Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Fairmont Orchid is a haven of elegance. The resort’s expansive lobby opens up to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, with two guest room towers framing a grand central swimming pool. Nearly every room offers glimpses of the ocean, and during whale season, guests may catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. Even when the resort is fully booked, the expansive grounds ensure that there’s plenty of space to find one’s place in the sun.
If you’re looking to elevate your stay, the exclusive Gold Lounge and Gold Floor provide an even more refined level of comfort and service. These recently revamped accommodations are located on the top floor of the resort and feature spacious rooms with luxe amenities such as marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, king-sized beds with sumptuous 500-thread count linens, and private lanais offering views of the Pacific Ocean, lush gardens, or the towering Mauna Kea volcano.
As a Gold-level guest, you are welcomed upon arrival with a fragrant orchid lei and escorted past the main reception area to the private Gold Lounge for a seamless check-in experience. Here, you’re offered a glass of sparkling wine, which more than sets an indulgent tone. Enjoy the generous pour on the lounge's al fresco terrace, where plush seating and intimate nooks offer the perfect vantage point for watching a spectacular sunset.
The Gold Lounge remains open morning to evening, providing an array of complimentary gourmet snacks, fresh coffee, and premium beverages. You’ll enjoy a sumptuous daily breakfast, including pastries (don’t miss the banana bread, an island specialty), egg dishes, sausage and bacon, tropical fruit, and freshly brewed coffee and tea. Throughout the day, a selection of sodas and snacks are available (think mixed nuts, peanut M&Ms, and Asian party mix), and in the early evening, a rotating buffet offers hearty appetizers such as charcuterie and cheeses, Asian dumplings, and chicken skewers, paired with fine wines like Cabernet or Chardonnay. For dessert, you’ll have your choice of house made cakes and cookies. An honor bar features top shelf liquors for self-made cocktails.
Gold Floor guests also have access to a dedicated concierge who can assist with dinner reservations, including at the resort’s renowned Brown’s Beach House. While Gold Lounge culinary offerings might prove enough for dinner, you’d be remiss to ignore the opportunity to dine at this fabulous AAA Four Diamond restaurant that serves innovative Hawaiian dishes and features live music each night. Tables are poised towards Pauoa Bay and an always spectacular setting sun. This beautiful bay is a hotspot for snorkeling and paddleboarding, and the resort proudly supports its sustainability via the 'Ako'ako'a Reef Restoration Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at preserving Hawai'i's coral reefs. Fairmont Orchid is the first hotel in the state to partner with this program, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding the natural beauty of Hawai'i.
Coral reefs are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, supporting diverse marine life, and acting as a natural buffer against coastal erosion. However, these ecosystems face threats from climate change, pollution, and other environmental challenges. By partnering with the 'Ako'ako'a Reef Restoration Program, Fairmont Orchid is playing a proactive role in restoring these vital ecosystems. Resort guests are encouraged to learn more about coral conservation via the program, and soon, hands-on projects and exclusive excursions will allow for deeper guest engagement.
Greg Asner, the program’s founder and Director of the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science at Arizona State University, explains, “Our goal is to restore the coral reefs off the west coast of Hawai'i Island, which have been in decline for the last 50 years. This partnership with Fairmont Orchid is essential in achieving our vision of a thriving coastline.”
Michael Pye, Regional Vice President of Fairmont Hawai'i, adds, “We are proud to support the 'Ako'ako'a Reef Restoration Program. By working alongside the local community and engaging with our guests, we hope to preserve the cultural and ecological significance of Pauoa Bay and West Hawai'i for generations to come.”
As we travelers seek authentic, impactful experiences, this program exemplifies the harmonious relationship between luxury and sustainability. At Fairmont Orchid, guests not only enjoy world-class amenities and service, but they also become part of a meaningful initiative aimed at preserving Hawai'i’s natural wonders. For those in search of a getaway that blends indulgence with purpose, Fairmont Orchid offers both.
Photos courtesy of Fairmont Orchid
