Category: Hotels | Page 44

While Hawaii is one of my favorite travel destinations, I took my first trip to Kauai in January. Dramatically different than the arid sprawl of the Big Island, Kauai is smaller and much more lush. I had wanted to check out Kauai to check off the four large islands of Hawaii and I am glad I did.

I stayed at the Waimea Plantation; located on the southwest side of the island at the base of Waimea Canyons. The town itself is a 45 minute drive from Lihue airport (the only commercial airport on the island). You drive through various jungles, next to canyons, and past coffee groves. The town of Waimea itself is small and seems to be stuck in the 1950s. The next town over is Hanapepe, known for it’s art galleries. While you will find tourists here; there are no large resorts on this side of the island.

A few days after Christmas I received a call from a friend offering me use of his unit at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Residence Club over New Years. I had never stayed at a Four Seasons but have always heard that they are the measure of service in the hotel industry. I said yes and booked my flight from Seattle to Phoenix.

Residence Clubs with the Four Seasons are similar to timeshares; you buy in and pay an annual fee and get a week at their resort. Instead of a hotel room (at least in Scottsdale) you get a two bedroom, three bathroom unit with a full kitchen, dining room and living room. You get access to all the amenities of the hotel plus a Residence Club pool, restaurant, and club house.

Waimea Plantation Kauai Review

Four Seasons Scottsdale Review

Kimpton Hotel Monaco SLC Review