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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
Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Resort living reimagined: Waterfront homes in JB's Special Economic Zone minutes from Singapore
View of Forest City's waterfront development along the Johor Strait, located a 15-minute drive from Singapore via the Second Link. PHOTO: COUNTRY GARDEN BRANDED CONTENT Resort living reimagined: Waterfront homes in JB's Special Economic Zone minutes from Singapore Located near the Second Link, Forest City combines championship golf courses with luxury seaside properties, allowing residents to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to business hubs Picture yourself waking up to expansive views of the Johor Strait, where calm waters reflect the morning light. Breakfast is served at a breezy waterfront cafe, just steps from your door. Afterward, you head to the greens for a morning round on a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Later in the day, you might stroll along tree-lined promenades or simply unwind on your private rooftop terrace. This is not a holiday fantasy – it could be your typical weekend reality at Forest City, a one-of-a-kind international waterfront development just across the border in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Located 5km from the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, about a 15-minute drive, Forest City blends luxury residences with a full suite of resort-style amenities. Developed by Country Garden in partnership with the state government-backed Esplanade Danga 88, the ambitious project represents a new vision for contemporary urban living in South-east Asia. A gateway to the region's growth corridor Strategically located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ), Forest City sits at the heart of an emerging cross-border economic corridor. Its proximity to Johor Bahru and Singapore positions it as a natural hub for regional growth, drawing both investors and residents. An efficient transportation network allows you to seamlessly switch between the vibrancy of Singapore and the tranquility of Forest City, effortlessly capitalising on the business opportunities and lifestyle conveniences brought by this twin-city development. In a Facebook post, the Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar shared in Malay that during Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Malaysia, he delivered remarks stating that with its strategic incentives and favourable location, the Forest City Special Financial Zone has emerged as one of the key regional investment destinations within the JSSEZ. Forest City serves as a gateway between Singapore and Johor Bahru, housing 20,000 residents and attracting millions of visitors annually. PHOTO: COUNTRY GARDEN Today, Forest City is home to around 20,000 residents and has emerged as an international community in its own right. In 2024 alone, the development welcomed over seven million visits, with more than three million tourists drawn to its picturesque 4km coastline. Forest City presents a compelling option for those who work in Singapore but prefer to reside in Malaysia. The nearby Second Link allows for an easy commute, enabling residents to maintain careers in the city-state while enjoying spacious homes at more affordable prices and relaxed surroundings in Johor complete with high-quality lifestyle facilities. Golf villas at Forest City offer spacious, luxury living with private terraces and landscaped gardens, ideal for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle while remaining close to the commercial hubs in Johor Bahru and Singapore. PHOTO: COUNTRY GARDEN Through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme – specifically its Special Zone version – foreign buyers can obtain a renewable 10-year visa with a minimum property purchase of RM500,000 (approximately S$150,000) and a fixed deposit of US$65,000 (S$86,000) for applicants under 50 years old, or US$32,000 for those above. The visa permits unrestricted travel in and out of Malaysia and covers dependents, including spouses, children under 34 and parents over 60. While enjoying Malaysia's beautiful environment and abundant resources, residents can balance life and career between Malaysia and Singapore, providing more educational options for their children, while creating a comfortable retirement environment for their parents, Forest City is a hallmark of modern urban planning. Spanning approximately 2,000ha of reclaimed land across four man-made islands, the project also includes a 200ha industrial park and 800ha dedicated to a world-class golf resort not far from the reclaimed islands – making it one of South-east Asia's most ambitious mixed-use developments. Forest City's integrated design places championship golf courses just steps from homes, bringing resort-style amenities directly to residents. PHOTO: COUNTRY GARDEN With multiple federal-level incentives, including Special Financial Zone (SFZ) designation, duty-free island status, and Malaysia Digital status, Forest City is poised to become a financial and commercial hub that complements Singapore's own financial ecosystem. The establishment of the JSSEZ further strengthens this dual-core growth model. For investors, this presents an opportunity to leverage the policy advantages of the SFZ for business opportunities, benefit from tax incentives of the duty-free status and connect with Malaysia's digital ecosystem. As a complement to Singapore's financial landscape, this emerging financial and commercial hub provides additional options for business growth. In line with this vision, the International Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) has set up operations within Forest City, alongside key government bodies such as the Malaysia Industrial Development Authority (MIDA), Immigration Department, and the MM2H Programme Office – streamlining business processes for investors and residents. Premium golf villas and waterfront apartments Forest City offers three distinct residential clusters, ranging from leisure-focused golf villas to high-rise waterfront apartments. Each caters to different lifestyle preferences. At the pinnacle of this offering are the exclusive golf villas. Designed with privacy and recreation in mind, these garden-style homes range from 2,034 sq ft to 2,917 sq ft. The three-bedroom V160 layout features three spacious bedrooms, three designer bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace that seamlessly connects indoor living to the outdoors. With a Z-shaped design, the spatial flow is maximised . Whether it is the first ray of dawn in the morning or the evening's glow, sunlight evenly fills every room, creating a bright, warm and pleasant living environment. The two-bedroom V120 golf villas are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush gardens, creating bright, airy living spaces that blend indoor comfort with outdoor calm. PHOTO: COUNTRY GARDEN Floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of the manicured golf course, bringing nature right into the heart of the home. Additionally, the two-bedroom V120 layout is also available, with both configurations thoughtfully designed to incorporate generous garden spaces that offer a seamless blend of nature and refined living. Buyers of these villas will also receive the Forest City Golf Resort Premier Card, granting them privileged access to elite golfing facilities and resort services. For those who prefer vertical living, Forest City's waterfront apartments offer a fresh take on high-rise luxury. Units range from 517 sq ft to 4,542 sq ft and are designed to maximise natural light and coastal views. Vertical greenery integrated into the building facades enhances air quality while adding a lush landscape. With units facing the coast, apartments like the 1,378 sq ft waterfront residences offer elegant living with contemporary interiors and abundant natural light. PHOTO: COUNTRY GARDEN Within the development, amenities include swimming pools that overlook the Johor Strait, fully equipped fitness centres, saunas and communal barbecue pavilions, creating a resort atmosphere for everyday living. Play on a course designed by Jack Nicklaus Forest City is already a destination of choice for golf enthusiasts across Asia. The Forest City Golf Club features two championship-level courses: The Legacy Course by Jack Nicklaus, known for its desert-inspired layout and sweeping waterfront views; and the Classic Course by Liang Guokun, which offers a more technical challenge with narrower fairways and multi-tiered greens. Both courses recently received GEO Certification, making Forest City Golf Club the second in Malaysia to earn this prestigious environmental recognition. In 2024, more than 100,000 golfers from countries including South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia have teed off here. Complementing the golf lifestyle are two premium hotels. The Forest City Marina Hotel features 286 rooms, a lobby bar, restaurants and wellness facilities – perfectly complementing the residential development's lifestyle offerings. Amenities at Forest City include landscaped pools with waterfront views, fitness centres and social spaes designed for everyday resort-style living. PHOTO: COUNTRY GARDEN Meanwhile, the centrally located Forest City Golf Hotel offers 298 rooms and is tailored for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, complete with spa, pool and golf clubhouse access. Both hotels offer ideal accommodations for hosting business clients or welcoming visiting family members and friends. Shops and an international school within reach Adding to Forest City's appeal is a growing ecosystem of infrastructure and community services. Healthcare, retail and dining options continue to expand, with the development's duty-free status promising to turn Forest City into a shopping and lifestyle destination in its own right. Forest City's vibrant retail hub offers shopping, dining and essential services, making it a complete lifestyle destination for residents and visitors. PHOTOS: COUNTRY GARDEN The Forest City International School is the only K-12 boarding institution in the Johor Bahru area offering a continuous 15-year education pathway and providing students with the opportunity to apply to both British and American universities simultaneously. Students benefit from dual-track university application opportunities, with the school's Advanced Placement programme facilitating entry to top American institutions and foundation programmes paving the way to British universities. Children of Forest City property owners are also eligible for tuition discounts if they enrol in the Forest City International School. With its combination of housing, schools and amenities, the development serves as a comprehensive cross-border residential hub in Malaysia's southern region. Backed by strong government support, integrated infrastructure, and international appeal, Forest City is a transformative vision of what living well in South-east Asia can look like. For prospective buyers, Forest City has introduced a special gift package for site visits. You can enjoy a stay at the Forest City Golf Hotel for just S$10 when viewing the property, offering a comfortable and convenient way to experience the community firsthand. Limited slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. WhatsApp +60197144287 or visit this link to find out more. Disclaimer: This is an overseas investment. As overseas investments carry additional financial, regulatory and legal risks, investors are advised to do the necessary checks and research on the investment beforehand. 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