Hotel Tip #1: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay · Kauai

Listen up, nature fans! The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay was opened in February 2023 as the flagship of the 1 Hotels brand after extensive restoration of the previous hotel. As it does everywhere on the lushly overgrown "garden island," nature dominates Kauai's north coast and was appropriately reflected in the design of the hotel. The outside of the building is overgrown with green plants, which evokes the romance of the jungle, but also obscures the view in some of the rooms. You should still book your clients a room with a sea view, because they can look directly from their bed onto a picturesque bay with majestic green cliffs and a beautiful sunset sky. Incidentally, they have the same great view from the ballroom-sized shower in the 36 Ocean View Studio Suites. There are 252 rooms in total, and the structure of the building can certainly be described as adventurous. The lobby, for example, is on the 9th floor. After a few days you'll certainly get the hang of it, but for the first couple days it wouldn't hurt to give yourself just a few extra minutes to make it on time to that reserved table for dinner.

The resort has a stylish eco-look: earth tones and natural materials such as wood, stone, and plant fibers dominate the design. Thanks to fly screens in the room, guests can slide the windows open and listen to the sound of the waves as they fall asleep – a dream for mosquito haters (guilty)! And you've probably already guessed it: 1 Hanalei Bay is all about sustainability. As many products as possible are sourced locally and there's an extra tap with a filter and pretty water bottles in every room. Most of the activities offered by the hotel are free of charge. For families, there's the cute "Seedlings" program, where parents can playfully explore the natural beauty of Kauai with their children. But hold your horses – this is not a "Kids Club," as it's not (yet) possible to drop off the little ones. The second important pillar of the hotel is wellbeing, and the spa offers multi-day retreats. Six of the suites and 17 of the rooms are specially designed as wellness accommodations. The long-term goal is to develop the hotel into a medical wellness destination. The gym is from the well-known U.S. brand Anatomy Fitness, which is sort of a mix between fitness center and nightclub – a long red carpet welcomes arrivals and draws them to the training equipment with a VIP feel. All classes are included, even beach yoga and the jungle gym.

Trade Contact: Aulani Kealoha, Director of Sales

Trade Contact: Ashley Mangibin, Leisure Sales Coordinator

Hotel Tip #3: Fairmont Kea Lani · Maui

Have I suddenly been beamed to Spain? At first glance, the Fairmont Kea Lani looks like one of the Andalusian white villages. And one that shines like new: the renovation of all 450 accommodations was completed last summer, and work on the lobby and entrance continued until shortly before the end of the year. The reception area now consists of an open-air lobby with waterfalls, green areas, and an unobstructed ocean view. Directly behind the lobby is the Hale Kukuna, the brand new center for Hawaiian culture. You are also greeted by an impressive soundscape, as countless mynah birds chirp their lullabies into the balmy summer night. The good news for travel designers: you can't book a room category that is too small here, as there are only suites and villas. The 37 villas are not free-standing, but are arranged as terraced houses along the beach. The interior design of the suites, which all have one bedroom, is dominated by a subtle dove blue, taupe, and dark wood tones. The furniture is classically modern. Très chic! Each suite has a free-standing bathtub with a separate shower, a chaise longue, and a microwave. The highlight is the large, curved balcony.

The villas can accommodate six or eight people, and you can't get any closer to the beach at the Fairmont Kea Lani! Each has a fully equipped kitchen, a plunge pool, an outdoor dining area and a BBQ grill. Sun loungers and umbrellas await all hotel guests at the beach, but there is no service. What you should not withhold from your clients, however, is that with 450 rooms and three pools that are open 24 hours a day, the property is correspondingly lively. This is also noticeable during dinner at times. Nevertheless, the food in the Kō restaurant is delicious! The menu is peppered with typical Hawaiian feel-good dishes "à la grandma." This month, the seventh F&B outlet will be added when the seafront bar and lounge called Pilina opens, officially ending the renovation phase.

Trade-Kontakt: Rie Takahashi, Area Leisure Sales Manager

Hotel Tip #4: Four Seasons Resort · Lanai

It's a bit of a crazy sensation when you've been in beautiful Hawaii for a few days and it's only when you enter the lobby of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai that you really feel like you've arrived. Although nothing here screams "TROPICAL PARADISE!!!" in your face, the immense amount of space and an elegantly interwoven sense of place ensure that your soul immediately knows: I'm in Hawaii. And yes, the amazing view from the back of the building out to the bright blue sea also helps.

­Even on the way to your room, you always feel the need to pull out your phone to photograph the lush greenery in the courtyards and gardens, the stately shoals of koi carp, and the tastefully selected Hawaiian handicrafts that are Insta-perfect! The room will have you completely enchanted – especially if you've treated yourself to the Alii Royal Suite. "Alii" means chief of the tribe, and you'll feel like a king here too. The insanely beautiful design, modern furniture, unobtrusive art, teak bathtub, steam room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms – just, wow! Brows will raise and chins will drop for even the most seasoned luxury travel professionals here. Accordingly, the starting rate of $25,000 USD per night ensures that only top clientele will have access to this space. A cabana, a rental jeep, airport pick-up, packing and unpacking service, a stocked fridge, and wine supply are included in this room category.

The Hulopoe Presidential Suite is a bit more "tame" at a starting rate of $16,000 USD per night, but still includes many of the additional services and actually has a more beautiful view. The Ohana Suite offers the best value for money with its very spacious, beautifully furnished balcony, which is available with an Ocean View and Partial Ocean View (which can be very partial). We won't list any more of the hotel's 32 room categories here, but would rather get up close and personal with the untouched nature of Lanai. The bay directly in front of the hotel is a great snorkeling spot! If you want, you can also try archery, book a jeep tour, go to the spa, or go horseback riding on the hotel's own ranch. Important to know: as the travel options to Lanai are limited, the jet transfer from Oahu is included. Suite guests receive it as a private transfer, everyone else must wait briefly in a full-service lounge until all passengers have arrived.

Trade Contact: Debora Annett, Leisure Sales Coordinator

Hotel Tip #5: Halekulani · Oahu

Welcome to the heart of the action! The traditional Halekulani Hotel is located directly on the legendary Waikiki Beach in the capital city of Honolulu. Fishermen returning from their day at sea used to stay here. The fact that the luxury hotel, a long-standing member of Leading Hotels of the World, has more than 100 years under its belt is not obvious. During the pandemic, the 453 rooms and suites as well as the public areas were extensively renovated. Now it's the spa's turn, which is due to reopen in shining, shimmering splendor in May.

All of the rooms are modern, bright, and welcoming. Shades of white, champagne, and cream harmonize with delicate shades of blue. Or as the hotel itself puts it: "Seven Shades of White." All categories are pleasantly large for a city hotel, starting at 39 square meters (420sq. ft.), and even the entry-level category Garden View includes a separate bathtub and shower, balcony, and Nespresso machine. Of course, you should convince your clients to invest in the view. After all, you're here to look out over Waikiki Beach and Honolulu's landmark, the majestic Diamond Head volcanic formation. Keep in mind that Waikiki is dominated by high-rises, so you can see towering buildings all around from your balcony as well as from the pool area. LuxuryWise's favorite room is the Diamond Head Suite with its fantastic view from the extra large balcony. Gourmets should pay a visit to the Orchids restaurant, where Head Chef Christian Testa fashions classic Italian cuisine with Hawaiian ingredients. It feels even more authentic considering you sit just a stone's throw away from the quietly lapping waves.

Pro tip: If you have clients who are into spiritual experiences, you can organize a Hawaiian blessing ceremony by locals through Excursionist. It's held at Halekulani on a quiet rooftop terrace with a view of Waikiki.

Trade Contact: Leah Woolsey, Sales Manager

Trade Contact: Meagan Davis, Senior Leisure Sales Manager