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One word describes it - AWESOME!I wouldn't have changed a thing! Well, except maybe going into the water more if I had river shoes. Below is my first impression of the start of our vacation once arriving at the resort, which is the most memorable experience even though it all was great.
We arrive at the resort and valet park so all of our luggage, including many Walmart bags, can be brought directly up to our rooms. As we get out of the car, we are greeted with a lei around each of our necks. That was a surprise that only Sandra and Cheryl knew about. We walk down the outside walkway, which was beautiful blue tile and koi ponds on either side surrounded with lush vegetation. Lilly ponds with purple and pink flowers lay a-top the water. The breeze was gently blowing around us and the weather was just perfect.
We were escorted to a sitting area within the lobby to be checked in (what happened to having to stand at the front desk to check in?). There was not one guest of the resort in sight, only a few employees. It was very quiet and serene. We were technically inside at this point yet it seemed like we were outside. The inside of the resort was all open with lush vegetation and ponds with turtles, fish, and little sharks. You could still feel the breeze and I think you could smell it as well. We were brought fresh squeezed guava juice.
Our hospitality person, Edwin, then informed us that our rooms had been upgraded to ocean view. I don't believe they knew about Sandra's birthday or Cheryl and Gary's 25th anniversary. Edwin had a surprised tone in his voice when he mentioned the upgrade. We told Edwin why we were there also mentioning additional birthdays for me, Toni, and Cheryl. Edwin said he must arrange something special. I was in dream vacation land being up so early that morning, jet lag from the I don't know how many hours of flight, and just being in Hawaii, where the service and resort were beyond my expectations. I have been to Hawaii 3 times in the past and it wasn't the same. Below are some of my personal trip highlights.
- Most breathtaking: Sunsets (even without green flash Sandra saw last year)
- Most beautiful: Entire resort
- Most natural: Me running into all the animals/reptiles/fish/birds/bugs so I was nicknamed Dr. Doolittle
- Most delicious drink: Mai Tai (tastes better in Hawaii)although the Lemon Drop martini at Ruth Chris
is an honorable mention
- Most delicious meal: Shrimp at Ruth Chris Steak House
- Most delicious sweet: Chocolate chunk cookies Gary found
- Most relaxing moment: Everyday on the beach reading in the 'pod'
- Most excited: Being there with my sissies
- Most awesome: Upgraded room to ocean view at no charge when I would never have been able to
afford the room
- Most not surprised by - 85 sunblock works!
- Most childlike - ate smores on the beach
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