The Hyatt Regency Curacao is among the company’s hotels that offer unique spa treatments.
By Mark Chesnut
Staying in shape and feeling good while on the road is a challenge for most travelers. But Hyatt Hotels is trying to make it a bit more interesting to stay on target when you check in, with a variety of unique spa treatments, fitness classes and dining programs that are tailored to each destination. (more…)
Adventures on the expense account: First work, then play at the picturesque Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
By Mark Chesnut
In a place dotted by waterfalls, secret gardens and beaches in every color of the rainbow, Hawaii locks in bucket-list status as a vacation destination. But believe it or not, even surrounded by all that grandeur, people manage to work there, too. Here are five great hotels for mixing business with pleasure in paradise.
(more…)
Golden gates: The Fairmont San Francisco is among the hotels with upgrades.
By Mark Chesnut
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which operates upscale hotels that range from the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona to the Fairmont Monte Carlo in — you guessed it — Monte Carlo, is making some major overhauls on a bunch of its properties worldwide, and guests are the beneficiaries. (more…)
Swim with tangs, rainbow fish and butterfly fish in Aulani's Rainbow Reef. Credit: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Destinations.
By Jill E. Cooper
As spring break crowds head to traditional destinations in Florida and Mexico this year, travelers with a fondness for wildlife should head west to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, the newest and arguably most magnificent resort designed by the magic-makers at Disney. There, along the sun-kissed southwestern shoreline of Oahu, some of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures have returned to celebrate spring. (more…)
Hit Honolulu's Great Aloha Run to catch local racers and live music on Feb. 20. Credit: Ryan Ozawa.
By Erin Behan
There’s nothing like watching someone else prove athletic prowess while on vacation. And in Hawaii, one of Honolulu’s most beloved road races — the Kaiser Permanente Great Aloha Run on Feb. 20 — gives those on a Hawaii vacation a chance to do just that. (more…)
From December to May, visitors to Honolulu may even spy whales breaching as they sunbathe on the sand. Credit: NOAA's National Ocean Service.
By Amy Drew Thompson
My first time whale watching in Hawaii was aboard a small sailboat. And yes, it was incredible. But I was just as excited, if not more, to see humpbacks breaching from my balcony — a treat many guests at Honolulu hotels likely enjoy this time of year. From December to early May, you could spy whales from virtually any beach, but it’s even more fun spotting them from on high. Don’t forget your binoculars.
Think you’ll be dreaming of a white Christmas when the average Dec. low is 67? Credit: Akira Kumagai.
By Amy Drew Thompson
Every year in Hawaii, the arrival of the “Christmas Tree Ship” – a freighter carrying the first load of yuletide trees to the islands – marks the unofficial start of the holiday season. And while some people prefer staying home for the holidays, merry travelers ensconced in Honolulu hotels seem to get into the spirit just fine.
Aloha, Santa: Holidays in Hawaii are always a thumbs up. Credit: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.
By Blane Bachelor
For the past two years, President Obama and his family have spent Christmas in his native Hawaii. It’s not clear yet if they’ll be headed there this year, but if you are, you can be sure Hawaii lays out the red carpet for all of its guests — especially during the holidays. Many Hawaii hotels feature seasonal twists on tasty island fare, stores and shops ring out with localized versions of classic carols and Santa Claus switches his sleigh for an outrigger canoe. Here, some island-specific offerings guaranteed to make you say “Mele Kalikimaka” (that’s how to say “Merry Christmas” in Hawaii). (more…)
Outdoors in: Guests enjoy open-air massages at Aulani - a Disney Resort & Spa. Credit: David Roark/Disney Destinations.
By Jill E. Cooper
Nestled inconspicuously on the first floor of the Wai’anae tower of Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa, you’ll find one of Oahu’s newest hidden treasures – the Laniwai Spa. “Laniwai” is a Hawaiian word that translates to “freshwater heaven” for English speakers. “Heavenly” is an apt description for an afternoon spent at Laniwai. As you amble about the grounds of Aulani, you won’t find this enchanting 18,000 square foot tropical retreat by accident. You must look for it, but the search is well worth the rewards that await you there. (more…)
Decisions, decisions: A selection of fryer-fresh malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu. Credit: _e.t.
By Amy Drew Thompson
Sure, you can sample pork and poi at whichever of the Honolulu hotels you choose as your base in Oahu exploration. Maybe you’ll even spring for some of the city’s best fine dining at the five-star Halekulani‘s upscale Orchids, Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider A Westin Resort and Spa, or while absorbing the Pacific panoramas at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. But if you want to eat like a real Hawaiian, press your palate past pineapple and macadamias and try some of the more adventurous fare – everything is delicious. Or as the locals say, “Ono!” (more…)
We love to travel, and we love to talk about it. The Orbitz Blog is another way we can share our expertise, advice and the occasional random thought.
Check back often for fresh insight from Orbitz staff and contributors about cool places to visit, fun things to do and smart ways to save.