Latest news with #FourSeasonsResortHualalai
Business Insider
21-05-2025
- Business Insider
I stayed at a Four Seasons for the first time on a trip to Mexico. Here are 6 things that surprised me.
I assumed the location would be impressive, yet I was still blown away. With 129 properties worldwide, a Four Seasons stay can feature a private island in the Maldives or a luxury safari in the Serengeti. Impressive locations go hand and hand with the brand, so I figured the Tamarindo property would be beautiful — especially considering where the property is situated. The Four Seasons Tamarindo is a hidden gem on Mexico's Pacific Coast and is not easy to reach. The resort is about four hours south of Puerto Vallarta and one and a half hours northwest of Manzanillo. When guests arrive, it all starts with a dramatic entrance. I still had a 15-minute drive from the entrance gate to the resort. I navigated winding roads surrounded by thick jungle. There wasn't water in sight as I passed rows of agave and spotted birds singing from nearby trees. Then, the property came into view. An open-air lobby featured infinity pools that stretched out to a rocky coastline. For the next two days, I discovered striking ocean views at practically every part of the resort, from the golf course to the on-site restaurants. It was clear that the location was a highlight of the property. A calendar of complimentary activities was a welcome surprise. It was tempting to jam-pack my day with activities at the Four Seasons. I eyed a morning snorkeling excursion and debated if I could make it back in time for a farm tour. Later in the afternoon, I planned to join a workshop on fermented drinks. The next day, my schedule included a cooking class. The best part was that all these events were complimentary. While the luxury resort comes with luxury prices, it was refreshing to know that I could fill my day with experiences that wouldn't add to my travel budget. That seems to be a common theme across a handful of other Four Seasons properties. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers ukulele lessons, lei-making classes, and Hawaiian quilting. At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, guests can join vineyard yoga sessions and cocktail-making classes. Everything is on the property, so you never have to leave. Alba Garcia, the director of rooms at the Four Seasons Tamarindo, and Barbara Cervantes, the property's marketing manager, told me that the resort is designed to offer an authentic Mexican experience without needing to leave the resort. There are Mexican menus created by award-winning chefs, activities diving into traditional drinks like tepache, a fermented drink made from pineapples, and activities that explore the surrounding nature. While I'd still argue that an afternoon trip to the seaside town of Barra de Navidad — 40 minutes away— is worth the trek, the Four Seasons made it hard to leave, offering every experience I could have wanted right on the property. Award-winning chefs behind hotel menus proved to be some of the best bites I had during my trip. I would typically opt to leave a resort and head into town for local foods, but the Four Seasons' menus surprised me. Some of the best bites I had during my weeklong trip were at the property. Morning pastries came from the well-known Rosetta restaurant in Mexico City, and the tacos from the casual Nacho restaurant were incredible. I tried foods I'd never seen, like a tuna chorizo, and stuffed myself at the expansive breakfast buffet. While the property felt ideal for couples, it also had families in mind. A place with striking infinity pools, pastel sunsets, and private rooms screams romance. Both Garcia and Cervantes agreed that the ideal vacationer for Four Seasons Tamarindo is likely a couple, but I was surprised by how much thought had also gone into creating an experience for families. One of the three infinity pools is dedicated to families with giant pool floaties. There's also a daily arts and crafts session and an exclusive event for teens each evening. The welcoming staff was a highlight as well. Alan Reyes pulled over on his golf cart to show me a calabash tree, which grows fruit used for maraca instruments. Twenty minutes later, we were tasting honey from Melipona stingless bees. As someone who loves the outdoors, it was thrilling to have resort staff eager to answer my pesky questions about the plants and animals living and growing on the 3,000-acre property. Hours later, it was shocking to watch Garcia share so much joy behind her job as rooms director. When my rental car's tire was flat, a crowd of workers arrived with an air compressor to get me back on the road. While I expect hotel staff to be kind and welcoming at a luxury resort, I appreciated how the employees at the Four Seasons went beyond expectations.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. News Reveals the 2025 Best Hotels
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the new No. 1 Best Hotel in the USA. WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, today unveiled its 15th annual rankings of the Best Hotels. The 2025 rankings highlight more than 31,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations to help travelers find the hotel that suits their needs. Located just northeast of Kekaha Kai State Park on Hawaii's Big Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai newly takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Hotels in the USA ranking. The resort impresses its guests with its Hualalai Spa, which features treatments with island twists, as well as eight unique swimming spots. Landing at No. 2, the Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, is notable for its Mediterranean-inspired decor, four in-house eateries and oceanfront pools. Upholding rich Hawaiian traditions and boasting vibrant natural beauty and Pacific Rim-to-table culinary experiences, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort – located on Hawaii's Big Island – is No. 3. Praised by travelers for its exquisite attention to detail, Ireland's Adare Manor is No. 1 in the Best Hotels in Europe category. The property offers plenty of amenities, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, on-site historical tours and a cinema. Moving up three spots to No. 2, Le Bristol Paris welcomes guests with its elegant 18th-century style, spacious accommodations and top-notch cuisine. At No. 3, Italy's Four Seasons Hotel Firenze provides plenty of on-site perks – from a year-round whirlpool to acres of lush garden space – in accommodations that offer bright, luxurious Tuscan decor and a relaxing atmosphere. Taking the top spot on the Best Hotels in Canada list, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto gives visitors access to the charming Yorkville neighborhood's shops and cafes while also allowing travelers to kick back in the spacious, sleek spa or enjoy a French-inspired meal on the premises. For the second year in a row, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is No. 1 on the Best Hotels in Mexico ranking, with standout amenities like a personal concierge and a signature floating breakfast delivered to guests' private pools. Holding on to the No. 1 rank for Best Hotels in the Caribbean is St. Lucia's Jade Mountain. The hotel's open-air rooms and private infinity pools allow ample opportunities for taking in the gorgeous views. Finally, Rosewood Bermuda – climbing from No. 3 to capture No. 1 for Best Hotels in Bermuda – is lauded for its sophisticated atmosphere, stunning pink sand beaches and picturesque golf course. "Travelers are seeking unique and memorable experiences, cultural authenticity, savory cuisine, comfortable yet lavish accommodations, excellent amenities – and so much more," says Zach Watson, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "With many hotel options to choose from – and numerous components factoring in to determine which hotels are exceptional – the U.S. News Best Hotels rankings consider hotel star ratings combined with the collective opinion of travel experts and customers to provide travelers with a solid starting point for planning their next trip." U.S. News ranks hotels across several countries, regions and destinations: Best Hotels in the USA, Best Resorts in the USA, Best Hotels in Canada, Best Resorts in Canada, Best Hotels in the Caribbean, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean, Best Hotels in Mexico, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico, Best Hotels in Bermuda and Best Hotels in Europe. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in each hotel's star rating, the aggregate opinion of published travel experts and the overall customer satisfaction expressed in online guest reviews of luxury hotels and resorts. 2025 Best Hotels RankingsSee the full rankings here. Best Hotels in the USA Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island, Hawaii) Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach (Sunny Isles Beach, Florida) Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort (Big Island, Hawaii) The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad The Little Nell (Aspen) Best Hotels in Canada Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver) Four Seasons Hotel Montreal The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal Four Seasons Resort Whistler Best Hotels in Europe Adare Manor (Ireland) Le Bristol Paris Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Florence, Italy) Hotel 41 (London) Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Best Hotels in Mexico Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas) Esperanza (Cabo San Lucas) Rosewood Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen) Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort (San José del Cabo) La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret (Playa del Carmen) Best Hotels in the Caribbean Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Puerto Rico) The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Curtain Bluff (Antigua) Rosewood Little Dix Bay (British Virgin Islands) Best Hotels in Bermuda Rosewood Bermuda The Loren at Pink Beach Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - A Fairmont Managed Hotel The St. Regis Bermuda Resort Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa Best Resorts in Canada Four Seasons Resort Whistler Manoir Hovey (North Hatley, Quebec) Fogo Island Inn (Joe Batt's Arm, Newfoundland and Labrador) White Oaks Resort & Spa (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario) Fairmont Chateau Whistler Best Resorts in the USA Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island, Hawaii) Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach (Sunny Isles Beach, Florida) Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort (Big Island, Hawaii) The Little Nell (Aspen) Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Hawaii) Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret (Playa del Carmen) Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (Playa del Carmen) Grand Velas Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas) Hotel Xcaret Arte (Playa del Carmen) Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) Curtain Bluff (Antigua) Jumby Bay Island (Antigua) Half Moon (Jamaica) Calabash Hotel (Grenada) For more information on the Best Hotels, explore Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Instagram using #BestHotels. About U.S. News & World ReportU.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.
Associated Press
11-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
U.S. News Reveals the 2025 Best Hotels
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the new No. 1 Best Hotel in the USA. WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs, today unveiled its 15th annual rankings of the Best Hotels. The 2025 rankings highlight more than 31,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations to help travelers find the hotel that suits their needs. Located just northeast of Kekaha Kai State Park on Hawaii's Big Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai newly takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Hotels in the USA ranking. The resort impresses its guests with its Hualalai Spa, which features treatments with island twists, as well as eight unique swimming spots. Landing at No. 2, the Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, is notable for its Mediterranean-inspired decor, four in-house eateries and oceanfront pools. Upholding rich Hawaiian traditions and boasting vibrant natural beauty and Pacific Rim-to-table culinary experiences, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort – located on Hawaii's Big Island – is No. 3. Praised by travelers for its exquisite attention to detail, Ireland's Adare Manor is No. 1 in the Best Hotels in Europe category. The property offers plenty of amenities, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, on-site historical tours and a cinema. Moving up three spots to No. 2, Le Bristol Paris welcomes guests with its elegant 18th-century style, spacious accommodations and top-notch cuisine. At No. 3, Italy's Four Seasons Hotel Firenze provides plenty of on-site perks – from a year-round whirlpool to acres of lush garden space – in accommodations that offer bright, luxurious Tuscan decor and a relaxing atmosphere. Taking the top spot on the Best Hotels in Canada list, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto gives visitors access to the charming Yorkville neighborhood's shops and cafes while also allowing travelers to kick back in the spacious, sleek spa or enjoy a French-inspired meal on the premises. For the second year in a row, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is No. 1 on the Best Hotels in Mexico ranking, with standout amenities like a personal concierge and a signature floating breakfast delivered to guests' private pools. Holding on to the No. 1 rank for Best Hotels in the Caribbean is St. Lucia's Jade Mountain. The hotel's open-air rooms and private infinity pools allow ample opportunities for taking in the gorgeous views. Finally, Rosewood Bermuda – climbing from No. 3 to capture No. 1 for Best Hotels in Bermuda – is lauded for its sophisticated atmosphere, stunning pink sand beaches and picturesque golf course. 'Travelers are seeking unique and memorable experiences, cultural authenticity, savory cuisine, comfortable yet lavish accommodations, excellent amenities – and so much more,' says Zach Watson, senior travel editor at U.S. News. 'With many hotel options to choose from – and numerous components factoring in to determine which hotels are exceptional – the U.S. News Best Hotels rankings consider hotel star ratings combined with the collective opinion of travel experts and customers to provide travelers with a solid starting point for planning their next trip.' U.S. News ranks hotels across several countries, regions and destinations: Best Hotels in the USA, Best Resorts in the USA, Best Hotels in Canada, Best Resorts in Canada, Best Hotels in the Caribbean, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean, Best Hotels in Mexico, Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico, Best Hotels in Bermuda and Best Hotels in Europe. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in each hotel's star rating, the aggregate opinion of published travel experts and the overall customer satisfaction expressed in online guest reviews of luxury hotels and resorts. 2025 Best Hotels Rankings See the full rankings here. Best Hotels in Canada Four Seasons Hotel Toronto Fairmont Pacific Rim (Vancouver) Four Seasons Hotel Montreal The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal Four Seasons Resort Whistler Best Hotels in Europe Adare Manor (Ireland) Le Bristol Paris Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Florence, Italy) Hotel 41 (London) Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Best Hotels in Mexico Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas) Esperanza (Cabo San Lucas) Rosewood Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen) Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort (San José del Cabo) La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret (Playa del Carmen) Best Hotels in the Caribbean Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Puerto Rico) The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Curtain Bluff (Antigua) Rosewood Little Dix Bay (British Virgin Islands) Best Hotels in Bermuda Rosewood Bermuda The Loren at Pink Beach Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - A Fairmont Managed Hotel The St. Regis Bermuda Resort Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa Best Resorts in Canada Four Seasons Resort Whistler Manoir Hovey (North Hatley, Quebec) Fogo Island Inn (Joe Batt's Arm, Newfoundland and Labrador) White Oaks Resort & Spa (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario) Fairmont Chateau Whistler Best Resorts in the USA Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island, Hawaii) Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach (Sunny Isles Beach, Florida) Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort (Big Island, Hawaii) The Little Nell (Aspen) Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Hawaii) Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret (Playa del Carmen) Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (Playa del Carmen) Grand Velas Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas) Hotel Xcaret Arte (Playa del Carmen) Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean Jade Mountain (St. Lucia) Curtain Bluff (Antigua) Jumby Bay Island (Antigua) Half Moon (Jamaica) Calabash Hotel (Grenada) For more information on the Best Hotels, explore Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Instagram using #BestHotels. About U.S. News & World Report each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
