Timeless, inspiring, mesmerizing, even magical…these are words that poets and artists have used to describe the garden isle of Kauai. The Grand Hyatt Kauai has captured the true, classic essence of Kauai and present it to their guests all in one grand, luxurious tropical setting – a legacy of beauty and a spirit at peace and in perfect communion with nature.
The ultimate “Hawaiian Classic” Kauai resort made me feel as if I was transported back in time to the Kauai of the 1920’s and 30’s. This Kauai resort has earned its place in the sun by virtue of its sheer beauty.
Throughout the hotel there was amazing artwork depicting an earlier era. Authentic artifacts, like actual working telephones from the 30?s in the lobby for use added to the appeal. Everytime I looked around, there were touches everywhere to make it feel timeless.
The inner landscape of tropical floral arrangements and the lushness of palm trees made the inside seem like the outside. You’re surrounded by luxurious koa – the wood of the Royal Hawaiians in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
The balmy warmth and tropical flower-scented breeze permeate the atmosphere and seem to embrace and welcome you. E komo mai. A traditional lei welcome was the perfect beginning.
We proceeded to our lovely 1,200 square foot suite and wondered how we would ever want to go outside! The spacious suite included a large living area with flat screen TV, a wet bar, separate dining area, and separate bedroom with a king-size pillow-top bed. The bath had a separate shower and a large Jacuzzi tub, double marble sinks and a remote mini flatscreen TV. The plantation-style furnishings, beautiful art and relaxed colors create understated luxury. The stylish graciousness made me feel so at home. There are a total of 602 luxurious rooms which include 37 suites and exclusive Regency Club accommodations. Every room is a view room, with sweeping vistas of the ocean, the hotel lagoons, or the Haupu Mountains. Ground floor Royal Garden Rooms are nestled among lush tropical gardens.
But there was no time to dally, as the spectacular outdoor water playground was calling to us! The hotel featured a five hundred yard white sand beach with its own saltwater lagoon (sans sharks!) which meanders over five acres and features landscaped islands. Poised at the edge of the ocean, it was perfect for swimming and kayaking.
There were also two freshwater swimming pools, a quiet, relaxed one and a river pool with a current and waterfalls, a 150 foot waterslide, Jacuzzis, and water basketball and volleyball. The kids loved it! A pool activities desk provided equipment rental and advice.
This most luxurious world-class resort would not be complete without an amazing spa. And yes, they indeed have one. The 45,000 square foot ANARA Spa (A New Age Restorative Approach) focuses on relaxing and revitalizing mind, body and spirit. Spa treatments take place in peaceful indoor/outdoor facilities and treatment rooms and capitalize on the healing ambiance of nature. There are over 80 therapies to choose from. This spa is one of the first to use indigenous products for massage treatment therapy.
While here, you can also challenge yourself on their standout of championship Kauai golf courses. One of Hawaii’s most beautiful courses, the 210 acre links-style golf course and driving range is designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. surrounds the hotel property and borders the ocean. The golf course offers high-tech features like an in-cart satellite navigation system displaying the precise distance from the ball to the hole! Nice feature. Ranked as one of the top courses in Hawaii and the U.S., Poipu Bay has been host to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf since 1994, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the golfing world, in which the winners of the four major championships of the current year compete for a $1 million dollar purse.
The hotel features six restaurants and cafe’s and six cocktail lounges. One of the places we had dinner was at Tidepools, which featured contemporary regional Hawaiian cuisine that was amazing. It sits on a lagoon full of beautiful coy that children are allowed to feed (only coy food though!) and we were able to watch the live Hawaiian entertainment from our table. It was perfect.
Throughout the hotel, the service was the piece de resistance. I don’t remember having to wait long for anything. Even though they were in their high season, the staff was always at the ready, and did it all with a smile. From check-in, to the concierge, the restaurants, pool service, valet…did I cover everything? Bravo!
To me, getting great service is important on a vacation, no matter where you’re at. It was difficult to leave, but I came away with the relaxed and happy feeling a great vacation is supposed to achieve. I’ll definitely be back!
Unmatched among resorts, the Grand Hyatt Kauai hotel consistently places at or very near the top. A near endless list of industry awards and distinctions includes the AAA Four Diamonds, the Meetings and Conventions Magazine Gold Key Award and Conde Nast Traveler’s ranking as 4th among the top 10 Pacific Rim Resorts.
To book your dream vacation, or for information, call:
Grand Hyatt Kauai : (808) 742-1234
or visit their website: www.grandhyattkauai.com
