Some of my warmest childhood memories are of splashing in the waves and running across the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii… Now that I think of it, I believe it’s where my love of the ocean began. From pointing out colourful fish while snorkelling with my dad to building sandcastles and spotting rainbows, I had no idea that these simple joys would spark what has now become a lifelong passion for travel and exploration. My family used to regularly vacation on the islands, but suddenly I’m twenty-six, and I realize it’s been more than a decade since I’ve visited… So when I got an email from the Fairmont asking if I wanted to take part in their FAM trip, I couldn’t turn it down. Within a couple of weeks of hitting “reply,” I found myself standing back where it all started, on the island of Hawai’i, but this time at a resort I hadn’t yet been to—the Fairmont Orchid.
The Fairmont Orchid is about a 30-minute shuttle ride from Kona Airport, but it’s not one where you’ll want to nap the whole way. The landscape boasts unique rock formations made from lava, wild goats grazing amongst them, and even natural caves (keep an eye on the right for one), while our shuttle driver educated us on all of this during the drive. Before long, we arrived and were immediately greeted with fragrant leis, cool towels, and a lobby with a grand view of the ocean.
Along our walk to the room, we were told about the hundreds of rooms the property has and the amenities it offers as well (such as the spa, which I’ll talk about in a moment), but it wasn’t long before the hunger from my flight started to kick in. So, after a brief bag drop in the room, I made my way to a sunset dinner at Brown’s Beach House, one of the on-site restaurants, before crashing into what I’d consider a perfectly comfortable bed.
The rooms at this property are tidy and comfortable, but for me, it was the property itself and everything it had to offer that truly shone. Immediately upon entering my room, I was greeted with an incredible edible arrangement (featuring local foods like macadamia nuts), and the coolness of the air conditioning was a well-received relief after walking in the heat outside. My room had not one, but two showers to rinse off in, plenty of space in the bathroom, and a view that overlooked the paths that wove through the property, truly highlighting just how green and lush this location is.
Once leaving the rooms (automatic doors open the hallways to the fresh air, which felt special), you’re greeted with flower-lined walkways that take you to several restaurants, the pool, a private beach nestled into a cove (making it the perfect calm spot for snorkelling or a morning dip), a coconut grove, tennis courts, a golf course, and more. If you’re looking for true relaxation, aside from the cabanas and multiple private resting spots, the spa is where you’ll want to visit. Here, I was treated to a lovely massage (all while being surrounded by birds in a cute private hut), with a waterfall babbling behind me.
When it came to food, I’m happy to report that every single thing (and I’m truly not exaggerating) was absolutely delicious. From the fresh-caught fish I had the evening I arrived, to the honey-inspired luncheon (where we learned about the sustainability initiatives the property is taking to help the environment thrive), everything was fresh and packed with flavour. As someone with Celiac Disease, I was relieved to find that my dietary needs were not only taken seriously but were thoughtfully accommodated at every meal. I was provided plenty of gluten-free options, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure my dining experiences were not just satisfactory, but exceptional. I’ll be dreaming of those honey-infused macarons, their delicate sweetness, and those decadent chocolate brownies, rich and fudgy, until I find myself back here. The food was extremely fresh (picked straight from the Chef’s Garden, which we toured during our stay), and you could tell that a lot of thought and care went into every dish, every single meal.
Overall, I can’t think of a better way to describe my time at the Fairmont Orchid than feeling welcomed. It’s a sense you get throughout the entire property. From the turtles sunbathing along the shoreline, to the giant manta ray I saw while snorkelling just off the cove, to the honeybees in the garden—the initiatives to connect with the land and Hawaiian culture, and to bring this experience to guests, are evident. I felt so grateful to experience it.
I’m already dreaming of unzipping my poolside cooler, cracking open a can of passion-guava juice, and soaking in the sun at the Fairmont Orchid.
Until next time, happy travels and enjoy your adventure!
Cheers,
Chloë
Comentários