A Luxury Travel Blog

The island of Maui, Hawaii has long been thought of as the holiday destination of a lifetime. Travelers dream of the iconic luau with its captivating hula dancers, legendary surf and lush rain forest. Experiencing the far flung Pacific culture of Maui with the opulence of one of its renowned five star resorts will leave you pampered, bronzed and feeling like a celebrity.

Maui’s west coast is ripe with resorts vying for position. The ritual of visiting Hawaii is a symbolic one and the staff of your hotel will take these high expectations very seriously. You will be greeted with a fragrant flower lei, cool towel and tropical fruit juice, but this gesture is merely a taste of the superior accommodation you can expect.

At the Ritz Carlton Kapalua your suite will be decadently appointed with rich koa wood and colorful Hawaiian flora and you can be sure your every whim will be catered to. The fresh ahi, snapper, and lobster will have your palate swooning in The Banyan Tree restaurant. Fancy a round of golf on a palm lined, world class course or yoga at sunrise overlooking pink-glowing waves and diamond white beach? Every consideration will be made to ensure you experience whichever corner of Maui you desire.

Whether you define “spoiled” as a soothing spa massage on a breezy lanai or sampling a kaleidoscopic array of exotic passion fruit, pineapple, guava, mango and coconut, the Fairmont Kea Lani-Maui in Wailea will exceed on every level of service. Take advantage of their complimentary snorkeling, surfing and Hawaiian canoe paddling instruction, or dive into one of three sparkling pools.

Let your concierge arrange a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour over Haleakala Crater or into the misty western Maui mountains. You will marvel at the panorama of contrast between the fertile ridges of Iao Valley and the dusty moonscape of the volcano.

If you seek a more authentic, less hectic Hawaiian experience, brave the infamous Hana Highway. Savor every narrow hairpin turn, shocking drop-off, and roadside waterfall en route to your sanctuary in Hana.

The reward for your efforts is the enchanting Travaasa Hotel Hana-Maui. The island’s first resort founded in 1946, this family run property will evoke a much simpler era of Old Hawaiian hospitality. No less luxurious, but much more serene, the grounds are balmy with the sweet scent of jasmine and gardenia. Your charming, sea view villa will come adorned with bamboo furniture and the attentive staff will provide whatever special accommodation you wish. You won’t find a television or nightclub here, but instead you will have the unique opportunity to learn traditional lei stringing, a few chords on the ukulele, or how to sway your hips in hula rhythm. Fishing gear, beach cruiser bicycles, and boogie boards are complimentary to guests wishing to join the locals and enjoy quaint Hana Bay or top-ranked Hamoa Beach.

The magic of the island will rejuvenate, rekindle romance, and inspire awe at every turn. There is no question your Maui experience will be unforgettable when you relax and let your five star resort provide their impeccable services.

Brian Lutz  is the VP of International E-Commerce at Excellent Hotels.

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Looking for something a little bit different and not just another hotel? Perhaps Tripadvisor’s list of the top 10 unusual vacation rentals will tempt you…

1. Unique Hilltop Windmill Rental, Odemira, Portugal
2. Hawaii Volcano Genuine Treehouse, Volcano, HI
3. My Sedona Place – Unique Dome Home, Sedona, AZ
4. SUITABLE DIGS…cool green lodgings, Santa Fe, NM
5. 1926 C&O Caboose, Natural Bridge, VA
6. Chalet Tropical Crazy Cottages, Las Galeras, Dominican Republic
7. The White Elephant Floating Inn, Boston, MA
8. ModernCottage, Garden Bay, Canada
9. Anna Maria Island Private Tropical Garden Home, Holmes Beach, FL
10. 18′x86′ Houseboat for Weekend Rentals, Knoxville, TN

Which one gets your vote?

Those of you currently enduring sub-zero temperatures might be interested to hear that Tripadvisor has come up with a top 10 list of warm weather escapes.  Making the list are the following:

1. Cancun, Mexico
2. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
3. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
5. Miami Beach, Florida, USA
6. San Juan, Puerto Rico
7. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
8. Orlando, Florida, USA
9. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
10. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Starwood’s Cyber Monday Sale kicks off on Monday 29th November 2010 and will run for 5 days only, offering special rates at more than 60 of the world’s hottest resorts in premium destinations such as Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean. As an added incentive, on 29th November only, Starwood will offer additional extraordinary offers at some of Starwood’s most desirable resorts. These offers must be booked by 11:59 pm EST, or while inventory lasts, and represent savings of up to 50% off, with some deals as low as $99 per night.

Guests who are fans of the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program on Facebook (Facebook.com/SPG), or who follow SPG on Twitter (@SPGInsider), will have insider access to the sale for six hours before the launch, beginning at 6pm EST on 28th November.

Cyber Monday rates are available for stays between 1st January and 30th April 2011.

There is no better way than to spend your vacation in the lap of luxury and nature. In addition, you have the money to spend, and then splurging it on a luxury vacation in some of the best holiday destinations in the world is an ideal choice. Of all these luxury holiday destinations the one that is right on top of the list are beaches. Simply lazing away and relaxing while you soak up the sun admist the cool sea breeze is what every luxury traveller would love to experience. Luxury or five star hotels and other home rentals in holiday beach destinations will however restrict your experience and oneness with nature.

If you want to experience nature at its best, and lead an envious holiday life then your best choice would be luxury beachfront villas. Here is a list of some of the best 5 luxury beach villas that you can choose from. These are top rated luxury villa destinations and are known just by a celebrated few.

1. Cabo San Lucas – The Cabo San Lucas and the pedregal that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Marina is home to some of the finest luxury beach villas you will ever come across. Most of these beachfront luxury villas open into the beautiful, pristine, and warm waters. It’s not just the luxury beachfront villas that are an attraction, but the 360 days of warm sunshine will surely make your vacation memorable. Your luxurious stay will also include chef services, the best staff services, spa treatments and everything luxurious that money can buy.

2. Hawaii – If its sun, surf and sand then it is got to be Hawaii. However, if you want to experience Hawaii in style then choose to stay in some of the best beachfront luxury villas that Hawaii has to offer. The Wailea Beach Villas, and the exotic beach villas at Oahu, Kauai, Maui, North Shore, which is considered Oahu’s poshest areas, and some other luxurious beachfront villas will give you the best experience that Hawaii has to offer.

3. Akumal – The Akumal beachfront villa rentals in the Mayan Riviera are splendid and are sure to let you enjoy your life to the fullest. You will find seveal privately owned luxury villas apart from the well-known ones right across the 20-mile stretch of Akumal. These luxury beachfront villas are sure to take you to paradise with its spot on service, amazing scenery, white sandy beaches, and soothing sea breeze. You are sure to enjoy a laid-back vacation with the latest in luxury and amenities.

4. The Hamptons – Highly regarded among the high society in New York, the Hamptons luxury beachfront villas are a name to reckon with. The luxury beachfront villas promise you of breathtaking views, top service and the best there is on offer when it comes to food and wellness. You could even choose to set sail in the sea or throw a beach side party in your beachfront home that opens directly into the sea.

5. Bali – This exotic location and the warm sunshine will thrill your souls. The luxury beachfront villas in Bali will make you experience tropical lifestyle at its best. Most of these luxury villas are known for their unique character and have housed several dignitaries and celebrities. It’s the best for those who wish to travel along, family or even friends.

Ollivier Jacq is Founder of Paradizo.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Todd Harris is Senior Vice President for Hospitality and Member Services at Exclusive Resorts, a luxury destination club offering members hundreds of vacation residences around the world. He supervises all aspects of the member experience. Previously Todd spent 14 years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, serving as General Manager of some of their most acclaimed hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado and international properties in Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

What is it that you do exactly?

I oversee the overall service experience at Exclusive Resorts, to ensure that our members have a first-class vacation every time they travel with us.   This includes responsibility for the travel planning services our members receive from their dedicated Member Services Managers, as well as the in-residence experience they enjoy when they are staying with us in our homes.   I spend my day speaking to members, reviewing their feedback, and supporting hundreds of service staff (housekeeping, concierge, and property maintenance) across nearly 40 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, Mexico and elsewhere.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love my relationships and connections with my staff.   As you can imagine, with on-site service personnel supporting nearly 400 club residences as well as our Denver-based Member Services Managers, we have quite a team.   I’ve really enjoyed building our service model, finding enthusiastic and expert service professionals to add as we expand, and working with all of them to identify new ways to not only continue enhancing our the services we offer, but also to surprise and delight our members on their vacations.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

To me, the best travel experiences are often to celebrate important family occasions.

1.      Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica – In addition to my role with Exclusive Resorts, I’m also a member of the club.   About two years ago, my wife and I were fortunate to share a memorable wedding with a small group of close friends and family at the Exclusive Resorts “enclave” in Peninsula Papagayo.   The homes were stunning, the wildlife and landscape fascinating, and working with our onsite concierge team in Costa Rica on all the details made everything simple, so we were really able to relax and enjoy that special weekend.

2.      Hawaii’s Big Island -We took my wife’s family to Kohala Coast on the Big Island to celebrate her mom’s 60th birthday recently. None of my wife’s family had ever traveled to Hawaii before, and I was happy to be able to help organize a trip that brought everyone together for a family reunion in a destination that was new to them and has long been a favorite of mine.

3.      Sea Island, Georgia – My wife and I invited all eight members of my immediate family for a fantastic family reunion in Sea Island, Georgia. The Cloister at Sea Island is truly an exceptional resort property, with a terrific array of activities, five miles of private beach, and the amazing 65,000 square foot Cloister Spa.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

I think the most memorable dining experience I’ve had was probably when I was living in Japan. As an expatriate hotel manager for a five star hotel brand, I was fortunate to be able to travel around Japan and experience many unique aspects of their culture. I specifically remember one dinner in Fukuoka where I couldn’t communicate with the local staff so I asked for the “set menu”. One dish included them pulling a live squid out of a tank in the middle of the restaurant and clipping off its tentacles and serving them directly onto my plate. I had the hardest time picking them up with my chop sticks as they were still squirming and jumping all over my plate.   I loved trying the local cuisine while living abroad, and this particular meal has definitely remained vivid in my memory.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Andre Agassi and his wife Steffi Graf are members of Exclusive Resorts, and I have had the opportunity to spend some time with them at a couple of club destinations where they were conducting tennis clinics for their foundation.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

This one is easy because we’ve been planning a trip for our members here at Exclusive Resorts, as part of our unique Once in Lifetime program, that is at the top of my personal list:   a South African experience, combining a stay in Cape Town, South Africa with a luxurious safari experience in Kruger National Park. To go on a world-class safari (complete with luxury accommodations and private guides) and enjoying the local beaches and wineries of Cape Town sound like a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.   Experiencing the many different aspects of South Africa on a trip like that is something I would love to do someday.

Thank you for taking part in our interview, Todd.  I can appreciate how a plateful of squirming tentacles must have stuck in the memory!

If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Formerly with Skyscanner, Aaron Ritoper is the Vice President of Business Development at Fly.com, a website which scours major airlines, international carriers and online travel sites, and helps people easily sort and refine results by criteria such as number of stops and departure times and traveller class.

What is it that you do exactly?

I’m in charge of developing the Fly.com business across Europe. This means I manage our all commercial relationships, ensure we achieve our targets, and communicate across markets to spread the word on Fly.com (sharing the latest flight deal insights). Travelzoo travel producers are very knowledgeable, so I spend time with them to review the latest bargains.

On the technology side, the flight search experience is constantly developing, and hours are spent with the team to build the flight search product of the future.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

It’s not every day that you get the chance to build a global brand with the talent and resources of a company like Travelzoo. I love the challenge and the reward that we see as people discover how much better Fly.com is at finding cheap flights compared to legacy websites.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Méribel – Is fantastic place for a ski vacation. The last time we went “hors-piste” with a ski guide, and when he handed out avalanche beacons and put a snow shovel in his backpack that definitely made a lasting impression.

Iceland – Seeing the Northern lights was definitely high on my list. I stayed out in the countryside outside of Reykjavik and around midnight green oscillating light filled the sky.

Hawaii – A wonderful place for a family vacation, we stayed at the Grand Hilton in Waikoloa and found it very family friendly. The dolphin pool in particular was a big hit.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

Probably the time I ate barbequed buffalo on an Indian reservation in New Mexico. They had the whole animal roasting on a spit and there were demonstrations of traditional dances with rhythmic music – it was very festive!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

I’m constantly on airplanes so I’ve run across quite a few celebrities along the way. Within the travel world, I enjoyed speaking with Stelios Haji-Ioannou not too long ago just before my easyJet flight from London to Nice, France. I happened to be one of the first people on the plane, so tipped off the flight attendant that an important guest would be following me.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

It’s about time for a surfing trip, so I’m hoping to spend some time in Biarritz, France soon.

Many thanks, Aaron. Having experienced the Northern Lights in Greenland myself, I can understand how that might be up there as one of your highlights.

If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Halekulani, one of the world’s finest and most acclaimed luxury resorts, and Gourmet, the magazine of good living, have gathered together leading Asian culinary masters for an unparalleled epicurean experience at this iconic Hawaiian resort.

From 13th to 15th November 2009, connoisseurs from around the world are invited to join hosts Sara Moulton, Gourmet executive chef, and Vikram Garg, Halekulani executive chef, as they lead guests through a weekend of authentic tastes, intimate seminars, chef-led farm and market tours, hands-on cooking demonstrations and cocktail parties featuring Vietnamese, Japanese, and Indian master chefs.  Follow this link for the full schedule.

Three-night event packages start at $1,480 per person and include three nights at Halekulani and access to all events.

Charity Buzz, an online auction site  with luxury and celebrity experiences has a large number of travel package  auctions for every type of traveller with  destinations all over the world. Not only will winners get an experience  of a lifetime, but they will also help a good cause like Gabrielle’s  Angel Foundation for Cancer Research and the Center for Hearing and  Communication.

Listed below are some of their best auctions currently live:

• A one week all-inclusive stay at the Four Seasons oceanfront villa in  Hawaii
• Stay in a five-bedroom mansion in Aspen during the Food & Wine  Classic with an exclusive private wine tasting
• Receive the royal  treatment, including a private shopper and black-tie dinner, on a VIP  escape to Paris, Versailles & Champagne

Ideally located on Hawaii’s breathtaking island of Kaua’i , the newly-opened St. Regis Princeville Resort introduces an unparalleled level of sophistication and serene luxury to one of the most remarkable destinations in the world. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the iconic resort has been transformed into an elegant reflection of its island home, paying homage to the land and culture. The resort features 252 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 51 premium ocean view suites, the elegant Halele’a Spa, Prince and Makai Champion golf courses by Robert Trent Jones II and Kaua’i Grill by world renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Chef Robert McCormick of the Hotel H�na Maui takes pride in his ability to source just about all he needs to create his acclaimed cuisine right from Maui itself — and often from within just a mile or two of the isolated, idyllic resort. To host an ideal evening featuring a five-course dinner paired with fine wines, the hotel reaches out to the mainland, inviting renowned second-generation winemaker Kathleen Heitz Myers to share her expertise and select vintages with a few fortunate guests.

On Saturday, 29th August 2009 at 7:00 pm, guests will assemble at the historic Plantation Guest House for a reception followed by the five-course dinner and lively, authentic entertainment by the Hotel HÄ�tna-Maui Musicians & Dancers. Come  and discuss the wines  with Kathleen Heitz Myers, daughter of founders Joe and Alice Heitz, and now President of Heitz Cellars. Take away a deeper understanding of the wines and the cuisine — and a bit of the magic known as ‘the spirit of HÄ�na.’

The cost of the event is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and includes reception and 5 course dinner.

Shira Lazar currently hosts Mahalo’s This Week In YouTube and is the Editor-At-Large for CondeNast’s Jaunted.com travel blogging from around the globe. Previously, Shira hosted NBC’s 1ST LOOK and OPEN HOUSE, DirecTV’s HAVOC ON THE 101 and was a correspondent on Reelz Channel’s DAILIES. She has developed and hosted online video content for Movies.com, Hollywood.com, Live Earth, Yahoo! TV, Verizon VCAST and more. She was recently the official video blogger of Internet Week, red carpet host for the 2009 Webby Awards and participated as a social media maven on Ashton Kutcher’s 24 HOURS AT SUNDANCE. Shira is a frequent guest on Fox News Channel, CBS and CNN as an entertainment and travel correspondent. As a crossover personality and hybrid journalist, Shira Lazar continues to bridge the gap between old and new media and be a voice for the millennial movement.

What is it that  you do exactly?

On an ideal morning, after checking and answering Eastcoast emails on my crackberry and laptop, I enjoy starting it off with a workout- I either go to the gym to train, jog outside or do bikram yoga. I also love green tea in the am- that’s my go-to energy booster. Then it’s off to meetings and shoots typically around the entire city. I work on a lot of projects at once, so I’m never really in one place. Currently, I am working with MasterCard on their “Break in Their Jeans” promotion.

Sometimes, I get called in the AM for a last minute live shot for CNN or Fox News. I live very much on the go, so I have to be ready for whatever comes my way. I always keep the essentials on me to the point where at times it looks like I’m living out of my car. My evenings are typically packed too- sometimes I have to cover a red carpet or host/moderate an event. If I have time, I’ll set up a business dinner at a fun spot. By the time I get home in the evening, if I’m not too tired I’ll continue emailing, blogging and tweeting up a storm. Then it all starts again the next morning.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The amazing people I get to meet that constantly inspire and challenge me. I also love to simply make people happy and bring them access to individuals, stories or experiences they don’t have access to or otherwise wouldn’t know about. Bringing my voice to bigger issues that create a positive impact for the world is also truly rewarding.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Patagonia, Chile – When you look around you all you see are snowcapped mountains, acres a flat green land and aqua lakes. The air is so fresh too. They don’t call it a hikers paradise for no reason.

Kauai, Hawaii – This is my ultimate vacation spot. The moment you get off the plane, it exudes this calming energy. The island has this jungle vibe complete with fresh fruit stands and incredible beaches, which make you feel like you’ve really escaped reality. I usually get a beach house on Anini beach, where you can wake up and within a few steps be lounging in the water.

Tarifa, Spain – Tarifa is located at the southernmost tip of Spain, and is the ultimate surf town. The white-sanded beaches stretch for miles, where you can also hike and take a dip in some amazing natural ponds. After dinner, I would sit on the beach, look out onto the horizon and see the lights of Morocco. It’s a very special and quaint spot.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

I’m friends with a lot of chefs so this is a hard question, because I’ve had so many incredible dining experiences. One of my longest dining experiences went from noon until 6pm at one of my favorite Italian lunch spots in Los Angeles, Café Mauro. I also had the most amazing one-of-a-kind cured salmon recently at the Beverly Hills Hotel that sells for over $100/pound. One of my most authentic dining experiences though might have recently been in Chile where we went rock climbing and then set up an entire picnic in a cave looking out onto the mountains and lake. It was low-key, but such a memorable moment.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Being in Hollywood and working in entertainment news, I’ve had countless encounters with many celebs. I’ve been drinking at Four Seasons and Britney Spears flies by. I’ve worked closely with Ashton Kutcher at the Sundance Film Festival and interviewed everyone from the classics like Al Pacino and Steve Martin to Angelina Jolie and George Clooney.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

Space travel. I want to go with Richard Branson on Virgin Galactic in Space and live-stream the entire experience.

Thank you, Shira. You are clearly a very busy person and I appreciate you taking the time to take part in an interview on A Luxury Travel Blog.

Jeni Matthews created Red Balloon Travel and Consulting with the goal in mind to provide spectacularly unique French holidays.     After graduating from Northwestern University in Communications and International Studies, she headed straight to France, and has been living in the little known Rhone-Alpes region ever since.   She uses her first-hand knowledge and close business relationships to provide her clients with a very intimate and unforgettable experience.     Tourists from around the world flock to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Pope’s Palace in Avignon.   However,   very few people know about the delectable truffles of the Drome that are shrouded in mystery, or the rich tannins that characterize the red wines from the exclusive Cornas appellation.

What is it that  you do exactly?

I organize custom holidays for people who are interested in a completely original French experience.   Basically,   I design a client-specific itinerary that includes restaurants, hotels, excursions, transportation, and whatever else is needed to provide the ultimate vacation.     I first speak at length with the client in order to understand what are, for him, the most important aspects of the trip.   Equipped with this information, I contact each service provider to lay out a program that will both include all the clients’ wishes and add a few pleasant surprises.   I have personal relationships with each business with which I work, thus enabling me to offer unique experiences that usually surpass the highest of expectations. Once everything is organized, I personally greet the client to make sure he has arrived safely and has settled in to his new surroundings.   I am on call for the entire trip, should any questions arise or last minute changes be necessary, which provides a little extra reassurance to the client.  

When I am not working on specific programs, I devote my time to discovering new people and places to add to my portfolio.   I’m always on the lookout for something new and original.   This often involves my spotting an interesting building or sign, which leads to further investigation, which in turn develops into the discovery of a fantastic restaurant, or hotel, adventure that simply must be shared with others (although not too many, of course).   It is very important to me that I have personally experienced each service I offer, so that I know my clients will enjoy only welcome surprises.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

What I enjoy is twofold.   I love being able to impart my knowledge to other people.   It’s such an incredible feeling when a client is enthralled by his meal in a tiny, off-the-map bistro where I have been dining for years.   But I also love when I make a new discovery to add to my portfolio.   It’s as if I have happened upon a marvelous secret that is only begging to be shared.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Kauai – the island is absolutely beautiful, with its hidden waterfalls, enormous beaches shaded by cliffs, and the amazing snorkeling!

Stockholm – the city is so alive, and the people incredibly hospitable.   We had a fabulous dining experience at “Grill” right in the city centre.

Maison de la Pra – this B&B in Valence, France is a remodeled 15th Century private mansion.   The owner has done everything himself, from the cast-iron light fixtures, to the dining room table, to the impressive wine-tasting cellar.   Henri-Jean is so enthusiastic about his creation and his city, it’s impossible not to enjoy it!

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

A recent lunch I had in Saou, France was remarkable in every sense of the word.   The setting was breathtaking, with the Pre-Alpes mountains as a backdrop and the main square of the tiny village as the restaurant terrace.   The service was exceptional, as the owner took care of us and made sure everything was to our liking.   The food was divine; I had a ingenious dessert of aubergine sliced paper-thin served over an avocado and hazelnut purée. Finally, the company was fabulous, which is always primordial.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

One of the essential elements of Red Balloon Travel is that very few people know of the places I send my clients.   While Brad and Angelina are not far away in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, my clients often feel it is much more interesting to partake in something a little more personal and exclusive, far from the flashbulbs and glory.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I would love to visit Peru.   I love France, but it is my home now, so it’s always interesting to see other countries.

Thank you, Jeni. If you don’t mind, I  might just have to ‘pick your brains’ a little before I next visit France.

I’m noticing an increasing tendancy for people involved in the  luxury travel to turn to social media tools and more innovative ways of getting their message across online.   One such example is OutriggerHawaii.com which is celebrating its first birthday since its launch. Departing from the traditional hotel Web site, it showcases the allure of Hawaii by featuring unique stories and video vignettes that capture the spirit and adventure found only on the Islands. Launched in July 2008 by Outrigger Enterprises Group, the destination Web site has won several awards for sharing the culture, history, and beauty of Hawaii, with people around the world.   It certainly seems to be a little more pro-active than many hotel websites in getting across information such as local events, and by updating its blog.   It also uses the likes of Twitter, Facebook et al.   What do you think?   Will we see more luxury travel businesses making use of social media tools?

These days, restaurant menus are so descriptive they read like fine literature. And with all the scrumptious-sounding descriptions of foams, emulsions, purées and reductions, it’s tempting to bathe in the dishes rather than eat them.   Actually… now you can!

Order up a treatment from the new Apothecary Menu at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s Spa, and both your body and spirit will benefit from Hawaii’s freshest local ingredients. When you book a wrap or scrub at The Spa, which has just undergone a $7 million facelift, a Spa Concierge will create a custom blend just for you. Featuring more than twenty Hawaiian ingredients, the Apothecary Menu takes its inspiration from the Big Island’s long tradition of healing with natural elements. Your custom blend will be based on physical characteristics, scent preferences and overall needs for well-being.

Need some exfoliation? Try crushed macadamia nuts, coconut or volcanic pumice. Craving a detoxification? Kona – a green, deep sea clay – should do the trick. Ready to be soothed? (And really, who isn’t?) Your custom blend might include essential oils of juniper, birch, rosemary, lavender, Vitamin E and grape seed.

A luxury AAA Four Diamond resort, The  Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is  offering a new adventure package which  includes admission to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, plus you can enrol in one of the many classes offered by the Hawaii Volcanoes Institute, an educational arm of the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and a non-profit organisation dedicated to the education of Hawaii Island geology, biology, history and culture – an ideal opportunity for the visitor who  would like a bit more than just sand and surf during their Hawaiian getaway.   Guests can  experience a variety of educational opportunities ranging from monitoring Kilauea’s vital signs to learning basic birding techniques about Hawaii’s endangered birds. Package includes deluxe accommodation, daily breakfast for 2, daily tennis, Fun in the Sun Activity passes, a picnic lunch for two, enrollment in a Hawaii Volcanoes Institute class, and a donation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park through the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to be used to support the threatened and endangered species at the park including the Hawaiian Petrel (seabird), Hawksbill Turtle, the Mauna Loa silversword, and the Hawaiian Nene Goose. Prices from USD449 per night including taxes. Three-night minimum stay required. Valid until 20th December 2009.