As a Vacation, Cruise and Honeymoon Specialist, I am always more critical of hotels and resorts than your average traveler. I am always on the look out for properties that will fit the needs of my clients and to know which property to recommend to which client. I also make a point of not reading reviews of the resorts I am visiting so I can give an honest opinion of the property.
The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island has quickly become one of my favorite resorts in all of Hawaii. We arrived late (our flight from the East Coast was delayed) and we drove up to the resort in the dark so we really had no clue how stunningly beautiful the grounds are and we also had no idea of the great view from our balcony.
In the morning, we were in awe of both. We were in a deluxe ocean view room on the 5th floor of the North Tower. Tower is not the word I would use since it is only 6 stories high. The view was spectacular- ocean to the right, pool and waterfalls in the front, lush tropical gardens to the left. I felt relaxed just looking at the view!
The room itself is a good size- over 500 square feet with a great bathroom- double sink vanity, separate shower, good size tub, and the toilet was separated from the main section of the bathroom. Great bath amenities are a Fairmont trademark. The bed was comfortable and I am a bed snob so for me to say that, it had to be good. Since I am highly allergic to feathers and down, I emailed my contact at the resort and the room was down free when we arrived. The balcony- my favorite part of the room had a lounge chair, 2 chairs and a table. The only negative to the balcony was that there was no outdoor light- so if you wanted to eat outside or read at night, it was a bit too dark.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with an orchid lei, promptly checked in and escorted to our room by a bellhop who explained some of the amenities of the resort- restaurant, spa, fitness center and more. What amazed us even more is that he refused to take a tip.
The room had an empty refrigerator, large safe, coffee maker, bottled water and enough storage. It is a very comfortable room. We had a king bed with enough space for a table and chairs as well as a comfy chair and ottoman for relaxing or reading.
The resort is divided into 2 “towers”- the North (Kohala) tower which had views of the courtyard or ocean or a combination of both, or the opposite side of the building has golf mountain views. We had fabulous sunset views. The rooms opposite us had great sunrise views. The South (Kona) Tower has either courtyard/ocean view rooms or views of the private homes and trees which back the property. We didn’t see the rooms or views in the South Tower but I’m sure all rooms are similar- it is the view that differs.
There is an air conditioned fitness center- open 24/7 with individual heat sets for TV’s on each piece of equipment. Sorry to say- I didn’t use this at all. The lagoon style pool is 10,000 square feet, gorgeous and heated. There were lounges and cabanas (additional daily charge) around the pool but not enough shade if you didn’t want to rent a cabana. The one day when we actually had time to relax at the pool, it was too windy to open the umbrellas and since I can’t sit in the sun, this presented an issue. We ended up going down to Coconut Grove, at the edge of the property in a treed area just off the swimming beach. It was lovely and quiet there but I was hoping to sit by the pool.
The beach is a swim-able lagoon. Please realize that most of the resorts on the Big Island only have small beaches due to the lava rocks that surround the island. The Fairmont’s beach is more of a cove which makes it very safe for swimming, children and snorkeling. There is bar service on the beach area so that you can get drinks while lounging by the beach, as well as by the pool. The Fairmont offers an activity pass that includes free outrigger canoe lessons (which we took advantage of) and a host of other water sports, hikes, lessons and classes but we were so busy that we didn’t get a chance to take full advantage of them. For those guests who were not out and about every day, as we were, this Fun and Sun Activity Pass is worth looking into. The current price is $65 for adults and $50 for kids and is valid for your length of stay. It includes an introductory scuba, snorkeling and outrigger canoe lesson, complimentary tennis drill, aqua aerobics plus free snorkel equipment, floats, kayaks, boogie boards, games, books, and more available to borrow.
One of the amenities of this resort that is unique and such a great feature is the Spa Without Walls. Outdoor hales (huts) are throughout the property (both Oceanside and in the gardens) that are private spa treatment rooms. This is probably one of the most relaxing ways to take a spa treatment. There are indoor treatment rooms as well, if you prefer. The Paradise Within is another great concept that the Fairmont Orchid offers to help relax both body and soul. This program offers classes and lessons from outdoor yoga, relaxation techniques, pilates, meditation, art classes, and so much more. You can take these classes individually or sign up for a package. According to their brochure, the Paradise Within is “well being you can take home- a toolbox of skills for living a joyous life of energy and flow.” I met one of the instructors, Callie, and she was so incredibly passionate about what she does that she almost had me convinced to join her for an 8am yoga class! The entire concept of the Spa Without Walls and the Paradise Within, makes the Fairmont Orchid one of the perfect resorts for guests who want to relax and rid themselves of the stress of every day life.
I would highly recommend the Fairmont Orchid to honeymooners, couples, golfers (forgot to mention that the property has 2 golf courses within the Mauna Lani complex), and certainly those guests who want a great spa and to relax and de-stress. There is a beautiful wedding gazebo and the Fairmont is a great resort for destination weddings. Families are certainly welcomed and there are many complimentary activities to keep the kids busy, in addition to the pool and ocean.
While we were in the Big Island, we toured many different hotels and the Fairmont Orchid is definitely up at the top of my list of favorites. Five nights was definitely not enough time to spend at the Fairmont Orchid and my next visit will be longer.
Just one other point to make—we never saw an employee who didn’t greet you with a smile and an Aloha—from the maids to the valets to the concierge and front desk. Whether it is the Hawaiian culture or the Fairmont culture, happy employees will certainly make happy guests.
If you have specific questions about the resort or some of the others on the Big Island, feel free to contact me at mindy@myvacationlady.com
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