We usually view hotels as necessary lodging and do not center travels around a fabulous resort, as it detracts from the destination, but since we were on our honeymoon, we decided that a little rest and relaxation at a resort destination was called for.

We received leis upon arrival and had an hour to kill before we could check into our room, so we decided to check out the hotel. First, the LOBBY. The lobby was made of marble, had floor-to-ceiling glass windows and crystal chandeliers, and was filled with proportionately matched furniture (huge!) .

The lobby had an old European flair, not exactly the kind of decor you would expect in a tropical island resort, but perched high on the cliffs, amidst the moody rainforest in the middle of nowhere, it was terribly romantic and the ABSOLUTE perfect foil against the gorgeous backdrop of Hanalei Bay.

Princeville's infinity pool had swim-up bar at one end and overlooked the crystal-clear waters of the Hanalei Bay at the other.

The attendant passed out ice water and cold lavender-scented towels, I kid you not. The heated pool allowed us to stay in the pool after dark. (The pool closes when it gets dark, but we were there well after and no one bothered us.)

After sipping on cocktails at the pool bar, we were able to check in to our oceanfront prince junior suite. The rate for the suite is $820/night, but if you sign up for the Starwood membership, you'll be able to shave 30% off your bill. Still, that was a LOT more than we had and will ever spend on a room again, but seeing that it was our honeymoon, we decided to splurge.

In previous postings, travelers complained that Princeville didn't have lanais. They did, but they were very limited. I was lucky that my husband called ahead to request one. I recommend that you request one prior to checking in. The views really are absolutely breathtaking, surreal even.

• Unit Type: Other
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Excellent

A winding two-mile stretch of road from the highway gives guests a chance to adjust to the unworldly realm they are about to enter at Princeville. This broad plateau of rolling greens punctuated with fountains, palms and trails leads to the massive 18,000 square foot lobby that immediately reveals the renowned views. Don’t be surprised if at first it doesn’t seem real.

The hotel is built on a Cliffside terrace, so from the ninth floor lobby, the 252 rooms are accessed through a series of elevators which deliver guests to accommodation floors and the beach and pool area below. Our room on the second floor had a magnificent view of the famed Bali Hai (Mt. Makana) through broad, sliding plantation shutters. Just below was the dramatic beachside pool that is flanked by three discreet but enormous crescent hot tubs and is adjacent to the site of the hotel’s twice weekly luau. On the beach, hammocks anchored by coconut palms sway in the breeze and little canvas hale are the magical shelter used for romantic candlelit private dinner celebrations or seaside spa treatments.

Princeville knows guests are anxious to get settled in after what was surely a long journey, so they whisk visitors to their rooms immediately where details are handled by the bellman. Soon after check-in they will discover a little secret - Princeville’s "magic crystal windows" which change from clear to frosted privacy with the flip of a switch, because the moment you are decent, you‘ll want to return to the view!

But the hotel’s true magic is found in the glorious lobby area. Here, the Living Room lounge, with its towering floor to ceiling glass walls, is furnished with multiple conversation areas and sofas. People tend to feel so comfortable that in spite of the classical European estate décor, they sit feet up, curled up, settled in as if they were home, in the living room! The outdoor patios aglow with blazing torches were also favored spots for watching the sunsets beyond Bali Hai, especially at the floating Hanalei Café restaurant lanai that gives the illusion of dining over the sea.

Various special events and cultural enrichment programs are offered regularly to support Princeville’s dedication to malama `aina, the caring for the land as well as mea o Hawai`I, or "all things Hawai`ian." Additionally, their top-notch concierge service will help you organize any of the dozens of outings this environment inspires.

You don’t have to die to get to this heaven; in fact, you’ll feel more alive than ever.