It’s hard to believe the Fourth of July and Labor Day just flew by in what seems like a blink of an eye. For Malibu Seen, that means back to work and a crazy social season where everything seems to happen all at once.
But before we start up with the opera, Pepperdine and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, there was just enough time to squeak in a little break—and a celebrity-related one, of course.
We checked in at the majestic Mauna Kea Hotel, which has been pampering VIPs with only the best for more than 50 years. Our crew was greeted with fresh orchid leis for the ladies and traditional kukui nut necklaces for the gents.
The air was filled with the exotic smell of Plumeria blossoms, which abound all around and are the signature of this celebrity playground.
There are boat loads of colorful pink, green and white anthurium in copper kettles, miles of orchids, haliconia, golden Buddhas, Asian robes and bird of paradise as well as our two official greeters, squawking and vibrant Macaws Mango and Kea. There are breezy trade winds along the passageways and a pool set to a perfect 86 degrees.
What I love about the Mauna Kea, where my parents honeymooned many moons ago, is that there is absolutely no pressure to go to a museum, drag yourself out for a tour or see the sights. The Mauna Kea is the sight and the destination. They have added a wonderful in-house market where you can grab anything from a nice chardonnay to the September issue of Vogue.
If you forgot to slip anything in your suitcase, just pass the koi ponds and make you way to the MK shops. As for island eats, the sky’s the limit. You can get everything from a beach burger to seared kiawe-smoked scallops with house-smoked bacon risotto and scallion pesto. Chef Rio Miceli works hard at maintaining “the iconic gathering place at the Copper Bar, which reflects its storied past while launching new traditions for the future.”
For something on the fancy side, make your way up the flagstone pathways past the lily pond to Manta.
When longtime guests are asked what keeps them coming back year after year, generation after generation, they are at a loss for words. They give their shoulders a shrug and say, “There is just something magical about the place.”
Wonderful lasting memories of a vacation in heaven doing absolutely nothing. Does it get any more luxurious than that? With a full island experience and piece of paradise you can take home with you, cue the Eagles and “Hotel California” who would merrily sing, you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. Aloha!