Now that summer is over I am so excited- sorry summertime lovers! But since my priority is of course~ my clients~ and always has been. The summer months are a time frame that I must always be available and at the ready! We have made it through another great summer of vacations, and everyone had a great time! YAY!
But now it's my turn! I have always felt that my own travel and personal experiences are what makes my services ... better. My time spent at all the places we all love so much, on a regular basis means my clients can always trust in the information I provide during their planning. Recent, accurate, reliable details, is always what people are 'researching' for when they plan anyway~ right? So why not combine all that, with the years of working in the travel industry, and get your vacation planned by an expert?
This year my travels have taken me to; Disneyland, Walt Disney World, aboard the Disney Cruise Line, Maui, and now Kauai! My "home away from home", I have been visiting this magical place every year since 1989! (I was of course just a baby~ but still remember!) I have also had a vacation home there in Princeville since 1990, and always thought of Kauai as my second home!
My first thought goes to my beautiful ohana at the Grand Hyatt Kauai! This spectacular resort has been one of my favorites since it was built in 1990. Sadly only opened 18 months when the infamous "Hurricane Iniki" destroyed it, and put the entire island out of work! But the spirit of aloha has always been very strong here, and the Hyatt's own employees were there the next morning to start the clean up! The Grand Hyatt (then the Hyatt Regency) was the first resort to reopen on the island.
Today this gorgeous resort is alive and better than ever! I was blessed to be there all eight nights of my stay. I was sad to leave, but I know I will always find a way to return. Mahalo nui loa to my dear friend Cindy Kauanui, my favorite valet team in Hawaii- big hug to you, Victor! I also must mention the best bartenders in the business... my friends Glen and Mike at the Captain's Bar, a hui hou!
My next appointment was one I was really excited about~ a personal tour of the all new and refreshed Pride of America! This very special ship docks every Thursday and Friday in Nawiliwili Habor, in the town of Lihue. I was honored to go aboard and not only see all the fresh new public areas. But was the first (besides the crew) to view the new 'concierge deck'. The rooms and suites are spectacular, absolutely loved it! Great job Norwegian Cruise Lines!
My next stop was the North Shore and my beloved Hanalei and Princeville. Two of my top ten resorts are here in this special place; the St. Regis, and the Westin Villas at Princeville. Looking out over the peace and beauty that is Bali Hai~ the St. Regis (formerly known as the Princeville Hotel), has one of the most impressive and breathtaking views of any resort in Hawaii! The rooms are with out question the most spacious and luxurious anywhere. If you are sincerely searching for peace, serenity, luxury, and lots of pampering... you must stay at this resort!
Next stop the Westin Villas at Princeville. This resort sits at the cliffs, over looking the unforgettable Pacific Ocean. The special thing about this condo resort is that it's completely "self contained". From the lovely front entrance and lobby, out to the relaxing and fun atmosphere of their "resort style" pools. They have their own market and coffee house (yes~ Starbucks folks!), and the fabulously delicious Na'nea Restaurant. The units are really nice, and they are getting a complete renovation and all new furnishings, and after only five years being opened! This is a place that is very well taken care of~ imagine how they take care of you?!
On my "day off" I wanted to experience a long time favorite again~ Captain Andy's! There are no words~ just the pictures! (Okay a few words; GREAT boat, awesome crew, terrific food, and a view to die for- it just does not get any better than Na'pali!)
My birthday; I have always wanted to see the historical and special place we know on Kauai that is the Coco Palms Resort. So for my birthday I did treat myself to a walking tour they are doing of the entire resort right now. This resort was made famous by many films and celebrities, not the least of who were Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Eva Gardner! Still best known for it's part in the Elvis movie "Blue Hawaii". Now for those familiar you know this historical place was completely destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. After twenty-one years of maybe she will reopen, yes it's going to happen, this time for sure... I can tell you from first hand experience and having been there just a week ago, this time it is happening! I am excited to report this once spectacular and special hotel will be rebuilt! The demolition permits are in hand, and the building permits were approved the day I was there! The plan is to rebuild with the same "foot print". But to make this memorable place glorious once again! Stay tuned for all the updates at my Face Book page at DreamCatcher Vacations!
Whew! This was a long chapter- but I really hope you enjoyed it all! It was a great trip for me, and I have so much more to share. I won't lie; I do this because I love Hawaii so very much. But I share so that all of my friends and clients will always have some great information and first hand knowledge.
Some thoughts from this Travel Professional... on Kauai!
