The Definition of Seclusion
Written: May 04 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: gorgeous beach, quiet, not crowded
Cons: too secluded, very expensive, no night life
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| sonja1211's Full Review: Lanai |
Ah, Lanai, a small island that you either love or you hate. I flew into Lanai City on Aloha Airlines from Kahului, Maui, and was stunned by the quiet of the airport and the island itself. I was picked up by the free shuttle, having decided to stay for the first half of my vacation at the Lodge at Koele, one of the two luxury resorts on this island.
The Lodge is absolutely beautiful -- for a mountain destination. Phenomenally manicured gardens, ponds, and the property itself, with its opulent rooms all made me feel I was in Aspen, or Whistler, or Banff, not Hawai'i.
The resort is about 3,000 feet above sea level, and a 30 minute drive from the nearest beach, so all the feeling of vacation in the tropics was lost for me. This is a perfect resort for the Hawai'ian residents, who want to feel that mountain air, but do not want to leave the islands. Do not get me wrong, the Lodge at Koele is absolutely gorgeous, it's just not my cup of tea on a Hawai'ian vacation.
The second resort I stayed at was the Manele Bay Hotel, located on the beach in the Manele Bay. Now we're talking!!! I was thrilled with the property (and I tried to forget the prices), mixing the Far East with Hawai'i in their rooms.
My room had a happy feel accentuated with canary yellow walls (sounds cheesy, but surprisingly is not), blended with gorgeous cherry wood furniture, and magnificent ocean view (you can also see Maui in the distance).
The beach itself is one of the best beaches I have ever been on, and I simply adore beaches. Not crowded, with a steady, but not dangerous, surf, warm, clean ocean, lifeguards, soft, white sand. Talk about being relaxed!!!
And then the night comes. If you expect night life, forget it, you will have to switch islands for that. Lanai has one street light, and you want a night club?? That is one of the downfalls (for some this is an advantage, but this is my opinion), and it gets scary dark at night. Now, the star gazers would love this, but I'm not one of the star gazers.
The other one of the downfalls -- if you don't have A LOT of money, do not go there. At Manele's restaurant, I ordered a cold chicken sandwich, and it cost $30.00 -- not something you would call budget or moderate (and the eating establishments are few). If the money is not a problem for you, you will have a great culinary experience.
Also, the staff of both resorts can be a bit snobbish, and you have to be on your best behavior at all times. If this is something you don't mind, please do not hesitate to go.
Lanai can be reached by air or sea, there are flights from Maui's Kahului Airport, as well as ferry from Lahaina. The rich and famous make this their place of choice, and I recommend it for all for whom money is not a problem, who want absolute peace and quiet, and who want to get away from it all (literally). I do not recommend it for young folk who want to have fun. Bring lots of sunscreen -- the Manele Bay beach is absolutely addictive!!
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
sonja1211
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Member: Sonja
Location: Somewhere in the Caribbean
Reviews written: 88
Trusted by: 29 members
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