I've stayed at more than a dozen hotels in Hawaii—here are four reasons why this one is my favorite.

      As a toddler still in diapers and adhering to a strict schedule of two naps a day, I made my first trip to Hawaii. My parents had me decked out in a floral bikini top and a grass hula skirt for the event. (And yes, I have pictures to prove it.) Reflecting on that time, perhaps it was the beginning of my passion for themed attire. Regardless, Hawaii certainly captured my heart. Over the past thirty years, I've visited more than a dozen times, staying at various resorts, hotels, condos, and Airbnbs in Maui, Kauai, and Oahu. Each accommodation has had its ups and downs, leading me to avoid being loyal to one place—until now. After spending three nights at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, it will be difficult to convince me to stay anywhere else. As Parker Posey’s character in The White Lotus says, "At this age, I'm just not meant to live an uncomfortable life." Keep reading for my candid review of the resort's grounds, accommodations, activities, and dining.

      1. The Property

      Here are some interesting numbers about the resort. It is located about 30 minutes from Honolulu airport and features six restaurants and bars, four pools, two gift shops, four pickleball courts, a 35,000-square-foot spa, and a wedding chapel, among other amenities. While those statistics sound impressive, what truly makes the resort memorable are the intangible aspects: the tranquility of the lagoon’s water, the soothing sound of the ocean from your bed, and the lushness of the meticulously cared-for landscaping.

      As seen in my video on the lower right, the beach is exceptionally calm due to rock barriers that create a serene lagoon right in front of the hotel. This is something I’ve learned not to take for granted in Hawaii. Just because a hotel is located on the beach does not guarantee safe swimming conditions! At one hotel in Kauai, for example, I couldn't enjoy swimming for more than two minutes without keeping an eye on the incoming rough waves that could easily knock me down and take my bikini top along with them.

      Among the four pools, one is exclusively for adults (seen in the top right picture) and features its own swim-up bar. Be sure to try the mai tai! Another pool is conveniently situated in the spa and wellness center, allowing refreshing dips after your massage and sauna session, while the other two pools cater to families and guests of all ages.

      2. The Accommodations

      As an introvert, I truly appreciate having a nice balcony from which I can enjoy beautiful views without having to coordinate photo sessions for honeymooning couples. Sounds perfect, right? (Congrats to them, though.) Speaking of sunsets, my room at the Four Seasons Oahu offered such an impressive view that it felt as if the sky was presenting a private color display just for me.

      Another aspect I loved about my room was the separate bathtub and shower. I enjoyed rinsing off my sandy feet, salty hair, and chlorine-soaked swimsuit in the shower while keeping the bathtub pristine for my nightly relaxation. (After which I wrapped myself in an incredibly plush Four Seasons robe, of course.) The delightful custom toiletries featured a blend of citrus and pikake (a jasmine family flower).

      3. The Activities

      I can’t fault you if your plan for Oahu is to simply lounge on the beach all day. (If you do, I highly recommend reading The Wedding People as I did.) However, if you’re looking for a bit more activity, this resort offers plenty of options. My dad and I were fortunate to experience the celestial canoe adventure. Before setting off from the shore in our double-hull canoe, our guide (shown in the top left picture) lit a torch and blew into a conch shell (pū in Hawaiian) as part of the ceremonial start. While we paddled through the lagoon and out into the ocean, he shared how ancient Hawaiians navigated using the stars. For both my dad and me, it was the highlight of our stay, perfectly combining an enjoyable water activity with cultural insight.

      Instead of attending a yoga class or tennis lessons, both of which are available, I opted for something more suited to my interests: a sound bath (top right). This relaxing session, led by Pi'iali'i Lawson, who hails from a long line of Native Hawaiian healers, took place in the hotel chapel and helped alleviate my stress as quickly as my shave ice melted. You can participate in the weekly class on Thursdays or schedule a private session.

      Another standout experience was the Seven Rituals Facial (bottom right). Utilizing seven different tools and techniques, this treatment left my skin looking better than it had in years. It featured CO₂ oxygen exfoliation, a hot/cold wand, hydradermabrasion aqua peel, radio frequency, electro-ion microcurrent, ultrasound therapy, and oxygen infusion, all aimed at reducing inflammation