Recommend September 2011 - (Page 26)

aloha to families in HAWAII’S RESORTS The new Aulani, A Disney Resort in Oahu. the end of the year; refer to promo code LYF50PKG. And if they’ve already “done” Maui, let clients know that Starwood also has properties in Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii. luxury & value At The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, recently renovated Residential Suites offer more convenience for families with soaking tubs and separate showers in bathrooms and partial kitchens. Nestled by Maui’s western shoreline, the resort takes full yet conscientious advantage of its surroundings by offering some of the state’s most exciting recreational options through Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Guests can sign up for a wide variety of open-air excursions tailored to different ages—from hiking through rainforests to underwater photography to a coastal tour aboard a kayak—while learning about Hawaii’s ecosystems with expert naturalists. The latest is the Zodiac Snorkel Excursion, priced at $99 pp, which takes clients on a fast ride aboard a motorized inflatable boat to swim with and discover local marine life—maybe even a few sea turtles—as their guide tells them about their findings. The resort’s Island Paradise package lets clients enjoy a fifth night free and daily buffet breakfast when they book four nights, starting at $399 per night; with the upgraded Island Paradise Luxury offer, they get the same when booking a Suite or Residential Suite starting at $549 per night, plus a one-time $500 hotel credit. Through Dec. 22, kids 12 and under can have dinner from the children’s menu for free at The Terrace Restaurant with the Keiki Complimentary Dining Program. Clients focused on value have a wealth of choices from Outrigger Hotels & Resorts—and with properties in Hawaii, Maui, Oahu and Kauai, they can also select their favorite island. In Maui alone, a variety of condo options add comfort to a cost-effective getaway with the Outrigger Maui Condo Free Groceries package, which offers a grocery gift card from Foodland Stores for every 5-night stay: a $50 card for a studio condo, $100 for a 1-bedroom condo and $150 for a 2-bedroom. Alternatives include a studio at Outrigger Napili Shores by pretty Napili Bay, starting at $255 per night, and a 1-bedroom condo at Outrigger Palms at Wailea starting at $355 per night. In Hawaii’s Kona Coast, the Keauhou Beach Resort offers family rooms—i.e. two connecting rooms that fit up to six people—starting at $299 per night, plus daily breakfast. Guests can spend time spotting sea turtles in nearby tide pools and snorkeling Kahalu`u Bay Beach Park, plus sign up for tennis or various cultural programs for all ages. Another perk from guests at Keauhou Beach Resort: if they stay three nights or longer they can enjoy a free cultural Huaka`i Ali`i Tour along the Big Island, with stops at stone temples and at a replica of the cottage of King Kalakaua, Hawaii’s beloved 19th century king. n Archived related articles (available on recommend.com): Two Sides of a Hawaiian Vacation (April 2011) contact information Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: (866) 50-DISNEY; disneyaulani.com / disneytravelagents.com Outrigger Hotels & Resorts: (800) OUTRIGGER; outrigger.com The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: (800) 542-8680; ritzcarlton.com Starwood Hotels & Resorts: (866) 716-8140; starwoodhotelshawaii.com Stone has a wealth of fun suggestions for families to indulge in, both in and off the property. Near the resort, he explains, there are a number of offsite sights and attractions, including a visit to Whalers Village Museum, which is within walking distance and which kids will love as it takes guests back in time through the eyes of an ordinary sailor or “whaleman.” “A sugar cane train ride is also a ‘must,’ as the views of the West Maui mountains and ocean are simply spectacular. The train station is situated across our sister resort, The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, whereby you can use the complimentary inter-resort shuttle service offered by Starwood resorts in Maui,” he states. “The same shuttle services also offers complimentary trips to Lahaina town, where you can explore its rich history—it was once a whaling port and the capital of the Royal Hawaiian kingdom.” Rates at The Westin Maui start at $299 per night. The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, meanwhile, has a great perk for families choosing a villa: online grocery shopping services, available on the resort’s website, that allows them to pre-order their favorite foods from the onsite Kai Ala Market and have their fully equipped kitchens already stocked when they arrive. Studio villas accommodate up to four guests, while 1-bedroom villas fit up to six; they all come with full Westin resort services. The little ones will love the weekly “Super Wacky Water Day” with water balloon toss, slide races, hula-hoop contests, Hawaiian crafts and nature scavenger hunt, available if they sign up for a half- or full-day program with The Westin Kids Club. For extra pampering, mothers and daughters can get side-by-side mani-pedis at Spa Helani. Rates at The Westin Ka’anapali start at $329 per night. At either property, Starwood Preferred Guests can take advantage of the SPG Kids Pass, an all-inclusive dining program for children 12 and under that clients can request for a flat daily rate when they check in. However, clients might not need it if they choose the Starwood Hawaii Family Fun 50 package, available at the brand’s Maui properties, which includes a $50 resort credit per day, connecting rooms when available and free meals for kids 12 and under. The offer is available through 26 september 2011 recommend.com http://www.recommend.com http://www.disneyaulani.com http://www.disneytravelagents.com http://www.outrigger.com http://www.ritzcarlton.com http://www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend September 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Abercrombie & Kent
Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West
Can't Get Enough of Jupiter Beach, Florida
Hanging Out in the Outer Banks
Aloha to Families in Hawaii's Resorts
Cruise Stockholm
Galapagos Islands- Cruising 101: Back to Basics
The Ultimate Family Adventure in Costa Rica
Flanders Travel Planner
Fabulous Family Voyages
China: A Wonderland for Kids
India: Pure Wonderment
An African Adventure
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, D.R.
The Bahamas: Islands of Adventure
Cayman Islands: A Home Away from Home
Mazatlan Reinvigorated
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort

Recommend September 2011