Hugging the Big Island's volcanic Kohala Coast, The Fairmont Orchid offers an opportunity to be as far away from the real world—both physically and mentally—as you can allow yourself to be. To aid in that mission, the Orchid provides a healthy dose of luxury with a warm serving of hospitality.

The Orchid is a quick 20 miles north of Kona International Airport and encompasses a whopping 32 acres of lushly landscaped fantasy (an oasis amidst jet-black lava fields). Upon arrival, the lobby frames views of the pool and ocean beyond—arguably like no other Big Island resort. It's hard to remember that you'll need to check in; it's all too easy to plunk yourself down in a down armchair and forget where you just came from.

The 540-room resort, which stretches out with two long wings that extend towards the ocean, offers two basic levels of accommodation. Guestrooms and suites each have a choice of garden, ocean, or oceanfront views. The least expensive

(+) More

Hugging the Big Island's volcanic Kohala Coast, The Fairmont Orchid offers an opportunity to be as far away from the real world—both physically and mentally—as you can allow yourself to be. To aid in that mission, the Orchid provides a healthy dose of luxury with a warm serving of hospitality.

The Orchid is a quick 20 miles north of Kona International Airport and encompasses a whopping 32 acres of lushly landscaped fantasy (an oasis amidst jet-black lava fields). Upon arrival, the lobby frames views of the pool and ocean beyond—arguably like no other Big Island resort. It's hard to remember that you'll need to check in; it's all too easy to plunk yourself down in a down armchair and forget where you just came from.

The 540-room resort, which stretches out with two long wings that extend towards the ocean, offers two basic levels of accommodation. Guestrooms and suites each have a choice of garden, ocean, or oceanfront views. The least expensive garden views are arguably the best value on property, since you'll be lounging by the 24-hour pool, a beachfront bar, or the beach during practically every waking hour anyway. Guestrooms are warmly appointed and feature individual lanais (porches) along with opulent marble bathrooms (left over from its incarnation as a Ritz-Carlton). Suites, which exude gentility and tranquility, feature living rooms separated by the bedroom by French doors.

Spread your towel on their sandy white beach; snorkel in their lagoon-like cove with crystal-clear aquamarine waters; watch endangered sea turtles feasting on the rocky shore; gaze at stars in a velvet night sky; and sip a cool drink in the decidedly Hawaiian Luana Lounge, complete with sunset hula and original local artwork. The 10,000-square-foot, heated, free-form swimming pool is one of the few on island that's open 24 hours (thanks to the fact that rooms are far enough away so as not to be bothered by potential noise). Or exert yourself a tad more at the adjacent 36-hole championship golf course. Or make yourself venture beyond the oh-so-comforting confines for a quick daytrip up to North Kohala, the artsy town of Hawi, and the cowboy town of Waimea. And count yourself lucky when you return to your cocoon.

For celebrating couples, you can "Make Room for Romance" with The Orchid's turndown service. Upon arriving back at your lovely lair, staff will have strewn rose petals from the door to the bed, and Hawaiian music will be playing softly in the background. Matching bathrobes and slippers will be laid out; floating candles will tempt you into a bathtub ringed with Hawaiian-made bath gels. Chilled champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries complete the mood-setting scene.

(-) Close

This hotel is perfect for sports enthusiast families, especially tennis nuts. Rated one of the top tennis facilities in the country, the resort offers a variety of instruction—private lessons, clinics, and other ways to play and improve your game. The hotel's beautiful accommodations include the magical outdoor 'spa without walls' and its cascading waterfall. Marvel at the green sea turtles that nest nearby, relax in the lava whirlpool, test the waters while snorkeling, and dine in the resort's four restaurants.