Owner- Teri J. Young

Owner-  Teri J. Young
With warmest aloha...

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Summertime...

Aloha Everyone!

I can't believe that it's already almost the end of June! With all kinds of craziness going on for me personally, it's also way past time for sharing my latest experience in Hawai'i with you!

This visit was Maui Nui... the county, not just the island!  The county of Maui is made up of four islands actually; Maui, Lana'i, Moloka'i, and Kaho'olawe. I started my stay at the stunning Four Seasons Manele Bay on the Island of Lana'i!

Their story is very unique, and the "end of the story", promises to bring jaw dropping results! Last year under the new ownership (Mr. Larry Ellison of Oracle fame) and what was to be the "first phase", renovation for Manele Bay began. The plan was to close down half the resort while complete renovations occurred. By the time that half re-opened, the new plans had grown tenfold, and the decision was made to close the entire resort for the remainder of the project. At the same time; the stunning and peaceful Four Seasons Lodge at Ko'ele was also closed, and is "housing" all the workers on these projects!  (How'd you like to be working there... ending the job each evening and returning to a five star resort that is home for the next year!)


 
I can't speak highly enough about the Four Seasons, and the people I met during this visit.  It opened my eyes to "true service" offered at an entirely different level!  From the moment I arrived and was greeted and then escorted by my personal "Ambassador" directly to my room! To the fabulous and indescribable meals we enjoyed at OneForty and Nobu! This island, these people, and this resort you must experience to understand!  It just does not get any better... unless maybe you are at another Four Seasons!  My sincerest aloha, and mahalo nui loa to my amazing friends and business partners; Lenora Yuen and Leighton Kitagawa, you are the best!


After some serious pampering, and crazy good food, we said aloha to Lana'i, and headed to Maui! The first stop was the lovely Four Seasons Wailea.  We had a marvelous breakfast, and was given an exciting "preview" of what's to come here!  All the rooms will be renovated, and the project is scheduled to begin very soon!  (Stay tuned for updates on this Maui resort!)

I said good-by to my new friends as they left for Hawai'i~ The Big Island, as I was on my way to Ka'anapali!  My time was to continue with several visits to resorts there on Maui. First stop; I was welcomed home at my always beautiful Hyatt Regency Ka'anapali.  They take such great care of me~ and of my guests! The views at this resort are simply breathtaking, and the resort has so much to offer!  From the many animal friends that call this resort home, to the world class dining!  This Hyatt Regency is always a great choice!



One of the stand-out meetings for me was with the Sales Manager at the "Montage".  I have to admit, I was avoiding this resort for many reasons. They all seem quite unimportant now, and I can only say; "This is an outstanding addition to your condo choices on Maui!" The location is of course perfection, as it sits right on Kapalua Bay!  When you first pull in it seems quite large.  But they have managed somehow to keep it personal, quiet, and stunningly beautiful!  The condo units each have their own private entrance, and the floor plans are just right! They all seem to have spectacular views, and are all appointed with all the "bells and whistles" we have all come to expect!  If you are looking for a quiet Maui experience, while still being close to the excitement of Ka'anapali and Lahaina~ this is a perfect choice!



During my "down time" I always try and experience activities and places that I want to share with my guests. My services have always included complete itinerary planning~ for those that would like me to do that!  So making sure I get to see and be a part of the excitement and different places that are Maui is extremely important!  I really want to mention briefly a very special evening in Lahaina Town spent with the "Feast at Lele". This is a truly unique and far more traditional "luau type" of dinner and show. Please do not call this one "just a luau"!  The food is absolutely terrific, and presented in phases, along with the entertainment and "island nation" it comes from!  This evening is an event... not just s dinner!  I also wanted to share; for those of you that may have experienced the "Feast at Lele", they are moving to a new location!  (Stay tuned on that also!)

One of my favorite places on this island is the "Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm", in upcountry Maui!  It's simply beautiful, and a great sense of peace for me whenever I am there.  The gardens are endless, and quite interesting!  I think it's the perfect place to explore, especially on those sticky hot days, as it's always at least ten degrees cooler in Kula!




It is always hard to say "aloha" to the islands for me!  They are endlessly sharing their stories and culture with me, and I am honored. It's said that "home is where the heart is...", and for me Hawai'i will always be my home!

Just some thoughts from this Professional Travel Consultant~ and Certified Master Hawai'i Specialist!

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