Additional Coverage:
- I stayed at a resort with one of the largest pools in Hawaii. Its other amenities were so good that I barely swam in it. (businessinsider.com)
Poolside Paradise? Not Quite! How Kauai’s Beauty Stole the Show
For a self-proclaimed pool aficionado like myself, a hotel pool isn’t just an amenity – it’s a must-have. So, when I booked my stay at The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i in Lihue, home to one of Hawaii’s largest single-level outdoor pools, I was practically giddy with anticipation. Visions of leisurely swims, poolside cocktails, and a good book danced in my head.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the pool lounger. I got sidetracked. Seriously sidetracked.
The Royal Sonesta’s pool, shaped like a giant flower and dotted with palm trees, is undeniably impressive. But the resort’s other charms quickly stole my attention. Lush tropical gardens, a charming coffee bar with pool-view gazebos, and, best of all, direct access to the serene Kalapaki Beach proved irresistible.
Just a short stroll from my room, the beach became my sanctuary. The quiet cove, the uncrowded sands – it was pure bliss. For two days, I almost forgot about the magnificent pool I’d been so eager to experience.
Eventually, pool duty called. I dutifully donned my swimsuit, secured a lounger, and took the plunge.
It was…nice. But after a mere 30 minutes, I felt the pull of the ocean and the resort’s other attractions.
That was my first and last dip in the pool during my four-night stay.
My time at The Royal Sonesta was filled with unexpected delights. From savoring the local flavors at Duke’s Kauai (the Hula Pie is a must-try!)
to watching koi glide through the resort’s tranquil pond, I found joy in the simplest things. Even the island’s ubiquitous chickens, strutting outside my patio door, provided more entertainment than I anticipated.
This trip was a revelation. While I still appreciate a good hotel pool, I realized that access to a beautiful, uncrowded beach trumps all. The vastness of the ocean, the rhythmic massage of the waves, the invigorating salt water – it’s an experience no pool can replicate.
So, while the pool was the initial draw, it was Kauai’s natural beauty that truly captivated me. And sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones you least expect.