The 365 room Kauai Marriott has completed their renovation with all rooms receiving the Marriott “Revive”* bedding and beautiful new furnishings.  All of the rooms have robes & slippers, Kauai Coffee and an empty mini fridge for your beverages and snacks.

Resort Features:

• NO additional daily RESORT FEE!
• Complimentary shuttle to/from the Lihue airport
• Hawaii’s largest single level pool
• Renovated fitness center with all new equipment
• Safe, swimmable beach
• Kauai Lagoons Jack Nicklaus Championship Golf
• Walk to Anchor Cove and Harbor mall
• Best sushi on the island at the Toro-Tei Sushi Bar

Stellar Travel is one of only 75 travel agencies in the country to be given Paradise Elite status with Marriott Resorts.  This allows us to give our customers the VIP treatment, which includes:

VIP check in and room escort by hotel staff • Complimentary amenity • Pre-registration for express check in • Priority for early check in and late check out (subject to availability) • A no walk policy for Paradise Elite guest

*Experience Revive, the new bed from Marriott, and you’ll launch your day on the right side of the bed. Feel the difference that 300-thread count sheets can make. Down comforters snuggled inside custom-sheeted duvet covers fresh for your arrival. Thicker mattress with plush toppers. More, fluffier pillows to absorb fatigue. You’ll awake refreshed and ready to surpass your personal best. Because when you sleep at Marriott, you’ll outlast your day.

At Stellar Travel you’ll find certified Hawaii Specialists who really know the islands, the accommodation choices and Aloha activities.  And, by booking with us, you’ll get more!

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Four Seasons Hualalai Resort – View from room 212

Four Seasons Hualalai Resort – Sunset at the Beach Tree Bar

Our recent stay at Four Seasons Hualalai gave me the opportunity to see the new $40-million enhancements to the resort.  Twenty new one- and two- bedroom suites have been created, offering ocean views and spacious indoor/outdoor living space.  The Hualalai Spa expanded to double in size.  The additions and changes are beautiful and the Spa area feels very Hawaiian.  We really liked the changes at the Beach Tree Restaurant and Bar with the new seating areas and larger space.  With a casual “beach house” feel, the lounge area is comfortable and fun.  A new chef and menu features fresh, local market cuisine.  My only concern was the fire pits placed in the sand near the bar area.  The smoke from the fires comes into the bar/dining areas and on the two nights we ate there, the smoke was blowing onto us quite strongly.  Maybe they could be moved farther South depending on wind direction, or used only on windless nights.

Our ocean view accommodations, room 212 at the Kings Pond, were lovely and very comfortable and peaceful.  I think the resort is so enjoyable because it is spread out and the buildings are only two stories high.  The beach front runs all along the resort perimeter, with huge sea turtles climbing up onto the sand to rest and be admired.  The waves are illuminated in the evening, so day or night, ocean view rooms can see (and hear) the breaking surf.

The staff service levels are outstanding with really exceptional, caring people.  As an example, one evening when we arrived at the Beach Tree a little bit late, Natashia went out of her way to make sure that although we were a few minutes too late for seating in the restaurant, she offered to see if the chef could still serve us from the dinner menu.  We declined and ordered delicious appetizers from the bar menu, but her genuine thoughtfulness stood out.

The Hualalai Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus is beautiful and fun to play.  Because it is open to resort guests and Hualalai private residents only, it is in perfect condition and the pace of play is ideal.

Bright green grass contrasts with black lava and if your ball should head out of bounds to the lava, don’t bother looking for it!  They are getting ready for the upcoming annual Champions Tour PGA event in January, the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, so it will be fun to see the tournament broadcast.

Hualalai Golf Course – Hole #17, Par 3 – Susan & Ron Bluhm

I have long considered Four Seasons Hualalai to be the finest resort in Hawaii and we will continue to recommend it confidently.  It is ideal for couples or families and creates an exceptional vacation experience.   It was just announced that Four Seasons Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu was awarded the new Forbes Travel Guide Five Star (formerly Mobil Five Star) award status and AAA’s Five Diamond status.  They are certainly well-deserved.

Susan Bluhm, Co-President, Stellar Travel-Hawaii Source

To make reservations and arrange the perfect vacation to Four Seasons Hualalai, contact the Hawaii specialists at Stellar Travel. 800.445.3265 or info@stellartravel.com

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Special “2 for 1″ Promotion ~ Second Room Complimentary!

Buy one room at the regular full rate and receive the second room in the same category complimentary!

Available in Garden, Partial Ocean & Ocean View rooms.  Travel by December 20, 2009  Applies to NEW bookings only and not combinable with other packages or promotions.

50% OFF SALE

50% off Rack rate and based on availability, non refundable and must be paid in full at time of booking. May not be combined with other promotions. Valid for travel through December 20, 2009

Every 3rd Night Free!

Available on All Rooms and Suites, including Fairmont Gold Rooms and Suites

Valid for travel through 12/20/09

May be combined with $200 Resort Credit in OV rooms and higher.

Special $200 Resort Credit!

Available on All Ocean View Rooms and higher, including Fairmont Gold Rooms & Suites

Valid for travel through 12/20/09. May be combined with Every 3^rd Night Free in OV or higher only.

December HOLIDAY ~ EVERY 5^th night FREE!

Includes COMPLIMENTARY self parking and daily Keiki Adventures!

Valid for travel December 20, 2009-January 4, 2010.

ASK ABOUT FAIRMONT GOLD, A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO THE VACATION EXPERIENCE

AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNIQUE FEATURE ALONG THE KOHALA COAST

“Ko kakou ho’okipa e kali ana no oukou”

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii on the exotic Kohala Coast . . .

To make reservations, contact the Hawaii Specialists at Stellar Travel.  800.445.3265 or info@stellartravel.com

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Aston Kona by the Sea, Kailua-Kona

We enjoy doing the condo experience in Hawaii for the convenience of space, kitchen amenities and relaxation aspects.  Kona by the Sea is right on the ocean with recent renovations and updating. The exterior looks fresh and there is a brand new, much larger pool deck with nice pool furniture.  A beach sand area between the pool and the ocean breakwater wall has beach chairs and some umbrellas.  You can watch the surfers right out from the resort and we saw huge sea turtles resting on the lava rocks.  Accommodations all along this part of Kailua Kona are built on lava, so there are very few beaches but there are spectacular waves crashing on the lava rocks.  These units are spacious and comfortable with large lanais for watching sunsets.  The staff is very friendly and offers up authentic “Ohana” (family warmth and aloha spirit). Oh, and we grilled Big Island Parker Ranch grass-fed beef steaks (look for the PR on the meat label in the grocery store.)

Four Seasons Hualalai

Most discerning Hawaii travelers consider this the number one resort in all of Hawaii and we agree. We enjoyed an ocean view lower level room (with the fabulous outdoor shower) at the Kings Pool area.  Our room location was very private and peaceful with a view out toward the ocean waves.  Four Seasons top quality furnishings were found throughout and the king bed was extremely comfortable and plush.  They have re-done the Sea Shell Pool area and added more private cabanas (rustic “hales”) by taking out some of the landscaping.  It is a nice area for families with a shallow sand pool for very young children.  The service at the large lap pool was outstanding: ice water constantly refilled, comfortable lounge chairs and attentive food/beverage service.  We enjoyed a fantastic round of golf on the Hualalai course and, as one of the best courses in Hawaii; it hosts the annual PGA Senior Tour Mastercard Tournament.  The black lava, ocean views and finishing holes combine for that perfect golf experience.  $250 greens fees (and yes, it was worth every penny for my memorable round and photos of the spectacular views).

Your Stellar Travel vacation advisor will help you select Hawaii accommodations and activities that match your interests and your budget.  Hawaii is offering significant price reductions and free night incentives for 2009 travel dates.

Susan Bluhm, Co – President, Golf Travel Specialist

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Less than two years after opening, The Grand Del Mar Resort has earned a spot on the list of the World’s Best Places to Stay. With arched doorways, verandas overlooking the beautiful golf course and luxurious but comfortable surroundings, the resort spared no expense to create a memorable vacation experience for its guests.

I was fortunate to be invited for a travel industry golf event last weekend at The Grand Del Mar, so I thoroughly inspected some of the 249 rooms (including the 3-bedroom villas), the meeting space, spa, six restaurants, four swimming pools, wedding chapel and the golf facilties.

A local San Diego developer spent $300 million to create a lavish, European-style resort in the middle of the pristine Los Penasquitos canyon preserve about 20 minutes north of the San Diego airport.  Crown jewel is the five diamond “Addison” contemporary French restaurant with its 2,500 bottle wine room and exquisite service for only 80 guests.  (Even if you don’t dine at Addison, I recommend a cocktail on the restaurant’s bar terrace overlooking the 18^th hole).

And the golf was fantastic.  The Tom Fazio-designed 18 hole course was originally built in 1999 as the Meadows Del Mar.  Winding up and down the scenic valleys of the Los Penasquitos preserve with varying elevation and championship quality, only private members and resort guests may play here. Forecaddies take the place of GPS, providing helpful yardages, strategy and lost ball assistance.  Our caddie Joe shared high-fives and genuine delight when our putts rolled in the cup after his professional advice.  The teaching facility and staff are top-notch under the direction of Shawn Cox, PGA Professional and former UW Husky football Hall-of-Famer.   I thoroughly enjoyed my swing lessons with Shawn and Robert Gensler, Head Golf Professional, and, after two days of instruction, came away with a sense of real improvement.

Nearby activities include miles of beaches, art galleries, shopping and cultural activities.  The resort provides transportation to these areas for its guests but I didn’t want to leave the resort.   Various packages are available, some including golf or spa.  In addition, Stellar Travel guests at The Grand Del Mar  will receive complimentary daily breakfast for two in their guestroom or at one of the resort’s dining options;  a $50 or $100 resort credit per stay and complimentary upgrade at time of booking based on availability.

Susan Bluhm/ Stellar Travel Co-President, Golf Travel Specialist – June 17, 2009

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The golf course is spectacular with scenic views of the Columbia River, surrounding apple orchards and mountains.  The fairways are lush, the greens run true and the course will challenge every golfer’s ability (with GPS on the golf carts to assist).  For families it’s a perfect blend of fun and activities including a swimming pool and kid-friendly 18-hole putting course.     Lake Chelan is 25 minutes away for more water sports, boating and wine-tasting.

An ownership change last year gave some golfers the impression that the course was closed.  According to regular visitors, the changes are all positive and have resulted in many improvements Including dining, course maintenance and staffing.

Desert Canyon is featuring discounted Spring Stay and Play packages including one bedroom Lodge accommodations and golf at $125 per person per night (Sunday-Thursday through June 18, 2009).   For stays May 25-June 4, 2009, the rate is $115.  Call Stellar Travel for details on room types and applicable discounts.

Susan Bluhm is Stellar Travel Co – President and a certified worldwide Golf Travel Specialist.  She assists   clients with golf vacation research and planning.  Susan and her husband Ron have played golf in Scotland, Ireland, China, Egypt, Canada, the Caribbean and throughout the U.S. including Hawaii.

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