Love Notes

Hawaii's Top Spa : Mauna Lani Resort

Travelers seeking escape from the clamor of everyday life will revel in the Mauna Lani Resort's Spa. The serene oasis located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii was recenty voted #1 spa in Hawaii by Condé Nast Traveler magazine! For the ultimate in exotic treatments, newlyweds should try the Lava Love package. The private lava-themed treatments include the resort's sun-warmed outdoor Lava Sauna, naturally detoxifying Lava Flow body treatment and Lava Watsu pool experience. The open-air Lava Sauna made of 'ili'ili stones, pictured above, uses black clay from the earth to draw the impurities from the body. This uniquly Hawaiian spa experience is unparalleled. On top of the praise for their spa retreat, Mauna Lani is deemed one of the "World's Top Earth-Friendly Getaways." 

Honolulu Hot Spot

I've been hearing great things about the art and design resurgence in Honolulu's Chinatown district. I finally had a chance to peruse the area this week and the historical neighborhood truly offers a colorful and unique array of stylish restaurants, innovative cuisine and galleries on each block. Hotel Street in particular has really come alive with a handful of chic night spots lining the dimly lit street. The potential for private parties and personalized events is exciting! Thirty Nine Hotel is my top bar and lounge pick for a night out with your bridal party or an intimate dinner with wedding attendants. The indoor/outdoor space is clean and modern with an all-white interior space (even the bar is a crisp white lacquer). I especially like the feel of the open-air patio with exposed brick and tin rooftops all around. The owner says, "We offer an unpretentious and loving atmosphere for individuals in search of something different." Try their fresh Mojo Mojito, Thirty Nine Hotel's specialty drink!

Another note-worthy Chinatown spot is the charmingly intimate, Duc's French Bistro, on Maunakea Street. You can't miss the red neon roses that light the window front of the old brick building. If you're in town on the first Friday of the month, check out Chinatown's First Friday evening festival where galleries, museums and studios open their doors to the public for an artsy experience.    xo Shaunna 

Maui No Ka Oi: The Best!

The results are in and Maui is once again named the "golden child" of idyllic retreats. Having had the privilege of living here for 18 years, it doesn't surprise me. There is so much more to the island of Maui than the amazing white beaches and tropical allure—it is the people and their culture that make this place truly unforgettable. I could go on, but I will save that for another day!

Today is a day of congratulations to all the people who have made it possible for the prestigious media accolades. Each year Condé Nast Traveler publishes its "Gold List - World's Best Places To Stay" and the new list recently appeared in the January 2008 issue. Not surprisingly, Four Seasons Resorts Hawai`i claimed the top four spots in Hawai`i in this year's list. Led by Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, which was named the top-scoring property in the United States, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka`upulehu, Four Seasons Resort Lana`i, The Lodge at Koele and Four Seasons Resort Lana`i at Manele Bay followed as Hawai`i's top resorts (check out the new White Issue for our stunning feature on the Lana`i properties).

Maui also took the lead in Orbitz’s "Top 10 List of U.S. Winter Beach Destinations" (based on bookings from 2005-2008):

1. Maui, Hawaii (but, of course!)
2. Daytona Beach, Fla. (hmmm?)
3. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (another great selection!)
4. Key West, Fla.(beautiful and there is the Hemingway draw)
5. San Diego, Calif. (nice!)
6. Charleston, S.C.
7. Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Fla.
8. Sarasota, Fla.
9. Santa Monica, Calif.
10. Fort Myers, Fla.

I would add the islands of Kaua'i and O'ahu, as both have incredible white sand beaches and offer much more romantic surroundings than any of the Florida locations mentioned. We've visited many of the top spots for destination weddings, so please post your questions and we'll get back to you! Aloha~

[The image pictured above is The Lodge at Koele by Christiaan Phleger]

Hot Spots: A Destination Wedding in Fiji

According to recent studies, the destination wedding trend has grown over 400% in the past ten years. If you are considering tying the knot in a faraway place, we have the lowdown on all the hot spots in the Pacific, and one of my favorite destinations is the gorgeous Royal Davui in Fiji. This exclusive island retreat offers complete seclusion and arguably the most romantic honeymoon accommodations in the world. Did I mention the huge Jacuzzi spa? With the simple press of a button your roof opens to reveal a canopy of countless stars in the Fijian skies …sigh.

If you want to get away from it all, this is the place to disconnect from a hectic world. Your Vale (vah-le is the Fijian word for home), or villa, is just one of 16 nestled into the tropical cliffs—the resort is literally without neighbors on the tiny island. A mesmerizing view of the reef and lagoon from your private terrace is captivating. Spend the day lazing in your private plunge pool, there is one in each and every Vale.

I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the cuisine. The chefs at the Royal Davui prepare the most delicious fare you may experience in Fiji. Matched with an exceptional wine list, the meals— like everything else at the Royal Davui—are a perfect blend of traditional Fijian culture with modern luxury.

If you opted for a destination wedding or are in the planning stages now, please share your ideas or questions--we'd love your feedback!