One of the most lush and inviting tropical resorts on 50 acres of sprawling property is the magnificent Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. One of my favourite resorts on the island, this world-class property with its meticulously manicured lawns, spectacular tropical gardens, sun-splashed pools, and out-door courtyards, offers a backdrop of natural splendour. With no building higher than the tallest palm tree, this resort built into the Oceanside bluffs, has a low-profile look which disguises this huge facility. It can take more than 25 minutes to go from the spa to a guest room in the Shipwreck Wing. Overlooking Shipwreck Beach, this elegant resort is only twenty minutes from the Lihue Airport. This is one of Hawaii’s best luxury hotels and Conde Nast Traveler’s annual reader’s poll has voted it as one of the top-ranked tropical resorts.
This $250-million Hyatt uses island architecture of the 1930s to recapture the Old Hawaii of the Matson Line steamship era South Pacific influence. “Luxurious” at this resort does not mean plush velveteen duvets and drapes but the interior design reflects Hawaiian flavour through out the grounds inside and out. The spacious guest rooms found throughout the hotel are elegantly outfitted, and adorned with fresh-picked purple plumeria, each with a private lanai and stunning view. Bright patterned fabrics, tropical hardwoods, American colonial furnishings and bold island art are set against a soft beige and green palette in each of the rooms. Constantly being updated, the latest renovation started in April 2010 with the rooms getting a sleek and simple décor with local touches, including plantation-style wood shutters and hand-carved headboards of sapeale wood(similar to mahogany), imprinted with the native hapu’u fern.
A perfect place for guests to feel that they are having a Hawaiian experience, Kauai is the least developed of the main Hawaiian Islands and gives the feeling of being removed from everyday life. Championship golf, tennis, fine dining and more make this Garden Isle retreat perfect for you next vacation. One of the best things about the Grand Hyatt Resort is the variety of swimming pools. Guests can splash in a five acre saltwater pool where kayaks are available for rent, or a couple of freshwater pools with slides, waterfalls, and special lagoons. There is a meandering man-made river that flows from the hotels’ terraced gardens down to a small pool next to the saltwater lagoon. There are several Jacuzzis and private-feeling pools scattered throughout the property as well as a kiddie pool.
Facing the ocean, to the left, is a small beach with some of the best bogey boarding and body surfing in the area. To the right is the lagoon-like baby beach where a rock breakwater stops the waves, leaving a sandy-bottom beach which is not deeper than two to three feet deep. On the other side of the breakwater is a choppy small bay where the more experienced snorkelers go out.
Delicious dining options can be found at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. The hotel offers six dining options – seven if you include the buffet at the elaborate luau. The on-the-water Tidepools restaurant is the premier dining spot which allows you to watch the koi swim next to your table as you dine.
Yum Cha is an Asian fusion themed restaurant. Other property restaurants include The Dock, Poipu Bay Clubhouse, Ilima Terrace and the more formal – and more expensive-Dondero’s which features Italian food.
The resort is home to the ANARA Spa, which offers traditional Hawaiian treatments. Outdoor treatment areas are also available which offer couples the option of enjoying a message among the swaying palms. There is also a lap pool, steam baths, and dry saunas.
Celebrate your destination wedding at this resort in the exquisite setting it truly deserves. The property’s vibrantly lush surroundings, spread beneath rolling mountains, provide couples with numerous charming settings to say their vows.
Stunning ocean views, magnificent gardens, and a traditional gazebo built into the far corner of the lawn are among the wonderful choices.
The resort offers professional wedding coordinators who can help turn your wedding dreams into a reality. Whether you envision a private ceremony for just the two of you or a festive gathering of family and friends, every detail will be handled to perfection.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai if the most impressive Hawaiian resorts. Set on an island of unsurpassed beauty, this mega resort is a destination unto itself. You will want to experience the pampering amenities that make it the premier Kauai Hawaii wedding location.
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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or 403-477-0643.