St. Regis Princeville
Hawaii

Inhaling the sweet fragrance of the floral lei around my neck, my breath stopped short when entering the lobby of the Princeville Hotel. Floor to ceiling glass windows encase the two-story panorama-a mountain of lush-green velvet emerging dramatically from the cobalt-blue waters of Hanalei Bay and framed by a soft, golden crescent of sand. Marble floors and Corinthian-style columns trimmed in gold create a sense of open grandeur while clusters of ornate furnishings sumptuously covered in silk create warm sitting areas throughout. Edgeless fountains create a sense of peaceful movement and fresh arrangements of local flowers add tropical flair.

Princeville Resort is a 9,000-acre resort community on the North Shore of Kauai, in which the 252-room hotel occupies 23 acres. Thirty-two miles from the Lihue airport, car rental proves to be the most affordable and convenient means of transport; however, Princeville offers its own airport and shuttle service within the community. Unless you want to do a great deal of sightseeing there is little need to go very far to stay occupied-three restaurants, an edgeless pool, two acclaimed golf courses, a cattle and horse ranch offering horseback riding, shops, a health club and spa, a water activities center and numerous tour options.

Every Thursday the resort hosts a Pa'ina O' Hanalei ocean side lu'au and traditional Imu Ceremony-or what I like to refer to as preparing a Hawaiian Pig-in-a-Blanket. The pig is wrapped in taro leaves and placed into a five-foot hole in the ground with mesquite and hot volcanic rock. Hours later it's served buffet-style. I was amazed that this technique produced such tender meat with a rich, earthy flavor. Poi on the other hand, a bland Hawaiian staple food made by creating a mysterious congealed mass out of the taro plant, should've simply been used to refill that five-foot hole in the ground. Definitely a family-style event, cafeteria seating created a gregarious atmosphere topped off with hula dancing and fire twirling set to the rhythms of the ukulele and song.

For a more intimate dining experience, the plumeria-scented night air serves as the perfect aphrodisiac for a romantic dinner for two under the canvas of a private tent beachside or on an oceanfront terrace. Café Hanalei provides a spectacular view of the ocean, especially from the outdoor terrace seating. As a seafood lover, I found the Friday Night Seafood buffet delightful with piles of fresh shellfish, sashimi and unique entrees such as live black mussels with Thai Coconut Curry and Salmon en Croute with a scallop mousse. La Cascata adds a bit of variety to the culinary lineup with its Mediterranean-influenced pastas and entrees.

Dining options at Princeville might be the perfect prelude to an evening of intimacy, but I have an inkling that the copious number of honeymooners strolling about was not due to the delectable ahi sashimi. A conclusion based not on the quality of the food, rather, the rooms, which aid and abet romance-that or the simple pursuit of indulgence. For example, hanging the "Do Not Disturb" sign, obsolete. A simple push of the bedside button performs this menial task. Is the bedroom television obstructing the view of the ocean? Push a button and the television lowers itself into the credenza. Then there's Princeville's signature "magic window" in the luxurious marble-faced bathrooms. A flip of a light switch instantaneously changes the window from clear glass to frosted.

Beyond the exceptional extras, most of the rooms have lanais and all but 12 offer a water view. The 41 Prince Jr. Suites prove to be a popular choice, as the rooms include a Jacuzzi bathtub, living and dining area and a foyer for only $100 more per night than a standard room. The seven Executive Suites with thematic décor, such as Russian, French or Chinese, offer the extended privacy of a separate bedroom. The two Presidential Suites further include a full butler's pantry kitchen and 1,800 square feet of living spaceŅone festooned in Brazilian blue quartzite granite while the other has a bi-level floor plan and tropical décor. The one and only penthouse, the Royal Suite is the crown jewel of accommodations with 2,400 square feet of sheer opulence.

Sipping a tropical delight at the swim-up pool bar after a full day of sightseeing, I was startled by a guest who decided to hop onto the stool beside me. How ironic it was to be at a resort named Princeville, only to be approached by the proverbial fairy tale icon...a frog. Glancing down at him, images of this green guest magically transforming into a handsome Hawaiian Prince were inevitable. Momentarily I contemplated "the kiss." Looking around at the pristine hotel crowning the precipice in front of the imposing Mt. Makana and the glorious stretch of sun-drenched beach, it dawned on me, "Why do I need a handsome prince? I'm already at the palace."