Lodging

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Mt. Makana from St. Regis Princeville, Nancy D. Brown

After watching the DVD of South Pacific, I can’t shake the Bali Hai song from my head. Bali Hai was calling to me. And what better place to watch the sunsets of Mt. Makana, also known as Bali Hai, than from the bar in the newly renovated St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai?

In the interest of transparency, I must confess that I was a guest of the 201-room, 51-suite St. Regis Princeville. I was in Kauai on a press trip hosted by the Kauai Visitors Bureau to celebrate the golden 50th anniversary of the release of South Pacific.

St. Regis Princeville Gets $100-million Facelift

Deluxe King Ocean View Room #414

I hadn’t returned to the Garden Isle since my honeymoon over 23 years ago. While the natural beautiful of the island and its beaches and waterfalls hasn’t changed much, the St. Regis Princeville Resort, having recently completed a $100-million renovation, has traded in its grass skirt and shell necklace for an evening gown and fresh water pearls. Guided by the Hawaiian concept of the Ahupua’a, a philosophy of living in balance with nature, the St. Regis Princeville Resort utilizes native dark wood floors, ceilings of natural woven matting and soaring glass panels that open to the sea.

Golf and Horseback Riding

While golf fanatics can putter between two 18 hole courses, the Prince and Makai designed by Robert Trent Jones,  you’ll find me horseback riding at Princeville Ranch Stables, followed by a dip in the infinity pool overlooking Hanalei Bay.

Hand Blown Murano Glass Chandelier

Steeped in Hawaiian heritage, overlooking the north shore Napili Coast, the area was once referred to as the “City of the Prince” after a royal visit from Prince Albert, son of Hawaii’s King Kamehameha IV.

 If you want to experience living like royalty, try the St. Regis butler service. Available to guests staying in a Prince Junior Suite, St. Regis Ocean View Suite, Bali Hai Signature Suite, Presidential Suite or the Royal Suite, the St. Regis butler service will unpack your bags, arrange dining and activity reservations and make sure that your every need is met while you enjoy the royal treatment.

For exclusive getaways,  such as the Quintessential Princeville Experience, or twitter offers, check the website. The St. Regis Princeville Resort is a member of Starwood Hotels & Resorts which means you’ll receive the best available rate – guaranteed. My deluxe king ocean view room rents for approximately $700-$800 daily, not including $14.95 for daily internet access.

Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

St. Regis Princeville Resort

5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, Kaua’i Hawaii 96722