Blog Archive

Choosing a Private Island for your Corporate Retreat

Corporate event planners are increasingly choosing private islands for incentive trips, corporate retreats, and executive planning sessions. Here at Blue Sky Luxury Travels, we are seeing a lot of companies making this choice, and it’s a trend that makes a lot of sense. In the time of the American financial crisis of 2008, traditional large-scale corporate events were going away in favor of smaller groups getting together. Once the crash hit, the presence of corporate retreats diminished as it just didn’t look right to be spending thousands of dollars on seemingly frivolous activities like yoga retreats and shark diving. As companies have begun to reemerge, though, they’ve resumed the practice of rewarding their employees with smaller group actives that have an emphasis on bonding. These old-but-new retreats are centered around contributing to a company’s long-term success.

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Avoiding large metropolitan cities can have great benefits for hosting productive corporate retreats. By staying away from the noise and distractions of a city, you can get more done and provide better opportunities for your team to get to know one another. Companies are finding that more personalized corporate retreats set in natural surroundings prove to be more constructive. Instead of the same old team-building challenges in the forest or trust exercises on a rope ladder, indulge yourself and spoil your employees with a tropical getaway!

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A private island is great for companies, especially those that want something secluded and ultra-luxurious. They offer a totally unique experience and can be the perfect setting for a company retreat as they allow you to reward your employees, encourage team building and motivate your staff to be inspired by the idyllic settings that surround them. After all, people work best when they’re happy and who wouldn’t be happy while staying on a private island?

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In a private island villa, each person typically gets their own room and most often their own bathroom, while the whole team can gather in comfortable living areas, cook in a high-end kitchen, or relax in a hot tub. When all the planning details are taken care of for you, you get to focus on what’s truly important: building great work relationships. There will also always be wait staff ready to pamper you to your heart’s content.

When choosing a private island for your retreat, a number of factors must be considered. First, you need to choose an island that your company can comfortably afford. Private islands are notorious for being expensive, but who can complain given their rarity and the luxury and privacy that guests enjoy? That being said, there are a number of resorts that are more within reach than you’d think. Call us for rates or simply submit a Booking Inquiry Form on any of our Private Island pages.

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Secondly, the location of the island matters. Usually, private islands are found in warm, tropical areas, although there are some that can be found in drier climates. You want to choose a location that fits the climate you’re expecting. Confirm expected weather conditions are fair so that nothing interrupts your company’s perfect island getaway.

Blue Sky Luxury Travels’ private islands are located in amazingly beautiful tropical destinations. Your guests will want to come as soon as they hear keywords like “Fiji” or “Bahamas” or “the Caribbean”. They’re sure to be looking forward to the trip even if it is a working vacation. Contact us to make your 2020 corporate retreats something truly special!

Recommended Private Islands

Bawah Reserve
Middle Cay
Eustatia Island

7 Can’t-Miss Restaurants on Kauai

The lush, beautiful landscapes of Kauai are no doubt a feast for the eyes. Taking in those breathtaking views is a treat in and of itself. However, an indulgence not to be overlooked is the incredible food that Hawaii’s Garden Island has to offer. The variety of flavors, the freshness of the cuisine, and the passion for the culture are prevalent throughout the island. Here are seven restaurants you need to make sure you visit during your stay in The Garden Isle.duke's1. Duke’s Canoe Club

Just five minutes away from Lihue Airport is a tried and true Kauai favorite. The atmosphere immediately immerses you in the lifestyle of the island with a koi pond surrounded by trees that make you feel like you’re in the center of a tropical rainforest and tiki torches abound. Just steps outside the restaurant is the gorgeous beach where namesake Olympic swimmer and legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku rode the waves back in his day. This place is best known for its fresh island fish and tantalizing tacos (both Korean and fish). There’s also a relaxing barefoot bar and live Hawaiian entertainment. Oh, and definitely do not forget to try the famous Kimo’s Original Hula Pie for dessert!

 keoki's2. Keoki’s Paradise

Keoki’s has a very similar vibe to Duke’s. Its jungle-like setting perfectly complements its menu with exotic drinks like the delectable Poipu Pina (served in a locally grown pineapple) and food inspired by Hawaii’s farmers, fisherman and ranchers. The locally sourced ingredients embody the spirit of aloha and are masterfully crafted into dishes like their Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Grilled Thai Shrimp. Keoki’s commitment to supporting local Hawaiian farmers and their families is incredibly commendable and one of the reasons you definitely need to check out this Poipu Beach pick.

3. Hukilau Lanai

You’ll notice a theme on this list: Kauai loves their local farmers and fishermen. Tucked away in the Kauai Coast Resort is Hukilau Lanai—a fantastic restaurant that features a menu which puts fun and flavorful twists on local ingredients. However, while the food (like Adam’s Poke Nachos and Sweet Potato Ravioli) is fantastic, this place is known for its live entertainment that switches every night of the week. From Easy Living Jazz to traditional Hawaiian music to bluegrass and country, there isn’t a single musician here that disappoints. (We also highly recommend booking a reservation for their $50 five-course tasting menu, complete with wine pairings and upscale, hyperlocal dishes).

 merrminan4. Merriman’s Fish House

Chef and owner Peter Merriman is a pioneer of the “Farm to Table” concept. At least 90% of all his ingredients are locally grown or caught and his international menu is prepared in a manner that brings out and enhances each unique and natural flavor. However, while the food is without question top-notch here, the star feature is the restaurant itself. Enter an Old Hawaiian Plantation and enjoy dinner with an incredible mountain or ocean view (and be sure to stick around for an absolutely gorgeous sunset).

 tidepools5. Tidepools Restaurant

Head outside at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa and make your way toward the open-air thatched bungalows for a dining experience in the center of paradise. Set at the base of a waterfall and seemingly floating above a koi-filled lagoon, Tidepools was inspired by the natural ingredients and rich traditions of Kauai. Enjoy the exciting and mouthwatering menu that pays homage to the classic fare of Hawaii in unexpected and new ways like the Mahimahi with roasted banana-macadamia nut sauce or the Opah with volcano candy spice. This romantic hideaway will amaze you with its exceptional service and unbeatable ambiance.

 beachhouse6. The Beach House

At The Beach House, not only is the fish sourced from local Kauai fishermen, but their beef and coffee come from neighboring ranches. Plus, they incorporate local fruits and vegetables into their delectable dishes whenever possible and make all of their breads, buns, and desserts from scratch in-house. Take a look at their seasonal menu and enjoy your meal in a stunning ocean-front location with unparalleled sunsets that features renowned local folk artists. This iconic destination has won the prestigious Hale ‘Aina Award for “Best Restaurant – Kauai” for 16 years running and it’s not hard to see why.

 princevillehawaii7. Princeville Resort’s Kauai Grill Restaurant

We end our list with one of my absolute favorites, where I enjoyed some of the best sushi I’ve ever tasted! Chef Garrison Price presents a tour-de-force menu, and 90% of the ingredients he uses to craft his dishes are cultivated and grown in Hawaii. Chef Price and his team curate different unique and delicious sushi creations every night that can be enjoyed alongside one of their signature martinis or tropical drinks in their intimate indoor lounge or outdoor porch with sweeping views of the surrounding resort and Pacific beyond. Make sure to time your visit to catch a spectacular sunset over Hanalei Bay!

Planning the Perfect Kauai Vacation

Hawaii’s western-most island is home to picture-perfect white sand beaches, lush nature trails and tropical rainforests. You’ll experience sights that will take your breath away and create memories that will last a lifetime. And while we here at Blue Sky are committed to helping you have a seamless vacation from the moment you step off the plane, we thought that there are some destinations and attractions you should absolutely know about if you’re planning on visiting the Garden Isle.

Most of Kauai’s appeal is on the coastline but there is one landmark inland you do not want to miss. Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon was formed by erosion from the Waimea River and is about 10 miles long and up to 3,600 feet deep. The canyon is known for its gorgeous red, brown, and green color palette and is complemented by waterfalls and frequent rainbows. This geological wonder is truly unlike anything you’ll encounter in the whole of Hawaii and is home to hiking trails of various difficulties that wind through the canyon.

While you’re on the west side of the island, head north and you’ll hit the famous Na Pali Coast—often hailed the “jewel of Kauai”—which spans 17 miles wide and towers as high as 4,000 feet above the Pacific. There are hiking trails here, as well, however, the coastline is best (and most safely) explored by sea or by air. This makes it the ideal place to snorkel, sail, kayak, or even take a catamaran or raft tour if the conditions are right. It’s on these tours you’ll discover the hidden sea caves and remote beaches that make Na Pali Coast so magical—and maybe even see some dolphins along the way. If you want a bird’s eye view, book a helicopter tour and get a front-row seat to scenic areas that are largely inaccessible by land or water (like the iconic Manawaipuna Falls where the helicopter landed in Jurassic Park).

Once you head down to the southern part of the island, we definitely recommend stopping in Poipu for some killer surfing and ziplining. It’s also one of the best places to spot the endangered Hawaiian monk seals. These majestic mammals are often referred to as “living fossil” as they’ve remained physiologically unchanged for over 15 million years. While you’re in Poipu, do not miss a chance to visit Lappert’s Hawaii. This local chain serves some of the most decadent and delightful ice cream you’ll ever have the pleasure of indulging in and is known for featuring macadamia nuts in its deliciously tropical offerings like Kauai Pie and Hana Road.

Lastly, we recommend checking out Kipu Ranch (just 20 minutes north of Poipu) for the perfect off-roading experience. Book a spot on the Waterfall Picnic Tour for a four-hour adventure you’ll never forget. Get behind the wheel of a Kawasaki 750 4X4 TERYX-4 and after some instruction and practice, you’ll be off on your way to the Huleia River where you’ll be able to swing in on the same rope that Indiana Jones did in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Then, after a deli-style picnic lunch at their seasonal waterfall, you’ll head over to another swimming location where you’ll be able to take a splash in a tropical spring-fed waterfall. Don’t forget to wear dark clothing! This tour is as dusty as they come!

Kauai has so much to offer. Whether you want to take your vacation to relax or explore your wild side, there’s truly something for everyone. Our Blue Sky Luxury Travels team has explored Kauai thoroughly, and we can help you find the perfect accommodations and activities for your dream Kauai vacation. E komo mai!

 
 
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