The Pacific Islands offer an amazing variety of honeymoon locales, so where does a couple begin when making a decision where to celebrate their first nights together as man and wife? At the top of the list, of course! In this feature we reveal three of the most exclusive escapes on earth. Roung-the-clock butler service, exquisite amenities, romantic beaches, utter privacy... these resorts have it all-and then some.
HAPUNA SUITE Often said to be the most naturally undeveloped and peaceful of the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is both rugges and romantic. If you are looking for the ultimate in Big Island luxury, consider the lavish Hapuna Suite on the sunny Kohala Coast. This 8,000-square foot oceanfront villa estate at the famed Mauna Kea Resort is perched above blissful white sand beaches, turquoise seas and world-class golf courses. Impeccable round-the-clock service, contemporary island interiors and expansive ocean views make the Hapuna Suite on of the most luxurious prive estates in the world-and for $7,000 per-night, it is certainly for the discerning vacationer seeking the ultimate in exotic exclusivity.
In the 1960's American conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller originally conceived the hotel as a rustic vision of scattered huts along the shoreline. Rockefeller's realized island escape now boasts two distinctly unique hotels- Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - featuring championship golf courses, stylish restaurants, oceanside tennis courts, luxury spas and, of course, the unpretentiously grand Hauna Suite.
The two-story hideaway exudes classic island charm infused with contemporary extravagance. Gentle sand and earth tones grace the natural stone and wood interior featuring $1 million in Polynesian-style furnishings and worldly artwork. Upon entering the sleek and elegant living room, unobstructed views of white-sand Hapuna Beach are revealed through floor-to-ceiling windows framed in teak that slide open to a swimming pool surrounded by an expansive stone patio and whirlpool. It is truly an exceptional locale.
The total sense of privacy and serene setting are not the only features that the Hapuna Suite provides. Guests enjoy a full-service gourmet kitchen with a personal chef, 24-hour suite attendants to provide for their every need, and in-suite massage and beauty treatments to rejuvenate the senses. Also included are preferred restaurant seating, preferred court times at the nearby 13-court Seaside Tennis Club, and preferred tee times at two 18-hole golf courses as well as arrival and departure limousine service. This ultimate tranquil retreat proves that modern indulgence and island minimalism can go hand in hand: an elaborate entertainment system with flat screen TVs can be enjoyed throughout the three bedroom suites and a state-of-the-art study wired for Internet access. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing from the Hapuna terrace is a welcome escape any day of the year.
NAMALE RESORT & SPA It’s little wonder that the natural beauty and unmatched simplicity of the South Sea islands of Fiji has attracted adventurers, dreamers, enthusiastic travelers, and modern spa lovers—making it a premier tropical destination. The northern island paradise of Vanua Levu attracted a particular best-selling author and philanthropist, Anthony Robbins, who created his own tranquil and spiritual idyll among the friendly Fijian people with his 10,000-squarefoot haven Namale Resort and Spa. Poised atop a volcanic cliff overlooking the majestic Koro Sea, the exclusive retreat offers some of the best coral reef snorkeling in the world and exemplifies pure luxury
Just sixteen bures (traditional Fijian homes) and villas are privately nestled amidst shady coconut palms, lush gardens and swaying hammocks, blending naturally into the tropical landscape. Calming interiors of soaring cathedral ceilings, burnished hardwood floors, and native flora reveal king-size beds, private decks and sweeping ocean views. For the ultimate in blissful enchantment, Namale offers two oversized villas, the Bula and Tatadra House. With two master suites, vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen and a private deck with infinity pool, the Tatadra House lives up to its translated meaning, “Dream House”. The incredible split-level Bula House is just as awe-inspiring with a rustic walkway that leads to your very own private beach beyond the pearlescent waters of the seemingly endless plunge pool.
Namale’s spa and sanctuary are sure to rejuvenate and relax honeymooners with such exotic treatments as Yava Vakamareqeti foot massage and traditional Thai and Shiatsu massages. The spa facilities include a hydrotherapy room with aromatherapy baths, soaking tubs, steam rooms, and an invigorating dipping pool with a waterfall. In a continual effort to protect the outlying rain forest, Namale expanded the resort grounds by 200 acres and recently introduced a new 1,200 square-foot gym. With its heightened sense of nature, serenity, and variety of water activities, Namale is the ideal seaside locale for a truly romantic escape.
YASAWA ISLAND RESORT An additional ten hours in flight time from the mainland U.S. is a small price to pay for the ultimate Fiji experience of Yasawa Island Resort. The Yasawas are a chain of sixteen large volcanic islands and dozens of smaller ones, with the resort located at the northern end, where the weather is dry and sunny. The beaches are magnificent stretches of powdery white sand edged by the pristine turquoise waters so often portrayed in postcards.
As if the picturesque setting weren't romantic enough, the accommodations were designed with honeymooners in mind. The entire resort is comprised of just eighteen bures built in the tradition of Fiji with tall thatched roofs, timber decks, and wooden plantation shutters, Eac of the Bungalows is decorated in casual island elegance, with contemporary tropical furnishings and local artwork that lend a sophiticated style. To eliminate mainland distractions there are no phones or televisions in the bures, and after a day or so, you wll gladly relinquish thoughts of cell phones and email.
For the honeymooner seeking only the finest accommodations, Lomalagi (Fijian for heaven) reigns supreme. Tucked away from the rest of the resort, this luxury bure is a private oasis with a large deck intended for seaside dinners and of course, lounging together as newlyweds. The oversized bathroom opens to a discreet outdoor shower, cleverly built within a tree to blend seamlessly with the environment—a common philosophy of Yasawa Island Resort. The bedroom and a separate lounge area open out onto the deck, encouraging guests to be in constant communion with the amazingly beautiful scenery.
Like many of the finer Fijian resorts, Yasawa offers an all-inclusive package which includes world class dining throughout your stay. If you like lobster, this is the place! Fresh seafood caught by the local residents is served daily, and prepared by talented chefs for your enjoyment. The resort’s owner, Garth Downey, has passion for wine, and his cellar boasts an impressive list from which to choose. Most of the activities are also included in your stay, and Yasawa’s inviting warm waters are perfect for snorkeling and fishing.
Even more memorable than the lavish accommodations are the warm Fijian people. Yasawa Island Resort embodies the spirit of the native people, with most of the resort staff having grown up in neighboring villages. Their gracious hospitality will make your stay unforgettable. While the Fijians are remarkably fun-loving, they are infinitely proud of their culture and always available to teach guests how to fish, weave baskets, or snorkel among the colorful coral reefs. The entire experience is a wonderful exotic escape from the world of high speed Internet access and constant cell phone conversations, a sweet surrender to blissful relaxation.



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