.)

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Brighten up with a chemical peel When the dewy, glowing skin you had all summer starts to turn dull and lackluster, it's time to exfoliate.

"Exfoliation is one of the most important steps to keeping your skin healthy and glowing during seasonal transitions," says Gillian Garcia, treatment supervisor and lead therapist at The Spa at Beverly Wilshire.

Removing dead/dry skin cells on the skin's surface helps to brighten and smooth the skin, prevents clogged pores, and makes the skin more responsive to beauty products, allowing them to penetrate and work more effectively. One of the best ways to get your skin glowing again is to do a chemical peel. "A quick chemical peel can lift off the top layer and help peel away some of the sun damage and freshen and brighten the complexion," says Rebecca Baxt, MD and Board Certified Dermatologist at Baxt Cosmedical in Paramus, New Jersey.

Chemical peels come in different strengths—superficial, medium, and deep. The mildest peels use fruit acid or glycolic acid, types of alpha hydroxy acid, to rejuvenate the skin and can be purchased in lower doses over-thecounter or performed at a higher strength by a dermatologist or aestheticism.

Reveal fresher skin via microdermabrasion "Microdermabrasion is a good treatment for the end of summer," say Dr. Baxt. Like chemical peels, microdermabrasion removes the top layer of the epidermis to help rejuvenate the skin, accelerate the cell renewal process, improve skin texture, lighten pigmentation, smooth fine lines, and reduce sun damage.

Chemical peels use acid to remove the top layer of skin while microdermabrasion does it mechanically, using tiny exfoliating crystals to sand the skin, explains George Bitar MD, of the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Fairfax, Virginia. "It's minimally invasive, and it helps those who have sun damage," he says, "but is not recommended for those who have rosacea." Here are 5 ways to remove age spots at home.

Upgrade your moisturizer After exfoliation, you need to hydrate, especially after spending a summer swimming in chlorinated pools and salt water, which can dehydrate the skin. "It's best to match your skin-care regimen to the current season to provide the ultimate nourishment and hydration to your skin," says Garcia. While gel moisturizers are ideal for summer, cooler temperatures call for a richer, heavier creams to help lock in the skin's moisture, explains Garcia. How do you decide which moisturizer is best for you? First, determine your skin type (oily, dry, or combination of both). People with oily/acne-prone skin should look for a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer that won't clog pores while people with dry skin should opt for moisturizers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which has been shown to help increase the skin's hydration and elasticity. Age also plays a role in finding the right moisturizer. "People in their 20s should opt for lighter, oil-free moisturizers while those in their 50s will need thicker textures such as oils and balms to combat dryness and volume loss," says Garcia.

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Don't put away the sunblock "Just because it's Labor Day doesn't mean you should stop using sunblock," says Dr. Baxt. No matter the season, the sun's rays can still damage your skin, and overexposure to the sun can lead to pigmentation, wrinkles, and skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States and the incidence of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, has doubled from 1982 to 2011. "Skin cancer is at an all-time high because we are sitting in the sun longer, the ozone layer is being depleted, and people have a false sense of security from sunscreen," says Dr. Bitar. He suggests using products that protect against UVA (the rays that cause pigmentation) and UVB (the rays that cause sun burn) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 35 or higher. When you apply sunscreen in the morning, you can't be in the heat and sun all day and expect it to protect you, explains Dr. Bitar. "In the bestcase scenario, sunblock will last for an hour." Find out the 10 sunscreen myths that make dermatologists cringe.

Use a powder sunblock with your makeup Liquid foundation and other makeup products that offer built-in SPF may seem like a good one-stop way to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, but they are not enough. "The biggest mistake people make, especially on the face, is not reapplying," says Dr. Baxt. "Makeup may last all day, but the sunscreen only lasts about two hours." Before applying makeup, your morning beauty routine should start with a sunscreen, applying it liberally to your face, neck, and ears. For an extra layer of protection, Dr. Baxt recommends powder sun blocks such as those from Colorescience, Peter Thomas Roth, or Eminence, which can be applied on top of makeup and are portable.

Turn down the water temperature While it's tempting to take a long hot showers when the temperature outside drops, doing so will strip your skin of its natural oils and dry your skin out, says Dr. Bitar. "Take a room temperature shower, and make it quick—this will help your skin retain its moisture and allow the humidity to stay in your body." Hot, dry saunas should also be avoided, explains Dr. Bitar. "Putting your skin in extreme temperatures is not healthy for the skin." Here are eight more ways you're probably showering wrong.

Protect yourself from the wind Sailing, hiking, and wind surfing are just some of the summertime activities that can expose your skin to wind, leaving it dehydrated and wind burned. "While wind burn is not a true burn, the wind makes the epidermis, the skin's outer layer, more sensitive, more susceptible, and more painful—it feels like a sunburn," says Dr. Bitar.

The best way to protect your skin from wind burn any time of year is to cover up. "Wear a sweatshirt, wear a hood or a hat, wear a thick layer of sunblock, and limit your time in the wind," says Dr. Bitar. While continual exposure to wind leaves the skin dry and flaky, the problem intensifies for aging skin, says Natascha Froelich, spa supervisor at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. If you have to be outdoors on windy days, she recommends applying serum, such as Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Elixir by Sodashi, underneath a hydrating cream to prevent wind chafing.

Tackle hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation, dark spots on the skin, happens when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits on the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, pregnancy, and medications, but the number one cause is sun exposure. Once you have dark spots, being exposed to the sun can make them more prominent. While limiting your time in the sun, covering up, and using a sunscreen with a high SPF can reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation, there are a number of ways to treat the brown spots you already have. Retinoids, vitamin-A derivatives that work by speeding up skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, are often used to treat sun damaged skin and are in a variety of over-the-counter or prescription treatments. "Retinoids, which are best used at night, can thin the top layer of skin, so they help reduce pigments, acne, and fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Baxt.

"Applying a thin coat of vitamin C Serum every day should be a part of your morning routine," says Garcia.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is a tyrosinase inhibitor, which helps prevent enzymes in your body from creating excessive amounts of melanin in response to injury--such as overexposure to sunlight, she explains. Lightening treatments that contain Kojic Acid, a natural compound derived from fungi, also work to stop the production of melanin.

Don't be fooled by darker days Your skin is the first line of defense against the sun's rays, says Dr. Bitar, so it's important to protect it by covering up, avoiding the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and not being deceived by fall's cooler weather or clouds in the sky. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation,up to 40 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day. "People have a responsibility to take care of their largest organ, the skin," says Dr. Bitar.

Get assessed by a board-certified dermatologist When it comes to treating your skin, one of the first lines of defense is making an appointment with a boardcertified dermatologist to find out how much sun damage you have, says Dr. Baxt. A dermatologist can use your family history, your history of sun exposure, and the number of sun burns you've had over the years to help determine your risk for skin cancers. Your dermatologist will also perform a full body screening to check the moles and other spots on your skin that might be cancerous, and if needed, run tests to determine if they contain cancerous cells. This is the first thing your dermatologist will notice about you.