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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Makana Terrace

Makana Terrace

Outdoor Seating

Step onto the terrace and enjoy the warm evening air, dine by candlelight with a view of Makana Mountain while overlooking Hanalei Bay. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just a night out, Makana Terrace, located at St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai, is the perfect way to end your day.

Aloha Mary

The Aloha Mary~

On your way to Makana Terrace, stop by the St. Regis Bar and try the signature Aloha Mary (bloody Mary) made with a blend of Hawaii’s organic Ocean Vodka and clamato (tomato juice, spices, clam broth) juice garnished with Kaua’i guava wood-smoked sea salt. All St. Regis Hotels create a signature Bloody Mary.

Review the wine list to start off your dining experience. I highly recommend a 5:30 or 6 p.m. reservation time to ensure a sunset view while enjoying a glass of wine and an appetizer. I enjoyed a wonderful glass of Pinot Noir, while occasional clouds passed and the sky slowly turned from blue to shades of pink.

The Makana Mountain and sunset view reflect off of the infinity pond located tableside offering a tranquil ambiance.

The menu is a mixture of Asian cultures complemented by the freshest of Hawaiian grown produce. Now for the hard part – choosing a starter. With the recommendation of our waiter, we chose to start off with the Makana Terrace Roll and Pan Seared Scallops.

Makana Terrace Roll

Pan Seared Scallops

Hand-Crafted Sushi~

Choose from an impressive selection of hand-crafted sushi rolls ~

Bread with Mango butter

which include Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail, Smoked Salmon, Ahi, Soft-shell Crab, BBQ Eel, California Roll and more. Sashimi platters include Tuna , Salmon , Yellowtail, Hot Seared Kampachi (Kona Yellowtail), Yuzu (citrus fruit), and Truffle Oil. I highly recommend the Makana Terrace Roll as it is spicy, crunchy and flavorful made with Spicy Tuna , Tempura Shrimp Avocado, and Spicy Mayo!!!!!

Next, the Pan Seared Scallops served on top of a kabocha (golden squash) puree absolutely melt in your mouth. The scallops are prepared with caramelized Maui onion, garden fresh herbs and lemon. The scallops are cooked to perfection, extremely soft and tender, easily cut with a fork.

Sake-Soy Glazed Butterfish

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi

For the entrée~ choose from Land (Aina) or Sea (Moana). Sea entrées include Opakapaka, Butterfish, Mahi, Ahi or Shutome (Swordfish). Land options consist of Rib Eye, Rack of Lamb, New York Strip, BBQ Pork Ribs, or Filet Mignon. My personal favorite is the Sake-Soy Glazed Butterfish served with Bok Choy, Carrots, and Alii Mushroom in a Kombu Beef Broth. The Butterfish is so moist and flakes apart in the juicy broth. We ordered the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi served with Ginger Garlic Braised Baby Bok Choy, Whipped Molokai Sweet Potatoes, Mango Pineapple Relish, and Curry Sauce. All seafood dishes were beautifully displayed, pleasant aromas, cooked to perfection, and flavorful.

Warm Ginger Cake with Asian Pear

Best for last~

Choose from seven delicious, exotic desserts comprised of Chocolate Chip Macademia Nut Tart, Chocolate Selection, Warm Ginger Cake with Asian Pear, Island Citrus Cheesecake, Warm Maui Mango Kula Strawberry Crisp, Hoemmade Spun Ice Cream, and Crème Brulee. Of course we chose the Warm Ginger Cake with Asian Pear served with candied ginger ice cream!!!!

View from Makana Terrace

Antwon Brinson, Chef de Cuisine

Breakfast: 6:30am – 11:00am Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:00pm (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays for dinner)

Makana Terrace

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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