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First clue that this refined resort is hiding some sequins under its hula skirt: the pool boys circling the lounge chairs, spritzing guests with Evian. Many credit Hualalai's popularity with the sunglassed set to the property's spiritual attributes. (The land is surrounded by lava formations, and the cultural center offers daily classes in Hawaiian history, arts, and crafts.) Still, incognito guests like Michelle Pfeiffer seem to prefer the privacy of the beach cabanas, the wood-floored suites with generous lanais and deep-soaking tubs, and the workout area equipped with a lap pool and enough exercise classes to please even the nuttiest fitness fan. Then there's the golf course, a pretty green pasture designed by Jack Nicklaus and coveted by golf fanatics everywhere, and that amazing—and always booked—spa. (Call ahead and reserve a Spirulina Body Mask.) But the crowning touch is Hualalai's King's Pond, an artificial lagoon stocked with 3,500 fabulous fish, perfect for snorkeling or just gawking. Book a room overlooking the pond, and you can actually watch the spotted eagle rays gliding through the water from your lanai. No flash photography, please. Doubles from $500, year-round; 800-332-3442 or fourseasons.com. |