One of the main problems that arises on couples' luxury vacations is conflicting tastes & interests. While the ladies likely want to build up a tan, pamper themselves with a mani/pedi & indulge in some shopping, the guys might be more interested in a round of golf or trying a new water sport. Fortunately, there's something for everyone at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii. Set on one of the Big Island's pristine white sandy beaches, this luxury resort is an epicenter of both relaxation & lively activities, with an oceanfront swimming pool, outdoor spa, world-class tennis courts, canoes, a 36-hole golf course & a variety of restaurants & lounges.
Beach time You'll want to head to the secluded beach on the first day of your luxury vacation to lounge in the cabanas or on the comfy chairs, where Hui Holokai Beach Club ambassadors will wait on you hand & foot with towels & ice water. Stop by Brown's Deli for some island beach snacks, like Hawaiian chili pepper water or chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. You might even find new companions in the native Hawaiian green sea turtles that laze on the shoreline each afternoon. If lying around isn't your thing, paddle an outrigger canoe into the Pacific or learn to weave your own coconut leaf basket with the Orchid Beachboys. Then, savor a refreshing tropical drink just steps from the surf at the Kahakai Bar.
Spa Without Walls Guys & girls alike can unwind at the award-winning Spa Without Walls, which allows visitors to take in the soothing ocean sounds, tropical breezes & Hawaiian floral scents in eight private outdoor waterfall huts, six oceanside huts or indoor treatment rooms, a steam room & dry sauna. Refresh with a hiwahiwa body treatment, which includes a volcanic mud foot wrap to draw out tension & an energy massage with organic fruit & flower oils. Experience unparalleled luxury with the kahinu massage, which uses nourishing warm coconut oil on the neck, scalp, shoulders, hands & feet for a deeply relaxing experience. If you need to soothe a burn, try the healing sun soother treatment, which eases the pain with cooling & hydrating lavender mist, aloe & tea tree gel. The sunset spa special is a worthy splurge & includes an oceanfront couples massage, soothing foot wrap & delectable cocktail for two.
Dining There is a wide array of dining options to satisfy any taste, diet or craving. For a memorable evening, head to the award-winning Brown's Beach House, which serves up innovative Hawaiian-inspired cuisine from locally grown ingredients & freshly caught seafood. Nightly entertainment by resident soloists provide the perfect soundtrack to romantic shoreline sunsets. Alternatively, head to Norio's Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar for some of the best sushi on the island. If you don't feel like leaving your room, the resort offers romantic in-room gourmet dinners for two. After your meal, head to the Luana Lounge for some live music & an aperitif while gazing out from the terrace.
Sports & shopping Start the day right with a daily seaside yoga class, then take part in some friendly competition with a night game at the 10-court tennis center. Vacationers of all skill levels can also enjoy a round of golf at The Fairmont's courses, but the rugged South Golf Course is built on prehistoric Kaniku lava flow & is particularly challenging. Adventure-seekers that want more exciting activities will want to take a trip into Kona for some snorkeling or parasailing.
You don't even need to leave the grounds for a little retail therapy. The resort's own Fairmont Store sells specialty designer clothing for both men & women, including Tommy Bahama, Betsy Johnson & Three Dots. Still, some of the best shopping in Hawaii is at Mauna Lani, which is just a quick walk or complimentary shuttle ride away.
There's no reason to compromise: Luxury travel to this paradise is guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.
