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Hawaii luxury Vera Wang




LUXURY FOR LESS

…now is your chance to 'live large'





Dine among the Orchids at Halekulani on Oahu

On the bright side in travel, an economy downturn often means greatly reduced rates at posh resorts and hotels you may have only dreamed of staying. Now is your chance to taste life as lived by the rich and famous.

Set on a former coffee estate, Strawberry Hill’s twelve airy cottages hover high in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, overlooking Kingston and the Caribbean Sea . Enjoy an elegant suite with private balcony, the finest cuisine, a consultation and nature massage in the Living Spa, plus free use of sauna, plunge pool and yoga shala. The spa’s new Living Lounge houses a private wine bar exclusive to hotel guests and spa clients. A 60-foot negative-edge swimming pool, nature trails, bird-watching, and mountain bike rides highlight this fertile region’s natural beauty. www.islandoutpost.com                                                                                                                                          

Royal Hawaiian Hotel. After a complete renovation to this pink Waikiki landmark, the 1927 re-opening package honoring the original opening year has been extended. Four nights’ minimum stay in a Royal Grove suite costs $1,327 through June 1, 2010. Included is dinner for two at Azure; two Mai Tais at the world famous Mai Tai Bar; exclusive Royal Hawaiian gift. A multi-level shopping arcade contains everything from designer clothes and puki shell jewelry to slack guitar music and lei making classes. www.royal-hawaiian.com

At The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, an outstanding all-suite Italian showcase, the lobby's lavishly painted ceilings and sparkling chandeliers are works of art. Romantic Italy bursts forth at Grand Canal Shoppes, on popular gondola rides, and ornate Doge’s Palace Casino. A Venetian Luxury Suite by the private Venetian Garden pool deck now costs $149 per night. www.venetian.com

Encore, Steve Wynn’s latest dazzler, presents an ornate entrance, tall towers, numerous restaurants, 5 pools and glass-roofed gardens. Sip drinks at Botero under the 'floating bar.' Then hit the dance floor extending to a cascading waterfall.  Resort Suites now $169 p/night with a $75 resort credit. www.encorelasvegas.com