Four Seasons Explorer is setting sail to one of the world’s last remaining frontiers beginning later this year. Hidden in a remote part of the mighty Pacific, discover Palau—home to more than 340 emerald islands, an astonishing spectrum of marine life, and a 4,000-year-old culture still sustained by the local knowledge of 20,000 traditionally minded people – the most vital element of the unique Palauan culture.

Four Seasons Explorer operates like a floating resort, offering daily embarkations and disembarkations, allowing up to 22 guests to explore as deeply—and for as long—as they wish. With the freedom to focus on personal areas of interest among Palau’s many bucket-list wonders, both underwater and on land, all adventures are entirely bespoke.

Referred to as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, with 193,000 square miles of protected marine territory, Palau offers bucket-list opportunities for divers and snorkelers. With only nine of the country’s 340 islands inhabited, opportunities for raw natural adventure abound, while deep cultural immersions range from insights into the rich Palauan dance tradition—awash with powerful chanting, storytelling and vibrant colors—to the intriguing exploration of WWII sites, symbolic bai meeting houses, and centuries of Spanish, German, Japanese and American influences.

Guests on the Four Seasons Explorer can also look forward to a variety of on-board experiences, from connecting with Palauan people, chefs and musicians to learning from expert marine biologists and indulging in wellness experiences with spa therapists and yogis.

Four Seasons Explorer will also be available for fully customizable private yacht charters in Palau for groups of up to 22—including dedicated charters for surf enthusiasts with the experts from Tropicsurf, from uncrowded “best-kept secret” breaks on the east and west coast reefs to adventurous “surfaris” off the country’s fringing islands during the winter months.

Four Seasons Explorer is a 128-foot luxury catamaran built by Image Marine of Perth, Australia. Its three decks accommodate 10 staterooms with king beds bathed in natural light from large windows, and the lavish Explorer Suite featuring an indoor dining area, walk-in wardrobe and private sundeck with panoramic views across the vessel’s bow. Complete with its own PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, recreation desk, restaurant, bar, lounge and library, Four Seasons Explorer features a dedicated team primed to create customized experiences, including a marine biologist, chefs and spa therapist plus dive, snorkeling, freediving and water sports experts.

“The core Palauan value of omengull—respecting all and everything—deeply aligns with our values at Four Seasons,” notes Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin. “Right from the Palauan Pledge that all visitors are asked to sign upon arrival, visitors are immersed in one of the world’s most unique cultures, founded on tradition and respect. It’s a thrilling paradise for anyone seeking harmony with nature, and the opportunity to learn and embrace the unique Palauan way of life.”

More Stories Like This:

Atlantic Islands, Norway’s Fjords See Surge in Cruise Popularity

Holland America Offers Immerse Cruises to Australia and the South Pacific Islands

Kimpton’s Latest Resort Will Push Roatán into the Tropical Spotlight

Caribbean’s First Kiteboarding Resort Takes Flight

The post Palau Opens Up To Luxury Cruisers on Four Seasons Explorer appeared first on Islands.

Three Holland America Line ships will tour the exotic locales and breathtaking scenery of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific in 2024–2025. From unspoiled islands to metropolitan towns, Westerdam will spend the season Down Under, while Koningsdam and Zaandam each offer a lengthier “Legendary Voyage” to the South Pacific and Hawaii. 

Itineraries up to 58 days include immersive excursions of South Pacific islands and a circumnavigation of Australia.

Westerdam will sail a westward South Pacific passage in October 2024, followed by the illustrious Australia Circumnavigation. From December 2024 through March 2025, the ship offers a series of 14-day departures roundtrip from Sydney, Australia, or between Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney. While Koningsdam’s “Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas” departs from San Diego, California, roundtrip in February 2025, Zaandam’s “Tales of the South Pacific” departs from Vancouver, Canada, to San Diego, California, or roundtrip San Diego, in September 2024.

“Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are iconically beautiful locations, but they have so much more to offer which is why they remain high on the bucket list of travelers who are looking to see the world with the ease of a cruise,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer. “The Australia Circumnavigation itinerary is the most in-depth immersion a cruiser can have of the continent, and many of our Legendary Voyages make it possible to visit distant destinations from a North American homeport. These cruises are among some of the most notable we offer.”

Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific Collectors’ Voyages, which range in length from 43 to 58 days, are ideal for intrepid travelers looking for a longer cruise experience. The voyages give passengers the best value each day because they mix consecutive, unique excursions.

Starting prices for cruises to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific in 2025 range from $2,449 to $10,999 per person, based on length. Taxes, fees and port expenditures are extra.

More Stories Like This:

Cape Cod Inn Named Best B&B in Nation

Mexico’s Mayakoba Undergoes Huge Renovation

Summer of Music Sailing Into Margaritaville Resorts

Sneak Peek at Sandals’ Newest Jamaican Resort

The post Holland America Offers Immerse Cruises to Australia and the South Pacific Islands appeared first on Islands.

When a billionaire developer named Takeshi Sekiguchi first set his sights on building a hotel along a deserted stretch of land on Maui’s southwestern coastline, his vision was met with a healthy dose of skepticism.

It was 1985 and, as the story goes, after an adjustment of international exchange rates meant a more favorable yen-to-dollar ratio, Japanese real estate tycoons began snapping up and developing hotels across the Hawaiian Islands. 

But Mr. Sekiguchi wanted to build more than just another hotel. His vision was to create an art- and nature-filled fantasyland capable of transporting anyone who crossed the threshold into the ballerina-pink, open-air foyer and into a world where art, grandiose gardens, and gushing waterfalls could coexist in perfect harmony.

“What he created was a 40-acre botanical garden that was enough for people to see and experience all of Hawaii over a four- or five-night stay,” Grand Wailea Maui‘s Head Landscaper Jim Heid told me on recent tour of the grounds. “It’s a family resort, and the mission was not just to make it an attractive place to stay, but to bring the island of Maui into the property as well.”

By the time the 776-room mega-resort finally opened as a Grand Hyatt Wailea in 1991, Mr. Sekiguchi spent an estimated $600 million on the project—over $1 billion today—in what was then reported as one of the most expensive hotel’s ever built in the U.S.

“Of the $600 million it took to create to create the property, $40 million went to his personal collection of treasured artwork,” Grand Wailea’s Cultural Programming Manager and Leadership Educator Kalei Uwēko’olani said, as we stood admiring one of the nine original bronze Fernando Botero statues just off the lobby. “There was no specific artistic direction when it came to picking the artwork, basically, if he liked it, he bought it.”

Along with a team of skilled architects, designers, and landscapers, ultimately, it was Mr. Sekiguchi’s cultural and spiritual advisors who were instrumental in helping bring his vision to life.

“What Mr. Sekiguchi and his advisors wanted to do was introduce the idea of Ku and Hina traditions, which is basically the Hawaiian version of yin and yang, and together they brought a sense of harmony and balance to the property,” Uwēko’olani explained. “They intentionally designed every inch of the hotel to represent both the male and female energy, and everything was coordinated to bring that sense of harmony and balance ever since.”

After changing hands and hotel brands a few times over the years, the property was finally converted to Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in 2006; however, Mr. Sekiguchi’s vision has persevered thanks in large part to a dedicated team of stewards like Uwēko’olani and Heid who continue to share the hotel’s fascinating history with guests via their free cultural and garden tours.

Growing up in Southern California, my introduction to the Grand Wailea was through my parents, who planned a family vacation here circa 1992 after my mom read an article calling it one of “best hotels in the world” that year. Beloved by families ever since thanks to the sprawling activity pool replete with a lazy river, waterslides, and even the world’s first and only water elevator, the real draw, my mother told me on our recent visit, was the promise of the fantasy that Mr. Sekiguchi had set out to create, that in her words were like “nothing she’d ever seen before.”

On a recent stay at Grand Wailea this past January, we found a hotel that has now entered the second phase of the largest renovation in its 30-year history. From updated dining outlets, an exclusive club level tower, and soon-to-come exceptional spa concept, here’s what you need to know before booking your next visit.

Something New in the Napua Tower

While the hotel is undergoing renovations across many of the rooms and suites this year, the highly desirable Chapel and Lagoon Wings are already completed, with the Wailea and Molokini Wings not far behind. Still, the experience remains flawless. 

One of the biggest changes thus far is the opening of Napua Tower, which debuted in June. These club level rooms and suites are more modern, and guests have access to a private concierge along with daily tasting and happy hours are the exclusive to Napua Lounge guests.

While we didn’t get to stay in Napua Tower on this visit, I did get a chance to check it out on a tour of the hotel, and the rooms are downright beautiful. Just be prepared to pay up for the additional amenities that come with the club level access if you stay here.

The Gardens and Grounds Still Steal the Show 

My mom and I signed up for both the free garden tour with head landscaper Jim Heid and an amazing cultural tour with Kalei Uwēko’olani, and while I was admittedly a bit reluctant to wake up at 8 am on vacation to take a landscaping tour, it ended up being one of the more entertaining mornings on our trip. 

Heid has been with the property since 2008, and it was clear off the bat that he’s extremely passionate about what he does. As he walked us through the gardens, which are home to more than 600 species of plants, my mom continued pepper him with questions about how and what she could plant that would thrive in her Southern California garden.

We soon learned that the grounds were largely inspired by Mr. Sekiguchi’s native Japan. A symbol of longevity and serenity in Japanese culture, rocks were not only flown in from around the base of Mt. Fuji, but prior to shipping them over, Mr. Sekiguchi had them photographed and meticulously placed to mirror the exact replica of what they looked like on the mountain—if that’s not attention to detail I don’t know what is. 

As we walked the grounds and sampled fresh pineapple plucked straight from the garden, sucked on sugar cane, and nibbled on starfruit, I had newfound appreciation for the work that continued to go in to this beautiful resort, and if you have even the slightest green thumb in you, take this tour. I’m sure you’ll come to appreciate it more, too.

Wellness will Play a Bigger Role

One of the biggest renovation overhauls happening on property right now is to the hotel’s spa, which will reopen as a new concept in a 50,000-sq. ft. space next year. This new “wellness sanctuary” will offer “elevated experiences that reflect a deep reverence for the island’s nature and authentic healing practices steeped in the soul and spirit of Maui.”

In the meantime, a temporary spa has been established in the hotel’s Lagoon Wing and continues to offer all the spa services and massages you could hope for. I had an exceptional Hawaiian LomiLomi massage with an angel of a masseuse named Laurie, and not that she needed it, but my mom loved her age-defying facial which left her skin looking brighter and better than ever.

New and Improved Dining

There are also new dining outlets on property, starting with Botero Lounge in the open-air atrium at the center of the hotel. The lounge’s namesake comes for the nine bronze Fernando Botero statues, all of which have lived on property from the beginning and are part of Mr. Sekiguchi’s private collection. 

With nightly live music and a menu that’s brimming with fresh sushi and specialty cocktails, Botero is easily the most exciting place to post up and people-watch after the sun goes down. 

In Hawaiian, ‘Ikena means view, and this gorgeous indoor-outdoor venue lives up to the name. With views over the Pacific, the buffet and a la carte options are a delight—whatever you do don’t miss the Maui Honey Fried Chicken and Waffles and purple uala latte for some real local flavor.

There’s also a new fast casual market on property called Loulu, which is the all-day cafe serving up everything from delicious breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls, and coffee to pizzas and salads. 

HumuHumu, and Why You Should Request Table 70

By far the best meal we had during our stay was at Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. Better known as HumuHumu, this Hawaiian fusion fine dining restaurant has been mainstay at Grand Wailea for almost 30 years. While not a bad seat in the house, word to the wise, Table 70 is one of the most coveted spots in town, and perfect for groups or special occasions. When it’s not reserved in advance (and if you ask nicely) it’s worth waiting for, especially at sunset. 

Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa has been a fixture here since the hotel first opened and is beloved by guests who come year after year to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Renovations are starting this spring at Humu, so make sure you check with the hotel before booking so you can plan your visit accordingly.

A Living Legend 

When all is said and done, Grand Wailea will always hold a special place in my family’s heart.

In a way, I’ve grown up with this hotel, and we’ve seen each other through various life stages over the last 30-years. Even with the current multi-year, multi-phase renovations, the vision and the magic that Takeshi Sekiguchi first set out to create are still alive and thriving, and I for one, can’t wait to see what the future holds on my next visit.

The post History is in the Making at the Iconic Grand Wailea Maui appeared first on Islands.

Almost any slice of Oahu that comes available for purchase is one worth crowing about, as the real estate options on the most populated island in the Hawaiian Islands are always slim. 

But the magnificent home at 380 Lama Place occupies a stratosphere all its own in a destination already known for being otherworldly. On the market for the cool sum of $14.8 million, the listing by Hawaii Life takes design sense to new heights and stands out from anything else currently on the market on Oahu. 

The private compound has an idyllic position in the beach town of Lanikai, looking directly out on the surrounding ocean and Mokuleia Islands. And renowned Honolulu architect James McPeak is behind its intuitive layout. 

Renowned Los Angeles designer César Giraldo Design is responsible for the home’s exceptional interior aesthetics and the firm’s philosophy was simple: “Create a bespoke architectural gem that evokes form and function, emotion and exclusivity.” The overall design was informed by the surrounding landscapes’ rich and vibrant colors, with a focus on maximizing the spectacular ocean and island views. 

The home is all about blurring the borders between island views and sublime and relaxing interior spaces, giving a real indoor/outdoor feeling from nearly every vantage point while maintaining timeless craftsmanship. 

Set on more than 13,000 sq. ft. of beautiful land, this four-bedroom home boasts 4,450 sq. ft. of living space that will be ideal for entertaining friends and family, be it for annual vacations or the everyday elation of living in paradise.

Among the many lifestyle amenities the new owner(s), whomever those lucky ones might be, can look forward to here are the covered private rooftop bar, an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a Tesla power wall, and climate controlled wine cellar. 

The home is even fitted with a commercial elevator in case residents are in a hurry to move from one spectacular level to the next to enjoy every possible angle of these epic views.

The post A Rare Oahu Dream Home Awaits its New Family appeared first on Islands.

You’ve seen the pictures, you’ve dreamed the dream and now you’re ready to book a trip and stay in an overwater bungalow. To help you get the most out of your bucket-list trip, we’re sharing our top know-before-you-go tips about what it’s like to stay in an overwater bungalow.

1. Ia orana loosely translated means good morning, good afternoon, good day, or hello. Maururu means thank you. English is widely spoken on the Islands of Tahiti, but the locals love when guests give basic Tahitian words a try.
2. In 1967 the original overwater bungalows cost $34 per night and included meals. Today, room only rates start around $600 per night, depending on the time of year, but take your time looking because there are always great deals available.
3. There are no true all-inclusive overwater bungalows in the Islands of Tahiti, but some resorts offer half board (breakfast and dinner) packages that can help you manage your costs.
4. Overwater bungalows are typically located on long piers that stretch away from the island and they’re usually very close together. Bungalows are not totally soundproof, so you may hear honeymooners, um, honeymooning. Be sure to pack a nice set of headphones.
5. Bungalows also look alike, especially at night when you’ve had a cocktail or two, or when you’re swimming back to the ladder on your porch. To make sure you’re going into the right bungalow, leave a brightly colored towel or shirt on your deck so your room is easy to locate.
6. Yes, you can walk or stand on the glass windows built into the floor. They’re made to withstand the weight of an average adult male.
7. Splurge on breakfast delivery by outrigger. It will cost a pretty penny, but the moment a staffer in traditional Tahitian garb paddles up to your deck and sets out a perfect morning feast, you’ll realize it’s worth every cent.
8. Air Tahiti offers multi-island flight passes that allow you to affordably island hop. Compare the bungalows on Moorea and Bora Bora to those on Taha’a and Rangiroa.
9. Ten nights is the average stay for travelers from North America, with about half of those nights spent in bungalows. The majority stays on Bora Bora, with shorter stays on Moorea and Tahiti. With flight times of around 16 hours from New York and eight hours from Los Angeles, a week just doesn’t feel long enough. And, let’s be honest, you’ll never want to leave.
10. Each of the Islands of Tahiti has its own unique vibe. Lush Huahine, the endless lagoon of Rangiroa, and the vanilla island of Tahaa are all magical in their own right, and often overlooked in favor of Bora Bora and Moorea. Visit multiple islands during your trip to see their distinct character or plan a return trip to experience different islands.

The post 10 Things to Know About Overwater Bungalows appeared first on Islands.

Afloat in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriqui is Isla Palenque, a 400-acre, all-inclusive private-island resort that promises visitors a back-to-nature break from everyday stress. Here are five reasons you should consider adding it to your list this winter.

It isn’t easy to get to

This sounds counterintuitive but bear with me. Because sometimes, when you really need to get away, a two-hour non-stop flight just isn’t enough distance from the real world to totally detach and relax. 

From the U.S. East Coast, it takes a lot more effort to reach this vacation nirvana. Coming from Miami, I took a three-hour Copa Airlines flight into Panama City (where I chose to overnight, but you don’t have to) and then an hour-long flight to the city of David. From there it was another hour’s drive to Boca Chica, on the gulf of Chiriqui, where we boarded Isla Palenque’s launch for the 15-minute ride to the resort.

But trust me when I tell you that the moment I stepped onto the pier (where a retinue of the island’s staff were waiting to meet us); took in the sight of spindly palm trees sprouting from the black-sand beach; and then a hearty swig of a fruity welcome cocktail, the hours it took to get there were forgotten. Not only did I instantly feel as if I was a world away from the realities of my day-to-day, I took comfort in the fact that I really was!

You’ll have your own casita

Tucked into the tropical greenery that borders Isla Palenque’s beach are eight thatch-roofed, a-frame villas, each named for authors who wrote books about islands, and one of which you’ll call your own. Simply yet comfortably appointed (with low-slung wood furniture handmade on property) and blissfully air-conditioned, these are the digs Robinson Crusoe would have built if he had better tools and supplies. 

For me, the highlight was the outdoor bathroom (bathing al fresco is my jam) with two showers; double sinks; and, in the garden, a cast-iron soaking tub. I’ve no problem with answering the call of nature in … well … nature. But if flashlight-lit nighttime bathroom runs aren’t your thing, better stop drinking early in the evening, because the toilet’s outside, too.

You’ll get a window on wildlife

If, like me, your experience with wildlife is mostly limited to watching it on TV, you’re in for a treat. Secreted within Palenque’s tropical forest are all manner of animals and birds that screech and hoot in the night, and the waters surrounding the island teem with marine species. Catfish, snook, jack and roosterfish are plentiful, and you’re practically guaranteed to come back from a fishing trip with a decent haul. 

From August through October, humpback whales and their calves can be spotted about a 30-minute boat ride from the resort, and guests with eagle eyes (and a good measure of luck) will see them breeching during private or group whale watching tours. (Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, too). 

On land, armadillos, anteaters, and raccoons shuffle about in the undergrowth beyond the resort (which occupies only a tiny part of the island). And you can get up close and personal with them on (included) hikes led by Isla Palenque’s experience coordinator, José Chavarria. But it was the howler monkeys that caught my attention quickest. 

You hear them most in the early morning and evening, barking loudly and insistently like disgruntled dogs on your doorstep, although they may be as far as three miles away. The primates sound huge but, if you manage to see one, you realize that they’re actually quite small—about the size of cat—with big personalities and even bigger vocal cords. Brings earplugs or prepare to wake up early!

The food is superb

I expected fresh fruit and fish, of course. But on an island this isolated from the mainland, I certainly didn’t expect the variety I enjoyed on my four-day trip. The island’s chefs—all local talents—wowed us with Panamanian dishes that were inventively prepared and beautifully presented, taking advantage of the bounty from the resort’s own kitchen garden and micro farm. 

From “Palenque Benedict” (poached eggs with homemade jerky and sofrito hollandaise on tortillas) to chilled beetroot soup with yogurt foam and orange zest to seafood rice with sofrito, cream and gouda cheese, every meal was a delight. Gluten-free and vegetarian options were plentiful and desserts irresistible. I devoured my weight in soursop sorbet and don’t feel even a tiny bit guilty.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword

At Isla Palenque, they walk the talk when it comes to sustainability, and the resort is remarkably self-sufficient. On the culinary front, 95 percent of the F&B is either farmed on grown on property (tours of the garden are welcome), the only exceptions being olive oil, wine, and scotch. Toiletries are locally made, and straws are fashioned from the hollow stems of papaya plants, also grown at the resort. 

The staff of 40 people is 99 percent Panamanian, many of them from the local area. And the roster of included activities—from jewelry making to rum tasting and Panamanian cooking to guided hikes that reveal relics from more than 2,000 years ago-–acknowledge and celebrate the country’s unique culture and traditions. 

The result: A vacation at Isla Palenque is one you can feel good about, because while you’re enjoying your stay, the community is reaping tangible benefits from it, too.

The post Five Reasons to Make Isla Palenque Your Next Private Island Getaway appeared first on Islands.

Raise your hand if you want to live in Hawaii. Okay, so we all agree. 

Vacations here just aren’t enough. Having visited the island state four times, with each successive excursion being a little bit better than the prior one, the vacation bar is now raised so high that only lengthening visits can upstage the last one. Each new island discovered has been my favorite island ever visited… until I visited Lanai and knew I’d never like another place more. 

In fact, I knew, after just one day, that this was “my Hawaii”—the real Hawaii as I’d recall it—and the Hawaii I wanted my kids to experience as soon as I could get them to Aloha Land.

There is, however, a risk in that strategy. If you visit Heaven on Earth first, it’s hard for any other island—or anywhere else on the planet—to compare favorably. They’ll want every family vacation to be on Lanai and, well, there isn’t a silver spoon in our house, if you know what I mean. 

“We’re going to be letting them down on vacations for the rest of our lives,” I half-joked with my wife. “Maybe so,” she acknowledged. “But at least they’ll always have Lanai. And they’ll always remember that we took them there.”

True. It was well worth the second mortgage.

I’ve made it sound like we’ve done it all now, but even after two sensational visits to Lanai, I know all too well that I’ve still only scratched the surface of the discovery of this small (but bigger than you think) island.

For over a decade now I’ve deliberately avoided the clichéd travel journalist stance of calling every destination “one of my favorite places.” That description, while host-appeasing, is so vague, allowing for an ambiguous ranking of a place anywhere from a Top 10 to even just a Top 1,000. Lanai leapfrogs all the platitudes straight to a beatitude in my book, as I’ve unabashedly proclaimed on every existing media channel that it is “my favorite family golf resort in America.”

Expansive as that designation might be in title, it’s still extremely restrictive, and it would be a massive disservice not to elaborate on the supreme blessedness of Lanai.

Favorite Family Golf Resort

Compared to what exactly? Compared to 148 golf resorts across Hawaii and 48 other states that I’ve visited—still haven’t been to Alaska. Compared course to course, lodging to lodging, and amenity to amenity. Four Seasons Resort Lanai is home to not just one of the greatest golf courses designed by one of the two greatest ever golfers, but arguably one of the ten most scenic golf courses in America. 

Featuring ocean views on every hole, including three knee-knocking cliffside beauties over Hulopo’e Bay that have been plastered across many a golf publication’s pages, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Manele is astonishing—and that’s still understating it.

What if I prefer desert golf to ocean golf? Well, you’re crazy, but this IS a desert course, too. Okay … well then what if I prefer mountain golf? Funny you should ask. You’re a little less crazy, but this is also a mountain course built on lava outcroppings, so…

What if I’m a blind golfer? You’re reaching, but (allowing for that possibility) Manele still delivers hole after marvelous hole with not just the sounds of the ocean and the colorful vocals of local birds, but the utter lack of civilization sounds. There’s minimal noise “pollution” on Lanai, with few houses and fewer cars, and a round of golf at Manele is a multi-sensory experience in each and every positive way, especially when you include lunch at VIEWS.

So, literally any golfer would find something enchanting at Manele? Yes. Eighteen holes at Manele Golf Club is affectively powerful enough to render any golfer—deaf, blind, or otherwise—speechless.

So Much More than Golf

No offense intended to Jack Nicklaus, or to the incredible golf playground he built at Manele (especially that insane par 3 12^th hole), but the greatness of a Lanai vacation is even more immeasurable off the course. By sea, air or land, singles, couples, and families alike will discover an island rich in memorable experiences and ever so eager to share that wealth.

While I’ve always stayed at the oceanside Four Seasons, there are actually two of the brand’s properties on the 90,000-acre island, each with its own array of amenities. Sensei, in the mountains outside Lanai City, is an adults-only palace focused on serenity and wellness, with its own natural jaw-dropping panoramas, incredible dining at Sensei by Nobu, luxurious spa and fun activities (like ziplining and the 70-obstacle Challenge Course at Lanai Adventure Park) to please one and all.

While in or around Lanai City—only a 30-minute shuttle ride from the oceanside Four Seasons—I’d strongly recommend exploring some of the local dining establishments. Both the Lanai City Bar & Grill and the Blue Ginger Café offer exceptional food, but Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim Cuisine—a fancy name for a most casual and tasty cultural culinary experience—covered every age and interest in our family with Korean BBQ Chicken and Kalbi Short Ribs, huge plates of shrimp and desserts like Oreo Fried Ice Cream and a flavorful delicacy called Halo Halo. 

My wallet says we tried everything on the menu. My kids wished we’d have gone back for seconds.

Back to the Beach

I’d seen the beach adjacent the Four Seasons Lanai Resort ranked in magazines as America’s Best Public Beach and always considered such designations a red flag for “crowded.” Not so with this beach. Public access as it may be, one thing you need to know about Lanai is that it’s a “detour island.” Very few people fly directly from anywhere to Lanai. 

While the Four Seasons resorts generously include roundtrip transportation from Oahu on Lanai Air in all their packages (at least through September of 2023), most people do go to Oahu first or to Maui (as we did) and take the 50-minute ferry ride over hoping to see whales (as we did). All of that to say that there are no crowds anywhere on Lanai—not even on America’s best public beach. The water there is far more crowded than the beach, though those crowds comprise of fish and sea turtles.

Hulopo’e Bay is a protected marine preserve, with snorkeling spots considered among the very best in all the islands. The coral reefs are alive and teeming with tropical fish, green sea turtles, and (on occasion) spinner dolphins. Ask any or all of my four kids their highlights from our eight-day, three-island Hawaiian vacation and they’ll all say the same things: surfing, sunset sailing, and snorkeling in Hulopo’e Bay.

A short stroll up a sandy, Hibiscus- and Bougainvillea-lined path leads you to the cliffside resort property. There you’ll pass a collection of lagoon and grotto pools and spas with cascading waterfalls and climb stairs to an open-aired lobby where you’ll be sensory slapped with all sorts of sights, sounds, and smells. 

With each restaurant sourced by local farmers and fishermen and all offering panoramic ocean views, options include Nobu Lanai, where Chef Matsuhisa is an absolute showoff (to this day the best meal I’ve ever had on vacation), the A-List-celebrity fave and poolside Malibu Farm, and then One Forty, where most people gather for breakfast and dinner. My youngest (10) fell in love with chocolate croissants there (the host remembered us the entire stay as “The Croissant Family”), and the six of us had the most innovative and unique Thanksgiving dinner, with turkey, dressing, a seafood tower, and an artistic, thematic, and tasty dessert to cap it all off—a literal pumpkin pie, that you have to see to believe. 

They offer in-room dining at the resort, a convenient and most comfortable treat to be sure, but I always find it hard to eat in my room in Hawaii, when the oceanic sunrise and sunset views knock the socks off four walls and a TV screen any and every day. That said, every minute you spend in your room is a luxurious one. Each bathroom is built like a private spa, the beds so plush, and the balconies (literal Lanai’s) an add-on oasis regardless of view. 

Our lodging experience at Lanai was a unique one this visit. We went to bed the first night without an ocean view—our scenery the Koi ponds and waterfalls below—only to awaken the next morning with four fewer trees out our window (thanks to insane winds) and the ocean visible in every direction. “They’re going to have to modify the room description now,” I joked with my son. “Probably the rate, too,” he added.

True.

Walking back and forth to your room you’ll pass a collection of bird cages with an assortment of chatty wild birds in them. If you’re lucky, caretaker Bruno Amby will be there and might even let you hold them. My youngest daughter was fascinated with Hau’oli—the cockatoo—and my son with Lulu—a green parrot he loved to bicker with. I spent nearly an hour whistling at and talking to the African Grey Parrot (I used to have a couple of them when I lived in West Africa).

The entire eco-friendly experience at Four Seasons Lanai is about respect, preservation, and appreciation of nature, from the birds to the botanical gardens, the hydration stations with FloWater (and the complimentary Yeti thermoses for guests), the Hawanawana Spa, and even the two-story domed Observatory—that takes total advantage of the idyllic low light pollution. It’s impossible not to fall in love with what feels like natural “real” Hawaii, here. I know they must have TVs here, but we never touched or looked for a remote. No matter what might have been happening anywhere else in the world, I didn’t care to have a thought in my mind—even for a moment—be anywhere but there.

It’s so easy to build your own adventure at Four Seasons Lanai. I’m typically all about the golf, but those four to five hours take up daylight that could also be spent on the beach, in the pools, snorkeling, sailing (incredible Sunset Sail), SCUBA diving, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, at the archery or shooting range, doing yoga, playing tennis, at the spa, 4×4 off-roading, biking, on a helicopter tour, or otherwise exploring the island. 

We wanted to do it all, of course, and our days were packed there—as much as we wanted them to be—but we still each wished we had another two to three days for further discovery.

The best part about traveling is finding places like Lanai—where you’re wowed by its mere and pure existence—with the icing on the cake being able to take friends and family there. The worst part is having to leave such places and wondering whether you’ll ever make it back. There may be so many other magical places on earth yet to discover—that may be true. But I’m certain it’s safe to say—at least for the six of us—that if we had to pick one place we’ve been that we wish we could forever stay, we’d all agree on Lanai.

The post Lanai Might be Small, but It Always Leaves a Big Impression appeared first on Islands.

The warm waters that fringe the fabled islands in the South Pacific offer some of the best visibility on the planet, and the reefs are a treasure trove of charismatic creatures waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. This is where you can swim beside dolphins, whales, or sharks, giving your bucket list a few major checks.

Plus, these islands offer white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and villages to explore between underwater expeditions. Below are five top places to snorkel to see the South Pacific’s most impressive marine wildlife.

Moorea, French Polynesia

Dive with dolphins, stingrays, and blacktip reef sharks in the sandy lagoon encircling Moorea, a laid-back, mountain-clad island just 10 miles from Tahiti. Try your luck at finding the animals yourself by snorkeling in waist-deep water over a sandbar on the northwest tip of the island, or book an encounter at the Moorea Dolphin Center where you’re guaranteed 15 minutes of hands-on interaction with these playful mammals.

How to get there: Take a quick flight via Air Tahiti, or a 30- to 60-minute ferry ride from Papeete.

Vavau, Tonga

Tonga’s Vavau island group is one of the best places in the world to swim with humpback whales. Females migrate north to the warm waters of the South Pacific each June to give birth, hanging out in the shallows with their newborns through October. Tour operators like Encounters Travel offer eco-friendly, intimate whale encounters, and mamas will often nudge their babies up to play alongside the visiting humans, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dance with a whale.

How to get there: Take a direct flight from Nadi, Fiji, via Fiji Airways.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Glide next to manta rays as they weave through Bora Bora‘s famous blue-green lagoon. With a wingspan reaching up to 23 feet, the resident mantas look like giant birds as glide through the water. Snorkelers can watch them scoop up zooplankton with their wide-open mouths, or see them hovering at a coral reef “cleaning station,” where fish pick parasites off their black-and-white skin. Schools of spotted-eagle rays, stingrays, and blacktip reef sharks are also common sights.

How to get there: Take a 45-minute flight via Air Tahiti from Papeete.

Niue

Not only is it one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world, the tiny island-nation of Niue is also the only place where you can swim with the katuali, a sea snake that grows up to three feet long. Its tiny mouth makes it harmless to humans (children wear them as necklaces on Niue’s beaches), but this snake is one of the most venomous creatures on the planet. Watch the beautiful striped snakes stream through clear water as they dive down to the reef to feed, then resurface to breathe. The best place to snorkel with katuali is in Snake Gully near Avatele Beach.

First-time visitors should book a discovery tour to experience the most of this special destination.

How to get there: Air New Zealand offers twice-weekly three-hour flights from Auckland.

Fakarava, French Polynesia

Drift over hundreds of blacktip reef sharks as you ride the current through Fakarava‘s lagoon. This atoll’s south pass is nicknamed the “Shark Wall,” and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to up the ante on your encounter with sharp-toothed predators, visit on the June solstice when Fakarava’s pass turns into a full-on feeding frenzy. Tens of thousands of grouper spawn in the shallows, drawing in large oceanic sharks and schools of big fish, all of which are clear as day in the gorgeous tropical water.

How to get there: Air Tahiti offers 75-minute flights from Papeete.

The post 5 of the Best Places to Snorkel in the South Pacific appeared first on Islands.

When it comes to planning the perfect family vacation in Costa Rica, the only problem is never having enough time to experience everything this Central American paradise has to offer. Fortunately, the best family-friendly resorts offer tours and packages that deliver the many thrills of Costa Rica in a way that fits your schedule and budget. Most will even design a custom package that caters to everyone in your family, so adults and children will be pleased.

From beautiful beaches to the lush forests of Costa Rica’s many national parks, there are myriad places to visit, each offering a variety of activities and adventures for people of all ages. The biggest challenge in getting the most out of your Costa Rica family vacation? Knowing where to begin.

Make a Beach Checklist

The question isn’t “Which beach should we visit?” It’s “How many beaches can we visit before our vacation is over?” Costa Rica has beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts that are perfect for everything from rest and relaxation to catching waves or watching professional surfers.

One of the most popular beaches is Tamarindo in Guanacaste on the Pacific side, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine or schedule a beginner surf lesson from one of the many local shops, like Iguana Surf. Not far from Tamarindo is Playa Grande, which is well-known for its great surfing, as well as nesting leatherback turtles. Jaco Beach, Flamingo Beach, and Conchal are also great options in the Guanacaste region.

Located in the Limón province on the Caribbean coast, Playa Bonita is the region’s most popular beach for travelers looking to drop their towels and get some sun. Further south, Playa Blanca is tucked away in Cahuita National Park, where guided tours take guests up close to the coral reef. Underwater enthusiasts can also swim out to the reef located near Punta Uva, but if you’re heading that far south it’s worth it stop at Playas Cocles and Cahuita along the way.

Visit the Islands

Costa Rica, as we learned in world geography, is not an island. However, the country is home to a number of uninhabited or scarcely inhabited islands that make for great day trips. Isla Tortuga is a perfect place to begin any family vacation, as companies like Zuma Tours offer boat trips from various locations, like Mal Pais and Tambor, that take guests down the coast to spot dolphins and whales, before arriving on the island for a day of snorkeling and exploring. The waters surrounding Tortuga are home to angelfish, morays, needlefish and more.

In addition to everything Tamarindo’s beaches offer, visitors can hire a guide for a kayak trip to and around Isla Capitán, which is also a popular spot for snorkeling. Divers can book day tours of Isla del Caño’s coral reefs and marine life.

Tours and adventures are also waiting to be experienced on Isla del Coco, Damas Island, Chira Island, and more.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Costa Rica has no shortage of great snorkeling, and the aforementioned beaches and islands are just the beginning, with spots like Manzanillo Beach and Playa Chiquita also offering unique underwater views.

Head to Ballena Island Marine Park on the Pacific coast for the ultimate combo trip that starts with whale-watching and a visit to the caverns of Ventanas Beach, and ends with snorkeling and observing the park’s vast array of marine life.

Or, more experienced divers can experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with bull sharks by heading to the Bat Islands, where Rocket Frog Divers will take them into the “Big Scare,” where Pacific giant mantas also await them.

Hang Ten

Costa Rica has become one of the best destinations for surfers in the world because of the beaches and perfect waves, but it also helped that certain spots were featured in the 1994 film The Endless Summer II. Ollie’s Point and Tamarindo are iconic locations worthy of a Facebook check-in just for their cinematic legacy, and visitors should check out Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, which offers instructional packages for all levels and occasionally welcomes Endless Summer star Robert August as a guest. The camp even has a hotel for the most dedicated students.

On Playa Grande, head to Frijoles Locos Surf Shop for surf lessons and board rentals. Another popular location is Playa Hermosa, located just south of Jaco, and Playa Avellana in Guanacaste is also a good alternative beach for beginner and intermediate surfers. Or, for anyone who wants surfing to be the alpha and omega of any getaway, book a stay at Kalon Surf, Costa Rica’s all-inclusive surf resort.

Visit a National Park

With 28 national parks, Costa Rica is way more than a destination for beach bums and surfer dudes. There’s no better way to work off a few trips to the breakfast buffet than by hiking the trails of the country’s lush forests, and there are so many tours ready to deliver the best of these parks, their wildlife, waterfalls and more.

Manuel Antonio National Park features two beaches–Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur Beaches–that require shoes to reach. Start with a guided hiking tour or take to horseback and visit the park’s waterfalls. The Titi Canopy Tour invites families with children ages four and older to experience Manuel Antonio from above, with a new double cable zip line that is good for racing to the bottom.

On the Osa peninsula, Corcovado National Park is the home to a vast array of wildlife, including scarlet macaws, squirrel monkeys and jaguars. The aptly named Jaguar Corcovado Tours offers families a “Lioness” day tour that keeps things simple yet rewarding, as the journey ends with a dip in a creek known as La Hedionda.

A trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest begins with a guided sky walk over suspension bridges as long as 984 feet. From there, the adventures are plentiful, with guided canopy tours, visits to coffee and chocolate farms and even a snake tour for people who aren’t scared of the reptiles and amphibians that call Cloud Forest home.

Head to the beach in Tortuguero National Park to view the green sea turtles, leatherbacks and hawksbill turtles that nest here. Night guides are even available to watch the turtles crawl across the sand and dig their nests.

The Ultimate Water Slide

For fearless thrill seekers, the Buena Vista Lodge is a destination even if you’re not staying there. Located near Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the hotel offers several adventure tours that include an extreme zip line and Tarzan swing.

But people travel to this area for another reason: The Jungle Water Slide. At 425 meters, this is not your typical water slide, which is why guests are given a helmet and tube. Hop in at your own risk and bring a GoPro.

A View from a Volcano

Arenal Volcano National Park is a trip within a trip, offering everything from birdwatching (approximately 850 species can be spotted) to rafting on the Balsa River. The 4-in-1 tours allow guests to take in as much as possible in a day’s time, with most of the tours ending at the park’s various hot springs.

Get an up-close view of the Irazu Volcano National Park’s craters and bright green lagoons on a half-day journey that begins with a bus ride on the road to the top of the volcano. A fun game can be made of spotting the area’s two bird species–the Volcano Junco and the Volcano Hummingbird.

Tenorio Volcano National Park is Costa Rica’s youngest, but it still offers as much as any of the other parks. A can’t-miss tour features a journey along the Rio Celeste that results with a visit to a hidden waterfall.

Gone Fishing

As if everything offered on land isn’t enough, Costa Rica also offers adventures at sea, especially off the Pacific coast. Costa Rica Sport Fishing Tours provides the opportunity to catch rooster fish, wahoo, Spanish mackerel and so much more, with six locations available for fulfilling every fisherman’s wildest dreams.

The post How to Plan an Incredible Family Vacation to Costa Rica appeared first on Islands.

When it comes to planning a trip to Fiji, it is borderline impossible to experience boredom. In fact, the only problem a person might encounter is not having enough time to do everything on the wish list. However, even if time is at a premium, there is one thing that everyone should try to do when visiting this spectacular destination: spend a day at Cloud 9 Fiji.

This floating restaurant off the coast of Viti Levu is arguably the coolest base from which travelers can snorkel, swim, and sunbathe, all while sipping creative cocktails and eating amazing wood-fired pizza. And even if all you want is a morning and afternoon spent resting and relaxing, this is undoubtedly the place to do it.

Don’t believe us? Cloud 9’s perks speak for themselves.

It’s basically a private island

Cloud 9 is a two-level floating platform just a 45-minute boat ride from Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. A limited number of people are allowed to visit Cloud 9 each day, which makes it exclusive and private.

Delicious cocktails

Cloud 9 features a well-stocked bar featuring international spirits as well as local favorites from The Distillery Co. Fiji, as well as cold brew from the South Pacific Coffee Company when guests need their morning pick-me-up ahead of the adventure.

Social media bragging rights

Jump off the side for a swim. Don your snorkel gear and explore the underwater surroundings. Just be sure to snap plenty of shots and use the onboard Wi-Fi to make your friends back home jealous.

You’re due for some relaxation

After you’ve got your splashing and swimming in, take a nap on deck and catch some rays. You’ll have to make a difficult choice though: a reclining day bed or a comfortable hanging chair.

Killer tunes

Cloud 9 often brings in international DJs to liven things up. Traumer, Pepperpot, and Bar’el are all spinning at Cloud 9 this month.

Because … pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? Cloud 9 serves Italian wood-fired pizzas handmade by their Fijian chef. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

And local beer

You’ll have to decide for yourself if Fiji Gold or Fiji Bitter is the better local beer. We suggest lots of taste testing in between snorkeling and snoozing.

Snorkeling

Located on Ro Ro Reef, Cloud 9 has ample snorkeling opportunities and gear can be rented when booking your trip from Port Denerau.

Did we mention the view?

With a 360-degree panoramic view of the ocean, Cloud 9 truly feels like an island oasis.

The post 9 Reasons to Make Cloud 9 Part of Your Fiji Vacation appeared first on Islands.