Latest news with #FourSeasonsResortHualalai
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Forbes
5 Things We Love About Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
This Big Island resort is the perfect summer destination. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Summer is here, and if you haven't planned your vacation, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Hualalai beckons. On the Western shore of the Big Island of Hawaii in Kailua-Kona, the resort offers something for everyone, from couples seeking a romantic retreat to families looking for outdoor adventures. Many of the rooms boast oceanfront views, the sandy beach is ideal for snorkeling and the massive yet walkable property is filled with lush plants, palm trees swaying in the wind and other local flora and fauna. There's much to love about this tropical escape, but here are the five things beyond the inviting contemporary Hawaiian accommodations that make a stay at the Four Seasons Hualalai so memorable. Tee it up on Jack Nicklaus-designed greens. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai There are two gorgeous layouts on the property: one is a Jack Nicklaus-designed signature course for hotel guests and another is for members of the local homeowners association. Both are dotted with stunning black lava rock formations and have excellent views of the Pacific glittering in the near distance. After a morning round, an afternoon at Hualalai Golf Hale is essential. The Hale is a clubhouse featuring an indoor Topgolf Swing Suite, complimentary snacks and drinks, an extensive outdoor driving range and a putting green. The hitting bay features Trackman monitors, allowing you to track the distance and speed of your ball. The friendly staff also gives lessons and hosts the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, a PGA Tour golf tournament that takes place every January. Everything about the course is state-of-the-art, including the golf carts, which are outfitted with personal sound systems and detailed digital maps of each hole. But be warned: the advanced carts will automatically stop if you attempt to drive in restricted areas. NOIO is the resort's new sushi lounge. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Four Seasons Resort Hualalai provides six unique culinary options, in addition to poolside offerings and room service. The Hualalai Trading Company is a coffee and snack shack with breakfast burritos and smoothies adjacent to the fitness center. The Resident's Beach House is an oceanside watering hole with exceptional seafood enchiladas, inventive salads (see: the grilled lobster wedge) and crispy fish tacos. Beach Tree is the property's coastal Italian restaurant and a see-and-be-seen spot during sunset. It's also a sensational lunch destination with stellar hummus and crudité, a housemade hot dog served Chicago-style and scrumptious ceviche. Miller & Lux Hualalai is celebrity chef Tyler Florence's upscale American steakhouse. With gorgeous decor, an impeccable setting overlooking the 18th hole and elevated classic dishes (truffle deviled eggs, Caesar salad prepared tableside and tomahawk steaks), it's an excellent place for a festive meal to kick-start a vacation. 'ULU, the Big Island resort's signature eatery, recently underwent a remodel and menu update. The fresh look pairs wonderfully with chef Richard Polhemus and chef de cuisine Chris Damskey's elevated Hawaiian and pan-Asian-inspired fare. Oysters, which are grown and harvested at an on-property farm, can be ordered with 'ULU's signature caviar. The menu also serves crispy gochujang-glazed chicken, miso butter-broiled king crab legs and a decadent ahi tuna Wellington with local mushrooms and foie gras kabayaki. There's also the new NOIO, a sushi lounge on 'ULU's second floor. Chef Nuri Piccio is behind the wildly fresh omakase experience, where diners embark on a journey that begins with delectable bites, including oysters with salmon roe and chawanmushi (a Japanese egg custard with uni and blue crab). A seemingly endless array of nigiri and sashimi made with locally caught, sustainable seafood follows. Rejuvenate at the Four-Star Hualalai Spa. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai The Sports Club and Wellness Center Fitness is not overlooked at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. In fact, it's an integral part of the hotel experience. The massive gym curates a packed roster of Pilates, yoga and cardio-barre fusion classes. There are rows of bikes and treadmills, weight training equipment, a lap pool, seven tennis courts and three pickleball courts. Saunas, steam rooms, hot whirlpools and cold plunges are also a part of the wellness journey. At the Four-Star Hualalai Spa, those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation can find it in treatments such as aloe-leaf cocoon, acupuncture, reiki, oxygen-infusion facials and hot stone massages. If water sports interest you more, try aquatic adventures like fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and private night snorkeling where you swim alongside manta rays. There's a pool scene for every type of traveler to dive into here. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai The Pools Choose from eight distinct pools at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The glamorous Palm Grove Pool is an adults-only oasis in the heart of a picturesque palm grove. The King's Pond is a saltwater snorkeling area with tropical fish, allowing guests the chance to see the sea without actually going into the ocean. Sitting above the pond is the infinity-edge pool King's Pool. Carved out of lava rock and a natural breakwater, the Ocean Pool is the resort's ocean swim area. A treasure chest with toys and a white sandy bottom is found at the Keiki Children's Pool, while the Sea Shell Pool is a saltwater jewel designed for families. If you want to get in some exercise, an Olympic-style lap pool is at the sports club and spa. Beach Tree Pool is a quiet area where cell phone calls and loud voices are not allowed. All pools have hospitable staff members who surprise guests with thoughtful amenities like frosé, popsicles or sunglasses cleaner. Each pool also comes with its own culinary and cocktail offerings, so if you're in the mood for a margarita and guacamole, order away. Miller & Lux has imaginative drinks on its menu. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai The Mai Tais The mai tai is the unofficial cocktail of the Hawaiian Islands. Upon arrival, hotel guests receive a traditional ceramic glass filled with rum punch. The first sip sets the mood for an exciting trip to come. Traditionally made with rum, lime juice and orgeat (an almond-flavored syrup), mai tais are on every restaurant and pool's drinks menu at the luxury resort. Each dining destination has its variation, and the bartenders take pride in creating these original concoctions. For example, at 'ULU, the mai tai is mixed with Aperol and mint, while at NOIO, it features pistachio paste along with dry Curacao. Miller & Lux's version comes flaming with two types of rum and passion fruit puree. Pineapple juice, lemon, macadamia nuts and guava nectar are other ingredients added to the mai tais around the resort. Our favorite option is at the Palm Grove Pool. This superb take on the classic Trader Vic's mai tai recipe uses three types of rum, housemade orgeat and a dark rum float. Grab one before you head to the airport. It'll help ease the disappointment of having to check out of paradise. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 6 Breathtaking New York City Rooftop Bars By Spencer Whaley Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes 7 Remarkable Resorts With 9-Hole Golf Courses By Katie Sweeney
Business Insider
21-05-2025
- Business Insider
I stayed at a Four Seasons for the first time on a trip to Mexico. Here are 6 things that surprised me.
I assumed the location would be impressive, yet I was still blown away. With 129 properties worldwide, a Four Seasons stay can feature a private island in the Maldives or a luxury safari in the Serengeti. Impressive locations go hand and hand with the brand, so I figured the Tamarindo property would be beautiful — especially considering where the property is situated. The Four Seasons Tamarindo is a hidden gem on Mexico's Pacific Coast and is not easy to reach. The resort is about four hours south of Puerto Vallarta and one and a half hours northwest of Manzanillo. When guests arrive, it all starts with a dramatic entrance. I still had a 15-minute drive from the entrance gate to the resort. I navigated winding roads surrounded by thick jungle. There wasn't water in sight as I passed rows of agave and spotted birds singing from nearby trees. Then, the property came into view. An open-air lobby featured infinity pools that stretched out to a rocky coastline. For the next two days, I discovered striking ocean views at practically every part of the resort, from the golf course to the on-site restaurants. It was clear that the location was a highlight of the property. A calendar of complimentary activities was a welcome surprise. It was tempting to jam-pack my day with activities at the Four Seasons. I eyed a morning snorkeling excursion and debated if I could make it back in time for a farm tour. Later in the afternoon, I planned to join a workshop on fermented drinks. The next day, my schedule included a cooking class. The best part was that all these events were complimentary. While the luxury resort comes with luxury prices, it was refreshing to know that I could fill my day with experiences that wouldn't add to my travel budget. That seems to be a common theme across a handful of other Four Seasons properties. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers ukulele lessons, lei-making classes, and Hawaiian quilting. At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, guests can join vineyard yoga sessions and cocktail-making classes. Everything is on the property, so you never have to leave. Alba Garcia, the director of rooms at the Four Seasons Tamarindo, and Barbara Cervantes, the property's marketing manager, told me that the resort is designed to offer an authentic Mexican experience without needing to leave the resort. There are Mexican menus created by award-winning chefs, activities diving into traditional drinks like tepache, a fermented drink made from pineapples, and activities that explore the surrounding nature. While I'd still argue that an afternoon trip to the seaside town of Barra de Navidad — 40 minutes away— is worth the trek, the Four Seasons made it hard to leave, offering every experience I could have wanted right on the property. Award-winning chefs behind hotel menus proved to be some of the best bites I had during my trip. I would typically opt to leave a resort and head into town for local foods, but the Four Seasons' menus surprised me. Some of the best bites I had during my weeklong trip were at the property. Morning pastries came from the well-known Rosetta restaurant in Mexico City, and the tacos from the casual Nacho restaurant were incredible. I tried foods I'd never seen, like a tuna chorizo, and stuffed myself at the expansive breakfast buffet. While the property felt ideal for couples, it also had families in mind. A place with striking infinity pools, pastel sunsets, and private rooms screams romance. Both Garcia and Cervantes agreed that the ideal vacationer for Four Seasons Tamarindo is likely a couple, but I was surprised by how much thought had also gone into creating an experience for families. One of the three infinity pools is dedicated to families with giant pool floaties. There's also a daily arts and crafts session and an exclusive event for teens each evening. The welcoming staff was a highlight as well. Alan Reyes pulled over on his golf cart to show me a calabash tree, which grows fruit used for maraca instruments. Twenty minutes later, we were tasting honey from Melipona stingless bees. As someone who loves the outdoors, it was thrilling to have resort staff eager to answer my pesky questions about the plants and animals living and growing on the 3,000-acre property. Hours later, it was shocking to watch Garcia share so much joy behind her job as rooms director. When my rental car's tire was flat, a crowd of workers arrived with an air compressor to get me back on the road. While I expect hotel staff to be kind and welcoming at a luxury resort, I appreciated how the employees at the Four Seasons went beyond expectations.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. News Reveals the 2025 Best Hotels
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the new No. 1 Best Hotel in the USA. WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, today unveiled its 15th annual rankings of the Best Hotels. The 2025 rankings highlight more than 31,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations to help travelers find the hotel that suits their needs. Located just northeast of Kekaha Kai State Park on Hawaii's Big Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai newly takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Hotels in the USA ranking. The resort impresses its guests with its Hualalai Spa, which features treatments with island twists, as well as eight unique swimming spots. Landing at No. 2, the Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, is notable for its Mediterranean-inspired decor, four in-house eateries and oceanfront pools. Upholding rich Hawaiian traditions and boasting vibrant natural beauty and Pacific Rim-to-table culinary experiences, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort – located on Hawaii's Big Island – is No. 3. Praised by travelers for its exquisite attention to detail, Ireland's Adare Manor is No. 1 in the Best Hotels in Europe category. The property offers plenty of amenities, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, on-site historical tours and a cinema. Moving up three spots to No. 2, Le Bristol Paris welcomes guests with its elegant 18th-century style, spacious accommodations and top-notch cuisine. At No. 3, Italy's Four Seasons Hotel Firenze provides plenty of on-site perks – from a year-round whirlpool to acres of lush garden space – in accommodations that offer bright, luxurious Tuscan decor and a relaxing atmosphere. Taking the top spot on the Best Hotels in Canada list, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto gives visitors access to the charming Yorkville neighborhood's shops and cafes while also allowing travelers to kick back in the spacious, sleek spa or enjoy a French-inspired meal on the premises. For the second year in a row, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is No. 1 on the Best Hotels in Mexico ranking, with standout amenities like a personal concierge and a signature floating breakfast delivered to guests' private pools. Holding on to the No. 1 rank for Best Hotels in the Caribbean is St. Lucia's Jade Mountain. The hotel's open-air rooms and private infinity pools allow ample opportunities for taking in the gorgeous views. Finally, Rosewood Bermuda – climbing from No. 3 to capture No. 1 for Best Hotels in Bermuda – is lauded for its sophisticated atmosphere, stunning pink sand beaches and picturesque golf course. "Travelers are seeking unique and memorable experiences, cultural authenticity, savory cuisine, comfortable yet lavish accommodations, excellent amenities – and so much more," says Zach Watson, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "With many hotel options to choose from – and numerous components factoring in to determine which hotels are exceptional – the U.S. News Best Hotels rankings consider hotel star ratings combined with the collective opinion of travel experts and customers to provide travelers with a solid starting point for planning their next trip." U.S. News ranks hotels across several countries, regions and destinations: Best Hotels in the USA, Best Resorts in the USA, Best Hotels in Canada, Best Resorts in Canada, Best Hotels in the Caribbean, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean, Best Hotels in Mexico, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico, Best Hotels in Bermuda and Best Hotels in Europe. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in each hotel's star rating, the aggregate opinion of published travel experts and the overall customer satisfaction expressed in online guest reviews of luxury hotels and resorts. 2025 Best Hotels RankingsSee the full rankings here. Best Hotels in the USA Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island, Hawaii) Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach (Sunny Isles Beach, Florida) Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort (Big Island, Hawaii) The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad The Little Nell (Aspen) Best Hotels in Canada Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver) Four Seasons Hotel Montreal The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal Four Seasons Resort Whistler Best Hotels in Europe Adare Manor (Ireland) Le Bristol Paris Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Florence, Italy) Hotel 41 (London) Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Best Hotels in Mexico Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas) Esperanza (Cabo San Lucas) Rosewood Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen) Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort (San José del Cabo) La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret (Playa del Carmen) Best Hotels in the Caribbean Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Puerto Rico) The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Curtain Bluff (Antigua) Rosewood Little Dix Bay (British Virgin Islands) Best Hotels in Bermuda Rosewood Bermuda The Loren at Pink Beach Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - A Fairmont Managed Hotel The St. Regis Bermuda Resort Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa Best Resorts in Canada Four Seasons Resort Whistler Manoir Hovey (North Hatley, Quebec) Fogo Island Inn (Joe Batt's Arm, Newfoundland and Labrador) White Oaks Resort & Spa (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario) Fairmont Chateau Whistler Best Resorts in the USA Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island, Hawaii) Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach (Sunny Isles Beach, Florida) Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort (Big Island, Hawaii) The Little Nell (Aspen) Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Hawaii) Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret (Playa del Carmen) Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (Playa del Carmen) Grand Velas Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas) Hotel Xcaret Arte (Playa del Carmen) Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) Curtain Bluff (Antigua) Jumby Bay Island (Antigua) Half Moon (Jamaica) Calabash Hotel (Grenada) For more information on the Best Hotels, explore Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Instagram using #BestHotels. About U.S. News & World ReportU.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.
Associated Press
11-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
U.S. News Reveals the 2025 Best Hotels
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the new No. 1 Best Hotel in the USA. WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, today unveiled its 15th annual rankings of the Best Hotels. The 2025 rankings highlight more than 31,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations to help travelers find the hotel that suits their needs. Located just northeast of Kekaha Kai State Park on Hawaii's Big Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai newly takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Hotels in the USA ranking. The resort impresses its guests with its Hualalai Spa, which features treatments with island twists, as well as eight unique swimming spots. Landing at No. 2, the Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, is notable for its Mediterranean-inspired decor, four in-house eateries and oceanfront pools. Upholding rich Hawaiian traditions and boasting vibrant natural beauty and Pacific Rim-to-table culinary experiences, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort – located on Hawaii's Big Island – is No. 3. Praised by travelers for its exquisite attention to detail, Ireland's Adare Manor is No. 1 in the Best Hotels in Europe category. The property offers plenty of amenities, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, on-site historical tours and a cinema. Moving up three spots to No. 2, Le Bristol Paris welcomes guests with its elegant 18th-century style, spacious accommodations and top-notch cuisine. At No. 3, Italy's Four Seasons Hotel Firenze provides plenty of on-site perks – from a year-round whirlpool to acres of lush garden space – in accommodations that offer bright, luxurious Tuscan decor and a relaxing atmosphere. Taking the top spot on the Best Hotels in Canada list, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto gives visitors access to the charming Yorkville neighborhood's shops and cafes while also allowing travelers to kick back in the spacious, sleek spa or enjoy a French-inspired meal on the premises. For the second year in a row, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is No. 1 on the Best Hotels in Mexico ranking, with standout amenities like a personal concierge and a signature floating breakfast delivered to guests' private pools. Holding on to the No. 1 rank for Best Hotels in the Caribbean is St. Lucia's Jade Mountain. The hotel's open-air rooms and private infinity pools allow ample opportunities for taking in the gorgeous views. Finally, Rosewood Bermuda – climbing from No. 3 to capture No. 1 for Best Hotels in Bermuda – is lauded for its sophisticated atmosphere, stunning pink sand beaches and picturesque golf course. 'Travelers are seeking unique and memorable experiences, cultural authenticity, savory cuisine, comfortable yet lavish accommodations, excellent amenities – and so much more,' says Zach Watson, senior travel editor at U.S. News. 'With many hotel options to choose from – and numerous components factoring in to determine which hotels are exceptional – the U.S. News Best Hotels rankings consider hotel star ratings combined with the collective opinion of travel experts and customers to provide travelers with a solid starting point for planning their next trip.' U.S. News ranks hotels across several countries, regions and destinations: Best Hotels in the USA, Best Resorts in the USA, Best Hotels in Canada, Best Resorts in Canada, Best Hotels in the Caribbean, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean, Best Hotels in Mexico, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico, Best Hotels in Bermuda and Best Hotels in Europe. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in each hotel's star rating, the aggregate opinion of published travel experts and the overall customer satisfaction expressed in online guest reviews of luxury hotels and resorts. 2025 Best Hotels Rankings See the full rankings here. Best Hotels in Canada Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver) Four Seasons Hotel Montreal The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal Four Seasons Resort Whistler Best Hotels in Europe Adare Manor (Ireland) Le Bristol Paris Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Florence, Italy) Hotel 41 (London) Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Best Hotels in Mexico Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas) Esperanza (Cabo San Lucas) Rosewood Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen) Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort (San José del Cabo) La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret (Playa del Carmen) Best Hotels in the Caribbean Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Puerto Rico) The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Curtain Bluff (Antigua) Rosewood Little Dix Bay (British Virgin Islands) Best Hotels in Bermuda Rosewood Bermuda The Loren at Pink Beach Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - A Fairmont Managed Hotel The St. Regis Bermuda Resort Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa Best Resorts in Canada Four Seasons Resort Whistler Manoir Hovey (North Hatley, Quebec) Fogo Island Inn (Joe Batt's Arm, Newfoundland and Labrador) White Oaks Resort & Spa (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario) Fairmont Chateau Whistler Best Resorts in the USA Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island, Hawaii) Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach (Sunny Isles Beach, Florida) Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort (Big Island, Hawaii) The Little Nell (Aspen) Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Hawaii) Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret (Playa del Carmen) Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (Playa del Carmen) Grand Velas Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas) Hotel Xcaret Arte (Playa del Carmen) Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) Curtain Bluff (Antigua) Jumby Bay Island (Antigua) Half Moon (Jamaica) Calabash Hotel (Grenada) For more information on the Best Hotels, explore Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Instagram using #BestHotels. About U.S. News & World Report each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
