Kailua Kona, Hawaii
When I heard that the Big Island was to be renamed, it made me feel a sense of elation. Kona Village Resort When I heard that the Rosewood Hotel, which was devastated by a tsunami in 2011, was reopening as a Rosewood, I immediately sent a text to my mother: Do you still think it will be magical? I was lucky enough to grow up visiting the Hawaiian resort with my extended family and—like many of its devoted regulars—felt a deep connection to it that bordered on the spiritual. Set along a rugged stretch of lava rock on the island’s western coast, the resort was a true barefoot hideaway, with simple thatch-roof hale (bungalows), palm trees that swayed in the plumeria-scented tradewinds, and a no-television-or-phones rule that encouraged disconnection. I was worried that its timeless charm might not survive the rebuild. I didn’t need to worry. When I returned to the property as a legacy guest, I found that it had been transformed in a way that both honored and elevated the original. There are now 150 hale, all of which feature TVs. However, they also exude peace with their soothing wooden walls and neutral palettes. They also have earth-toned regional artwork. The iconic Shipwreck Bar & Sushi, a breezy beachfront hangout carved from the original owner’s boat, was lovingly restored and now gleams with a sleek new wooden finish (don’t miss the legendary mai tais). Asaya Spa, built into the lava rocks, offers luxurious and locally-inspired treatments. These upgrades will be appreciated by legacy guests such as myself, and will make new guests feel lucky to be a part of the club. —Annie Daly
