Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 61)

OF ALL THE ISLANDS OF HAWAII, Kauai is the number one choice for nature lovers. The island’s landscape ranges from rugged sea cliffs and dramatic canyons to lush tropical foliage and more than 40 sandy beaches. “First-time visitors should definitely take a helicopter tour that goes along the Na Pali coast,” says Jonna Jackson, senior director of product development for Classic Vacations. She also recommends a luau—but not just any luau. “The Hiva Pasefica Luau at ResortQuest Kauai Beach is a really authentic one,” she says. Here we discuss some of the island’s many resorts. Guest living room at the Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Cottages A Wide Range of Rooms We suggest you book your wellness-loving clients in the Poipu Wing at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (www.grandhyattkauai. com). These rooms are closest to the Anara Spa, which has completed the first phase of its AGENTADVICE “First-time visitors to Kauai should definitely experience the Na Pali Explorer, a boat excursion that explores the waters around the Na Pali Cliffs,” says Myra Houston, travel consultant for Harvey, LA-based Ideal Travel, LA. “You really get a chance to interact with the environment, explore the cliffs inside the caves and snorkel.” Houston also recommends the Kauai Plantation Railway, which opened this year. “The train takes you to the Kilohana Plantation where you have the option of attending an evening luau,” says Houston. The stunning Na Pali Coast 20,000-square-foot expansion, making it the largest spa on Kauai. Word is that the renovation includes a 900-square-foot expansion of the fitness center, a “movement” pavilion for indoor fitness classes and personal training, an open-air meditative lounge and a couples’ massage treatment room. A second phase, set to wrap up at the end of the year, will further enhance the spa with four private hale (thatched roof huts) with connecting pathways and waterfalls. Reservations can be booked via Jessica Shea, the spa director (808-240-6441). Those with kids in tow should book rooms in the Shipwreck wing, which is closest to the pool and lagoon area. The property, in true Hyatt fashion, has a water playground with a river pool, waterfalls and a 150-foot water slide into a saltwater lagoon. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, which overlooks Keoneloa Bay, has seven restaurants and six lounges. Tidepools Restaurant is the most popular with locals, so book ahead of time. It’s set among koi-filled lagoons with a backdrop of waterfalls in an open-air setting of Polynesian hale. Agents can make advance reservations through the resort’s concierge department (808-240-6456, conckauai@hyatt. com). The resort provides two travel agent contacts: Ann Takechi, senior sales manager (808240-6422, atakechi@hyatt.com) and Chris Wingerberg, sales manager (808-240-6428, cwingerberg@hyatt.com). Rates start at $430 per night. Meanwhile, the ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa (www.resortquesthawaii.com) has completed a $30 million renovation, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 62 October 1, 2007 TravelAgent | 61 http://www.grandhyattkauai.com http://www.grandhyattkauai.com http://www.resortquesthawaii.com

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Online Now From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Caribbena: Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico, an Unspoiled Retreat Carribbean Deals Mexico: Insider Tips: Hotels, Dining and Shopping in Cancun Mexico Deals Las Vegas: Tell Clients About Day Trips Into the Great Outdoors Europe: Budapest: Off-Season Promotions Pacific/Asia: Korea Expands its Offerings Seoul Primer: All the Info You Need For a Smooth Trip Pacific/Asia Deals Hawaii: Captivating Kauai: Enhanced Resorts, Natural Beauty Cruises: Building Revenue with Themed Cruises Cruise Deals Hotels: London: The Lanesborough’s New Guest Rooms Tours: Gutsy Women Travel’s New Morocco Itinerary Tour Deals Spas: Escape to Tranquility: Three Spa Havens Spa Deals Cover Story: Donna Flora Agent Profile Podcasts Offer a New Way to Give Your Clients Added Value Car Rental Navigation 101: Shift Profits into High Gear with These Tips Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Cruise: Commission Cutting, Hurricanes Pitch Colombia, Impress Your Clients Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism New Alaska Products for Families In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

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