Oahu

Staying fit on the road is never easy, particularly when it comes to eating well. Many of us let our diets go out the window when we travel, partly because there simply aren’t any healthy options to be had. After all, if the only edible-looking option on the room service menu is the burger, what is one to do?! Luckily, hotels are starting to recognize the demand for more healthful food options, and a handful of chains are taking action. Hyatt, Fairmont, and Westin are among the brands paving the way, working with health experts and organizations to come up with some tasty, guilt-free menu options. Here’s hoping other hotel chains get on board with this trend!

Hyatt

Hyatt, which has 492 hotels worldwide, is one of the largest chains to introduce healthy food options at its properties. The “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.” initiative launched in 2012 has brought cage-free eggs, hormone-free beef, and sustainable seafood options to all of its hotels, among other health-conscious food options. Hyatt also teamed up with Partnership for a Healthier America (Michelle Obama is a Chair!) to make its kids’ menus healthier in support of the effort to combat childhood obesity. In addition, all Hyatt hotels have on-site fitness centers, so no excuse not to hit the gym either!

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle

Oyster.com’s Pick for a Standout Hyatt Hotel: Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle

You almost can’t go wrong with the Hyatt at Olive 8, which is known for its exceptionally high customer ratings, environmentally conscious design, and easy, walk-to-everything location. If you’re looking for a romantic lobby in which to have cocktails, you might want to head across the street to the dark and elegant Grand Hyatt; otherwise, be prepared to stay happily put.
Read More »

{ 0 comments }

The Conservatory at the Bellagio; Las Vegas, NV

The Conservatory at the Bellagio; Las Vegas, NV

1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Bellagio is now offering unlimited caviar at The Buffet restaurant with the purchase of a $37.99 dinner.

2. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco is now offering a package that includes a private visit to China’s Terracotta Warriors exhibition at the Asian Art Museum, where guests can view the 2,000-year-old statues.

3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? A woman is suing the Viceroy Snowmass after allegedly having been served a glass of bleach instead of water at the hotel’s Eight K Restaurant in 2011.

4. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Justin Bieber was kicked out of the Langham Hotel London after his neighbors complained about the singer’s wild partying with three female friends.

5. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence was seen smoking a suspicious “hand-rolled cigarette” during her stay at The Kahala Hotel and Resort in Oahu, Hawaii.

Check out the answers after the jump!

Read More »

{ 0 comments }

Gazebo at The Kahala Hotel and Resort

The Diamond Head Gazebo at the Kahala Hotel and Resort fits 150 guests. The Koko Head, located nearby, can fit 300.

When done right, there’s nothing better than a destination wedding: The gorgeous scenery, unique setting, and vacation-like vibe will stay with your guests well past the walk down the aisle (no matter how much they indulge in the post-nuptial cocktail hour). And if you have your eye on Hawaii, few places do a better job than the Kahala Hotel and Resort in Oahu. A celebrity retreat since 1964, the Kahala might be the best hotel on the island, with a more ”laid-back luxe” than “pretentious glitz” vibe that will help to calm your nerves before the big day. Plus, the hotel can handle everything for the bride and groom — photographers and videographers, musicians, decorations, and food can all be arranged by the on-site wedding manager — with your input, of course. Additional fees do add up if you choose to bring in ”non-recommended” vendors, but with a gorgeous ceremony location at spots like this beachfront gazebo, your wedding photos will be breathtaking. The Kahala’s Kissing Point, however, may be the most picturesque spot to snap a shot. Check out more wedding-inspired photos at the Kahala now »

Read More »

{ 0 comments }

Dogs love chillin' during vacay as much as humans do!

Dogs are man’s best friend, so it can be hard to part with our pooches when it’s time to go on vacation. But some find it literally impossible, so instead choose to bring Fido along — and we fully support this. After all, you may have been working like a dog but so have they! So it’s time to let them enjoy some fun in the sun, too. Here are some of our favorite pics of dogs enjoying a little getaway.

{ 1 comment }

The Ocean Crystal Wedding Chapel at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort

When it comes to destination weddings, the options can seem endless (and exhausting). Couples can choose to wed beachside or poolside, in the woods or atop a mountain. But sometimes sticking to tradition can be just the ticket, even if you are in an exotic locale. That’s why many hotels around the globe offers gorgeous chapels for nuptials. We picked some of our favorites for saying “I do,” so get the wedding marches ready: It’s time to walk down the aisles of our favorite hotel chapels.

 

 

 

RELATED LINKS:

{ 0 comments }

We’ve all heard celebrities complain about how difficult it is to be famous — and we understand that sometimes you just want to grab a coffee without having a dozen paps photographing your every move. Still, when sponsors regularly put you up in $7,000-a-night Presidential Suites that we can only dream about, please excuse us if we’re not feeling all that sorry for you. But to be fair, we here at Oyster are just as guilty as the next person of loving all that’s glitter and glamour, so we’ve been checking out where some of the top celebrities have stayed. Keep reading and discover the stars’ not-too-shabby digs!

The Celebrity: Kim Kardashian

For $8,000 you can also stay in this bi-level presidential suite.

For $8,000 you can also stay in this bi-level presidential suite.

The Hotel: Gansevoort Park Avenue - New York, NY

  • Price: Starts at $8,000.

The Gansevoort’s Presidential Suite was Kim’s pick during her stop in New York to film a season of Kim and Kourtney Take New York. The 2,700-square-foot, bi-level penthouse has an expansive terrace with city views; a dining area with a wet bar; a living room with a foosball table and a fireplace; a lofted bedroom featuring a plush king bed and a top-notch sound system; floor-to-ceiling windows, and two bathrooms, one of which has its own steam shower and whirlpool. The hotel also features a chic outdoor pool, a myriad of popular late-night spots, and a renowned Italian restaurant.

Read More »

{ 0 comments }

Dream jungle gym.

Kid-friendly hotels are so important when traveling with young ones in tow — everything from giving a child milk and cookies at check-in to having video game consoles in guest rooms can make all the difference. But as the hotel experts, we’ve found that kids’ clubs are super important — not only are they *usually* under careful supervision, but they also provide the parents with much-needed alone time while on vacation. So before you book the next family getaway, browse this gallery of really cool kids’ clubs that’ll have your children thanking you for the awesome trip of a lifetime.

{ 0 comments }

WET Republic pool parties are one of the main draws at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

WET Republic pool parties are one of the main draws at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Tickets for the WET Republic pool party at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas cost as much as spending a weekday night in a Standard Room.

2. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Trump SoHo New York will offer free beauty treatments for Fashion’s Night Out to non-guests on a first-come, first-serve basis.

3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Only about half of the 100 “budget design” hotels Ikea announced plans to build across Europe will feature the Swedish company’s furniture.

4. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa just got the green light to replace one of its historic 8-story wings with a 26-story tower fronting Waikiki Beach.

5. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Guests who book a 50- or 80-minute treatment at the Ink48’s spa can get a second one and pay only that day’s high temperature.

Check out the answers after the jump!

Read More »

{ 0 comments }

With the venue, caterer, florist, photographer, bridal party gifts, rehearsal dinner, hair and makeup, etc, etc, etc, even a wedding on a budget can end up costing a pretty penny. [Ed. note: Sorry to any bride-to-bes whom we may have just given major anxiety. But honey, that list was just the tip of the iceberg.] So often a super-luxe honeymoon to top it all off is out of the question. But hey, everyone deserves a honeymoon. After all the planning, prepping, and smiling for guests whom you definitely didn’t invite (“Oh, so your my mom’s neighbor’s daughter’s friend? I see!”), a romantic getaway will be just what you need to kick off your wedded bliss. That’s why we at Oyster have found five fabulous beachy honeymoon spots that’ll be kind to your new joint bank account. (Or separate! hey, we’re all about independence here) And just because they’re budget-friendly, it doesn’t mean these spots sacrifice style. They’re also some of the most quaint, peaceful, and romantic hotels around. So relax: Your wedding will be perfect (we promise) and no matter what, you’ll be able to follow it up with the romantic trip that doesn’t break the bank.

Book a Flight to: St. Lucia

We dieeee over the beach at The Still Beach House.

We dieeee over the beach at The Still Beach House.

Stay at: The Still Beach House

Though this island of friendly people and gorgeous beaches has recently seen an influx of tourism, it maintains a sense of unspoiled, exotic beauty that gives it great appeal for a romantic getaway. The Still Beach House, along Soufriere Bay, is a quaint, budget-friendly inn perfect for penny pinchers. There’s little in the way of amenities — in fact, the only extras are direct access to a public beach (that’s, by the way, totally gorgeous) and a breezy restaurant and bar –  but adventurous couples will find the hotel’s location exceptional and its accommodations satisfactory. Not only does the inn offers incredible views of Petit Piton — which appears at arm’s length from every room’s private balcony — the landmark is also within walking distance of Soufriere, so there’s lots of local flavor to be found. And with just five rooms, Still Beach guarantees newlyweds peace and quiet.

Read More »

{ 0 comments }

It happens to us every morning — as we’re commuting to work, we doze off and imagine we’re part of the strings of tanned, lean bodies flocking to the beach, surfboard in hand — instead of on the subway. Well, it’s time to stop daydreaming, get your boss to approve your time off, and catch the next flight out of town — we’ve shared our favorite spots to practice the most popular and coolest summer sport. And whether you are an experienced surfer or just looking to learn, rest easy: we’ve got you covered.

1. OAHU, HI

Sunset Surfing in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Sunset Surfing in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii is known as the Mecca of surfing, but Oahu’s North Shore is the icing on the cake. It’s probably not for amateurs, though, as waves are a good size and are better enjoyed with a little practice (not that we’d be the ones to to tell you). Some of the world’s top surf competitions take place here, and anyone who’s ever been on a surf board will recognize names such as Pipeline, Log Cabins and Waimea Bay — home to some of the best waves around. Granted, the island can get crowded, but few places in the world boast waves like these.

Best Spot to Surf: Turtle Bay, Radz and Graters are arguably the best, as they are all open to the swells of the northernmost spot on the island. All are for experienced surfers and close to each other.

Best Spot to Sleep: Turtle Bay Resort is a 448-unit resort on the scenic, isolated North Shore with an unbeatable array of amenities — two 18-hole golf courses, a stable, helicopter rides — plus five miles of shoreline with wonderful waves, and great restaurants.

Read More »

{ 1 comment }