Recommend April 2012 - (Page 86)

escaping to THE ISLANDS Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore. The bouquet of emerald isles that make up Hawaii have enjoyed their winter—laughing at most of us as we bundled up—and are now busy sprucing up their offers for those ready for a warm beach-and-jungle escape. A sarah muñoz 84 april 2012 Among the draws: a top-tier getaway in Oahu, a week of music in the Big Island and a leisurely tour that highlights the state’s best and brightest. culture on the big island Why here: Picked by Lonely Planet as one of the “Top 10 U.S. Travel Destinations for 2012,” the Big Island has some of the state’s most signiﬁcant cultural and national landmarks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—and what’s a trip to Hawaii without spotting some lava. Must-see stops include the Hapaialii and Keeku temples, believed to be a celestial calendar and a human sacriﬁce site, respectively, and the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. Keauhou Beach Resort is upping the cultural factor for guests by hosting the Aloha Music Camp July 1-7. The week-long retreat will feature cultural activities, including crafting musical instruments, plus classes in ukulele, hula, Hawaiian storytelling and more offered by top musicians and artists. Aloha Music Camp is priced at $1,400 for adults and $600 for kids 12 and under, exclusive of accommodations yet inclusive of instruction, “talk story” sessions, concerts and lunches and dinners. Rates at the oceanfront Keauhou start at $130 per night, which includes breakfast plus resort extras such as Internet access, local and long-distance calls for 15 minutes, and cultural activities such as lei making, leaf weaving, Hawaiian language lessons and more. This is also a great departure point from which to explore the island’s cultural heritage. Guests can stop at the Keauhou Kahalu’u Heritage Center to learn more about the area and its historical sites. surfing on oahu, plus new digs Why here: Oahu’s North Shore has long been known for its jaw-dropping, near-perfect waves that lure surfers from around the world. With more than seven miles of beaches, the North Shore is said to have more gentle waves in summer for surfers just starting out, while pros prefer the huge breaks of winter. But regardless of the month one stops by—or even whether one surfs—the beauty of the area alone is worth a visit. Taking advantage of its location, Turtle Bay Resort is transitioning toward a more experiential destination resort that highlights the area’s famous surf and natural wonders. Moving forward, Turtle Bay is set to draw travelers by celebrating the culture and opportunities for advencontinued on page 86 ture available in the region. recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend April 2012

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Provenance Hotels
Tour Talk: Trafalgar
Sailing the Galapagos Islands
Now Sapphire
Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Treat Yourself to Brussels
Panama Specialist Program
New Zealand
Turkish Delights
Women Wellness Retreats
The Still-Single Mingle in Vegas
Club Med Sandpiper, Florida
Hawaii: Escaping to the Islands

Recommend April 2012