Island Bliss

Indulge in a pampering paradise for two at The Spa at Ko‘a Kea in Hawai‘i.

- Patricia Vanikiotis

THE TUCKED-AWAY LOCATION of the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort on the island of Kauai proves a most appealing feature to couples seeking a quiet, romantic Hawaiian interlude. It also presented a bit of a challenge to my husband and me as we sought the entrance to its drive off the lushly landscaped boulevard which parallels Poip Beach on the island’s sunny south shore. Armed with precise directions and using our vehicle’s navigation feature, we still managed to drive right past before reversing our course and spotting an inconspicuous sign tucked among the foliage. The grounds and buildings of two large resorts flanked the winding road which ended at the circular drive in front of Koa Kea’s main building.

As we entered the lobby, the floor-to-ceiling windows drew our gaze out over the saltwater pool, the palm-studded lawn and fire pits to the ocean just a few hundred feet away. Koa Kea boasts the closest hotel accommodations to the water on Kauai, offering immediate access to water sports and stunning sunset views.