About the hotel
Just under an hour’s drive from the hubbub of Waikiki is the laid back Turtle Bay Hotel on Hawaii’s famous North Shore. The hotel spans more than 850 acres with more than 650 of them being nature preserve that will never be developed. Within eight kilometres of the resort are the legendary breaks of Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. On the property are 375 guest rooms, 25 suites, 42 beach cottages and luxury ocean villas. There is also a palm-fringed pool, two spa tubs, a children’s pool and a 79-foot water slide.
Aptly named Turtle Bay because of the threatened green sea turtles that swim the waters around the hotel, you may also see Hawaiian Monk seals, whales and discover Hawaiian ancestral burial grounds in the area.
Unique features
Hawaii is a virtual movie set and Turtle Bay Resort no different. However, it was quite magical performing a stand-up paddle board session in the setting where The Hunger Games was filmed on part of the property.
Dining
Ola Restaurant, which sits on the sand looking out to the beach serves good staple fare and seems to be always busy. We hired a mustang convertible and drove to the restaurant town of Haliewa for great Mexican at Luibueno’s as well as finding the best Baja BBQ corn stall at Kahuku also home to one of the famed Giovanni’s shrimp trucks. The corn and shrimp were so good, we went back every day and even bought some Baja seasoning back (yes customs allowed it).
The suite experience
The Beach Cottages were designed by LA-based Michael Smith and feature Brazilian walnut floors, which lead to 740-square-feet of multi-level retreat. The ceilings are 15-feet and you have a private lanai balcony and your own cottage concierge to tend to your needs. The cottage sleeps three.
Spa
I booked the Seaside massage which was performed in a cabana with open windows right by the sea. It was private and the sound of the waves with the strong strokes lulls you off into a state of pure nirvana. Turtle Bay is striving to be at the top of the eco-friendly tree and uses products such as Naturopathica and Osea.
If you’d like an upgrade
The three bedroom ocean villa starts at $1,263.14 including taxes and is just moments from the Bay View beach. The villa has over 1,600-square-feet of living area featuring high ceilings and chestnut floors, and access to villa exclusive amenities of private pool, Jacuzzi, courtyard, and barbecue area.
Insider tip
Every season has its positives in this beautiful area but I would recommend winter to watch the big waves.