Romance in Paradise: Manele Bay Hotel
Written: Jan 17 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Gorgeous resort, lots to do, a great place to relax
Cons: Tough to get to, a bit remote and quiet for some
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| Cara4fun's Full Review: Lanai |
What more could one ask for? A luxurious hotel on a deserted beach, a nearly unpopulated island to explore, and just the two of you! An ideal honeymoon retreat, the Manele Bay has much to offer the sophisticated traveler and sportsperson as well.
Like Dadmaz (see his daytrip article) our first experience at the Manele Bay Hotel was by taking the day "ferry" to Lanai out of Lahaina, Maui. For about $75, one can get water transportation to Lanai (about a 45 minute trip), plus "guest privileges" at both the Koele Lodge and Manele Bay Hotel on Lanai. Our foursome had a late breakfast at Manele before boarding the tram (which runs every half hour) up the hill to Koele Lodge for a round of golf. Then, back to Manele for a quick tour of this beautiful hotel, a quick swim in the pool, and a promise to return.
And we all did, a year later. This time, after a week on Maui, golfing, dining out, and snorkeling every good cove we could find, we took the day "ferry" across to Lanai, this time to spend three idyllic days at Manele Bay as hotel guests. We had a gorgeous room with a partial ocean view. The room was huge, beautifully decorated in Asian-Island style, and had a very beautiful, huge marble bath, complete with jacuzzi tub and separate shower. The jacuzzi tub was really a treat after rounds of golf at both Koele and Manele Bay courses (golfers can opt for a "golf package, which includes a round a day during your stay).
There are several things that set Manele Bay apart from other hotels. Like many, it is situated on a superb, isolated beach, with child-friendly swimming and good snorkeling along the rocks. The pool area is beautiful, with an al fresco dining area for lunch and snacks, and a complete spa nearby. Directly behind the pool area is the main hotel area, with a huge open-air guest lounge, complete with large, comfortable chairs and ottomans, a great quiet spot for some afternoon reading. There is also a wonderful, complete "adult" playroom, with a full bar, TVs, pool tables, air hockey and table shuffleboard as well. The guest wings surround inner garden/atriums that contain plants indigenous to the islands, China and Southeast Asia. Each of the several gardens has a different theme, and they are beautiful spots in which to wander or meditate.
The Manele Bay and Koele are "sister resorts", and though very different, have great charm and offer enough variety to suit those who want to spend a week or so on Lanai. There's not much else here, except the small town of Lanai City, now that resort guests, rather than pineapples, are "tended" here.
Manele offers several unique travel packages, which include "Adventures": one per day, such as renting a 4x4 to explore the islands, a catamaran sail/snorkel adventure, a round of golf, horseback riding on the beach, a day at the spa, to mention some of the options.
This is paradise at its best, and at its most romantic. I cannot wait to return.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Cara4fun
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Member: Jackie Stanton
Location: Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Reviews written: 64
Trusted by: 19 members
About Me:
Reading, travel, music, college football, fine food and good companionship: the best of life!
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