A Luxury Escape in Princeville
David from Team O recently stayed at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (formerly the St. Regis Princeville Resort) and shared his experience at this premier Kauai property. With 252 rooms overlooking the stunning shoreline of Hanalei Bay and the dramatic mountains of the Napali Coast, the resort offers one of the most breathtaking settings on the island. Sunrises and sunsets transform the landscape, making every moment feel unique.
Accommodations: Ocean View Studio Suite & Mountain View Room
David’s stay included two different accommodations:
Ocean View Studio Suite – A spacious 820-square-foot suite with a separate entrance hallway leading into a beautifully designed living space. The suite featured:
- A comfortable king bed
- A living area with seating for four
- A large walk-in closet behind the bed
- A modern bathroom with dual vanities and a rain shower (no soaking tub)
- In-room tea and coffee amenities for added convenience
Mountain View Room (9th Floor) – Located on the lobby level and highest floor, this room provided unobstructed, panoramic views of Hanalei Bay and the Napali Coast. Watching the ever-changing scenery throughout the day was a highlight of the stay. The spacious and comfortable room allowed for ample natural light, though evening and early morning lighting could be improved.
Dining: A Standout Culinary Experience
David and his companions dined exclusively at 1 Kitchen, the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant. Every meal was fresh, flavorful, and well-executed, making it a top choice for dining on the property. The casual yet refined atmosphere and commitment to local, sustainable ingredients elevated the dining experience.
Exploring Kauai: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Kauai is an island for active travelers, and with the help of the concierge team, David planned a morning adventure that exceeded expectations.
Audi Test Drive Program – A complimentary perk for hotel guests, David reserved an Audi Q8 e-tron for the day and set out on a scenic drive.
Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tour – Following the concierge’s recommendation, they booked a three-hour tour at Lydgate Farms ($150 per person, advance reservations required). Initially unsure if the length would hold his interest, David found the experience entirely worthwhile. Led by an engaging and knowledgeable guide, Mason, the tour covered Kauai’s role in sustainable chocolate production. The highlight? A generous chocolate tasting that left them with a newfound appreciation for the craft.
The Best Luxury Resort on Kauai
David considers 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay to be the premier luxury resort on Kauai. While Timbers Kauai offers multi-bedroom residences, its proximity to the airport is less than ideal. The Grand Hyatt on Poipu Beach is a much larger resort, but its standard rooms don’t compare to the elevated experience at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. This property is the best choice for travelers seeking sophisticated luxury on the island’s stunning north shore.
Through our Hotel-Only service, we can book your stay for the exact same rate you find online, with the added benefit of booking your stay with us. We charge zero fees through this service; it is completely complimentary!
As part of Virtuoso, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay offers exclusive perks, including:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Hotel Credit, applicable towards our Food & Beverage outlets or towards Spa Services, to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Virtuoso benefits can generally be combined with any rates you’ll find directly with 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. The upgrades through Virtuoso are also prioritized over upgrades through other programs, so you’ll want to use Virtuoso over a program like Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.
For a more personalized touch on your trip, you can work with our Hotel Plus team to assist with any reservations, activity scheduling, concierge assistance, and more. Once your stay is booked through us, you will automatically receive exclusive and complimentary perks that you can indulge in throughout your stay.
To book your stay, use our complimentary booking tool, or fill out a Travel Request Form.
If you’re still exploring your options, we have several resources to help you, including our complimentary booking tool, a Preferred Hotels Map, and Hotel Reviews. Let us use our expertise to craft your perfect escape to Hawaii today!
