Oahu Hotels

Here's the ultimate heavenly Hawaii vacation. Halekulani translates as "House Befitting Heaven" -- an apt description of this luxury resort, selected the number-one hotel on the island in 2003 by every top travel magazine and publication you can think of, including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel and Leisure, Zagat's Top US Hotels, and Resorts and Spas. It's spread over 5 acres of prime Waikiki beachfront in five buildings that are connected by open courtyards and lush, tropical gardens. Upon arrival, you're immediately greeted and escorted to your room, where registration is handled in comfort and privacy.

So many things set this luxury hotel apart from the others, the most important being the rooms: About 90% face the ocean, and they're big (averaging 520 sq. ft.), each with a separate sitting area and a large, furnished lanai. Each bathroom features a deep soaking tub, a separate glassed-in shower, and a marble basin. Last year they totally renovated the rooms and added a bedside panel to control everything in the room (lights, air-conditioning, and so on) so you don't have to get out of bed. New high-speed Internet connection was added, complimentary to guests.

Other perks include complimentary tickets to any or all of the following: Iolanii Palace, Bishop Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, Honolulu Academy of Art, and the Honolulu Symphony (about $100 per person worth of art and culture). The hotel's restaurants (La Mer and Orchids) are outstanding, and the House Without a Key is surely one of the world's most romantic spots for sunset cocktails, light meals, and entertainment. You can't find a better location or a more luxurious hotel on Waikiki Beach.

Just opened is their luxury spa, SpaHalekulani, an intimate oasis of relaxation that combines healing therapies of the Pacific islands. From the elegant, understated decor to the attentive treatments (try the Polynesian Nonu, a Samoan- inspired/Hawaiian lomilomi massage with hot stones), the SpaHalekulani offers the same level of excellence seen throughout this impeccable property.

Facilities: 3 superb restaurants; 2 bars; gorgeous outdoor pool; recently opened spa; watersports equipment rentals; fitness room; bike rentals; children's program during the summer and at Christmas; concierge; activities desk; complete business center; shops; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry and dry cleaning.

- Frommer's