Nick's Fishmarket, Maui

Nick's Fishmarket is billed as one of Maui's premier seafood restaurants.  After visiting it's not hard to see why.  Located in the Fairmont Kealani, along the Wailea coast, the restaurant brings the romance of the Mediterranean to every detail.  Nothing is missed, from the overhead trellis of stephanotis blossoms, to the restaurant's decor; you're are in for a treat!

Mr. T and I had decided to splurge to make one night of our honeymoon extra special.  We are happy to say that we made the right choice by selecting Nick's Fishmarket!  It was amazing from beginning to end.

As recommended, we made our reservation for 6:30 p.m., so that we could enjoy the sunset from the outdoor dining area.  We were seated just before the ceremonial torch lighting (don't miss it if you can help it!).

The service was impeccable from the time we were seated through desert, till we walked out, happy and full.  Every need was met, and every request was fulfilled effortlessly.  Be prepared to feel pampered.

Now, to make you hungry!  The food was incredible.  Mr. T and I have had some good meals over the past few years, but this was, by far, the best meal we've ever had.  I started with "Chef's Sashimi", with wasabi, pickled ginger and house brewed soy sauce,  and Mr. T started with "Just a Salad" (which was anything but!), with baby garden greens, cherry tomatoes, Lilko vinaigrette, which was phenomenal!  I had the "Catch of the Day," which melted in my mouth, and Mr. T had the "14oz Prim New York Steak", with the loaded bake potato, local root vegetables, and fresh porcini mushroom sauce; he said it was the best steak he'd ever had.  I don't know how we did it, but we even managed desert; "Bananas Foster."

We took our time, enjoying our surroundings, the food and each other.  I can say with all honesty that we will be back, as Nick's Fishmarket is not to be missed!

For Reservations:
Visit: Nick's Fishmarket
Phone: (808) 879-7224 
Hours: 5:30pm - 9:45pm
Lounge: 5pm - 9:45pm 

Ulalena Theater Show - An Evening to Remember

Simply put, you will be swept away, through the beat of the drums, original songs, and the stories told through dance and performance.  This award winning show is not to be missed!

Prepare to be amazed, and entranced by characters including Pele, the Volcano Goddess, Hina, the Moon Goddess, MO'O, the Lizard God, and Maui, the Trickster God, as they take you through the ancient stories of the creation of Maui.

From the moment the drumming began, we were transported to an artistic world, where myth and legend unfolded before us through amazing acrobatics, dance and song.  This show was truly the unique experience we were looking for; we truly enjoyed every moment! 

It is one of Maui's "must sees!"  You will never look at the stories of the creation of Hawaii in the same way.

For reservations:
Visit: Ulalena Theater Show
Toll Free: 877-688-4800

Ho'oilo House: A Bed & Breakfast To Remember

When the Ho'oilo House opened in September 2003 the proprietors, Dan and Amy along with their partners Kathy and Jay, knew that they wanted to provide a different experience for their guests.  There are other bed and breakfasts on Maui, but the Ho'oilo House has set itself apart from the rest.

The house is located about five minutes south from the town of Lahaina on Maui.  From the first moment we arrived we knew we were going to have a special stay.  We were greeted by Dan, who welcomed us, and showed us around the property.

The house itself is special.  Built and furnished from materials imported from Bali, the house consists of six rooms, all with their own person full bath (complete with outdoor shower), and private lanai.  Each room has its own special view, ranging from the gardens, to the mountains, and the ocean.  Our room, the Akala Manu room, had a partial ocean view from the lanai, which we enjoyed immensely.

Though they are often fully booked, you will not feel crowded at the Ho'oilo House.  Often, the only time you will see another guest is at breakfast.  The morning we were there, the expanded continental breakfast consisted of vegan strawberry coconut muffins (muffins flavors vary daily), toast, fresh fruit salad, hard boiled, farm fresh eggs, cereal, juice, tea, and coffee.

Every last detail has been thought of.  You can book in-room spa services, or arrange for a private chef to serve you dinner on your lanai.   Coffee and tea are always available, as well as an assortment of beach supplies, including beach towels, mats, coolers, boogie boards, hats, etc..  You can even arrange a wedding package for your stay, which includes a guest room for three nights, arrangements for a beach wedding, an on-site coordinator, an officiant, transportation to and from the wedding, a private dinner for two on your lanai, and much more!

The attention to detail doesn't stop there.  Dan and Amy, who run the B&B on a daily basis, have also taken special care to make the Ho'oilo House as "green" as possible.  Some of the fruit served at breakfast is grown on the property.  They provide complimentary, take home, reusable water bottles for all guests.  They also provide wonderfully luxurious line of eco-friendly line of toiletries called "Zero" from Gilchrist & Soame, which feature food-grade, naturally derived USP glycerin; natural conditioning agents from the honey and Brassica plant; and soybean and cottonseed oil, instead of petrochemicals.

To continue their mission of being stewards to the environment, the Ho'oilo House has installed an Enphase enlighten solar array.  The system, which provides 90 to 100% of their electrical needs, was installed, unobtrusively, at the bottom of the property, at the end of 2010, and went into service at the beginning of 2011.  Guests are invited (if so inclined), to track usage real time.

All of the effort that has been put into making the Ho'oilo House as special as it is seems effortless.  Each guest will feel pampered and special.  Staying at the Ho'oilo House is like being on your own private island; quiet, serene, and completely relaxing.  I can tell you that it was the perfect way for us to end our stay on Maui!

Reservations

Ho'oilo House
808-667-6669 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time

Romance On The Beach

The ultimate romantic activity for couples is to have dinner for two prepared by your own personal private chef, listening to the waves while overlooking the beach at sunset.

Just after 6:00 p.m. we were seated at a beautiful table on a grassy overlook, and prepared to enjoy the view over a wonderful four course meal.

Upon booking couples are invited to make their course selections from an incredible menu, including your choice of appetizers, salads, entrees, and deserts.  All ingredients are fresh and local, with choices including chicken, beef, vegetarian, and of course, locally caught fish.

We selected the Stuffed Chantrel Mushrooms With Brie Cheese and Champagne Sauce, and the Shrimp Cocktail With Passion Fruit Sauce to start.  We dined the Maui Greens, and Caesar Salads, followed by our main entrees, Grilled Filet Mignon, and the Fresh Catch of the Day.  For desert we chose Chocolate Pudding With Oreo Cookies, and Lava Flow Cake With Strawberries and Whipped Cream.  Each course was more delicious than the last.

While enjoying each other and the wonderful meal, we knew that we could not have had a more perfect evening!

To find out more about booking a Romantic Dinner For Two contact Hawaii Fun Planner.

Reservations: 877-661-1188

Honeymoon: Destination Maui!

Now that we're back to "real-life"  I can't wait to give everyone my full reviews of everything we did!

Here's a brief reminder of our original itinerary:

• Day1: Arrive in Maui! Check Into The Grand Wailea Resort
• Day 2: Morning, Alii Nui Sailing, Snorkel Sail; Evening, Hawaii Fun Planner's Dinner on the Beach
• Day 3: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner Followed By the Ulalena Theater Show at the Maui Theatere
• Day 4: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner at Nick's Fishmarket
• Day 5: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner, Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency
• Day 6: Valley Isle Excursions: Hana Highway Tour
• Day 7: Check Out of the Grand Wailea and into Ho'oilo House; Alii Nui Sailing, Sunset Sail
• Day 8: Breakfast at  the Ho'oilo House; Fly Home

Stay tuned for full articles on each of our activities, as well as where we stayed, and travel tips for Honeymooning in Maui!

Thank You!

Thank you all for the well wishes!  The day was a dream :-)

I will be back to posting in full force when we return from our honeymoon in about a week and a half!

All the best,

The Mrs. T!

Hula Hula!

30 days to go till our big day and our honeymoon is completely finalized!

I will do full write-ups when we get back; for now, here's our itinerary!

• Day1: Arrive in Maui! Check Into The Grand Wailea Resort
• Day 2: Morning, Alii Nui Sailing, Snorkel Sail; Evening, Hawaii Fun Planner's Dinner on the Beach
• Day 3: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner Followed By the Ulalena Theater Show at the Maui Theatere
• Day 4: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner at Nick's Fishmarket
• Day 5: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner, Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency
• Day 6: Valley Isle Excursions: Hana Highway Tour
• Day 7: Check Out of the Grand Wailea and into Ho'oilo House; Alii Nui Sailing, Sunset Sail
• Day 8: Breakfast at  the Ho'oilo House; Fly Home

Do you have your honeymoon all planned out?

Mini-Moon

Whether you are getting away for a night or two between your wedding and your "real" honeymoon, or if you can only get away for a few days, a mini-moon is the way to go!

We will be sneaking off for a couple nights before we head off to Hawaii.  If we were leaving out of San Francisco we might spring for the Fairmont San Francisco, where they greet you by name, and every guest is treated like royalty.

Located a short cable car trip from bustling Downtown, Financial District, Union Square, and Fisherman's Wharf you are minutes away from all the excitement of San Francisco, and miles away from the stress of planning your wedding!  With 591 guestrooms and suites, the Fairmont San Francisco offers luxury at surprisingly affordable rates.  Currently they have a "Winter" special running, with rates starting at $167 USD per night.

While you're there, be sure to stop in for a cocktail in The Tonga Room & Room and Hurricane Bar.  If you get the chance, try their famous Tonga Mai Tai; it's delicious!  You will want to make reservations if you are planning on staying for dinner, by calling 415-772-5278.

Fairmont San Francisco
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94129

(415) 772-5000

Hotel Reservations

 

Destination: Maui Excursions

So you've decided where you want to go on your honeymoon, what do you want to do when you get there?

Luckily for us, there are great deals to be had, and plenty of people with the experience to guide us!  Here are just a few excursions available for us to choose from on our honeymoon in Maui:

• Helicopter Tour of the Island
• Romantic Dinner for Two on the Beach
• Sunset Dinner Cruise 
• Luau
• Road to Hana Tour
• Sail/Snorkel Tour
• Ulalena at Maui Theater
• Atlantis Submarine Tour
• Dolphin and Whale Watching
• Scuba Diving

I know we won't be able to do it all, but I can't wait to give you my full reviews of each excursion we experience!

Costco Does Travel: Car Rentals

I have been using Costco Travel for the past four years.  I can save on everything from hotels and car rentals, to all inclusive resorts.

"What will we be using them for this trip?" you ask.  We will be using their services to rent a car.  I often find rates that are 10% to 30% of regular rates, and this trip is no exception! 

Have you used Costco Travel before?  I highly recommend!

Soaring Over Maui

Can you imagine soaring through the valleys and along the coastline of Hawaii?  Perhaps hovering over a waterfall, all in a helicopter?

Before 2007 I would have told you that you were crazy to even suggest I get into helicopter, for anything, let alone for an aerial tour.  Then I took a cruise to Alaska.  There, I decided to put my fears aside and take an "once in a life time" tour that included flying over grasslands and glaciers.  The flight ultimately landed on a high elevation glacier, where we got to hike around before flying back to Skagway.

What an experience!  The overall experience was not what I was expecting.  It really felt as though we were floating, and then cutting through the air.  It was simply amazing! 

By taking the helicopter flight, I got to see places that I never would seen any other way.  The photos that I took from the air and on the glacier still "wow" me to this day!

We hope that we will get the chance to do a helicopter tour of the island during our honeymoon trip.  What better way to see the entire beauty of the island of Maui than by helicopter?

Hawaii Fun Planner Helicopter Tours

Destination: Maui, Hawaii

As you all now know, we are going to beautiful Maui for our honeymoon.  As we get closer I will share with you some of the activities that we have planned and the fabulous places we are planning to stay. 

To wet your appetite, let me tell you a little bit about Maui as a honeymoon destination.  Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands.  There is lots to explore and enjoy!  Activities include snorkeling, dinner cruises, golf, whale watching, helicopter tours, luaus, and much, much more.

Don't forget to check out the four and five star resorts on Maui.  If your plans don't involve you staying at one of these luxurious properties, be sure to give yourself the chance to experience "ono" (delicious ) food at one of their great restaurants.

I can't wait to give you a sneak preview of what we have in store, and of course, my full recap, and recommendations when we return!

Aloha!

Destination: Oregon Coast

Most people don't think of Oregon as a potential honeymoon destination. To us, the Oregon coast is a hidden gem, waiting to be explored.

The Salishan Spa and Golf Resort, located on the central coast of Oregon, in the town of Gleneden Beach, offers more luxury amenities that you can count. With distinct accommodation options, from traditional rooms to the lush two bedroom Sunset Suite, you are sure to find the perfect fit for the two of you. You can play a round of golf in the morning, followed by a "Side By Side" couples massage at the spa, and finish off your day with a romantic meal for two at the The Prime Steakhouse at Salishan.

Snuggle in front of the fire and wake up to beautiful views.  Whether it is for a quick weekend getaway, or a week long vacation, your stay at Salishan will surely be one to remember.

Honeymoon Hint

"Where did you decide to go on our honeymoon?" you ask.  Let me give you a couple hints:

That's right!  We're going to Maui!  More on where we will stay and what activities we have planned coming soon!

Places I Have Been

I have been pretty lucky to have done some major trips in my short (cough) life.  While considering where to go on a honeymoon, I have been reflecting on some of my favorite places in the world.  I have visited Beijing, China, Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, Malacca, Malaysia, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Cologne, Germany, Mexico, Canada, and all over the United States.  I have a favorite memory from each place.

In Beijing it was visiting a tea shop and doing a private tasting once they realized that we were serious buyers.  In Thailand it was bartering in the wholesale markets, the two hour Thai massages for $15 USD, and making friends with the owner of Reflections, the fun and funky hotel we stayed in. 

Cologne, Germany was amazing!  I climbed every one of the 509 steps up the cathedral tower to get a panoramic view of the city.  The trip to Amsterdam put me in contact with amazing artworks at the van Gogh and Reich Museums.

I have to say, I love to travel, and am looking forward to our first trip as husband and wife!

Destination: Raffles Hotel Sinapore

I have had the pleasure of visiting the Raffles Hotel Singapore on two occasions.  Both times were with my close friends who live in Singapore.

Just walking through the hotel, you get a sense of history behind the building.  Founded as a ten-room colonial bungalow in 1887, the Raffles Hotel Singapore has survived occupation, war, financial hardship, and a prolonged two year closure for extensive $160 million renovation.

When the hotel reopened in 1991, visitors found it had been not only restored to it's former glory stylistically, it had been improved, by converting all guest rooms to suites with teak-wood floors, handmade carpets, and 14-foot ceilings.  To say that the hotel is beautiful is an understatement.

Visitors to the famous  Long Bar, birthplace to the Singapore Sling, get to get a feel for what the hotel was like in it's heyday.  As live music plays in the warm night air, the fans moving air gently through the room, if you close your eyes, you can almost believe you have been transported to another time.

I highly recommend you add this to your list of places to visit.

Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Singapore
800-768-9009

It's Looking Like Tropical Luxury

It's looking like tropical luxury is in store for us! 

We are both looking forward to a honeymoon destination that is warm, beautiful, luxurious, and fun.  We both love to have a mix of relaxation and planned, fun activities.  We also love eating at great restaurants,  soaking up the local culture and the ocean.

We're close to a decision; don't worry, all will be revealed sooner than you think!

Destination Honeymoon!

Time to talk vacation!

I don't know about you, but I plan on being exhausted (in a good way!) after the wedding. We are planing on staying at a local B&B for two nights after our Saturday wedding, and then off on our honeymoon!

We still don't have a destination selected yet. Hawaii is our back-up since a good friend of ours is letting us use her timeshare hotel stay. We are really up to go anywhere, and are keeping an eye out for good deals. Can you say Travelzoo.com anyone?

Both Mr. T and I are hooked on their Top 20 list!

One of my favorite trips is listed under Romance. Explore New Zealand from $1,099/person, with airfare, three nights stay in Auckland, and three (yes three!) additional stopovers for no additional cost. When the airfare alone can run at least $1,200/person, this is a steal!

Destination Weddings

As we went through the process planning we considered having a destination wedding. It was tempting! The only thing that stopped us is the thought that the people we wanted to stand with us on our wedding day would not be able to attend.

Can you imagine getting married on a beautiful beach in Tahiti, or Hawaii. Or, why not think out side the box and look into getting married on a glacier in Alaska, or in a villa in Italy?

No matter where you decide to join your lives together, make it your own!

Destination: Cruise To....

Is cruising for you?  Cruising is not for everyone, but if you love twice daily cleaning service, first class meals, entertainment, planned activities, and bar service on deck, it is definitely worth trying.  I personally love it! 

The best way to describe it to someone who has never cruised before, is that you get to be on a floating, full service, hotel.  You get to wake up in a new place every morning, without having to unpack.  You can enjoy full spa treatments, work out at the on-ship gym, go to a show or a movie, retire early to your cabin, or stay up all night dancing.

There are now hundreds of destinations to choose from.  Whether you want to see the glaciers in Alaska, the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, or the beauty of Venice, Italy, you can find a ship that sails to your favorite destination.  If you are looking for a more unusual experience, there are cruises to the Galapagos Islands, you can also travel up the Nile or Amazon; the possibilities are endless!