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WHY HERE WHY NOW Oahu’s north shore is a surfer’s Mecca and Turtle Bay an 880 acre luxury resort is deeply connected with surfing community. Minutes away from the Polynesian Cultural Center, Turtle Bay is the closest I got to the feeling of aloha on Oahu. Walk a couple meters and waves crashing on volcanic rock give way to Cook pines and a manicured golf course.
DINING Several dining options from casual to fine dining are available. I opted for the panoramic views of the ocean from Palm Terrace at breakfast and beachside dining at Ola for dinner.
THE VIBE From lounging in seaside hammocks, to visiting the Makahiki kuilima festival, to beachcombing, petting horses at the stables, and watching surfers catching impossibly large waves, I was always entertained. For relaxation and soothing I headed to Spa Luana for a Lomi Lomi massage one day and a Pōhaku stone massage another. One of the most intriguing experiences was a segway tour through the back trails together with my guide Brad Gilger from the Hele Huli adventure centre at the resort. Part mini-history lesson, part nature tour, part balancing stunt it was a thrilling adventure past WWII bunkers, a golf course, a Hawaiian princess’s favourite bathing spot, movie locations and an old airport.
THE SCENE I stayed in one of the 42 Beach cottages on the west side of the resort with views of the Pacific Ocean and famous Hawaiian sunsets. What will entice me back are the grounds with plenty of shoreline, the treasures of Hawaiian history (mo’olelo) and cute details like stuffed animals in every room depicting creatures found at the resort.
WHO IT’S FOR Families will love the many activities and couples will relish the romantic atmosphere.
WHEN TO GO Any time of year but during surf events the resort’s energy is amped up.
x – FACTOR Ocean views from every room plus every night locals and visitors alike gather to watch surfers and the setting sun.
Read more Oahu in the Summer 2012 issue of City Style and Living Magazine
