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Honeymooner's Review Guide recently visited the
Island of Kauai seeking candidates for the new "Choice
Awards" program which is earned only by the best of
hotels and resorts providing Excellence and Value for
destination weddings and honeymoons.
Corona, CA (PRWEB)
April 12, 2007 -- Honeymooner's Review Guide recently
visited the Island of
Kauai seeking candidates for the new "Choice Awards"
program which is earned only by the best of hotels and
resorts providing excellence and value for destination
weddings and honeymoons.
Resorts were given 1-2 days notice of Honeymooner's
Review Guide's intended review visits. Three resorts on
Kauai's South shore were visited, all in the Poipu Point
area, and two on the North Shore around Hanalei. These
resorts reflect a great variety in terms of cost, size,
amenities and focus. Here is what Honeymooner's Review
Guide staff found with a short description of what these
five have to offer as a destination wedding and/or
honeymoon choice. The resorts are listed in the order in
which they were visited.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai represents luxury, service
excellence and incomparable Hawaiian Oceanside beauty.
The property has exquisite grounds rich in tropical
foliage, koi ponds, pools including a kissing cave and
the wonderful, relaxing meandering 5-acre Salt Water
Lagoon. For those wanting a very classy destination
wedding or honeymoon site, the Grand Hyatt is the
perfect choice. It is large, 602 rooms, 11 restaurants
and bars and acres of land that even with its size
allows couples to find privacy. The Hyatt is ideal for a
carefully orchestrated, low stress ceremony and
reception. Their planners pay particular attention to
detail and offer flexible choices for couples and their
guests. Wedding ceremonies are conducted on the Regency
Club Lawn which is surrounded by lush tropical foliage
and lovely ocean views. A variety of venues are
available both inside and outside for receptions. The
ANARA Spa offers an extensive array of treatments and
services. The popular 'elua po'e or couples cleansing
and massage treatment is a great choice for newlyweds.
The Lu'au at the Hyatt is one of the best on the island
with a buffet including fresh tropical fruits, great
salad choices, and four delicious entrees to pick from
including cooked Kalua pig of course. The native music,
singing and dancing performances are terrific. Be warned
however, newlyweds and honeymooners are invited on stage
to perform.
Best Aspects: Professional wedding planners, lots of
wedding packages and options, gorgeous grounds with
tropical foliage, waterfalls and terrific views of coast
and beach; excellent resort amenities; top notch spa; 11
restaurants and lounges, very nice rooms at different
prices.
Issues and limitations: Cost, not for the limited
budget crowd, long walks on spacious grounds could be a
negative to anyone with mobility problems, no chairs or
cabanas on the beach itself. Size might be an issue for
those seeking a more private, quiet and secluded
environment.
Hanalei Colony Resort -- Truly a Hidden Gem on the
Far North end, this resort has personality. It has an
atmosphere of serenity. The resort and staff are guest
friendly and believe in service excellence, personal
service and lots of attention to guests' needs whether
it is a wedding ceremony, reception and guests or
private honeymoon. There are several choices for wedding
ceremony sites, and for those who dream of a beach
wedding, not a problem. The resort has only 48 rooms,
looks a bit 80's from the outside, but the rooms are
newly renovated with wood floors and great furnishings.
The ocean view rooms have breathtaking views of the
Kauai coast, situated only a few hundred feet away from
the water. Special features include meals on the beach
and a special romantic cabana. The Hanalei Day Spa is a
must-do for the ultimate experience in massage and
relaxation. The Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant is
truly the finest on the island; the appetizers, salads,
entrees and desserts are all AAA+. This resort is truly
a "Hidden Gem". The Wedding and Honeymoon package with 7
nights in a ocean front premium condo, massage, ceremony
and rental car is priced at just over $4,000.
Best Aspects: Location, prices for wedding services
and rooms are a great value; professional wedding
planner, staff, spa, the fantastic restaurant, serene
ambiance, good whale watching location, just 5 minutes
from famous ke'ee beach, and their premium ocean condos
are 10 feet from the sand.
Issues and limitations: Older exterior, some rooms
are not renovated. Limited rooms if planning a large
wedding.
Whalers Cove Resort -- A much hidden treasure for
small weddings and honeymoons can be found in Poipu at
Whalers Cove. The resort is located in a very secluded
area overlooking a magnificent view of Kauai's blue
ocean and a historic bay. With very deep waters close to
shore, whales are a common site. Whales and giant sea
turtles can be viewed off the deep coastal waters in
this area. It has a very nice secluded beach and Poipu
Beach is just a mile from the resort. The Whaler is a
great place for a small destination wedding or honeymoon
for those who do not desire a large, full service hotel,
but rather more privacy and independence with helpful,
friendly staff. They can accommodate wedding parties up
to 50 and has several great spots for ceremonies. The
rooms are nicely decorated and spacious with private
lanais and are highlighted by many amenities such as:
Jacuzzi tubs; washer and dryers; cable TV, internet
connections and fully equipped modern kitchens. Ocean
suites with great views are available. An ocean view
1-bedroom units runs $349-$379 depending on season.
Best Aspects: Very guest service oriented, spacious
well equipped condo units, location is absolutely
beautiful, close to beaches and snorkeling, units have
great lanais and views, resort is small, tranquil and
intimate.
Issues and limitations: Limited availability due to
size and condo ownership. No A/C units.
Sheraton Kauai -- No wonder honeymooners love this
resort. The Sheraton has gorgeous coastline views,
lovely tropical grounds, is ideally close to Poipu
Beach, many island attractions and local shopping
opportunities in Koloa. The resort is a perfect choice
for couples looking for romance and relaxation. The
Sheraton has strong destination wedding and honeymoon
programs including a variety of packages. Both inside
and outside facilities are available for weddings and
receptions that can accommodate nearly any size wedding
party. A favorite is the Ocean Point Location, which has
spectacular views and gorgeous tropical flowers. The
rooms are nicely attired and while the garden rooms
($355-$370) are certainly good quality for guests, one
of the three different ocean suites is truly for the
honeymoon couple. On the resort grounds, it is only a
short walk to Poipu Beach, one of the best beaches in
Kauai where it is safe to swim and snorkel. Evening
entertainment starts here at 4 p.m. with their free mai
tai event and the resort's "Flavors of Island Music"
program which brings native songs and dance for the best
in island entertainment. The Point lounge is a must for
its drinks and views.
Best Aspects: location at Poipu Beach, professional
wedding planner, focus on providing guest service
excellence, beautiful tropical gardens, walks and pools,
good beach access, great lounge with views, ocean
suites, convenient to activities on South and West
Coasts.
Issues and Limitations: The Spa needs a treatment
itself, timeshare pressure by some, food ok, but could
be better.
Hanalei Bay Resort -- The Hanalei Resort grounds are
extensive and lush with tropical foliage. Views of both
the Pacific and the famous Bali Hai Mountain are
stunning with an atmosphere of beauty and serenity found
only on the North Shore. Outside garden weddings are
available with beautiful backgrounds for ceremonies and
receptions. Backup facilities are available for any rare
chance of inclement weather. Beach weddings are
available although challenging for larger groups due to
the steep paved pathway down to the beach. Brides to be
will find that the Hanalei Bay Resort can arrange most
anything for their wedding including but not limited to
professional photographers, florists, ministers and
clergy, videographers and entertainers.
Best Aspects: On-site special event coordinator with
comprehensive wedding services, location at Puu Poa
Beach with stunning views of Coast, excellence in guest
service focus; beautiful tropical gardens, waterfalls,
paths, pools, beach access, great tennis resort with 9
courts.
Issues and Limitations: Mobility impaired may have
difficulty; although staff driven courtesy vehicles are
available. Considerable walking is required since
grounds are extensive and on a hill going down to Puu
Poa Beach.
Honeymoones Review Guide launched the Choice Awards
Program in March with this first stop in Kauai, Hawaii.
The Hotels and Resorts have been reviewed and the
results are pending with an announcement expected
sometime in April |
