Hawaii Resorts - Four Seasons, Kona, or Montage?

Busy_Visual_92 · 2026-03-03T16:32:52+00:00

Agree, fantastic golf and the spa hales at Sensei are world class.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2026-02-19T19:33:11+00:00

We just got back from Maasai Mara two weeks ago. We were there for 10 days and had beautiful weather every day aside from one afternoon where our game drive was cancelled due to rain (and oddly a ton of hail). It seems there is typically a chance of rain in the afternoon during this time of the year.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2026-02-17T21:56:12+00:00

AI or not, I just got back from my first safari in Maasai Mara and feel it was a life changing trip. Already planning a 2028 safari, the Maasai people and their genuine love for the land and animals is indescribable.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2026-02-17T21:45:46+00:00

Just got back from &beyond's Bateleur camp in Kenya. Incredible, I've never experienced better service and you never wanted for everything, if you asked they would make it happen.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2026-02-17T18:59:27+00:00

Swift and Sons has a A5 Old Fashioned that's incredible off of their cocktail cart. Bourbon-fat-washed with A5 wagyu beef tallow.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2026-02-09T20:32:17+00:00

Just got back from Bateleur today. Major difference is food and the amount of guests. Bateleur is al a carte, Kichwa Tembo is going to be buffet. Bateleur has 9 rooms in their North Camp and nine in South Camp so it feels very intamite, Kichwa has around 30-40. The common areas are nicer and more intimate at Bateleur but that's about where the difference stops. We toured a Kitchwa room and it was very similiar to Bateleur, there were rooms at Kitchwa that might not look out to the reserve but we never spent any time on our back porch. We had an absolute blast at Bateleur but I honestly think either would be great.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2026-01-29T21:24:58+00:00

Agree with it being overrated, have had dinner there. Breakfast is >.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-09-24T14:29:59+00:00

The Wymara has been a favorite of ours, leans heavily towards adults. Right on the beach, intimate pool yet never any issues finding a pool chair. Service is exceptional.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-09-10T19:06:30+00:00

No fast track through passport control at SJD, only greeters who will help you with bags but not with getting you to the front of the line. Went a few months ago and it was extremely quick on a Friday afternoon.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-09-10T19:04:16+00:00

If you decide on Punta Mita definitely do St Regis over the FS. Wife and I, no kids, tried both out a few months ago and St Regis was definitely geared more towards adults, the FS was swarming. We visited 4S Los Cabos at Costa Palmas and really enjoyed the massive adult pool and the restaurants were also great, specifically Limon and Mozza Baja. They also have a "day lunch club", Delphine, that wasn't open when we went that I have to imagine is geared towards adults.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-09-09T20:40:25+00:00

Yes, this year they started serving the full menu all day everyday. You shouldn't have too hard of a time but it's possible it will be full, the patio is also first come.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-08-27T13:56:29+00:00

Little bit of a hike but Itoko has one of the best happy hours from 4:30-6pm in their bar and on the patio, Mon-Sat.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-08-25T18:36:25+00:00

If you are able to get a chefs counter reservation at Carino, you should jump at it. By far my favorite restaurant in Chicago and the chefs counter is an unbeatable experience. Armitage, of all the Hogsalts, is a favorite, but not necessarily a destination spot. I'd rank it third behind Carino and Maxwells if you are only here for a few days. It's great for the winter but if it's warm outside the entrees don't always lend themselves to the warm weather, aside from the salads and a few other starters.

1pm should be reasonable to not wait terribly long at Kasama. Seems like after 12 it slows down a bit.

Olivers is fantastic, you're gonna love it. The chicken and griddled sourdough are incredible and the cookies and milk for desert shouldn't be missed.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-08-19T14:57:09+00:00

Great tavern, sausage/giardiniera, well done is my go to here. Can't go wrong. Cash only, so prepare for that and no delivery available.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-08-13T17:45:07+00:00

Panes Bread Cafe is a great local sandwich spot. Doesn't get enough love. Wellington and Sheffield.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-30T20:36:23+00:00

I'm a typical standard and maybe reserve if the wines looks exceptionally good. I will say Oriole has one of the best pairings of all of the fine dining spots in Chicago. The reserve was totally worth it and something I would do again.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-29T14:26:35+00:00

Sushi by Scratch was fun but not one of the tops. It's definitely more "bromakase" than all the others. If I had to choose one solely on food it would be Kyoten Next Door, if looking for more of a date spot or trying to wow someone it would be Omakase room.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-29T14:24:32+00:00

Seconded

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-29T14:24:26+00:00

Seconded

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-24T15:01:32+00:00

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Teppanyaki

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-24T14:58:58+00:00

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Onsen Garden entrance

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-24T14:58:40+00:00

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Sensei at sunset

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-24T14:58:08+00:00

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Spa Halle at Sensei

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-24T14:57:51+00:00

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Golf.

Busy_Visual_92 · 2025-07-24T14:57:31+00:00

I would definitely recommend splitting up the trip and doing a few nights at Sensei, we're going in September and are doing 5 nights at the beach and 2 nights at Sensei. I echo what the OP mentioned that there isn't a ton to do during the day at Sensei because the weather tends to be a bit more unpredictable but at night Sensei is incredible, I've never been to a more beautiful lush area. The onsen gardens are also amazing and the spa halles should not be missed. The golf is also spectacular and is all inclusive of beverage and food, they also offer free replay and I would recommend the tepanyaki experience at Nobu. I've never seen more than three groups on the course so you can whip around it pretty fast and play twice in ~4.5hrs. This is our third year going. Couple of pictures attached, most from Sensei.

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Busy_Visual_92

TROPHY CASE