UPDATE - Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

between the Ritz-Carlton in Maui for nights @ $5000 Four Seasons at the Big Island for $6100, which would you choose?

My DH and I are planning what we'd like to think of as a "last hoorah" vacation before buckling down and starting a family. We want to do something that we'll never have the opportunity to do again once we have kids (or are very unlikely to do).

We had hoped to spend $5000 all-in but as you can tell, we've already blown our budget since the prices above are only air, car & hotel.

We've been to Maui 2X already, but the Ritz includes daily breakfast and is over $1000 less.

I'm feeling very guilty about such an indulgence but then again, our reasoning is that once we have kids, we won't be able to take these types of vacations anymore.

Also, DH is a but of a hotel snob, so suggestions of a cheaper hotel are not an option for him . . .

what would you do?

UPDATE: okay, so to throw another wrench in plan, my cousin just got engaged and annouced that she wants to have a destination wedding in hawaii either at the end of this year or early next year. The idea of being on vacation with my family makes me want to vomit, let alone at my dream vacation like Hawaii and especially since this will be our last before trying to have kids. Am I horrible for wanting to take this vacation alone with my husband? I think my cousin would find it unforgiveable if I don't go to her wedding. Now I really don't know what to do. I certainly can't go to Hawaii twice but I'm not willing to turn my one last great vacation into a week of nagging, paying for, and dealing with my family.

Message edited 2/26/2007 10:12:00 AM.

Re: Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

I haven't been to the Big Island, I have been to Maui. I've heard that Maui is just so much nicer. Probably better off with Maui.

Re: Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

the Four Seasons is supposed to be incredible there.

Re: Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

I'm not familiar with the Big Island so I'm not sure if there is as much to do there as in Maui. I've been to Maui twice, so I would definitely opt for the Big Island.

Re: Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

I've been to both, and I promise you that the Ritz doesn't even come close to the Four Seasons on the Big Island. Everything about the resort is perfect. From the rooms (which feel like bungalows), to the customer service, to the restaurants. IMO, the Ritz just pales in comparison. Also, the Ritz is kind of further away from the action on Maui.

If you prefer the action of Maui, I would go Four Seasons there as well. HTH

Re: Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

I don't love the Ritz either. Dh did. I felt it was a bit run down. Were there a lot of things to do in the Big Island? We are very active and would want to hike, snorkel, etc.

Re: Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

If you've been to Maui twice, I would go to the Big Island.

I only did a day trip there, but it is so peaceful and relaxing

You can definetly hike, snorkeling and do bike tours for the week you are there

my sister did a hike up some mt at night with flashlights and she said it was really fun althoug the tar was slippery

Re: UPDATE - Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

We stayed at the Four Seasons in Maui and it was amazing! The best service we've ever received. My dad stayed at the Ritz and said it was very seclded. I liked where the FS was situated - close enough to everything.

I've never been to the Big Island, but I've also heard the Four Seasons there was outstanding.

Have fun whatever you decide.

Re: UPDATE - Hawaii - if you had to choose . . .

I wasn't really impressed with the Ritz Carlton in Maui and the location. Definitely try the Four Seasons in the Big Island. I've heard great things about it.

Message edited 3/5/2007 2:05:29 PM.