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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
I Lived in Hawaii for 10 Years and This Hotel—With the Longest Oceanfront Infinity Pool in the U.S.—Is the One I Always Come Back To
The resort is located on Waikiki Beach and within walking distance to popular dining and shopping destinations, including Royal Hawaiian Center and International Market Place. The Sheraton's adults-only Edge Infinity Pool is the longest oceanfront infinity pool in the United States. First-time surfers or stand-up paddlers can take lessons on the same waves legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku used to ride. Travelers to Oahu have no shortage of hotels to choose from, from budget-friendly hideaways off the beach to an oceanfront mega resort. I've stayed at 15 resorts on Oahu—both in Honolulu and beyond the city—and I always come back to Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort for one simple reason: It has everything you need for a perfect stay. While staying in the center of bustling Waikiki may sound unappealing to some, I love being close to a long list of activities and restaurants—not to mention staying directly on an iconic beach—but also being able to tuck away into a secluded poolside cabana or float in the adults-only infinity pool. The first time I checked in and went up to my room, I remember opening the door to the balcony, stepping out, and thinking, 'This looks exactly like a postcard.' Waking up to the sound of the Pacific gently lapping the shoreline while drinking Kona coffee on my balcony was my definition of bliss. And the panoramic views of Waikiki Beach—where sunbathers and umbrellas dot the sand like colorful pieces of confetti—and iconic Diamond Head crater from nearly every vantage point of the property, are second to none. Located in the heart of Waikiki, the sprawling resort's location, steps from the beach and a short walk to award-winning restaurants, is a top seller for most travelers, myself included. Whether I wanted to browse the shops at Royal Hawaiian Center, grab shave ice or a coffee from Island Vintage, or take a sunset stroll up to Duke's for Hula Pie, I was within walking distance of it all, making the property a great home base for island exploration. The turtle statue inside the resort. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort In 2020, the resort unveiled a $200-million years-long renovation that upgraded all 1,636 rooms and suites, as well as the property's retail spaces and public areas, but because of strict COVID-19 protocols, guests weren't able to fully enjoy it until mid-2022. While I loved the Sheraton before, the relatively new look is fresh and modern, with wood tones and soft hues. Here's my review of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, which turns 54 this year With 12 accommodation categories across nearly 1,700 rooms and suites, there's truly something for everyone here. I typically book the High Oceanfront Room (floors 10 through 19) because it offers the best value for my husband and me. All rooms have mini fridges, coffee makers, and lots of thoughtfully placed outlets for charging your phone, as well as Sheraton Sleep Experience beds. The bathrooms are on the small side, but come with everything you need (a hairdryer, shampoo and conditioner, and a toothbrush and toothpaste) plus a bidet on the toilet. Robes and slippers are available upon request for standard rooms. If I wanted to splurge, I'd book the Kai Ocean Suite, which has not one, but two ocean-facing balconies for taking in the views of Diamond Head and daily sunrises and sunsets. There's also a full living room for more space to spread out. Most room tiers have accessible options, which can be requested at booking. 'We have a variety of accessible rooms, as well as the two-bedroom Ohana Suite, making the resort family-friendly and ideal for multigenerational travel,' says Tom Calame, area general manager and managing director for Marriott International, tells Travel + Leisure . 'Families of all ages are spending meaningful time together, from young children to teens and grandparents.' The Kai Market is where guests can go for relaxed dining atmosphere. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort The food options at the Sheraton are solid, starting with the continental breakfast at Kai Market, which includes plenty of fresh, tropical fruit, local favorites like Portuguese sausage, and a made-to-order omelet (get the crispy potatoes as a side)—my personal favorite menu item. RumFire, the property's open-air beach bar, is another must-visit. Don't miss the mai tai flight featuring locally made Kuleana Rum or one of the many zero-proof options, like Graveyards—a blend of calamansi juice, pineapple juice, and soda water. Edge of Waikiki, the hotel's pool bar, is my favorite spot for on-site dining. I love the Buddha Bowl, filled with greens, quinoa, beets, ube, and avocado, as well as the fresh poke offerings like the ahi poke flatbread topped with spicy aioli. The signature cocktails are all named after renowned Waikiki surf spots. 'We're excited to create culinary experiences that prioritize wellness, freshness, and local flavors, ensuring our guests feel rejuvenated,' Calame tells T+L. Aerial view of beachgoers enjoying a day at Waikiki Beach. Kaitlin Sawyer/Travel + Leisure In addition to beachfront access with chairs and umbrellas available for rent (not included in the $52 daily resort fee), the Sheraton Waikiki is home to three pools: the Edge Infinity Pool and Helumoa Playground family pool, the latter of which has two pools in one area. The swirly slide going into the Helumoa Pool. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort The Edge Infinity Pool, the longest oceanfront infinity pool in the U.S., spans 130 feet and is open to guests ages 16 and up. Situated just a few feet above sea level, the pool also has unobstructed views of Waikiki and the Pacific. At Helumoa Playground, you can enjoy not one, but two, freshwater pools, a 70-foot-long waterslide, and two whirlpool spas. There's also a splash pad area for kids with plenty of chaise lounges for the whole family. While guests can reserve poolside cabanas at both locations (for a fee), I'm partial to those at the infinity pool because they offer the best views. They're worth the fee, especially if you're traveling with a group, as getting chaise lounges together can sometimes be difficult. Guest's can spend time on the Maitai Catamaran. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Guests can also book a surf or stand-up paddleboard lesson, as well as outrigger canoeing, through Waikiki Beach Services, which has been operating since 1955. So, what does that daily resort fee include? The Sheraton Waikiki offers hula classes several days a week, ribbon lei and kukui nut making, ukulele lessons, and lauhala weaving. Additionally, guests are granted two daily passes for meditation, water Zumba, and morning yoga, plus complimentary use of a GoPro Hero5, a 24-hour gym, and high-speed internet access. 'Sheraton Waikiki guests are also invited to sign up for The Royal Hawaiian hotel historical tour at our sibling hotel next door, The Royal Hawaiian,' says Calame. There isn't a spa at the Sheraton Waikiki, but both of the neighboring Marriott properties—The Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider—have spas that are open to Sheraton guests. While I'm admittedly not a huge fan of massages, the Lomi Ho'okipa, a Hawaiian-inspired massage style that uses long, kneading strokes, at the oceanfront Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, is a must after a long flight, even for non-enthusiasts like myself. You can relax in a rocking chair and feed the fish at the Koi Pond. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Despite the Disney property about an hour away, the Sheraton Waikiki is a solid contender for one of the most family-friendly resorts on Oahu thanks to its rooms designed for families of all sizes, on-site offerings, and proximity to local activities. While the Helumoa Playground pool area is a major highlight, with plenty of space for parents to relax, other family-forward activities include daily cultural experiences, koi fish feeding (every day at 11 a.m.), and free access to shuffleboard, foosball, and pool tables. Parents wanting a break can also take advantage of Poppins child care for kids ages 3 months to 12 years, and self-service laundry facilities on floors 5 and 18 ensure any mishaps can be handled ASAP. The resort is also located near kid favorites like the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. While both are technically walkable, little ones might need a lift to make it all the way to the aquarium, just over a mile away. The Sheraton Waikiki has accessibility features in all room types, including (but not limited to) roll-in showers, grab bars, and bath stools. The resort also has ramps and hearing accessible functions like visual fire alarms with strobe lighting. Like many resorts in Hawaii, sustainability is at the forefront to protect the Hawaiian islands' most valuable and precious resources: water and land. The Sheraton Waikiki is LEED Gold certified, which means it meets high environmental and sustainability standards, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and eco-friendly construction practices, as recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. Beyond that, the Sheraton Waikiki was the first hotel in Hawaii to offer electric vehicle charging stations and is committed to coastal preservation efforts, including partnerships with local organizations to protect marine life and maintain clean beaches. The Sheraton Waikiki is in the heart of Waikiki, meaning you're just steps from world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife, and a short ride from Honolulu International Airport. The prime location offers excellent views of Diamond Head and direct beach access, which is great for easy morning swims and sunset strolls. It's also a short walk to top Waikiki attractions such as Royal Hawaiian Center, International Market Place, Kuhio Beach, and the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. Plus, the hotel's central position lends itself to easy tour pickups to explore other parts of Oahu, including Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. Sheraton Waikiki is a Marriott Bonvoy property, so you can cash in points for a stay—between 56,000 and 102,000 per night, depending on room choice and time of year. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Check out $13.5M Paradise Valley home bought by Barrio Queen's former owners
The home comes with four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a 50-foot infinity edge pool, two kitchens, a walk-in wine room and a steam room.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Julia Roberts's Former Hawaii House in Photos
More from Robb Report This Once-Drab Midcentury Home Near Seattle Just Got a Luxe Jewel-Toned Makeover Minnesota's Most Expensive Listing Is This Massive $55 Million Waterfront Estate This $27 Million Tribeca Townhouse Has a Skylight-Topped Indoor Basketball Court Best of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article. The property's three-bedroom, three-bath main home is accompanied by a separate one-bedroom, one-bath guest cottage. Double glass and wood-framed front doors open into a voluminous great room. The kitchen sits across from the living and dining areas. The rear of the great room opens out to a covered lanai. The rustic-chic primary bedroom has a wall of glass overlooking the ocean. The primary bath features an oversized soaking tub and an outdoor shower. Another bedroom has been converted into a gym. An infinity pool overlooking Makana Mountain is embedded into a wood sundeck. The meandering gardens are ideal for relaxing and entertaining. A swing hangs from one of the trees. The 8.3-acre estate has more than 400 linear feet of pristine beachfront and direct access to a world-class surf break.
Times
13-05-2025
- Times
Six Senses Yao Noi hotel review: Thailand's best infinity pool views
Six Senses Yao Noi's island location, a 45-minute speed boat ride from Phuket, feels a world away from the crowds and pace of other busy parts of Thailand. Instead, Koh Yao Noi is laid-back and peaceful, and the sustainability-minded Six Senses is its perfect partner. The hotel has been here since 2007, and the villas seem at home in the hilly flower-filled setting of the jungle, which is dotted with excellent restaurants, herb gardens and hang-outs. It's the epitome of laid-back luxe, with plenty of mango wood and candy-coloured linen used in villas and common areas. It's also home to what may be Thailand's best infinity pool with a view — gaze out over the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay and you'll start planning your next stay. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 8/10Each of the 56 teak and thatched-roof villas feature outdoor salas and private pools, so you're off to a good start. Choose between the entry hideaway villas, which are tucked into the jungle and provide the most shade, and the sea view villas which are — as you'd suspect — the ones with the views. Inside, they have a jungle-chic aesthetic that feels luxurious yet simple — that'll be driftwood beds draped in white mosquito nets, sunken stone baths, outdoor showers with natural lemon-grass scented shampoos and shower gels, and sherbert-coloured sofas and wooden floors. The villas are located all along the jungly hillside, with golf carts whizzing guests between restaurants and rooms. Score 9/10There are three main places to eat and all are excellent. Breakfast, at the multi-terraced Living Room, is a mix of buffet and à la carte — you'll get your classics like eggs benedict and pancakes, bacon, fruit, yoghurt and pastries at the buffet, plus a few traditional Thai dishes. But the hotel kicks things up a notch with its salad bar, which serves frittatas, quiches, crudites, dips and a superb cheese selection. It finishes at 11am then swaps to a lunch menu, although you could skip that and head straight for the free all-day ice cream parlour (try the Thai iced tea flavour). For sunset drinks you have choices: there's the Den, with its lily pad ponds and limestone stack views, or the Hilltop, with equally sensational views — you won't see the sun set here, but the pink sky is arguably as good. The Hilltop is also the spot for an informal lunch (think ceviche, satay and katsu sandwiches) and moon-lit dining, when candle-lit tables replace the loungers by the pool. But the best meal may be at Nithan, where you'll settle into a wooden chair made soft with a lime-coloured cushion and feast on delicious Thai dishes (with many of the ingredients from the hotel's organic farm). Everything is fresh and fragrant, but don't miss the miang maprao kua (wok toasted coconut salad with dried shrimps and chilli) and the gaeng fuk tong nue yang (beef with pumpkin curry sauce and pickled garlic). • Best hotels in Thailand• Best family hotels in Thailand• Discover our full guide to Thailand Score 10/10You could do a little or a lot here. Those keen on a buzzier vibe and plenty of sun head to the Hilltop sun loungers, which have some of the best views in Thailand, across the infinity pool and out to the limestone stacks of Phang Nga Bay. You could lie here guzzling ice coffees all day, but there's plenty more to do: from free morning yoga sessions, ayurvedic and Asian treatments in the excellent spa (opt for a longer wellness programme if that's your focus), and Thai kickboxing classes in the beachside ring. Kids (and maybe adults) will love the hotel farm, where you can feed goats, collect your breakfast eggs from the chickens (who spend their day listening to jazz) or watch the ducks cool off in the pond. There's a lovely stretch of sand that only guests can access, plus free kayak and paddleboard rental and open-air movie nights. In some ways it feels a shame to leave such a lovely hotel, but part of the appeal of Six Senses Koh Yao Noi is its location on such a beautiful island. The hotel has vintage scooters with sidecars available to rent, and you can also book long-tail boat trips to the nearby lagoons of the Hong archipelago. Score 10/10On one of Thailand's prettiest islands, Koh Yao Noi, halfway between Phuket and Krabi in Phang Nga bay but it feels a world away from both. A sun-dappled, empty road circles the island, taking you on a tour of rubber plantations and rustic restaurants. There isn't a huge amount within walking distance of the hotel, bar the odd drink seller, but you can hire scooters (and side cars) or local transportation to get out and about, if you're keen to explore. It's a 30-minute drive from Phuket airport and then the hotel will arrange your arrival across the Andaman, which takes 45 minutes on a speedboat. If you're looking for a quiet island escape, this is it. Price B&B villas from £544 per nightRestaurant mains from £10Family-friendly YAccessible N Hannah Summers was a guest of Six Senses Yao Noi • Best hotels in Phuket• Best beaches in Thailand
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fans point out wild detail in photos of Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth's $50m Byron Bay home
Fans are going crazy over Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky 's Byron Bay pad - and here's why. The couple, who purchased the 4.2 hectare estate back in 2014, have since built a state of the art mansion on the land worth $50 million that locals dub 'Fortress Hemsworth' according to The luxury home boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, six sizeable bedrooms, indoor and outdoor gymnasiums, a media room, a spa and even has a bowling alley. But, despite all of the property's lavish amenities, it's the Hemsworths' sprawling swimming pool that has everyone talking. At 50 metres long, the infinity pool is Olympic length and, according to fans of the couple, 'goes on forever'. So much so that in some pictures, it's hard to tell where the pool ends and the ocean starts. Whats even more gobsmacking is the price of the pool, which is estimated to have cost as much as $500,000 to build. In March, Elsa revealed that the decision to relocate to Australia with husband Chris was all about regaining perspective. Speaking to News Corp, Elsa, 48, said that the couple found Los Angeles, where they were residing previously, too 'restricting'. 'When you're in Los Angeles, work suffocates you,' she said. She added that Byron Bay was far removed from the constant industry chatter that plagues the City Of Angels. 'There, all the conversations, even the billboards you see on the street, have to do with the world of cinema and its industry,' she said. She continued: 'It can make you lose perspective.' It was a sentiment that Hemsworth, 41, shared in an interview with Modern Luxury back in 2020. 'I love what I do as an actor, but when you are surrounded by it constantly, it becomes a bit suffocating' he said. 'It's nice to have conversations with people and be a part of a community that doesn't live and breathe that world.' Hemsworth added that Byron Bay provided a calmer environment in which to raise children India 12, and twin boys Sasha and Tristan, 10. 'L.A. is a tough place to get around with kids. There's not a whole lot of foot traffic. It was all about loading up the car and car seats,' he said. 'Here, we just walk out the door and head to the beach down the street. It's a much more simple life.' The couple completed their mega-mansion in 2021, and the monolithic home skyrocketed in price since the family moved in. Originally estimated at $20million, property experts said at the time the LA-style compound, located in Broken Head near Byron Bay, was worth an eye-watering $30million. More recent valuations had placed the pad at $50million. The property features six bedrooms, a spa, games and media rooms as well as sprawling outdoor living areas.
