Fairmont Orchid Review

by Allison LeBlanc
September 21st, 2009

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Orchid

Review of the Fairmont Orchid in Mauna Lani with AAA Four Diamond oceanfront property that is set on 32 acres on the Kohala Coast.

IT’S ONLY FITTING that the Fairmont Orchid is set in an area called Mauna Lani, which translates to “heavenly mountain.” After all, the resort itself is quite heavenly by its own right.

The AAA Four Diamond oceanfront property is set on 32 acres on the Kohala Coast. The 486 guest rooms and 54 suites uphold the luxury expected from the folks at Fairmont, with each featuring marble bathrooms, elegant furnishings and private lanai (balconies), among other touches.

But there is much more to the Fairmont Orchid than its guest quarters. Cool off in the 10,000-square-foot free-form swimming pool after a game of tennis (there are 10 courts onsite), walking along the trails or working out in the large fitness centre. The Spa Without Walls, one of the property’s most lauded elements, features 10 private outdoor huts to experience a variety of treatments (the signature Kona Coffee Exfoliation is a popular choice). The Orchid’s restaurants are among the best on the island, with a myriad options ranging from sushi to modern Hawaiian cuisine to an upscale steak house.

There is a slew of complimentary activities onsite, including cultural hikes, botanical tours, turtle snorkelling excursions, Hawaiian arts and crafts, and volleyball matches. But guests would be wise to opt to pay for a Fun & Sun Activity Pass (*$65 for adults; $50 for kids*). Good for a guest’s entire stay, it offers not only a huge variety of programs—including tennis clinics, aqua fitness and canoe paddling classes—but also the complimentary usage of tons of equipment, such as surf boards, kayaks and snorkel equipment.

Rates start at US$449.