Destinations

Virtuoso travel advisors share their top island getaways, from tropical havens to cosmopolitan escapes in the March/April Islands issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE.

1. Hawaii - The 50th state was hands down the most popular choice for tropical bliss, with Maui the top individual island. “Love the beaches, the people, the ambiance, the closeness to other islands for day trips, the sun, the golf, the food - I love it all.”
2. Tahiti - Running a close second was this South Pacific paradise, with Bora-Bora - and its overwater bungalows - receiving the most raves. “The color of the water is truly amazing, and the people are wonderful, very friendly and welcoming. I fell in love with Bora-Bora.”
3. Anguilla - “On this island in the Lesser Antilles, the people are beautiful on the inside, the beaches are beautiful on the outside, and the food is great too. I love Anguilla so much I’ve brought a boyfriend and two husbands here - not at the same time, of course.”
4. Saint Bart’s - “It has terrific beaches, amazing restaurants, great live music, and the local people are eclectic and fun. I love to stay in a villa with a pool and visit a different beach each day. It is also a perfect island for celebrity spotting.”
5. Vancouver Island - “It may not be tropical, but it has so many opportunities to experience nature: temperate rain forest, fjords, wild sea life, storms blowing in off the Pacific. It is one of the world’s most diverse, gorgeous places.”
6. Fiji - “It’s so remote and romantic. You can walk out of your beachfront bure and hop into the water for a swim or snorkel. The Fijians make a stay very special and are truly the most friendly and hospitable people on earth.”
7. Barbados - “What better combination is there than white sand and blue sparkling water? Add to that luxurious resorts with fabulous spas and golf courses, loads of colorful festivals, and sunken ships to explore by tank or snorkel, and there’s no reason to go anywhere else.”
8. Tasmania - “With a third of the island designated as national parkland, the unspoiled scenery is spectacular. From lakes to beaches and forests, you can hike, ride horseback, swim, fish, kayak, scuba dive, and spot wildlife. The island’s cool-climate wines are excellent, and Tassie has some of the nicest people you will find anywhere.”
9. Easter Island - “The peace and serenity of the place are overwhelming. The guides are fantastic, the food outstanding, the scenery breathtaking, and the people wonderful. The sky is so blue and the ocean even bluer. It’s a great place for couples or families.”
10. Nevis - “It’s the kind of place where you don’t need those few days to unwind. You can relax as soon as you arrive. A hammock on the beach is all I need, but there are guided hikes, golf and spa at the Four Seasons, plantation houses to visit or stay at, and a ferry that visits nearby Saint Kitts.”
11. Aitutaki - “One of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is one of my favorite places on earth. You can walk in the knee-high water for miles, find conches the size of a sink, feel like you are alone, and totally rejuvenate.”
12. Bali - “The Balinese radiate a spiritual beauty. I love the emerald green rice paddies, the haunting music of gamelan, and watching the women balance stacks of fruit on their heads as they glide gracefully toward a Hindu ceremony at one of the mini-temples on the island.”
13. Bermuda - “There’s so much to see and do, with scenery, history, charm, and year-round temperate weather. Everything is clean, the people are gracious, and it has a great economy.”
14. Capri - “I love Capri for its great views and Italian charm. If you spend time here, you discover places that entice you to return. It’s wonderful to sit in the piazza and sip an espresso or wander the narrow streets. The pizza here is the best anywhere.”
15. Santorini - “This Greek isle is always at the top of my list, with is whitehead cliffside dwellings overlooking the most unusual shade of blue in the caldera. Spend the day sightseeing and shopping; come late afternoon, trek to the village of Oia to watch the sunset, then enjoy a dinner of fabulous local food, topped off with a little singing and dancing.

First, a bit about the Kahala Resort. It was exceptional! From the moment we arrived we were treated with excellent service. My room opened to a beautiful view of the Hawaiian mountain and ocean landscape. The rooms were newly redecorated with soft colors and some of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. The food and service in the restaurants was terrific as well.

The Dolphin Quest is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. What beautiful and friendly animals! Another highlight of the resort is the spa. I had an incredible massage in one of the private spa suites - VERY relaxing.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, I would definitely recommend a climb to the top of Diamond Head. If you have the time and the ambition, you can begin the hike from the very bottom of the mountain. I didn’t have a lot of time as I had a plane to catch that afternoon, so I took a taxi. The taxi will take you from the Kahala to the park entrance, which is part-way up the mountain. My driver kindly gave me his cell phone number so I could call him to pick me up after the hike and take me back to the hotel. There is a $1.00 admission fee to enter the park and a clearly marked trail leading to the top.

The Kahala is located on the other side of Diamond Head on a secluded beach. I love the location, because you feel like you are on an outer island, yet are minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. The Kahala Resort is still under renovation and the room I stayed in had been renovated, however, the bathroom had not been. The room was absolutely beautiful! When we walked in I believe we audibly gasped. The colors are a very soft light yellow and light blue and the room is very large. We had an ocean view room, which you could also view the dolphins from.

As beautiful as the guest rooms are, my favorite thing about this hotel is the service, which was impeccable! The employees at the Kahala make their guests feel very welcome, with genuine Hawaiian greetings and the Aloha spirit at every turn.

For those travelers who like to avoid the hotels with lots of children, this may be a good choice for you. Although children are certainly welcome, we saw very few during our stay. The pool is relaxing and quiet with wonderful pool side service. We enjoyed sitting in the lounge in the evenings, sitting on comfy sofas and listening to the piano player. The spa at the Kahala is outstanding and if you ever stay there please do not miss a swim with the dolphins!

Two people in the travel industry with very high standards have told me this is their favorite hotel in all of Hawaii, so my expectations were very high ~ but I was certainly not disappointed!