Posts

Showing posts from May, 2010

The Royal Hawaiian

Image
The Royal Hawaiian was my home in Honolulu on my recent trip to Hawaii. This Starwood hotel is part of The Luxury Collection . Click here for my Slideshow . What I loved: Great location in the heart of Waikiki Beach, this landmark luxury hotel is perfectly situated on a lovely stretch of sand with awesome views of Diamond Head. Beach service: All beaches on Oahu are public and serving alcohol is not permitted, but the Royal Hawaiian was grandfathered in allowing beach service in a roped off section of the beach. Fabulous décor: Recent restoration updated the style while retaining the classic features (like the hand-carved doors). Sensational luau. This ocean-front dinner show called Aha'aina was truly a 'Royal Celebration' with first-rate talent and a delicious sit-down meal. What I liked less: Small rooms. This historic property opened in 1927. Guest rooms are small and bathrooms are very small. Consider a suite. Small pool, but exchange privileges w

Four Seasons Update

Image
Four Seasons Preferred Partner program is an exclusive, invitation-only network of travel specialists from around the world. When you book your stay at Four Seasons with FROSCH , a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, you are entitled to additional benefits, which include: daily full American breakfast for two, an upgrade based on availability at time of check-in and an extra value-added amenity, such as: a spa credit of USD100, a golf credit of USD100 or lunch for two once during your stay (up to USD85, excluding gratuity and alcohol). You're entitled to these exclusive amenities simply by reserving your room with me! Please click here for the latest updates from Four Seasons .

Food Network Cruise

Image
Don't just watch the Food Network...experience it! We now have the pleasure of offering you exclusive access to authentic and engaging Food Network travel experiences with memorable cruises featuring Food Network stars. You're invited to join fellow fans on our inaugural Food Network at Sea cruise , featuring Iron Chef Cat Cora and Chef Aaron Sanchez of Chefs vs. City . Travel to the Eastern Caribbean on board the award-winning Celebrity Solstice and savor an amazing array of one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. The 7-night cruise departs on August 22, 2010 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ports of call include San Juan, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands; and St. Maarten. You will enjoy All Access to "by invitation only" Food Network events including: VIP Pier-side check-in Enriching Culinary Demonstrations led by Cat Cora and Aarón Sánchez Food Network VIP Lounge & Screening Room Dine around featuring favorite Food Network recipes Red Carpet Welcome Aboard Recept

Safari Sweepstakes!

Image
We interrupt the Hawaii focus with an exciting opportunity to win a free trip trip to Kenya! This DREAM vacation includes: economy roundtrip airfare on Emirates from select US gateway cities. Two nights at The Norfolk with breakfast, two nights at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club with full board, and three nights at Fairmont Mara Safari Club with full board and two daily game drives. All transfers by land and air, park fees and taxes and fuel surcharges are also included. Enter now to win .

Big Island

I've been too busy on the Big Island to post until now, my last morning in Hawaii. Here's a summary of my itinerary here: Thursday, April 29. Breakfast at JW Marriott Ihilani (with resort tour) and then flight from Oahu to Kona on the Big Island. Welcome to the Fairmont Orchid (love the Deluxe ocean-view room here) and dinner at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel (with resort tour). Friday, April 30. Breakfast at Waikoloa Beach Marriott (with resort tour) and lunch at Sheraton Keauhou Resort (with resort tour). A little break was scheduled for shopping in Kona Town, but I managed to arrange a resort tour of the stunning Four Seasons Hualalai instead (sorry Mom). Then we had a resort tour of Hapuna Beach Prince , and a superb dinner at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (with resort tour). Saturday, May 1. At 6am, Blue Hawaiian picked me up for my two-hour "Big Island Spectacular" Helicopter Tour and it was amazing! I took a million photos and a little video but haven't even l