Caroline Gold at the Westin Maui

Aloha Welina Mai! Welcome to Westin Maui

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is the premier location for a dream Hawaiian vacation. Situated on Ka'anapali Beach, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa is the most romantic escape in all the Hawaiian Islands... the dramatic point at which the legendary Black Rock of
Ka'anapali meets the ocean. Anchored by the Black Rock itself, this spectacular Maui hotel beckons hopeless romantics, discerning honeymooners, and fun-seeking families."

Family-friendly: This site visit was enlightening especially regarding the huge multi-pool area, truly a focal point for the hotel. It's only Maui rival is on the other side of our Island. I just had no idea Westin Maui's recreational area was this extensive; the décor and facilities were truly outstanding. For families, it's truly wonderful and more competitive pricing than the other resort. I'll be recommending Westin often in the future!

• Ocean view room on 7th floor was wonderful. The room was quite spacious and
  elegant, as well as very comfortable.
• Heavenly Bed was exceptional. I slept well and awoke very refreshed. (And yes, Melissa was right about those delicious Westin sheets ! )
• An exceptional feature was the sofa/living room area for reading and projects.
• The bathroom amenities were great, I relaxed and rejuvenated using both the shower and bath.
• The balcony, although small was sweet for early morning tea.
• I really liked having the fridge, just right for a few snack items.
• How refreshing not to be charged for the bottled water!
• I didn't use the entertainment center so can't comment on that.
• Guest Services: I especially appreciated guest services bringing me a hot water electric pot for making tea -- I used it often and each time I felt grateful for the extra service.
• Spa facilities were beautifully appointed. I enjoyed relaxing at the end of my stay in both the steam and dry saunas, and used the whirlpool as well. (I would have liked the whirlpool much hotter personally, more like a hot tub, just my personal preference & not sure if I could have set it myself) The relaxation lounge was lovely, I felt very pampered with the lemon water and fruit/nut snack choices. This spa tour was a sweet gift before my departure on Sunday.

Overall, I found my experience at the Westin exceeded my expectations.
Mahalo & Give me a call if you'd like more details on specials and your travel options!
Caroline Gold
213-784-0240

Mike Brown Fiji Reviews

Aloha and Bula Bula , Hope you all are having a wonderful 2010.

I just returned from my latest foray to the fabulous Fiji Islands. I visited some wonderful Resorts and attended a very positive Tourism Conference. I must say right off the bat that the Exchange Rate continues to be a very positive reason to go to Fiji. The US Dollar really goes a long way to give you much more bang for your buck!

Fiji is among the top 15 best rated countries for American travelers during the current recession in the US financial market. This has resulted in a 26% increase in US Visitors to Fiji compared to last year. Once they come back they are reporting just how amazing Fiji Islands really are.
For Instance, Mana Island Resort was recently listed by Trip Advisor readers as one of the "Top Ten Best Beaches in the World." Mana is the only Mamanuca Island resort offering all inclusive pricing - Call me for more details.

Also, The new InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa has been included in the 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Hot List, one of only three South Pacific hotels and resorts to make the definitive list of the world’s best new hotels. They offer everything from Champoinship Golf, to horseback riding on Long Beach, and even Surfing and Scuba.

More accolades are pouring in as many discover just how beautiful and friendly Fiji and its people really are... Something Melissa McCoy and all the experienced staff here have known for a long time.

So let me tell you the latest from the Resorts that I visited this time around..

Westin Resort and Spa is in Denarau, Nadi. This is the oldest "fine" hotel in Fiji, originally the Regent. Westin added all of their well known ingredients, including the Heavenly Bed, and created a unique and relaxing environment. One short night and away I went to....

Namale Resort and Spa.. I discovered a private path to a private bluff overlooking a massive blowhole. At the end of the path was a woodedn deck/platform at elevation with both a daybed , Private Dinning Table ... and SCOOP>> a big 4 person blue modern Jacuzzi Spa Tub .. You can arrange a private meal, champagne and sit in this jacuzzi and watch the Blowhole, rolling crashing waves, under the sun or stars :) Talk about Romance !! Food is awesome , Dive Shop is fully operational (did you know you get a free dive or discover Scuba dive each day included in your Tariff ?????). The many Resort Pools are serene, and there are a ton of activities available to you. Let us NOT forget, that Namale now has a 18 hole golf course (you play 9 one way and 9 the other). Golf is also included, free, in your vacation package at Namale. Best part for me was the massage in their $2.4 mill Cliff-edge Spa :)

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Again, great food and there is now more Beach sand at the resort. Diving was incredible with their Fulltime Staff Marine Biologist (he is from Hawaii). Lots of great Fish ID which I love. During this visit to the resort, I was reminded that every child 5 and under gets their own personal Nanny assigned .. for free !!! So if you come with two 5yr olds and a 4 yr old .. you get 3 Nannys assigned !!! This Resort does a wonderful job of catering to both families and Honeymooners, so couples should definitely consider this Resort a perfect destination too.

Side note .. Did you know that all Resorts in Tahiti accept children? Yes they do. A country known as a premium romance destination, opens families and kids with open arms, at all resorts. So we ask, is it that important to go to an adult only resort in Fiji? Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has found a spectacular balance for couples and families. It has so much to offer both!

Koro Sun Resort ... They just constructed a new main Reception/ dining Building. I liked their semi Overwater Bures with private pool. You can literally walk out your front door straight onto the dive boat .. 4 paces max !! Their Dive Operation is receiving the highest PADI accolades. But the best is the Rainforest Spa with a natural stream cascading past your private massage Bure .. so serene.

Sofitel Resort... has the Mandara Spa on beachfront.. Wow !
Their activities department is run by Adrenalin Fiji and they offer Hot Air Balooning, Jet Ski Safaris, Scuba, Sailing and a choice of Sport Fishing Launches. We were at this hotel for the 4 nights of our conference so I was not able to enjoy as much as usual, But as always, the friendliness of the staff, live Fijian music during your breakfast buffet, and consistently great food, makes this one my favorite Nadi resorts. Nadi is not my favorite, but Sofitel is!

Viwa Island Resort ..Brand New Adults only Escape.
This is my new best kept secret for Fiji. It is a remote Island in the Yasawas, where they get the best Fiji weather any time of year. Just 11 Bures, well spaced out with air-conditioning and large front porch. Panoramic Beach views. Perfect white sand beach , great swimming and pristine coral reef to snorkel on right off the beach in front of your Bures. I personally think this Resort is underpriced for the quality of the Bures and Resort facilities. It takes an hour to walk accross the center of the Island so it is not small. The guests that came on my boat brought their surfboard and Kite Surfing equipment and this was their second trip there already ! Full Dive Shop in operation there. I had a great massage right on my Porch. Food is good, especially their chocolate croissants with Breakfast. Viwa is offered a stay7/pay5 Special, so 7 nights in your own Bure for 2 people including Continental Breakfast is less than $2000 incl tax.
Add air from LAX and Boat transfers and you are still under $5000 total !!!

Alright, so it is no longer a secret! Lets talk, Fiji is booking up fast. In fact, is selling out MONTHS in advance. Some great values are still being offered, if we can get you in!! If you are thinking of Fiji (or Hawaii and Tahiti for that matter), now is the time to act on your desires for the vacation of your dreams. Check back soon for more pictures, which I am still going through - they'll be loaded soon.

That is all for now, call me soon, Moce Mada , Mike

Mike Brown
Direct:1-213-784-6129 or 800-256-4280 ext.109

Sue - Mexico, Hawaii, Fiji & Tahiti

Aloha to all of my fellow travelers!

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying your summer. I've had many happy travelers visit Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji and Tahiti so far this summer. Do you have any great trips planned?

In June, I came back from a family trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. We stayed at beautiful resorts, and traveled throughout the Riviera Maya.
We started in Cozumel, at the Presidente Intercontinental. This spot was great for diving, and minutes from the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park. They have their own dive operation on-site, which made things easy.
We then went to the Ritz Carlton in Cancun. I love this resort! It's really a great deal believe it or not--and the service, food, pool and accommodations were outstanding. It also was on the most swimmable beach of the resorts that we went to.

Next we drove south to Grand Velas. This is an all suite, all-inclusive resort. Huge rooms, beautiful pools, and the restaurants were very chic! This resort had a staff dedicated to playing with the kids, which made it a lot of fun for my son. Tommy was busy playing water polo, soccer on the beach, ping pong - lots going on other than hanging out in the hotel kids club.

We ended our trip at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. With just 90 suites, this resort had the most intimate feel. It also was the one resort with iguanas - finally, we found lizards in Mexico! We're kinda strange that way, we love seeing all the iguanas. And lots of beautiful birds: parrots, peacocks & song birds. Each room in this resort is decorated from places that the owners have been. Our room was decorated from a town in India; neighbors rooms were Athens & Tahiti...you get the picture. Excellent food here too. I'm still dreaming of their coconut french toast!

If any of you are looking for some great travel deals, Mexico is the place. I would recommend each of these resorts.

I'm off with my lap top next week to a family reunion in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin population: 704....anyone ever been?!

Enjoy your summer, wherever it may take you....
Sue

Sue Michailidis,
Toll Free 1-800-588-3454 ext.119
Local 213-784-6158