Paradise, Found: Luxury Villa Vacations

Villa vacations are increasingly popular, driven in part by social distancing practices that emerged during the pandemic. Fortunately for fans of Hawai’i Island’s Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, located on the stunning Kohala Coast, the property has just completed a comprehensive renovation. The resort’s top villas are the final touch in the hotel’s multimillion-dollar transformation.

Thoughtful Renovations for Multi-Generational Families

Michael Booth, principal at BAMO, the firm responsible for the interior renovations, explains: “The resort identified a chance to provide an exceptional residential experience suitable for multiple generations of families traveling together.” The replanning process involved doubling the number of bedrooms and bathrooms by adding additional levels.

Thus, the expanded space in Hawai’i Loa Presidential Villa, Makaloa Villa, and Ho`onanea Villa offers families a luxurious rental experience accompanied by the full suite of amenities available at Four Seasons. Notable amenities include King’s Pond, Hualālai’s impressive 1.8 million-gallon swimmable aquarium featuring a new elevated swimming pool, lounge deck, and the Kumu Kai Marine Center—boasting a team of six staff marine biologists. Guests can also indulge in unique offerings through the Only at Hualālai series, which includes guided tours through the native Hawaiian flora at ‘Iliahi forest, situated on the slopes of the massive Mauna Loa volcano.

A Rich History of Loyalty Among Guests

The Four Seasons Resort Hualālai enjoys a substantial proportion of repeat guests, some of whom have returned annually since the resort opened 25 years ago. Consequently, the BAMO team ensured that while new elements were introduced, the essence that fostered such loyalty was preserved. Janet Mercier, a BAMO associate, noted, “We retained several key features, including the slate flooring and existing mahogany wood that envelops the spaces. We then layered textural wall coverings and developed distinct color schemes to showcase and differentiate each suite.” Even though the palettes vary, each villa exudes a unique charm while remaining harmonious with the others.

Modern Comforts Meet Natural Beauty

The revamped villas now boast a modernized and airy atmosphere, enhancing their connection to the stunning outdoor environments. Mercier elaborates, “We aimed to elevate the indoor/outdoor aspect of the villas and strengthen the link to the surrounding water features. By incorporating sliding glass pocket doors to the new upper levels, we created open decks providing guests with a second outdoor living space featuring breathtaking views.”