Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, West Indies

I almost went to Nevis  about 10 years ago on a government project to help the public schools there set up a Resource Program. However, at the last minutes the funding was cut and I wasn't able to go. However, I continue to dream about going there one day! Apparently when Princess Diana was alive, she visited there often  as it was a location that was not visited by many tourists.

The Four Seasons there is one of the main resorts on the island which has provided a lot of jobs for the islanders. What a perfect location for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway! Watch this video to see the beautiful  Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

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Muriel MacRae plans exciting getaways and customized vacations for discerning travellers, honeymooners and families. As the owner of Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

Upscale Luxury at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

While visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, my business partner and I were fortunate to meet with Jenna, the wedding and event coordinator, at the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. She gave us some great information about the resort as well as showing us the wedding ceremony and reception locations on the property as she took us on a guided tour. 



Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae



Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, a five-star property, is built on the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village of Ka’ūpūlehu. It fronts the Kukio Bay on the North Kona Coast. It is located about 10 minutes from the Kona International Airport, which is the main airport for the Kailua-Kona area. While there are many nice resorts in the area, the Four Seasons is an incredible property for those wanting an incredible vacation. Most of the rooms have an ocean view, as well as overlooking the gardens and one of the pools or the golf course. The Kona-Kohala coast of the Big Island of Hawaii is the sunniest, driest and warmest of the islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. For those of us who live in a climate with long, cold winters, life cannot get much better than that.

 As soon as you turn off Highway 19 into the Hualalai property development, the barren lava rock, natural to the area, is transformed into a beautiful manicured landscape. Cul de sacs of luxury villas are interspersed with the lush greens of the Jack Nicklaus signature Hualalai Golf Course. 



Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae



One can’t help but notice the deep blue ocean, seen in other areas of the island, turns into a sparkling azure blue as it gets close to the white sandy beach. A courteous gatekeeper welcomes you to the property and directs you to the hotel. As you drive up to the resort, you see all the verdant foliage, the palms and the tropical plants. It’s like being in an oasis in the middle of the desert.

The lobby is comfortable looking and huge! Since it was a beautiful day, the sliding windows were opened giving one the feeling of being outside rather than inside in a hotel lobby. Guests are welcomed upon check-in with a cool towel, fresh juice, and a fragrant fresh flower lei at the reception desk, and fruit, nuts, and fudge in their room.



Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae



Our tour of the property took place using a golf cart as the means of transportation since the resort is so large. There are four main areas with the guest rooms and suites forming a crescent around a central pool. These included Palm Grove, Beach Tree, Sea Shell, and King’s Pond. The Ulu Terrace and Golf Ocean Bungalows arc around the golf course. Each area has a character of its own and is quite different from the other areas. The resort’s 243 expansive guest rooms, including 51 suites are built in two-storey bungalows. The rooms are relaxing and luxurious with a feeling of being away from the rest of the world. Bamboo, thatch and slate are prominent in the décor and the decorations and I loved the thatched headboards on some of the beds. Cheery wood doors open to view the beautiful blue waters of the ocean and the white sandy beach. The rooms are decorated with romantic Polynesian décor with walls and furniture upholstered in soft colors with crisp white linens topped with blue-colored throws. The rooms are bright and airy with windows that allow in a lot of light. The entire room has a minimalist look which creates a calm atmosphere allowing a person to rest and relax. 



Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae



The resort has an extensive collection of art and artefacts throughout the resort which tell the story of Hawaii.

As beautiful and calming as the rooms are, the resort itself is beautiful and calming. The resort has six pools spread across the oceanfront which permit quiet lounging. Three of the pools are for scuba and snorkeling with thousands of brilliant tropical fish, and others for lap swimming and adults. 



The lap pool 

Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae



Fitness facilities include a rock-climbing wall and eight tennis courts. The spa, with 18 treatment rooms, also has eucalyptus steam, dry sauna, and a cold plunge. Guests can explore Hualalai by land and water, with adventures from outrigger canoeing to shoreline fishing, and from rock climbing to fitness walks on the beach at sunrise. The Hualalai Cultural Center provided many activities to help guest learn more about the Hawaiian culture. There is also a children’s pool and a program where numerous children’s activities are provided. The golf course was definitely being enjoyed by many of the guests while we were there.

The resort has three restaurants and two lounges to choose from, with creative menus that change to reflect the seasons and to offer tempting variety throughout the week – from the bounty of Hawaii’s land and oceans to Tuscan cucina rustica or beachfront barbecues, from Asian-Pacific cuisine to Polynesian pupus

(appetisers) and mai tais. We ate lunch under a huge umbrella outside at the Beach Tree Grill and Bar and enjoyed the beautiful ocean view as we sat on plush chairs pulled up to a coffee table. We each ordered a hamburger which has to be one of the best that I have ever had. The service was incredible and we could see that the staff went out of their way to make the guests fell welcome.



Cathy reading the menu 

Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae



At the Four Seasons, one can’t help but notice all of the extras that are supplied complimentary for the guests.  There are too many to mention but some of them are as follows: Since the shore is rocky and wana (a long-spined sea urchin) are present, complementary reef walkers (tabis) are provided.  Children’s toys and a shirt are left on the bed for the child guest. Sun tan lotion SPF 15 and SPF 30) and leave-in condition are provided at the pools as well as nice cold lemonade and a phone in case you need to make a quick call. Even the spa is kept at a certain temperature which is considered the most calming for the guests.



Gifts for the guests

Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae



Four Seasons Resort Hualapai is known for its luxury and service. Anyone who stays here will feel that they have indeed found paradise not only in the beauty of the area but also in the way that they are treated and made to feel special. Thanks Jenna for the tour and lunch! Your resort offers so much to its guests, not much wonder it has been recognized in various magazines as the top resort and spa in the State of Hawaii. We’ll be back!



Entrance  to the main lobby from the beach area

Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae



When you are ready to book your Hawaii vacation, call Muriel at 1-866-653-4055 or email at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca.

Watch for  the continuation of this blog, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai  Part II, featuring the pictures of this lovely resort. 

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Muriel MacRae plans exciting getaways and customized vacations  for honeymooners and families. As the owner of  Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca   or phone 403-477-0643

Where to Go for Your Romantic Vacation in July

Photo courtesy of Governors Camp

Whether you go for a romantic getaway, an experience of a lifetime filled with adventure, or an escape to a beautiful tropical paradise, here are some ideas where you can go for your summer holiday in July. 

Looking for your “dream of the South Pacific” tucked away in the back of your mind, then head to Fiji. Here you will find  romantic couple- only hideaways in a tropical splendour of coral rich turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, blue lagoons, and palm fringed resorts. A warm tropical climate exist throughout the year and the weather  is mild and dry from May throughout October. The Fijian people are known for their  genuine friendliness and hospitality and their welcoming “Bula”. You will find the relaxing  pace of life on the islands  irresistibly seductive .Head to Castaway Island located on a private island, and stay in secluded traditionally thatched Fijian-style bures steps away from the island’s pristine white sand beach. For an over water experience, Likulliku Lagoon Resort is the place for you. This beautiful new resort features Fiji’s first over-water bures, beachfront and deluxe beachfront bures in a relaxed luxury atmosphere. Another choice is Qamea Resort and Spa which has been designated in the “Top Ten Luxury Resort in the World” by the Robb Repost. This resort is the premier  romance and soft adventure resort in Fiji’s Northern Islands. Don’t forget that diving and snorkelling  are world renowned in this area.

Photo courtesy of Castaway Island

If you are looking for a tropical destination close to the mainland with comfortable summer temperatures, why not consider Hawaii. We can’t get enough of breath-taking scenery and beautiful beaches located on the different islands of Hawaii. Consider your own personalized tour of two or three islands, staying at some of the beautiful luxury hotels such as Grand Hyatt Kauai, Marriott Kauai, Fairmont Kea Lani, or the Grand Wailea, situated on spectacular beachfront properties. We love Kauai, the Garden Isle, with its beautiful lush greenery, palm trees, warm, blue waters, breath-taking scenery, and the relaxed “get away from it all” pace. The island of Maui has the most sunny days of any of the Hawaiian Islands. Luxury resorts perfect for romantic getaways abound with some of the most heavenly beaches in the world. In addition, there are plenty of activities for the couple with an adventurous spirit. A trip to the top of Haleakala Crater often referred to as the “largest extinct volcanic crater in the world” is a must for its majestic, peaceful view.

Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

For the serenity and solitude of nature amidst tranquil landscapes, consider a cruise to Alaska. Alaska contains stunning glaciers, breathtaking scenery and plenty of marine life. It is one of those magical places which everyone should see in their lifetime. Add a land tour to such places as Denali National Park, Alaska’s most popular land attraction, Dawson City, an authentic gold rush town on the Yukon River,  Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, or Coldfoot and Prudhoe Bay where you can dip your toe in the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean. Choose from a variety of different itineraries of either 7 or 14 days. Enjoy an array of lodge-based itineraries for a wilderness experience that you may not  otherwise encounter.

Photo courtesy of Cruiseshiptours.net

If you dream of an experience of a lifetime where you can get close to nature on an African safari, then travel to Kenya to the Governors Camp where William proposed to Kate. Located in on the banks of the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Wildlife Reserve in the heart of one of the best wildlife viewing areas. Accommodation is in huge  luxury tent complete with an en-suite bathroom.

Photo courtesy of Governors Camp

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Muriel MacRae plans exciting getaways and customized vacations  for honeymooners and families. As the owner of  Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca   or phone 403-477-0643

Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands

Photo courtesy of britishvirginislands-honeymoon.co.uk

If you are looking for a spectacular five star, luxury resort that is perfect for romance getaways and honeymoons, consider Scrub Island Resort. The name does not sound like much but the resort is as posh as they come. Can you believe it? Guests can take their room GPS-equipped phones anywhere on the island and when they get hungry or thirsty, all they have to do is call in, and the staff will deliver food and drinks. 

Photo courtesy of Paul Kandarian

This private resort opened in February, 2010, with 26 rooms and 26 suites. Recently it has been receiving a lot of praise and was featured in the May 2011 issue of Travel + Leisure Magazine and has been named on the Today Show as “the place to go for a honeymoon”. 

photo courtesy of Scrub Island Resort

In addition there are a collection of 31 gorgeous three-, four-, and five- bedroom villas nearby – many built on towering hills facing the ocean. All accommodations are decorated  with a modern trend with  a traditional Caribbean flair.

photo courtesy Scrub Island Resort

Scrub Island also has three private beaches, one of which is called Honeymoon Beach, an infinity edge pool, luxury spa and health club, and a world-class marina with 53 deep-water berths available for long term for transient docking, including vessels up to 150 feet in length. Their lagoon pool has a cascading waterfall as well as a pool area surrounded with comfortable chairs and umbrellas. Excursions include day trips to other islands for a picnic lunch or diving and snorkeling.

photo courtesy Scrub Island Resort

Three restaurants are on the property with a range of nightly activities that will keep you entertained throughout your stay: Caravela with European food, Tierra-Tierra which is perfect for a light snack in the open air, or One Shoe Beach Bar and Grill, named for the footwear that workers occasionally found washed up on shore.

photo courtesy Scrub Island Resort

Scrub island is a part of the British Virgin Islands. Guests can fly in via Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Maarten/St. Martin. From there, one must take a connecting flight to Beef island and then take a seven-minute boat ride to Scrub Island. 

The best part of this beautiful luxury property is that it is available staring at just $299 US per night. Call Muriel at 403-477-0643 or email her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca to book your trip today!

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Muriel MacRae plans exciting getaways and customized vacations  for honeymooners and families. As the owner of  Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca   or phone 403-477-0643

Five Fabulous Things to do in Kauai

I find that Kauai is one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii with its lush vegetation, beautiful flowers, and its long white sandy beaches. It’s the perfect place for a family holiday, a honeymoon or a romantic getaway.

Kilauea Point Light House

 Here are five things that you will want to experience when you travel to Kauai:

1) Take a Drive Along the North Shore – Everyone who visits Kauai needs  to take the drive along Kauai’s North Shore. 

Hanalei Valley

There are many beautiful locations along the way where one can stop and enjoy the view: Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Secret Breach, ‘Anini beach, Princeville, the Hanalei Valley, Lumaha’i Beach and Tunnels Beach. 

Lumaha'l Beach where South Pacific was filmed

2) Take a Helicopter Ride – Kauai has such diverse terrain that it impossible to drive to over 80% of the island. Take a helicopter ride and see some of Kauai’s spectacular canyons, waterfalls, mountains, valleys and secluded beaches.

Coast near Tunnels Beach

3) Take a boat ride to see the  Napali Coast – experience the breath-taking scenery of Kauai   by travelling along the coast to view areas which are not assessable by car. Take some time out to go scuba diving or snorkelling or just enjoy the water. 

Rugged mountains along Napali Coast

4) Drive up to Waimea Canyon or Koke’e State Park –Located in the western part of Kauai ,this drive  has a number of viewpoints along the way and the scenery is amazing. The Waimea Canyon is breath-taking with its different colours of deep reds, browns, and greens. 

Waimea Canyon

There are two roads that make their way up the canyon. Waimea Canyon Road starts from the town of Waimea and Koke’e Road starts from the town of Kekaha. 

Viewpoint along the road

5) Visit the South Shore, the sunniest part of the island – I always like to stay at Poipu simply because there is more sunshine there than any other part of the island.

View of Shipwreck Beach from Hyatt Kauai

It includes some excellent hotels including the Grand Hyatt Kauai, numerous resorts and condominium resorts, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches with breath-taking sunsets and lovely sunny days.

Grand Hyatt Kauai

Take time to visit the Kukui’ula Village Shopping Center which has many shops, galleries, and great restaurants.

Beautiful Kauai Sunset

All photos courtesy of Muriel MacRae

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Muriel MacRae is a wedding planner, a design consultant and event choreographer, and a destination wedding coordinator with Creative Weddings and Occasions and the owner of a boutique travel agency called Del Sol Travel.  She is a certified wedding planner and destination wedding coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca
 or phone 403-477-0643.

Royal Davui Island Resort – Fiji - a Great Place for a Honeymoon

If you looking for an ideal luxurious escape for a romantic honeymoon location, the Royal Davui Island Resort, in Fiji, with its stunning scenery is the answer. Royal Davui Island Resort is an exclusive adults-only sanctuary situated in Fiji's spectacular Beqa Lagoon.

To travel to Royal Davui Island, it is a ten hour flight from Los Angeles to Nadi. Fiji. It’s a 40-minute helicopter flight from Nadi Airport or 40 minutes by boat from Pacific Harbour to the Beqa Lagoon with its white sand beaches, and crystal water protected by 32 kilometers of unbroken reef with more than 100 dive sites in the area.

Royal Davui Island is a 3.3 hectare lush island with secluded white sandy beaches which rise steeply on both sides. It is surrounded by a barrier reef with schools of fish, rays, and an occasional turtle.

Sixteen exquisitely appointed vales (think bungalow, bure, or villa) nestle around 10 acres of lush tropical landscape. The vales are a blend of Fijian and Pacific architecture, modern décor, and thatched roofs, all creating a paradise of world-class luxury.

Each vale is build on a hill overlooking the turquoise waters of the Pacific and set far enough apart from each other for maximum privacy. Access to each vale is along a winding wooden walkway bordered by lush vegetation, tropical flowers, and peek-a-boo views of the sea. There are no more than 32 guests allowed on the island at any one time, ensuring the ultimate in privacy, personal service and relaxation.

All vales consist of two peaked roof buildings joined by a hallway. Entering a vale, every room has a stunning 180 degree ocean view. One side is devoted to a light and airy living room with wet bar, fridge and coffeemaker, and a two person plunge set beside its balcony. Royal Davui Island Resort is currently the only private island with private plunge pools for each and every vale.

 The other side contains the air-conditioned bedroom with king bed, bathroom with double shower and Jacuzzi, double sinks and separate toilet. The roof above the bath can be opened electronically to produce natural light and fresh air. There is a generous deck with table and chairs for private outdoor dining.

Set below the canopy of a banyan tree is Vale Levu, a beautiful al fresco area for dining, The restaurant and the bar offer more amazing views and all meals are included in the room rate. Local seafood and organic fruit and vegetables from Beqa Island are specialties. Guests are served fine Pacific Rim fare either inside or outside on the deck, with two private tables luring honeymooners. Dining is casual – shorts, tee-shirts, and sarongs are suitable for day-time wear, but guests tend to dress a little more formally for dinner.

Day time activities at the resort tend to center around the beach the ocean, pool, and spa. Numerous dive sites are nearby and the snorkeling is excellent right off the beach. Kayaks and sailboats are complementary, and bocce ball and volleyball are popular afternoon activities. Bush hiking on Beqa Island is popular and the “marooned” sandbar picnic with a gourmet picnic for two is one of the most popular optional activities.

Royal Davui Island Resort offers privacy, pampering , and the perfect escape with your special someone. You can stay for just a few days or longer but you are probably best to book and all inclusive vacation package. This beautiful island offers the perfect escape that will be truly unforgettable. Image sitting on the deck of your vale and weatching a sunset like this!

All photos courtesy of Royal Davui Island Resort

When you are ready to plan your romantic vacation or honeymoon, call Del Sol Travel at 403-477-0643 or e-mail Muriel at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca  for assistance.
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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.

Splurge at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa

Are you planning a romantic getaway this winter? Treat yourself to the brand-new villas at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa.




While many people claim that Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, it is indisputably one of the most romantic! Bora Bora is located in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, 230 kilometers (140 miles) northwest of Tahiti, in the Pacific Ocean. French Polynesia is made up of 120 islands forming the five main archipelagos. The capital, Papeete, is located on Tahiti, the largest island. Tahiti is located 6,660 kilometers (4,100 miles) or an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles with another hour to connect.

Bora Bora depends on tourism for it economic well-being. The only other commercial activities on the islasnd includes fishing and harvesting coconuts. The locals speak French and Tahitian, but most speak fairly good English.
Bora Bora is located in an lovely area, The island is surrounded by a barrier reef that encloses the bluest of lagoons. The land rises up from white beaches through lush jungle-covered slopes to the dual peaks of an extinct volcano – Mounts Pahia and Otemanu.

Suspended between crystal waters and limitless blue skies, the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa is nestled in an idyllic cove of white sand and majestic lava rock. Choose an over-water suite and marvel at the spectacular marine life of the South Pacific Ocean as it floats past glass panels in the floor. Gaze out at the sunset from your private terrace in the Polynesian-styled beach or hillside villas. Unwind in the spectacular infinity pool with stunning views of the lagoon or cool down with a local cocktail at the relaxed Ta Le Le Beach Bar. Explore the azure lagoon with your snorkel or take a cruise on a catamaran and stop off with a picnic on the resorts unspoiled private island, Motu Tapu. Take in views of the Mt. Otemanu volcano and the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea from the hilltop Nui Spa and sample delicious local cuisines from the Iriatai Panoramic Restaurant.

Prices start at $550 CAD a night not including taxes. There is not a bad time to travel to Bora Bora but the high season is from July to October.

For more information, call Toll Free 1-866-653-4055 or e-mail travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca.

Information and photos courtesy of Hilton Hotels and Resorts