Hana all-inclusive ... 'everything' is included

There are countless ways to spend a few days relaxing on Maui but one that I had never done before was to experience an 'all-inclusive' getaway.

It's a wonderful concept ... (for the most part) you just pay one price and 'everything' is included.

At the Travaasa Hana, the Total Travaasa package includes: accommodations at their spacious and comfortable Sea Ranch Cottage, all meals, snacks and non alcoholic beverages. Also included are your choice of any 60 minute treatment from the award-winning spa; all on-property activities such as Morning Yoga, Basic Hula, Art of the Cocktail and Throw Net Fishing Experience; and a selection of off-property activities such as a coastal horseback ride and stand up paddling.

Rates begin at $799, double occupancy (tax and service charge not included)
I tried to leave a gratuity or the housekeeper twice but he/she left a note saying that tips were not accepted.

For more information about the spa treatments, daily activities, dining options, Hana town and more hotel package and room options, visit www.travaasa.com/hana.

Here are photos of the resort that I took.

Meditation Pool

 Pathway to the Tennis Courts and Pool 

Fitness Room

Hawaiian Music and Dance in the Paniolo Lounge

Pupus at the Weekly Manager's Reception

Art of the Cocktail session

Throw Net Fishing lesson

'Half of the cottage ... missing are the dining/wet bar area, the huge bath and outdoor sitting area  

Sea Ranch Cottage complex

Last look from my porch.  You can't see it in this photo but Mauna Kea is visible in the distance.

As you can see, there are swimming pools, tennis courts and a fitness room. There is a meditation room, shops, lush grounds, carts that will pick you up at your cottage and take you to and from the main hotel building (Sea Ranch Cottages are located 'accross the street' from the resort) and more.

I thoroughly enjoyed my short visit. Hana is lush and serene, the 52-mile Hana Highway drive is very scenic (as everyone will tell you) and the Travaasa Hana resort staff genuinely friendly and helpful.

Photos of the drive to Hana and Hana Town to come ... stay tuned.

Keauhou Beach Resort to host the Third Annual Lavaman Keauhou Triathlon

The third annual Lavaman Keauhou Triathlon returns to Keauhou Beach Resort on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Keauhou Beach Resort is offering a special kamaaina rate starting from $109 per night, which includes a complimentary self-service breakfast buffet each morning, to event participants, their families and friends. In addition, the hotel is also offering room, car and free parking packages.  

This “Olympic Distance Triathlon” consists of a 1.5K swim in Keauhou Bay, 40K bike ride and capped off with a 10K run. Participants can choose to do the entire race or as two- and three-person relay teams. What’s touted as the “Best Party in Triathlon” will take place after the race with an awards ceremony and a barbeque on the resort’s Royal Garden lawn.

In addition to the fun for adults, the day before has something in store for the keiki as well. On Saturday, August 27, the Lava Kids Beach Dash, for ages 3-7, and the Lava Kids Aquathon, for ages 7-14, will take place along with a free triathlon training seminar and a sports and fitness expo for all participants.

With so many fun activities for the entire family, this event is a must for all triathletes. For more information about the event and registration, visit the event website at www.LavamanTriathlon.com. Registration is limited to the first 400 individuals and 25 relay teams.

For hotel reservations or information, call toll free 1-877-532-8468 or direct 1-808-324-2515, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am -3:00 pm, Hawaii Standard Time and ask for the LAVAMAN KEAUHOU room rate. 

Kamaaina special at Aqua Lotus Honolulu

Aqua Lotus Honolulu is offering Hawaii residents a ‘Kamaaina Special’ for stays August 1 through December 23, 2011.

Rate for the ‘Kamaaina Special” is $159 per night for a Diamond Head View room. When booking the special, kamaaina also receive a 50% discount on valet parking and WiFi Internet access is free.  

Aqua Lotus Honolulu is ideally situated adjacent to San Souci Beach along Waikiki’s “Gold Coast”.  It is the closest hotel to Diamond Head at just .5 miles away and within easy walking distance to major attractions and activities such as Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Kapiolani Park and Waikiki Shell.  Aqua Lotus Honolulu is also just minutes from world-class shopping and entertainment. 

Aqua Lotus Honolulu offers many amenities including:

·         Complimentary morning coffee service

·         Use of a selection of beach amenities

·         Concierge

·         Private lanai

·         Oversized desk

·         Wireless Internet access

·         I-Pod docking station

·         Mini-refrigerator

·         Electronic in-room safe

·         and more

Aqua Lotus Honolulu kamaaina special is based on availability and offered through December 23, 2011.  Valid driver’s license or ID with a Hawaii address is required upon check-in.  There is no minimum night requirement.  The special is valid for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer.

For reservations, see your preferred travel agent, book online or call Aqua at 808-924-6543

or toll free at 1-866-406-2782.

Aqua named to manage The Lotus at Diamond Head

Effective July 18, 2011, Aqua Hotels & Resorts (www.aquaresorts.com), assumes management of The Lotus at Diamond Head.  The hotel will be renamed Aqua Lotus Honolulu and become part of the Aqua Boutique Collection.

One of Waikiki’s first full-service boutique hotels, the Aqua Lotus Honolulu was previously marketed as the hip “W Honolulu”.  The hotel remains stylish with beautifully appointed Asian inspired furnishings and a relaxed ambiance.  

Planned refurbishment of the guest rooms and common areas will enhance the hotel’s elegant décor and vibe.  Another feature of the renovation is the refurbishment of the restaurant space and the re-opening of a contemporary new restaurant and lounge. Renovation work is scheduled to take place during the day when guests are out exploring and enjoying Oahu.

Hotel amenities include:

·         Onsite restaurant and lounge

·         Meeting & banquet facilities:  Seats 80 for dinner and 120 people for standing reception.  For smaller groups, the Penthouse Suite and Chef’s Table are also available.  Video conferencing and other technology can be arranged

·         WiFi in the lobby and rooms

·         Complimentary coffee service

·         Concierge

Guest room amenities include:

·         ADA compliant and non-smoking room availability

·         Private lanai

·         Oversized desk

·         Wireless Internet access

·         I-Pod docking station

·         Personalized climate control

·         Mini-refrigerator

·         Electronic in-room safe

·         and more

Aqua Lotus Honolulu is a 51-room boutique hotel offering fantastic views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.  Located at the east end of Waikiki, also known as the “Gold Coast” at 2885 Kalakaua Avenue, the hotel enjoys a tranquil and quiet setting along Waikiki’s main thoroughfare.  Aqua Lotus Honolulu enjoys a beachfront position and is in walking distance to the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and tennis courts.

For more info, visit www.aquaresorts.com

Photos of Kauai Beach Resort taken during a recent overnight

Recently, I spent Friday night at Kauai Beach Resort.  The location is great and the complimentary hotel / airport / hotel shuttle is very, very convenient and saved me a lot of time.

A storm system was moving through the islands and the weather was still iffy.  It was overcast on Friday and showered on Saturday morning ... but the skies cleared up by mid-morning. 

 Port cochere ... where the complimentary shuttle drops off and pickups up .

My room was great.  The bed was excellent and I got a good night's sleep .. it just reconfirms that I really need to buy myself a new mattress.

 The view from my balcony was of the great pool and Pacific Ocean beyond.

 Another view of the pool and how it wraps around.

Pool-side hatched huts ... for casual dining.

 View of building 4 and resort grounds.
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Shutters Lounge offers nightly entertainment, light dinner menu.

Naupaka Terrace serves breakfast and dinner ... had a chance to enjoy their Friday night Seafood Buffet ... yum.

Another view of the sprawling low-rise resort.  As you may know, buildings on Kauai cannot be taller than a coconut tree.

A family of chickens strolling through the resort.

 Pathway towards the Pacific.

Final view of the pool ... .this was taken at 8 am so no one was in the pool yet.

I took all of the photos (execept Naupaka Terrace) with my Sony Cybershot.  There are other areas of the resort that I did not take photos of ... including the Driftwood Bar & Grille, children's sand bottom pool,  75-ft waterslide, ballroom, fitness center and more.

Kauai Beach Resort is located at 4331 Kauai Beach Drive.  The resort offers 350 rooms and suites.  ADA rooms are also available.

For reservations, call toll free 888-805-3843.  For more information, visit www.kauaibeachresorthawaii.com.