Overlooking Kalapaki Bay and Beach on Kauai’s southeast coast, this major golf and beach resort within the 800-acre Kauai Lagoons Resort complex includes three towers set around an elaborately landscaped courtyard. The lush tropical area—with a lagoon, waterfalls and waterfowl—and the adjacent lobby are reached by Kauai’s only escalator, which drops down from the porte cochere entrance. Its location only minutes from Lihue Airport makes it easy to shift quickly into the Hawaiian resort lifestyle. The public areas are bright and airy and feature an upscale shopping arcade and art gallery. The guest rooms have a nice contemporary décor—with blond wood furnishings, island floral duvets and lanais—plus ocean, pool or garden views. Resort facilities and guest services are quite expansive; they include two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, a large pool, tennis courts, multiple Jacuzzis, a jogging trail and the ocean beach with its choice of water sports.

Marriott'S Kauai Beach Club: A Marriott Vacation Club Resort Amenities:

• 356 rooms. High-speed Internet access. Complimentary continental breakfast. Four restaurants, two bars. Airport transportation available. Children's activity center. Fitness room, fitness classes available. Tennis. Outdoor pool, children's pool, five whirlpools. Spa. Business center.