Beach Resort
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9.0
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Dubai's sail-shaped icon remains an all-suite spectacle of gold, marble and butler service on its own island off Jumeirah Beach.
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Beach Resort · £££££
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Kailua-Kona, United States — North America
9.3Editorial score
Editorial research. Profiled through in-depth editorial research; Browntravels has not yet stayed at this property. How we review
Hawaii's most complete luxury resort spreads low bungalows across Kona lava fields, with seven pools, championship golf and deep Hawaiian culture.
On the Big Island's sun-reliable Kona-Kohala coast, Four Seasons Hualalai sets two-storey bungalow clusters into black lava fields and tropical gardens, keeping every building below the palm line. The landscape does the theatrics—turquoise bays against charcoal rock—while the resort concentrates on execution, which explains why it perennially tops rankings of American beach properties.
Seven pools headline the grounds, from the adults-only Palm Grove to King's Pond, a swimmable aquarium blasted from lava rock and stocked with thousands of reef fish including spotted eagle rays guests can help feed. Rooms are Pacific-breezy—teak, stone, lava-rock outdoor showers on the ground floor—with ocean-view categories catching Kona's cinematic sunsets.
The Jack Nicklaus signature golf course runs along the sea, the spa gardens center a serious wellness offer, and the cultural programme—outrigger canoe sessions, Hawaiian arts, a dedicated cultural center—goes far beyond token gestures. Dining spans oceanfront seafood, sushi and casual poolside grills. For multigenerational trips where nobody compromises, it is close to the platonic ideal.
Why stay here
- Seven pools including the swim-in King's Pond aquarium
- Oceanfront Jack Nicklaus signature golf
- Authentic Hawaiian cultural programming
- Consistently ranked among America's best resorts
Things to consider
- Premium rates match its top-of-market reputation
- The Kona airport flight path passes within earshot at times
Rooms & Suites
Around 250 rooms, suites and villas in low bungalows with teak and lava-stone detailing; ground-floor rooms add private outdoor showers.
Dining
Oceanfront seafood and steak, poolside grills, sushi and Hawaiian-influenced menus, with luau nights and chef's garden dinners.
Spa & Wellness
A garden spa with open-air hale treatment rooms, comprehensive fitness and movement studios, and wellness rooted in Hawaiian tradition.
The Browntravels Verdict
The gold standard of Hawaiian resorts: flawless operations, real cultural depth and grounds that make every guest type feel prioritised.
Last updated 28 July 2026
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