Nestled on the pristine shores of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, Fairmont Orchid is a tropical oasis long synonymous with luxury and refined elegance. The resort’s gracious lobby opens to a panoramic view of the Pacific: two guest room towers surround an expansive central swimming pool. Nearly all rooms offer a peek at the waves, and when in season, of breaching whales. Even when at full capacity, the property’s lush expanse provides room to breathe and plentiful lounge chairs on which to linger.
Yet, for those seeking an even higher level of indulgence, the resort’s exclusive Gold Lounge and Gold Floor beckon. Providing an exceptional level of comfort, service, and access, Fairmont Orchid’s Gold Lounge and Gold Floor (both recently refurbished) are reserved exclusively for guests booking such Gold-level accommodations. These spacious rooms, located on the top floor of the resort, feature marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, king-sized beds draped in 500-thread count bed linens, and private, furnished lanais with views of the Pacific Ocean, the lush tropical gardens, or the majestic Mauna Kea volcano.
Upon resort arrival, and after an orchid lei greeting, Gold guests are escorted to the private Gold Lounge for check-in, evading the busier front desk. An offer of a flute of sparkling wine sets the tone—that of serene sophistication. Imbibe on the Gold Lounge terrace that overlooks the resort. The terrace features cozy, upholstered nooks and individual tables for privacy and is THE spot from which to witness golden sunsets.
Open throughout the day and night and offering a variety of complimentary gourmet snacks, freshly brewed coffee, and a selection of premium beverages, the Gold Lounge offers an additional level of hospitality. Here, you’ll enjoy a bountiful and daily changing breakfast with items like artisanal pastries, eggs, bacon, fresh tropical fruit, juices, and coffee drinks and tea. Throughout the day, help yourself to sodas and snacks, such as a mixed nuts and peanut M&M’s. (Yum!) In the early evening, the ever-changing buffet features hearty appetizers: think salmon skewers, coconut shrimp, and pad thai, enjoyed with a glass of Cabernet or Chardonnay. For dessert, find a selection of house made cakes and cookies (macadamia nut, peanut butter, and chocolate chip.)
Your Gold floor dedicated concierge can assist with making dinner reservations. Request a table at the resort’s signature Brown’s Beach House, a AAA Four Diamond award winner featuring creative Hawaiian cuisine and live music nightly with tables poised towards Pauoa Bay. This beautiful bay, at which hotel guests snorkel and paddleboard, is protected as part of the resort’s pioneering partnership with the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program. Fairmont Orchid is host and supporter of this program, and the first hotel in the state to collaborate with this initiative. The partnership is illustrative of the resort’s dedication to preserving Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.
Coral reefs are vital to the island’s biodiversity, supporting a vast array of marine life and acting as a natural barrier to coastal erosion. However, these reefs are under threat from climate change, pollution, and other environmental pressures. By partnering with this program, Fairmont Orchid is taking active steps to restore and protect these vital ecosystems. For resort guests, this partnership offers a unique opportunity to be part of a positive environmental impact. Through educational programs, guests can learn about the importance of coral reefs, the restoration efforts being undertaken, and the ways in which they can contribute to preserving Hawaiʻi’s underwater world.
“Our goal is to restore coral reefs off the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island, which have been in decline for the past 50 years,” said Greg Asner, founder of the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program, and Director of the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science at Arizona State University, which leads the program. “Our vision for a thriving coastline can only be realized through collaborations such as this one with Fairmont Orchid. We’re excited to have the support and partnership of the local community and the resort as we embark on this meaningful journey together.”
“As stewards of Pauoa Bay, we embrace both the privilege and responsibility of protecting this vital ecosystem,” added Michael Pye, Regional Vice President of Fairmont Hawaiʻi. “We’re thrilled to support the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program, working with the local community, our colleagues and guests to join us as guardians of this Hawaiʻi Island treasure. With our commitment to this coral reef restoration program, we hope to preserve the cultural heritage and ecological significance of the bay and West Hawaiʻi for future generations.”
As travelers increasingly seek meaningful experiences, this program is a prime example of luxury and sustainability going hand-in-hand. Guests at the resort are not only treated to world-class amenities and impeccable service but they are also invited to be part of a larger mission to protect the environment for future generations. For those who seek more than just a getaway, Fairmont Orchid offers an unforgettable opportunity to indulge in luxury while also making a positive impact on the world.
Photos courtesy of Fairmont Orchid