True luxury is not something that is accommodated as an after-thought when a void has been discovered, true luxury is providing for your every need before you even anticipate what your need or want is. The Four Seasons Hualalai located on the Kona Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii understands this concept.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a bevy of Bellman who personally addressed us by name, which I assume was information relayed to them by the guard at the front gate. I was immediately adorned with a beautiful flower lei and my husband with kukui beads.

Within a minute, a reception relations manager introduced himself and led us to a private seating area in the open-air lobby designed in a luxurious Polynesian style decor with rich woods, wicker weave furniture, authentic art work and stunning orchids scattered throughout. We were handed a cold towel and a refreshing island beverage as the relations manager reviewed our reservation paperwork and within no time, we were being escorted to our room.

Well, let me clarify that statement ~ if I were married to an ordinary man, we would have been on our way to the room, however…we (meaning my husband) had to see every room available in our category to be sure he was getting the best room. The staff was extremely patient and accommodating with him. So the reality is that it took some time to check into our room as we had to wait for the room he wanted. However, I humbly admit, it was worth the wait.

All the rooms at the resort are spacious and comfortable in square footage. Since we stayed for a week, we opted for the Ocean View room for our maximum viewing pleasure. The rooms, like the lobby, are designed with the Polynesian flavor and offer all the convenient amenities that we look for in this day and age.

I mentioned in my opening statement that a true luxury property anticipates your needs before you even realize what your needs are; as we were unpacking our 3 cell phones, iPad, laptop computer, camera battery chargers and more, we jokingly stated that the next time we travel, we should bring a strip cord with us to accommodate all our devices. Well, low and behold, what do you think we found tucked away in a drawer but a strip cord for our use. This is a simple accommodation but it puts a huge smile on my face to know that someone anticipated this need and it exemplifies the type of service that the Four Seasons brand provides.

Below, was the view from our room. I woke up early each morning, made a pot of coffee and sat on the balcony listening to the ocean waves crashing, the birds chirping and watching dolphins as they playfully swam by ~ it was quite a treat.

Old School Hawaiian Feel

One of the aspects that I love most about this resort is what I consider the “old school” Hawaiian charm that the resort evokes. There is lush vegetation throughout the property and the bungalow style accommodations feel more authentic than being in a high-rise hotel. The attention to detail in creating this oasis is what makes this resort stand out above the rest.

Unlimited Amenities

This resort is a village unto itself. Quite honestly there is no need to leave this property as it offers all the amenities you could want in a resort. Along with the white sand beach, there are numerous pools scattered throughout the property from extremely kid-friendly including a salt water pool stocked with local fish for snorkeling, all the way to the adult tranquility pool which is a no-cell phone and whispering zone with the convenience of a swim up bar…the latter was my preference.

There are three main restaurants on property along with several snack shacks and an adorable grocery store designed with the characteristics and details of an authentic store that you might find remotely on the island.

And don’t think for a moment that you will be bored, your activity choices include the likes of a world class spa, gym, outdoor yoga classes, golf course, tennis courts, a rock climbing wall, a kids program, outrigger canoe – paddle boards – diving or snorkeling rentals, along with a some high-end boutique shops and a cultural center to mention just a few of the attractions on the property.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, arrange for a romantic dinner on the beach.

We witnessed many amazing sunsets throughout the week.

And once the sun goes down, the resort takes on a whole new ambiance. The warm glow from the tiki torches, the twinkle lights in the trees and sound of the ukulele playing in the background cradles you into a fantasy world you never want to leave.

If you witness an upset patron at check out, it’s not because there is a mistake on their bill or they are unhappy with their experience, it’s because they are shouting “Don’t make me leave this paradise!”. It’s not a pretty sight, at least that’s what I was told upon my departure.

*sigh* You’ve stolen my heart Four Seasons Hualalai….until next time. *sniff*sniff*

For more information on this resort or to book your own stay in paradise, contact me at skedaddle61@gmail.com.