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

Joanne at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa

Aloha,
We had such a wonderful stay at the Westin Kaanapali Aug 20 - 22. My entire Family loved this property. From the pool to the jacuzzi and not to mention the great beach directly in front of the property (this was so convenient). I would highly recommend the Ocean Tower (ocean view of course) as these rooms are absolutely fabulous. The decor, room service and maid service were fantastic! There is enough to do at this Resort to cater to any clientele (Honeymooners and Families with children of all ages or just the couple wanting to vacation). The Spa, ahhhh, this was the highlight of my weekend. It is absolutely the most relaxing atmosphere I have been in.
Joanne Earles
213-784-4708
joanne@mccoytravel.com

Bora Bora - The Most Romantic Island on Earth -Exclusive 1-800-256-4280

Bora Bora offers the best of luxury, honeymoon experiences and family vacations. Nothing compares with the beauty of the 1,000 shades of blue in the Lagoon surrounding Bora Bora. Whether romancing away in your own overwater bungalow or frolicking on the beach, this MOST romantic island of love, will enchant you beyond belief. I am sharing my own pictures from recent trips, including March 2010. There are 1,000 reasons WHY to visit Bora Bora. The prices have never been better, nor the selection. Four Seasons Bora Bora, St. Regis Bora Bora, Intercontinental Thalasso, Bora Bora Pearl, Bora Bora Nui? Go to http://www.visit-tahiti.com/borabora/ and call us in Hawaii 1-800-256-4280 for Exclusive Platinum VIP offers.
If you are considering the other islands of Tahiti, Hawaii or Fiji, we will assist you in understanding the differences and help you make the right choice to fit your needs.

NEWSFLASH: KAANAPALI ALII, MAUI QUICK REVIEW

Aloha!
I have just a few words to say about this really wonderful condo property I just stayed at, here on my island home of Maui. The Kaanapali Alii, 4 Star Condo, is smack dab in the heart of Kaanapali Resort. For some people, that may not be a good thing, but for those that enjoy being within walking distance to shopping (Whaler's Village is almost next door) and a very eclectic array of dining options, this resort is in the PERFECT location. The new pools (pictured here) really changed the feel of this property. There is even a "quiet pool" for those folks who prefer not to have kids in the pool they are enjoying. Another GREAT touch. Each unit is decorated by it's owner so no 2 are alike. The Premium units have more upgrades and are highly recommended (by me :)

The Alii (as we call it), is operated like a hotel with a bellman, daily maid service, room service provided by the Westin (a limited menu but not bad at all), 2 spa treatment rooms (operated by the Westin) that are located in their NEW and fantastic gym, AND signing privileges at the Westin and Marriott (both next door to the Kaanapali Alii). The facial I received while I was there was fantastic (and I receive quite a few facials in my work).
Okay, this was just a NEWSFLASH. Now back to my Fiji reviews.. Namale Resort & Spa is next. And then.. watch for another NEWSFLASH about Maui's Puunoa Luxury Condo in Lahaina, right on the ocean!

See you later. And be sure to call us here in Hawaii for ever changing exclusive offers for Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti and much more 1-800-256-4280.
http://www.mccoytravel.com

Epic Fiji Journey - Namale Resort & Spa

Namale Resort & Spa, my Fijian Garden of Eden, holds a special place in my heart. We had stumbled upon this gem way back in 1992 (before Travel Agency), and spent 4 lovely nights at this, then, 6 Bure resort in the jungle on the ocean. There was not much else in Savu Savu in those days. We drove up in a 4 wheel drive rental jeep, parked, and never left the resort for 4 nights. That was in 1992. My visit this time was 18 years later, and I can quite honestly say, that even though there have been an incredible amount of changes over the years, it still feels the same to me.
I have visited Namale Resort & Spa often over the last 18 years. Each time, I spend a bit of time trying to locate my/our "farewell" stone, the cement block you write in (wet), upon your departure, and placed somewhere on the grounds of the resort. Inevitably, I find some of my staffs "moce stones" (moce - pronounced Moe -they and means goodbye). This time I spent little time looking for the past, as my future lay ahead, at the Duvata Grand Villa. All of those hot days at the outdoor conference, and the last 3 years (it had been that long since I had visited), I have been dreaming of Duvata :)
Stay tuned-I'll be back later to add to this post. I have to scoot to Kaanapali. I have alot to say about Namale and it's all great! One tip I would like to give you here is PLEASE be sure to back up your computer back up (yes, double back up). Unfortunately, both my laptop harddrive and back up drive went south a few days ago, so pictures will be a little late in coming. I have no choice but to PAY to have my hard drive scanned, or my 5 weeks in Fiji, a photo journey, won't be the same.
Sota Tale.. see you later.
Melissa

Puunoa Luxury Beachfront Condo in Lahaina was AWESOME!

Aloha! Puunoa Beach Estates could be one of Maui's best kept secrets even though it has been part of our island for more years than I remember! This 2 story beachfront luxury condominium complex has 2 & 3 bedroom units, all beachfront, with sunset/island views to knock your socks off, the sound of the soothing ocean murmuring beyond the reef, and a turquoise lagoon not unlike many South Pacific beaches I have been on in my life. Contact us at 1-800-256-4280 here in Hawaii, 7 days a week for exclusive savings and values for Puunoa, as well as other fine vacation properties/resorts on all the islands of Hawaii. or email vacations@mccoytravel.com. Visit our Agent Reviews to see where the McCoy Agents have been visiting and reviewing.
Stay tuned for many more Hawaii and Fiji blogs from my recent visits to fantastic resorts in both areas.
Have a wonderful September
Aloha
Melissa

Tahiti in April with Lori Evans

From the moment you step off the plane in Tahiti you are greeted with a heartwarming "Ia Orana"! (This is the Tahitian way to say Hello..welcome!)

There is a trio of smiling musicians, singing and strumming guitar and ukulele and two local beauties dancing for you as you make your way to claim your bags. The balmy, fragrant, tropical air immediately begins to caress your face and you breathe it in and smile as you realize that you have just entered French Polynesian paradise!

While I could literally fill a book with details of each place I visited in 14 days and all the fun activities that I enjoyed and the delicious meals that I consumed, I will begin with giving you some highlights of my time spent at some of the truly incredible resorts in Bora Bora..

Le Meridien Bora Bora-

I really loved my stay here in one of their 2 bedroom beachfront bungalows with private plunge pool! These 5 Beach bungalows share their own beautiful beach overlooking the resort's private lagoon, and Mt Otemanu behind. The lagoon at this resort is also the home of a wonderful turtle sanctuary! Guests can learn all about them, from the on-staff naturalist and participate in the daily feeding PLUS you are able to swim and snorkel with them and there are literally dozens of them! The staff is so warm and friendly and you feel like a member of their family.

Le Taha'a

This private island resort, home of the famous Taha'a vanilla is truly a lover's paradise.

Be sure to bring some vanilla beans home to put in your bottle of rum or other favorite beverage to enhance the flavor and remind you of your time spent there in paradise! Cheers!

This top of the line Pearl Resort has thought of everything to make a couple's experience heavenly. My Taha'a over water bungalow had a luscious king bed facing out the giant picture window overlooking the lagoon with Bora Bora in background!

The Tahitian delicacy, Poisson Cru Raw fish marinated in lime and coconut juice, prepared right in front of you by the executive chef was the very best I've ever had!

Four Seasons Bora Bora;

This is a truly stunning property with undoubtedly the largest and nicest beaches in all of French Polynesia. The level of quality and service and attention to detail here is in keeping with the trademark that is Four Seasons.

I luxuriated in my Mountain view Over-water bungalow that perfectly framed Mt Otemanu in the background. Not only was it wonderful to wake up to the incredible view of the lagoon each morning out my bungalow window, but it was sheer heaven to be able to sit in the giant soaking tub with a glass of wine and watch the sunset.

You name it and it is available here for the asking.. breakfast in your bungalow delivered by canoe, wave runners, private beach dinners, kayaks, bicycles, and on and on...

They have state of the art gym with such technologically advanced equipment that you don't really even notice you are working out it is so smooth and easy to use! They have heavenly spa nestled in a very private area of the lagoon with every treatment imaginable and a wonderful yoga salon.

The complimentary "Kids For All Seasons" club and will fulfill your child's' dreams. I was really impressed by their awesome teens club, with it's own pool and entertainment area, and their own private teen's only beach .. so that your teen can hang out and be totally cool with their "like kind". What parents with teens wouldn't consider that heaven sent too?

Needless to say the cuisine was incredible. One of my favorite places to dine there for a lighter meal was the Sunset Restaurant and Bar for sushi, and other Asian-inspired small tapas.

Intercontinental Thalasso Resort and Spa

This was my final night in Bora Bora and it was a wonderful finale to say the least. The Sapphire over-water bungalow I had here was exquisite and had every creature comfort with giant walk-in closet, multiple shower heads in the walk-in shower, Cleopatra style soaking tub overlooking the lagoon and nice big deck split level deck for sunning and swimming in the pristine. My favorite thing of all though, was spending several hours enjoying their Deep Ocean Spa. This incredible sanctuary for the mind and body has glass floored over-water treatment rooms so as I had the signature 90 minute Deep Blue massage I was watching the marine life swim beneath me! This incredible spa uses hydrotherapy with water drawn from the Pacific ocean at a depth of 900 M!

Stay tuned for more to come ..the island of Moorea!
Lori Evans
213-784-6135 or 866-369-4068