For some reason, many of my Facebook friends have been making trips to Hawaii in the last month or so. Seeing all the updates and pictures has me reminiscing about my trip to Hawaii, which sadly, was many years ago. However, whenever I think about that time in Hawaii, I always think about a fantastic hotel we stayed in while there -- the St. Regis Princeville Resort. Now, everybody knows Hawaii is beautiful so to say that the Princeville is beautiful is sort of redundant. But, it really truly is that beautiful. It is situated at the tip of the island of Kauai looking onto across Hanalei Bay to the tip of Makana, the mountain immortalized as Bali Hai in the 1958 film "South Pacific." So, from the lobby, the pool and most (if not all) of the hotel rooms, you have an absolutely beautiful view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. It really takes your breath away.
The hotel itself is also quite beautiful. There are plenty of Hawaiian touches, but they are done in a classy rather than tacky way. The lobby is all open so you can appreciate the views and the lovely breeze even while checking in. The pool area is equally chic. There is a large infinity pool with cabanas and umbrellas all around it. As I stated earlier, the view from the pool is really spectacular. Remember you are up above the beach, so you are looking down on the Bay. Awesome... And if you are more of a beach person, the hotel's private Pu'u Po'a Beach is available as well. You can also rent snorkeling gear and other such items from the hotel.
Since this hotel is under the St. Regis brand, you know the service will be top-notch. As a guest here, you will be treated like a VIP at all times.
For you golf nuts, there are two golf courses that I can only imagine are top notch. There is also the Halele'a Spa for those looking to be pampered.
As in most resorts, there are a few different restaurants and bars to choose from. In the lobby, there is the St. Regis Bar which is a popular spot for watching the sunset. The Napali Cafe provides coffee and other quick breakfast options. The Kaua'I Grill is a steak and seafood restaurant created by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, so you know it will be good! Nalu Kai is the casual poolside restaurant and the Makana Terrace is a standard hotel restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.TIP: As this is a St. Regis hotel, it is a bit pricey. What I like to do is spend one or two nights in a pricey hotel and really take advantage of the amenities and then move to a less expensive hotel for the days you will be sight-seeing and not really in the hotel all that much.
All in all the Princeville is a magical resort. The atmosphere is so relaxing you will feel like you are a million miles from your real life (which you likely are)!
The St. Regis Princeville Resort
5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville
Kauai, HI 96722
Phone: (808) 826-9644
