Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes/Mobil Five Star resort on Hawaii’s Big Island, has unveiled seven new premier suites and villas, the final step in its 15-month, USD 40-million enhancement, which also included a sweeping spa transformation, a renovated beachfront bar, lounge and restaurant and stylish new retail boutiques.

Designed by San Francisco designers BAMO (Babey Moulton Jue & Booth) in collaboration with Philpotts & Associates, Hawaii’s pre-eminent design firm, the new premier suites and villas are exceptionally spacious and feature sumptuous custom furnishings, traditional Hawaiian fabrics and island textures including exotic woods and stone, evoking Hawaii’s rich cultural history and sense of place.

In keeping with Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s respect for Hawaiian tradition, each suite was given a Hawaiian name relating to its location or view. The names are echoed by artwork created by local Hawaiian craftspeople. Guests booking any of the premier suites enjoy a daily fresh tropical basket, a private beach cabana and the service of a personal suite concierge who is dedicated to helping guests with their dining and activity reservations and their personal needs – before, during and after their visit.

“Since it opened in 1996, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has enjoyed a reputation as the best of the best, says General Manager Robert Whitfield. “These seven premier suites, each with a unique décor and ambience, provide an unprecedented level of comfort, privacy and service.”

Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa

The Resort’s most spacious and exclusive accommodation, this two- or three-bedroom beachfront villa, 5,518 to 6,153 square feet (513 to 572 square metres) in size, commands spectacular ocean views from every room and from the expansive lanai, which features lounge chairs, a daybed and a private plunge pool. A lattice-weave sofa and a handcrafted coffee table are highlights in the living area, which also features a dining table with a tree-trunk base, an antique Chinese sideboard and herringbone-patterned rosewood floors. A carved four-poster bed graces the master suite, along with a teak credenza concealing a television that elevates for viewing at the touch of a remote button. Two additional bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and private lanai, connect to the living/dining area.

Named after Hawaii Loa, the figure of Hawaiian myth who founded the island kingdom and wore a cape of feathers, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s Presidential Villa features a handcrafted feather wall hanging by local artist Natalie Mahina Jensen-Oomittuk. In addition to enjoying a daily tropical fruit amenity, private beach loungers and the services of a private concierge, guests in the Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa receive round-trip airport transfers, two 50-minute spa treatments, tropical floral arrangements refreshed throughout their stay, a daily chef amenity, valet parking, a customised bar and a private pool cabana. The nightly rate for the Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa ranges from USD 9,100.00 for two bedrooms to USD 10,600.00 for three bedrooms.

Makaloa Villa

Named for the native Hawaiian plant found near the Waiakauhi fishpond that fronts this striking villa, the Makaloa Villa is for guests who seek a sense of total seclusion and extensive private outdoor space within a short walk of all the amenities of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. It is also ideal for family groups. This one- to three-bedroom, 2,600- to 3,885-square-foot (242- to 361-square-metre) villa features an expansive lawn and lanai, an outdoor pool and whirlpool and a fire pit, all with spectacular views over the fishpond to the ocean. Soothing shades of green and natural fabrics lend a relaxed island feeling to the custom furnishings throughout the interior.

A traditional handmade makaloa sleeping mat created by renowned island weaver Elizabeth Lee provides an intriguing wall hanging, and guests may purchase a custom-made makaloa mat for their home. Guests staying in this villa receive round-trip airport transfers, two 50-minute spa treatments, tropical floral arrangements, a daily chef amenity, valet parking, a customised bar and private beach loungers, in addition to a private concierge and other suite amenities. The nightly rate for the Makaloa Villa ranges from USD 7,600.00 for one bedroom to USD 9,600.00 for three bedrooms.

Kou, Kailani, Ho’onanea, Milo and Wai’olu Suites

These one- to two-bedroom premium suites range in size from 1,711 to 3,250 square feet (159 to 302 square metres). In addition to offering custom-designed furnishings, the services of a personal concierge and other premium suite amenities, each of the suites features an in-room artefact that reflects its Hawaiian name, from the kou wood calabash by talented woodworker Scott Hare in the Kou Suite and the hand-carved canoe by local craftsman David Young in the Kailani Suite, whose name means “heavenly sea,” to the vintage etched glass piece that graces the Ho’onanea Suite, named for the nearby pond. The nightly rate for these premium suites ranges from USD 3,300.00 for one bedroom to USD 6,350.00 for two bedrooms.