Travel Notes: Hawaii resort offers one-stop vacationing

Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.

Need a vacation from the stress of deadlines, quotas and not having enough hours to do what's expected?

Renew yourself in one spectacular setting a place that has it all: a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, a top-rated resort spa facility, programs for 5-year-olds through teen-agers, and a cultural center where vacationers can experience the Polynesian culture and learn to play the ukulele.

All of these things and more are available at The Four Seasons Hualalai in Kona, Hawaii one of the world's best resorts.

Vacationers can experience seclusion without isolation in one of the intimate bungalows, dine at the edge of the ocean, snorkel in the lava pool or play golf everyday with pre-arranged tee times.

The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai golf course is reserved for guests and residents. It was opened in January 1996 and is a par 72, 7,117-yard course set against a backdrop of black lava and blue ocean. Clubs can be rented and instruction is available.

Between rounds, or for the non-golfers, the Hualalai Sports Club and Spa will renew vacationers in a uniquely Hawaiian way.

There is a lap pool, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and cold plunges, all in a tropical garden setting.

Even spa treatments can be enjoyed outdoors behind the privacy of bamboo screens. A resistance and strength studio features the latest workout equipment. Spa packages are available, or select from individual treatments that include many choices of massage, skin care and salon services.

Childrens services include complimentary use of cribs, strollers, high chairs, etc. for infants, milk and cookies, a sand-bottomed pool and toys for toddlers.

The Kids For All Seasons program also is complimentary and is offered daily for kids ages 5 through 12. Treasure hunts, sand sculpting, canoe lessons, and flower lei making are some of the activities offered. The Teen Center is equipped with an entertainment center complete with a 54-inch television with surround sound, computers, and video games. For a fee, teens can also enjoy surfing lessons, horseback riding, canoeing.

The on-site cultural center is open daily. With its dcor, displays, and programs, a living picture of Hawaii's history, traditions, arts and culture are re-created. Visitors can learn to use the stars, moon and sun as a compass, as the early Polynesian explorers did.

There are classes teaching common words used in the Hawaiian language; weaving using the leaves of the pandanus tree; lei making; keiki canoeing and fishing.

For weddings and honeymoons, this resort is one of the best choices available.

If it's time to escape, treat yourself exceptionally well.