In ENTERTAINMENT:
We continued our long history of working with Hollywood on such shows as A&E’s Hammertime, where MC Hammer dropped to one knee and asked his wife of 23 years to re-marry him (we then provided the wedding ceremony); with the movie Knots, starring Illeana Douglas in a story about ultimate dream wedding planners; with ESPN and Bethany Hamilton in a piece called HerStory; with the local program Living Local with the Baraquios; with The Hills; with the filming of You May Not Kiss the Bride, which uses picturesque Kawela Bay and portions of our 880 acres of land as picturesque backgrounds; with Soul Surfer, the Bethany Hamilton story, which started pre-production; and many other movie, video and catalogue shoots.
In SERVICES:
We added three new “employees” to the family (actually horses) at The Stables, allowing us to provide better service. We also added three new activities; Eco Kayak Tours, where Plexiglas bottoms allow you to see the marine life below while you glide above; Moped rentals that allow you to get out and explore the North Shore; and Segway trail rides through the many trails at Turtle Bay.Spa Luana began its “Oma’oma’o (greening) project where with the purchase of an indigenous spa treatment a native plan will be planted on our property in an effort to become self sustaining and more eco-friendly…and to provide the freshest products available for spa services.
In GOLF:
The LPGA kicked off their season with the SBS Open on Turtle Bay Resort’s Arnold Palmer course with Michelle Wie brining record crowds to her first event as a card carrying member of the LPGA. Additionally, the Turtle Bay Resort Hawaii State Open was established through a three year agreement between the Aloha Section PGA, Turtle Bay Golf and Turtle Bay Resort and two teen professionals, Tony Finau and Gippere Finau were officially sponsored by the resort.
In HOMETOWN HOSPITALITY:
While many places cut back and even stopped giving because of the challenges of the economy, Turtle Bay Resort stepped up to the plate and delivered Hometown Hospitality to its local communities in the way of cash donations, donations of rooms and services for fundraising programs, and with donations of the time and talent of its staff. Some of the highlights included working with the Ko’olauloa Educational Alliance to assist our local schools; assistance to the Father Damien Canonization Fund; assistance with housing to the 7202nd Medical Support Unit and Kahuku Medical Center to provide medical and dental treatments to those most in need; and assistance to the Kahhuku Bookmobile, which brings books and internet to those who otherwise have no access.
In AWARDS:
We were pleased to again make Travel+Leisure Magazines’s list of top hotels in Hawaii. We were also please to receive, among others, Elite Meetings International’s 2009 Elite Certified Award; Meetings & Conventions 2009 Gold Key Award; and the 2009 Girls Guide to the World Top Ten Places to Stay in Hawaii Award. We were also double honored by Honolulu Magazine with the Best Resort for Kama’aina Award and the Best Signature Golf Hole Award.
In OUR GUESTS:
We are most pleased, however, with improved service to our guests. Our scores from guest comment cards and from surveys are increasing, providing evidence that our primary objectives, guest service and guest satisfaction, are being met. Whether you are an often repeat guest or whether you are considering Turtle Bay Resort for the first time, we welcome you and we will work hard to ensure you have a wonderful stay.
Mahalo,
