Honolulu
Hawaii


The Experience

When Hawaii’s exoticism was intoxicating and only the most privileged came here to get away, the Halekulani was there. In fact, it’s been here for nearly 100 years. And amazingly, it’s still one of Hawaii’s top hotels and a favorite of honeymooners and vow renewers. No surprise: The Halekulani oozes romance. Made up of five buildings strung along the North Shore, the resort trades floral patterns and tropical kitsch for soothing shades of white and brown. And no one goes without a lanai to catch glimpses of Pacific sunsets and emerald Diamond Head (and a full 90 percent of the rooms have ocean views).

The Rooms

Even the least expensive garden-view suites are an expansive study in white-on-white, run to more than 500 square feet and come with all the bells and whistles seasoned travelers have come to expect (free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, daily newspaper of choice). But don’t even think of coming here without nabbing an ocean view. Higher-end suites get you more space -- up to 1,600 square feet -- though no better views. The top-level Vera Wang Suite is for fans only -- the place to stay if you care that Vera designed it herself and outfitted it with a personal selection of DVDs and bathroom amenities.

The Service

Don't expect to wait in line for check-in. A receptionist whisks arriving guests immediately to their rooms, where all the paperwork is done in privacy. Staff changes their tone to match the setting: chatty and upbeat at the pool and beach, serene at the spa, formally attentive in the three restaurants.

The Highlights

Water is everywhere, from the mosaic-tiled Orchid pool to the sweeping coast of Waikiki. So it’s no surprise that SpaHalekulani focuses on water treatments as well as Polynesian healing rituals (try the traditional, rhythmic Lomilomi massage). La Mer restaurant features the island's only Michelin-starred chef, Yves Garnier; his France-meets-Hawaii takes on local fish like mahimahi are surprisingly inventive. Then stroll through the grounds, blanketed in palms and orchids, down to the beach, a perfect crescent of white fading into infinite shades of blue.

-- Heidi Mitchell

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