Bula from Fiji

imageBula!  You hear that everywhere in Fiji.  When asked what it meant, they just replied, “It means everything!”  So we heard it coming and going and just as a joyful acknowledgment.  The people were so warm and welcoming, I felt like I was home.  If home was the most epic beach location.  I wish!

It’s hard to describe the color of the beautiful water surrounding Tokoriki Island.  It’s the most inviting blue I’ve ever come across.  It’s so toasty warm I could snorkle for hours.  And after a long snorkle, we could simply relax in the quiet of an adult only resort with a beverage and the sound of the ocean lapping at the shore.  It’s magical how beautiful Fiji has been to us.

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stilettos

Resort Review: The Kahala Resort

Rainbow over Hawaii

I don’t even know where to start with The Kahala Resort.  It’s so luxurious and amazing!  Coming here was a total surprise from my honey for our 4 year so as we walked in, I was floored.  Not to mention my eyes welled up with excitement when I saw the dolphins (see my last post for pictures of the happiest girl in the world and her dolphin pal).

We might be the luckiest people to have gotten an upgrade to the 9th floor with views of the ocean and the dolphin lagoon.  We were able to sit on the balcony, enjoy our celebratory mimosas, and watch the dolphins play frisbee with their trainers.  The Kahala is also a hugely popular place for weddings and we saw at least 3 happening daily.

The resort is a place for relaxation and since cabanas come with the room, we spent many hours soaking up some rays, eating lunch in the sand, and snorkeling the reef that starts just feet from the shore.  You can paddle board, kayak, and do yoga classes on a paddle board as well but we decided to be lazy so swimming and snorkeling were our activities of choice.

The Kahala is also home to Aracino, one of the best Italian restaurants we’ve ever been to.  We had the 5 course meal with wine pairing and could hardly believe how delicious everything was.  The service was amazing as well and they were able to answer all Tyler’s questions about the meal (he’s an aspiring chef so there were many questions!).  If you’re on Oahu, I highly recommend coming here for dinner.  It’s one of the top 3 meals I’ve ever had so this is an absolute must-visit in my book.

Overall, The Kahala has everything a relaxing Hawaiian resort should have.  I did not want to go home at all after staying here.  I mean, life is good but there’s just something about a vacation that makes everything even rosier.  5 stars Kahala… 5 stars…

You would have found me in this position often

You would have found me in this position often

The Grand Entrance of The Kahala Resort

The Grand Entrance of The Kahala Resort

Super excited about the view for our balcony

Super excited about the view for our balcony

I loved watching the sea turtles swim

I loved watching the sea turtles swim

The view from our balcony

The view from our balcony

Sunset in Oahu

Sunset on the balcony

Sunrise in Oahu

Sunrise on the balcony

Swimming Pool at the Kahala

Look at those people doing that exercise thing *sips mimosa*

Look at those people doing that exercise thing *sips mimosa*

There's a gorgeous wall of orchids that leeds down to the beach

There’s a gorgeous wall of orchids on the way down to the beach

 

Birthday on the Beach: Coronado, CA

Me at Coronado BeachI’m getting to the age now that most of my friends are getting married and having kids.  So what that means is there are a lot of fun times to be had celebrating these life events!  Today, we celebrated our good friend’s daughter’s third birthday on the beach in Coronado.  It’s a gorgeous day for some fun in the sun: we splashed in the water, played with bubbles, and enjoyed some yummy cupcakes.

The water was too cold for my liking so I stuck to the shore in some bermuda shorts, a bandeau top, and a cover up.  Of course, I needed my trusty UPF 50+ protection hat to shield my face.  I want to look 25 when I’m 50 after all!!  Who doesn’t?!  This Wildfox coverup is one of my favorites!  It’s perfect for walking around a beach town or over your swimsuit.  I topped off my look with a chunky ocean inspired necklace (I’ve worn it before, remember?).

Close Up of Me at the Beach

Wild Fox I'm a Mermaid Shirt

I bet you didn’t know…

The birthday girl, Mila (right), and her bestie.  Little divas in training!

The birthday girl, Mila (right), and her bestie. Little divas in training!

Sandy Sandals

Sandy Sandals

 

Hat: Eric Javits, Cover Up: Wildfox (Similar), Necklace: Target, Sandals: Two Lips (Similar)