HAWAII IDYLL

On the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is tucked away from the buzz of Waikiki, a 10-minute drive away. The 338-room oceanfront resort with lush tropical gardens, a private lagoon and resident dolphins is inspired by the grand homes of Hawaiian royalty. Guests are met with an Aloha Lei greeting and traditional oshibori cool towel at check-in. There are five restaurants to choose from, where you can savour afternoon tea at The Veranda, or enjoy an authentic seafood buffet at Plumeria Beach House. Guests don’t just come to feast here, but also for the world-class spa and fitness facilities at the CHI Health Energy Fitness Centre, and at The Kahala Spa where you can indulge in an ancient Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage. The family-friendly resort has a Kahala Family Plan where guests 12 and under stay at no cost and children aged five to 12 can discover their own adventures at The Kahala Keiki Club. We love the idea of a beach family portrait session courtesy of The Kahala, in honour of the traditional Hawaiian royal family historic portraits that can be viewed in the Iolani Palace, a National Historic Landmark. After your 45-mintue photo shoot, The Kahala will professionally edit images that can be viewed the following day, with your favourites available to purchase. Prices start from US$420 (about A$581) per room, per night). kahalaresort.com