Timeshare travel ~ The Westin Ocean Resort Villas

The Westin Ocean Resort Villas, Kauai

2013 Timeshare Facts

There are 29 percent more resorts planned for 2014

1,540 timeshare resorts in the United States, representing about 192,420 units

Average resort size is 125 units

Beach resorts are the most common type of resort

Urban resorts have the highest occupancy

Florida has the most resorts — 23% of the national total

Nevada has the largest average resort size — 283 units on average

Hawaii has the highest average sales price — $27,712 and occupancy rate 85.2%

Lobby

Spacious balcony

Vacation is something to look forward to, a much-needed break, time for R&R, but when traveling with a family, kids or grandchildren ~ a hotel room can prove to be challenging. With only two beds, a tv and a bathroom, the space turns into kids jumping from bed to bed or teens fighting in a confined area. Now, the idea of vacation has just completely taken a nose dive. This post is not to promote the purchase of timeshare, but merely to outline the benefits of timeshare vacationing whether you purchase or simply book a night.

We absolutely LOVE to stay in timeshare units for several reasons. Most timeshare units are extremely spacious, including multiple rooms, washer & dryer in unit, fully stalked kitchens, towels, BBQ utensils, and ice chests. The convenience of more than one TV in the unit is nice. This allows the parents to watch one show while the kids watch a movie in the living room. You never know when the weather may turn and you find yourselves indoors watching movies all day. Timeshare properties are in constant competition with other timeshare properties; therefore, the amenities just keep getting better!!! Expect spacious balconies, which is the perfect spot to eat breakfast, watch birds, have a glass of wine or, at the Westin Ocean Resort Villas, watch golfers play on the Makai Golf Course or simply view the ocean waves roll in.

Ping Pong

The Westin Ocean Resorts Villas are located in Princeville on Kauai’s north shore.

Pool tables

The units at the Westin set up high on the north shore, overlooking the ocean; however, there is not an accessible beach from the resort itself. Gorgeous Hanalei Bay is just 3.8 miles up the road. The Westin has multiple pools, bbq’s overlooking the ocean, pool tables, state-of-the-art gym, on-site market, poolside bar, pool wait staff, ocean front massage cabanas, restaurant, multiple hot tubs, ping-pong tables and much more. It is the perfect place to stay and not have to leave for any reason. If you already live near a beach and you just want to get away without having to leave once you get there, this is the place!

The ping-pong and pool tables are a great way to enjoy family time. We took turns, teaming up with boys against girls and adults verses kids. It gives families a chance to have healthy, competitive fun. Stay active- get moving! The gym at the Westin is a state-of-the-art fitness facility which includes Life Fitness equipment. The fitness center is glass, allowing each guest an ocean view while exercising away. The fitness center has complimentary, chilled water and towels for an  after workout shower.

Since vacation is all about relaxation, let’s talk about the pools. The Ocean Resort Villas have 4 pools. The Main Pool (pictured above) is a multilevel pool surrounded by lounge chairs with straw covered bungalows. Little ones will love to splash around in the Keiki (children’s) pool which has a small slide and two turtles to climb on. There are two other plunge pools located around the resort. The resort is quite spread out, so it is nice to have pools located throughout.

Keiki Pool

Nanea

 

Wailele Bar

Nanea is the main restaurant on property, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a brunch on Sundays.  Enjoy dining in the open-aired dining room or outside on the terrace. Gluten-free and vegan options are available on the menu. Nanea Restaurant and Bar offers a 5 course tasting menu with wine pairing.

When lounging poolside, order lunch from the Wailele (waterfall) Bar and have it brought to your chair. While eating lunch or sipping on a tropical cocktail, there are views of three waterfalls atop surrounding mountain peaks.

BBQ with a view

Our favorite amenity at the Westin Ocean Resort Villas are the bbq’s!!! It doesn’t really feel like cooking when you can enjoy an ocean view while lounging poolside. Relax in the whirlpools while your food is grilling away. When the food is ready, sit outside and eat as a family, sip wine and play games. Some of the outdoor eating areas are covered for the occasional passing shower. We spent every evening outside grilling different foods. Be creative, make something different and fun since it is vacation! Go for shish kabob, marinated vegetables or lobster. Adults can enjoy long dinners with conversation while the kids splash away in the pool.

BBQ’s are located throughout the property. Availability of tables was never an issue. One evening we shared a large table with another family on vacation. The property is very family friendly and has a lively atmosphere with music playing in the evenings.

Covered tables

Now for the villas~

Living room

There are studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units available, decorated in Hawaiian furnishings. The studio does not have  a dining room or a dining room table. It is perfect for two people but very cramped for 4. The 1 bedroom villa is perfect for 4 people, as the couch makes into a bed. The 1 bedroom comes with a full kitchen, with the exception of an oven. There is a convection microwave which makes most things. We were able to make pizza one day. The 1 bedroom includes a spacious lanai (balcony) which is accessible from the living and bedroom. Our unit was up high with fantastic views of the golf course, trees and ocean. The lanai was a favorite spot in the evenings when the ocean breezes kicked up.

For those of you who are not familiar with Westin brand, you are missing out on the Heavenly Bed!!!! In fact, you can order a Heavenly bed and have it delivered to your house. People were so in love with the Westin beds, that they finally became available for purchase. The best way to describe the experience of a Heavenly bed, is sinking into clouds. So if you want to sink into a cloud of relaxation, I suggest booking a room at Westin to try it out for yourself.

Heavenly Bed

Koi feeding

Our second favorite thing about timeshare- the daily calendar of events!

Design a tote bag

There is something going on daily. The day started out with a Fish Feeding Frenzy at the Koi pond. The kids were given fish food to throw into the pond while they were educated about the Koi fish.

Next we were off to arts and crafts where the kids designed a tote bag. Get the puffy paints out, choose a tote and start designing. The best part is, everything takes place outside near the pool. Kids will love the henna tattoos, tissue paper flowers, and coconut postcards.

 

The Makai Golf Course

Money Savings Tips~ Compare room prices by searching all hotel search engines such as hotels.com, expedia.com, priceline.com and orbiz.com. You don’t have to be a timeshare owner to enjoy the benefits of a timeshare property. Many owners give their weeks up for points or trade out for other properties and then the property sells the units fpr a nightly rate. Stop off at Costco (near the airport) prior to heading up north to the Westin. Grab enough groceries for your stay and keep bbq’n in mind. Costco is a one hour drive each way from the property, so it’s best to only go there once during your stay. The Westin is a great place to enjoy grilling poolside while the kids play.

 

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NaPali Coast Tour ~ Welcome aboard the Adventurer II

The Adventurer

“Eighth Wonder of the World is a term sometimes used to describe phenomena in comparison to the widely known list of seven remarkable constructions of classical antiquity, called the Seven Wonders of the World.”

“Holo Holo”, translates to let’s go. Holo Holo to the NaPali. The NaPali coastline is 16 miles long located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. It is inclusive of Ke’e Beach on Kauai’s North Shore, extending all the way to Polihale State Park on Kauai’s west side.  “Pali” means rigged cliffs, which look much like cathedral mountains cascading down to sea level. These mountains are 4,000 feet high which are part of a 6,175 acre park. Why is the NaPali so fascinating? The NaPali is a place where you will find waterfalls, lava tubes,  sea caves, Humpback whales (Nov.-Apr.), dolphins, turtles, seabirds, cathedral mountains, great snorkeling and sweeping valleys all in one place. The NaPali is not easily accessible due to the absence of roads. The coastline can be viewed from a helicopter, hiking or via boat. Sail along the NaPali for a four hour tour and take in the views of this coastline on Holo Holo Charters ~ The Adventurer II!

We are all about the family adventures on this blog site!!! Kids ages 6 and up are welcome on the Adventurer II, a top speed, modern, rigid-hull inflatable boat, which differs from that of a Zodiac or rubber raft. Made of fiberglass hull, which enables the boat to maneuver well through the waves, The Adventurer holds up to 25 passengers. If you are looking for a thrill along with your adventure, than this boat is perfect for your family!

Dinghy

Holo Holo’s Adventurer sets sail from the North Shore at Hanalei Bay, where they have been running tours since 1998. Very convenient, as opposed to leaving from Port Allen on the west side where most of the NaPali tours depart from and return to. The tour begins at Hanalei Bay, voted one of the top 25 beaches in the U.S., where you will be shuttled by a dinghy (pictured above) to the Adventurer inflatable raft. Next, you will hop onto the raft, without getting wet, kick your shoes off as this is a barefoot boat, store your belongings, pick a seat and plop down along the rim of the raft, tuck your feet under the rope (feet belt) and get ready to take off on an adventure! One of the highlights of departing from the North Shore, is that you will reach the coastline in minutes! Sit back while the Captain shares stories and history of the Hawaiian culture and life.

Snorkel Time!!!

It’s snorkel time!!! Grab a noodle, fins and a snorkel mask (corrective lens available) to start your adventure under the sea! Our kids loved the variety of fish with vibrant colors of yellow, purple, black, gray and blue. Observe as schools of fish swim by. Be on the lookout for the “honu” green sea turtle. Our kids saw several turtles during the tour. Don’t be fooled by the rugged appearance of a raft, the Adventurer is equipped with dive ladders, restroom and a fresh water shower. The staff provides snorkel masks (with corrective lenses if needed), fins and flotation aids on the Napali Snorkel Adventure. Water temperatures vary throughout the year with an average of 70 degrees. If jumping in just isn’t for you, that’s fine~ hang out and observe the others snorkeling from the convenience of the raft. Sit back, eat lunch and take amazing photographs to share with your friends and family back home!

Interesting Fact~ Holo Holo Charters is the only company on the dock whose entire fleet of vessels were built in Hawaii by the owner.

After working up an appetite in the ocean, it is time for lunch~

Lunch time!

Holo Holo puts on a great spread, offering gourmet sandwiches, veggie wraps, chips (Baked Lays & Baked Cheetos- gotta love the healthier options) and a variety of Hawaiian juices, water and soda. It’s a great time to sit around, chat with the staff and tourists while floating on the ocean in a gorgeous setting, which looks like a backdrop.

 

Heading in to sea caves

How many people can say that they’ve been inside a sea cave? Listen to the ocean swish back and forth as the waves hit lava walls, echoing inside the cave. Are you ready for those Sea Caves? The ability to zip in and out of the sea caves on the NaPali is what truly sets apart the rafts/zodiacs from the catamarans. Not only are the rafts fast moving, but they also can zip right in the sea save and through waterfalls which come down as you enter the caves. Be prepared to get wet! Have fun, be adventurous and hold on!

Tips: I highly recommend investing in a LifeProof or other waterproof cell phone case and testing it out prior to the boat tour! You don’t want to miss out on taking pictures of the NaPali Coast.

Our family takes Bonine (over the counter, anti-sea sickness tablet) one hour prior to sailing. Even if you don’t think you will get nauseous, I recommend taking an anti-sea sickness tablet. Nausea can absolutely ruin your entire trip and don’t expect the boat to turn around and take you back. You will be stuck with that nausea for 4 hours! If you don’t get sea sick but you do become nauseous when others get sick around you – take a tablet! Be sure to read all instructions before taking. There is also a natural form of anti sea sickness pills made of ginger, which I have not tried. Weather conditions change rapidly and therefore, it is nearly impossible to predict how rough the seas will be. If the rocking effects you – take a tablet.

Bring a wind breaker or light waterproof, jacket. Weather changes quickly and can get cool when the boat is at full speed. Sun block up before you go on the tour and leave your oil at home! Who wants to be slipping and sliding all over the boat.

5wheelsto5star is featured monthly in Destinations Travel Magazine

High Tea~ St. Regis Princeville style

Dessert Platter

“If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”
~ William Ewart Gladstone

St. Regis Princeville Lobby

St. Regis Bar

What better way for 5 women to spend a lovely afternoon than to have High Tea at the  St. Regis Princeville Resort.

View of Hanalei Bay

As we entered the lobby (pictured above) we instantly felt welcome with the array of tropical flower arrangements, elegant furniture, water fountain, chandelier and 180-degree view of Hanalei Bay. High Tea is served in the St. Regis Bar where hand painted murals hang and floor to ceiling windows display an amazing sunset. In the evening entertainment includes live music consisting of jazz, adult contemporary and Hawaiian.

We arrived a little early and wandered out on the terrace to take in the gorgeous sunny day and view of Hanalei Bay. There is a seating area with coffee tables so you can relax outside.

View front terrace

While visiting the St. Regis Bar at sunset, enjoy the Champagne Ritual where you can enjoy the art of champagne sabering “sabrage” (opening the bottle with a sword). Sabrage is a technique for opening a Champagne bottle with a saber used for rituals. It is quite exciting to watch! The saber is slid along the body of the champagne bottle and breaks the neck away. The base of the bottle is left open and ready to pour. The saber is turned around to use the backside of the blade, not the sharp side. The cork and collar remain together after separating from the neck.

Breads & Cookies, St. Regis Princeville

As we entered the St. Regis Bar, High Tea settings were displayed at the various tables.

Scones, St. Regis Princeville

Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for High Tea which is served between 3-5 p.m. The price is very reasonable, only $39 per person plus tax and gratuity. The tea includes afternoon flavored iced and hot teas, tea breads, scones, cookies, fresh fruit tarts, desserts and sandwiches. The scones are served with a side of lemon curd, Devonshire cream (a thick cream), and a fresh fruit salsa. My favorite was the chicken curry finger sandwich and the cranberry scones topped with a sugar crust. There is so much food, plan on taking food home. The server provides a to-go box to take your treats home.

Various macaroons were served the day we dined for tea. My favorite macaroon was the coffee flavored one. A vibrant purple, orchid was displayed on the cookie & bread platter. The sandwiches include a curry chicken on wheat bread, salmon-cream cheese-cucumber on a small bagel and mozzarella-basil-tomato on a sliced baguette.

I have experienced High Tea at the St. Regis Princeville numerous times over the past ten years. In previous years, the food was brought out in courses. For example, the scones came first on a tiered platter, then the sandwiches came out as the second course followed by the desserts. Currently, the food is all brought out at one time which I prefer so that you can sample everything. It is easy to fill up on scones and breads when brought out in courses, leaving you too full to really enjoy sandwiches and desserts.

Finger sandwiches

Devonshire Cream, commonly referred to as clotted cream, is a thick cream made by whole cream using steam or a water bath and then leaving it in a shallow pan to cool. As it cools, the cream content rises to the surface and forms ‘clots’ or ‘clouts’. This type of cream is common in South West England and in particular the counties of Cornwall and Devon. Rodda’s in Redruth, Cornwall, is the largest commercial producer in the UK which  produces up to 55,000 lb of clotted cream a day.

Devonshire Cream

Recipe for Devonshire Cream 

1  package cream cheese 3oz.

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 pinch salt

1 cup heavy cream

In a medium bowl, cream together cream cheese, sugar and salt. Beat in cream until stiff peaks form. Chill until serving

Place setting

Flowers, St. Regis Bar

History of High Tea~

High tea was once known as “meat tea” because it was an evening meal or dinner of the working class eaten between 5 pm and 7 pm.

High tea consisted of a hot dish, followed by cakes and bread, and butter and jam. Cold cuts of meat, such as ham salad were often served. High tea was eaten by middle- to upper-class children while their parents would have a more formal dinner later. The words “high tea” were first used around 1825. The word “High” refers to well-advanced to signify that it was taken later in the day. High tea would translate into “late afternoon tea”.

The term “high tea” was used as a way to distinguish it from afternoon tea, and was used predominantly by the working class and in certain British dialects of the North of England.

Various ways tea was served~

Traditionally, loose tea is brewed in a teapot and served with milk and sugar. The sugar and caffeine together prevented the working poor of 19th and early 20th century England from feeling down or depressed. Tea was often served with a small sandwich or baked snack. For the more privileged, afternoon tea was served with more luxury ingredients such as  sandwiches made with cucumber, egg and cress, fish paste, ham, and smoked salmon, scones with Devonshire cream and jam, and usually sponge or fruit cakes and pastries. Muffins or crumpets are a common item served at high tea today.

Crumpets, griddle cakes made of flour and yeast, are generally circular in shape . The round shape was formed by the dough being restrained in the pan by a shallow ring. Crumpets have a  flat top with many small holes with a chewy and spongy texture. They may be cooked until ready to eat warm from the pan or  eaten freshly toasted. In Australia and New Zealand, the crumpets are shaped square to fit easily in a toaster. They are often eaten with a spread of butter on the top of them. Crumpets are similar to English Muffins except they are made with milk, cooked only on one side, and served whole rather than cut in half.

High Tea