Even though Hawaii is known for its breathtaking beaches, the 50th state actually offers much more than just a swim in crystalline waters and great waves to surf. Discover the archipelago’s wonders — away from its sandy stretches — with this selection of activities we’ve come up with for you. From the soaring cliffs of the Waimea Canyon in Kauai to the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Oahu, Hawaii will win the hearts even of those who are allergic to relaxing on lounge chairs under the sun. Check out the best sun-safe activities to do while visiting any of the islands — just make sure to slather on some SPF first.
Road to Hana, Maui; Maui, HI
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Credit: Albert Michael/startraksphoto.com
We carefully curated the perfect (and we mean perfect!) hotel for each aspiring Republican president-to-be, because after last night’s mess of a debate, we bet each of these men are in need of a serious vacation. (And, you know, since we’re a hotel review site, we couldn’t help but indulge.) Check out our ideal (and hilarious) pick for each candidate, then tell us: Where would you send the GOP candidates?
The Candidate: Newt Gingrich
The Hotel: Temptation Resort Spa Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Pool at the Temptation Resort Spa Cancun; Cancun, Mexico
The Deal: This is an adult-only, topless-optional property that caters to 21 and over, uninhibited guests. (Newt, we know you were born in 1943, so we won’t need to ID you first.) There is never a dull moment at this all-inclusive resort, which features themed swimming pools and nightly risqué live shows. Gingrich, who has been alluded to in two extra-marital affairs and has had 84 ethics charges filed against him, will find a range of entertainment while vacationing here, including provocative games and contests like sexy Temptation Idol karaoke. While the beach area is small and lackluster compared to other resorts (but who cares with all the sexing that’ll be going down?), the shaded sun beds are a nice place to relax and unwind.
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by Zach on January 27, 2012
Say what you will about Rome, but there are few cities that blend the modern world with the ancient quite the way they can. The Palazzo Manfredi is a perfect example of this: most of their rooms have views of the Colosseum and a large part of the old Roman Forum. The structure itself may be almost two thousand years old, but enjoying a meal while basking in the glow of the Roman Empire’s most celebrated architectural gem will never get old.
Aroma Restaurant at the Palazzo Manfredi; Rome, Italy
Every so often, us Oyster editors get lucky enough to chat with industry tastemakers and traveling superstars. Most recently, we were lucky enough to grab the Kleier women (Michele, Sabrina and Samantha) in between promoting their new novel, Hot Property, and filming HGTV‘s “Selling New York” to ask them how they travel in style. Read on to find out how New York City’s real estate elite (and top reality stars!) answered our burning questions.
Credit: Bill Brioux
Occupation: Real estate brokers, TV personalities, authors and mothers!
Favorite Destination: Anywhere with each other, but we can usually be found in New York City
Travel Soundtrack: Billy Joel’s “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” and Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” because when we’re not in New York, we’re still thinking about it!
Ideal Vacation in Three Words: Sun, sand, and family.
Favorite Hotel: Villa D’Este in Lake Como, Italy, especially if George Clooney is there.
Ideal Travel Partner: Each other and each of our (matching!) dogs, Roxy, Lola, Dolly and Dixie.
Airport Food Is: Never our first choice.
We Never Travel Without: Our dogs.
Poolside or Oceanside: Oceanside.
Carry-On or Checked: Carry-on if possible (which is rare) or FedEx ahead. [Ed. note: Smart move, ladies!]
Big Resort or Boutique Hotel: Generally boutique, but it mostly depends on the destination.
Room Service or Dining Out: Dining out, unless it’s an early morning after a late night!
Check out the Kleiers and the rest of the “Selling New York” cast on Thursday nights at 9:30 PM EST on HGTV. Their first novel, “Hot Property,” is available on Amazon.com.
The Wine Cave at Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort
Napa Valley is a seriously romantic place — and with all that delicious wine to set the mood, it’s no surprise that our first pre-Valentine’s Day highlight is Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort. Royalty, A-list celebrities, and athletes keep returning to the luxury spot for one simple reason: It’s in a class all by itself. Guests rent exquisite private lodges, set on a private 157-acre park-like property complete with hiking trails and a top-of-the-line restaurant and spa. The property boasts plenty of activities, including outdoor yoga, a beautiful heated outdoor pool, and wine tasting seminars. Want some privacy? Head back to your very own lodge, which features super-sexy amenities like an outdoor rain shower and your very own Jacuzzi. The hotel’s only downside? Luxury comes at a price — but at a price that’s worth every penny. Check out more amazing photos of the resort after the jump or read our full review >>
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The adult pool at the Marriot Harbor Beach Resort and Spa; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Our friends at SELF.com like to remind us how important being active is — and how important it is to eat healthy, too — even when you’re on the road. So when they let us know about their new Jump Start Diet Plan, created by uber-trainer (and former Biggest Loser star) Jillian Michaels, we were happy to jump on board (pun intended). The plan features some kick-ass workout moves that mesh toning and cardio to save time while burning mega-calories, plus easy-to-follow diet tips that making shaping up a cinch. But what we loved the most about the plan is, that if you join SELF and sign up to Jump Start online, you’ll be entered for a grand prize trip to the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa in super-sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Not only is the total package worth over three grand, but the hotel also has a well-earned, 4-pearl rating from us here at Oyster.com.
If we won, we’d start our day with a killer yoga class — or just a great workout at the sleek 24-hour fitness center — and then lounge on the beach or poolside in the quiet adults-only area. To cap the day off, we’d stop by the spa for a luxurious treatment. We recommend the Harbor Beach Signature Tropical Tiki Bliss massage (80 minutes for $225), designed to soothe even the achiest of muscles while still Zen-ing you out. Check out more photos of the hotel after the jump, or read the full review now to see why we love this spot.
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by Jane on January 25, 2012
We know Valentine’s Day is a few weeks away but if you want to wow your significant other, the time to plan is now. Especially if you want to wow her (or him!) with a proposal. We’re sure any kind of proposal could have your special someone crying tears of joy in no time. But if you really want to make it a proposal to remember, whisk your better half away on a romantic getaway and propose at one of our favorite romantic spots.
The Harvest Dance Suite at the Spring Creek Ranch; Jackson Hole, WY
Set in a wildlife refuge more than 700 feet above the Jackson Valley, the Spring Creek Ranch has arguably the most stunning views of the Tetons in the area. It has a wide array of room categories, from standard hotel rooms to immense two-bedroom condos, and he delicious, popular restaurant and the excellent heated outdoor pool are not to be missed.
Best Spots for Proposing:
If your soon-to-be-fiance is the active type, strap on your snowshoes and take her to a secluded spot on one of the property’s many trails. Beside the lake or in the teepee are also romantic spots for popping the question.
by Zach on January 25, 2012
Welcome to WTF Wednesday, wherein we highlight some of the strangest, funniest, most bizarre, or downright disturbing photos we come across while we’re out in the field. We’ll be asking you to contribute your own captions for these pictures, too, so lets get started!
This week’s photo comes from the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, CA. Just like an adult on a water slide or using a kid’s playground, getting involved in children’s activities doesn’t always bode well for parents. Our caption attempt: “Chill out! I’ve never started a forest fire!”
"Chill out! I've never started a forest fire!" (Kids Activities at the Bacara Resort & Spa; Santa Barbara, CA)
by Jane on January 24, 2012
Presidents Day is just around the corner and of course that makes us reflect on our country’s leaders — and Obama’s State of the Union Address tonight at 9 p.m. EST. But c’mon, we’re a hotel website so what it really makes us think about is presidential suites. The most lavish accommodations in hotels, presidential suites are fit for, well, presidents. In fact, they reportedly got their name from President Woodrow Wilson, who had a strict list of requirements for his hotel rooms. Some of those requirements may be standard nowadays (such as en-suite bathrooms) but the over-the-top luxury remains. Last time, we highlighted the best presidential suites in New York City and Washington, D.C. so this time we’re heading to the West Coast to find the most drool-worthy presidential eye candy in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
The Hotel: InterContinental San Francisco
Built in 2008 in the business-oriented neighborhood of SoMa, the modern InterContinental has luxury-level service, high-tech guest rooms, a lap pool, a popular spa, and a Michelin-star restaurant.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
Oyster.com’s Favorite Feature of the Presidential Suite:
There’s a lot to love about the two-floor presidential suite, but we really go gaga over the wrap-around balcony with amazing city views and the funky light fixtures.
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by Jane on January 24, 2012
Lobby at the Waldorf Astoria Park City; Park City, UT
The fourth episode of this season of The Bachelor, which aired Monday night on ABC, brought fan-favorite Ben and the contestants to Park City, Utah. It may have been a new location, but it was the same story: There was backstabbing, cat fights, a lot of tears, and plenty of “I think I’m falling in love with being on TV Ben.” And, per usual, it all went down in super-luxe digs — Ben and the women were put up in the Waldorf Astoria Park City, an upscale hotel at The Canyons resort. Check out photos of where the drama unfolded at the hotel after the jump.
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