Travel Agent - February 4, 2008 - (Page 35)

Lanai was purchased in 1922 for $1.1 million by James D. Dole, who developed the island’s agriculture to such an extent that it was eventually supplying 70 percent of the world’s pineapples. The island has since shifted to tourism and Lanai has shed its nickname “The Pineapple Island” and now markets itself as “The Private Island.” Visitors can learn all about Lanai’s intriguing history by dropping into the Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center. Exhibits chronicle 1,000 years of history, from early settlers through the plantation years. The center also displays historic photos and cultural materials from various immigrant groups, including Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Puerto Rican. It’s in Lanai City and open Monday through Friday. In addition to enjoying the island’s relaxed pace and natural beauty, visitors come to tee off at two golf courses. The Challenge at Manele is an 18-hole course built on lava outcroppings overlooking Hulopoe Bay. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and every hole has ocean views, with three holes on cliffs utilizing the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard. During the winter, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of migrating whales from the fairways. The Challenge at Manele has wooded slopes, manicured bunkers and terraced water hazards. The 18-hole Experience at Koele course was designed by Greg Norman and architect Ted Robinson. This highland terrain championship course offers views of mountains and lush greens, with the ocean in the distance. AT LEFT: Pool at the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay, the only beachfront hotel on Lanai ABOVE: The Challenge at Manele, a gorgeous 18-hole golf course situated beside the cliffs of Hulopoe Bay and featuring stunning views AGENTADVICE Wendy Goodenow, owner of Honolulu- based HNL Travel, has booked numer- Keeping It Simple Agents will find a pared-down decision-making process when it comes to booking their clients into a Lanai hotel: There are only three on the island, and two of these are distinctly different Four Seasons properties. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay is the only beachfront hotel on the island. Its Prime Oceanfront Rooms are popular, measuring 1,018 square feet and having unobstructed, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. They’re furnished with rustic wicker furniture and feature private wraparound lanais. The Hulopoe Suite features similar ocean views and a private lanai, as well as a dining area with a table seating six. The suite can be converted into a two-bedroom suite with the addition of a connecting room. The resort’s Alii Suite has a traditional Asian-influenced decor, with velvet and silk fabrics in jewel and gold tones, and carved mahogany furnishings in the living and dining areas. The three-bedroom oceanfront suite has a total of 1,162 square feet of outdoor space, complete with daybeds, a small dining set and lounge chairs. The suite can be converted into a two-bedroom or three-bedroom suite with the addition of connecting rooms, making it an ideal choice for families. The resort’s alfresco oceanfront Ocean Grill is open for lunch and dinner. A signature dish is Grilled Opah, served over vegetable ratatouille with a Shanghai barbecue sauce. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele is set in the highlands edging Lanai City. The resort has the ambiance of a country estate, with Cook Island pine trees, formal gardens with a reflecting pond, a wedding gazebo and an orchid greenhouse. Afternoon tea is served daily in the Great Hall. The resort also has a veranda, perfect for relaxing after a day on the links. The Great Hall Fireplace Room features a cozy sitting area with fireplace, and overlooks the croquet court and a Hawaiian church. The room also has a spacious private lanai. For those clients looking for even more space, steer them toward the Great Hall Fireplace Suites. These one-bedroom units have views of the lodge’s gardens, pool and surrounding grounds. The living room features a fireplace. These suites can also be configured with two bedrooms. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 ous trips to Lanai for her clients, as well as visited the island herself five times. “The beachfront Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay is a good choice for families and watersports,” says Goodenow. “The Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele is like being in someone’s home. It’s very romantic— but it’s also cooler in the highlands.” Lanai City lies between the two Four Seasons properties, and Goodenow notes that it’s about a 10-minute walk from the Lodge at Koele into town. “The third property on the island is the Hotel Lanai, which is popular with locals—it’s quaint and cozy and has a great restaurant,” says Goodenow. Goodenow says Lanai City has two or three little restaurants that serve up casual meals, including the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch. “There are lots of little shops.” she says. “When we first visited, we didn’t realize how cool it could get, so my husband bought a flannel shirt in one of the shops for $9—that shirt has been all around the world.” Goodenow’s clients don’t usually combine a visit to Lanai with another island. “A three-day weekend is not too short for a visit to Lanai,” she says. February 4, 2008 TravelAgent | 35

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - February 4, 2008

Travel Agent - February 4, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Mid-Priced Hotels in Paris Europe Briefs Africa: Morocco’s Must-See Cities of Fez and Marrakech Africa News & Notes Pacific/Asia: What's New in Tokyo Pacific/Asia Briefs Hawaii: Lanai, Famous for its Pineapple Production, Repositions as “The Private Island” Oahu Hotels and Activities Las Vegas: New Nightclubs in Sin City California: San Francisco Keeps Pace with Demand Ski/Snowboard: The Ritz-Carlton Denver, Luxe Gateway to the Rockies Central & South America: North American Travelers are Discovering Brazil Latin America News & Notes Caribbean News & Notes Caribbean: Three Smaller U.S. Virgin Islands Resorts Cruises: Wave Season Rolls In Cover Story: Cayman Islands Transportation: Airline Issues Facing Agents Agent Profile: New Tzell VP Lisa Benzakein Aims to Pump Up the Agency’s Leisure Sales Technology: TRAMS Marketing Alliance Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar ASTA's Key Issues State of the Cruise Industry Caribbean Hotel News Australia Promotes Shorter Visits In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Victoria Clipper/Clipper Vacations Special Outsert

Travel Agent - February 4, 2008

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