I Went on a Solo Trip 6 Months Before My Wedding—and It Was to a Romantic Honeymoon Destination

The allure of a solo adventure can be powerful, especially when life is a whirlwind of wedding preparations. Six months before my own wedding day, I found myself drawn to the siren song of travel, specifically to the island of Kaua’i. This wasn’t just any trip; it was a journey to a destination often touted as Hawai’i’s most romantic – a place seemingly reserved for honeymooners and couples deeply in love. Yet, there I was, a bride-to-be embarking on a solitary exploration of this idyllic paradise. This I Went on a Solo Trip 6 Months Before My Wedding—and It Was to a Romantic Honeymoon Destination was unexpected.

The decision might seem unconventional, perhaps even a little ironic. Why venture to a celebrated honeymoon hotspot alone? The answer, like many personal choices, was layered. My partner, bless his heart, harbors a distinct aversion to beaches. The idea of spending our post-wedding getaway baking under the tropical sun held little appeal for him. In the spirit of compromise, our "mini-moon" was destined for the cooler climes of Canada.

However, I yearned for a different kind of experience. Before my relationship, solo travel had been a recurring theme in my life, a chance to reconnect with myself and indulge in personal passions. The impending wedding felt like the perfect catalyst for one last adventure as an unmarried woman, free from the constraints of shared itineraries and the ever-present desire to please others. The thought of immersing myself in a place that held no particular appeal for my fiancé was strangely liberating. Kaua’i, the "Garden Isle," rumored to be the most breathtaking of the Hawaiian Islands, beckoned with the promise of pure, unadulterated self-indulgence.

Discovering Ko’a Kea Resort: A Haven for All

My destination on Kaua’i was the Ko’a Kea Resort. The I Went on a Solo Trip 6 Months Before My Wedding—and It Was to a Romantic Honeymoon Destination at Ko’a Kea Resort was truly remarkable. Nestled closer to the water’s edge than any other accommodation on the island, Ko’a Kea exudes romance. It’s a place where honeymooners whisper sweet nothings and couples celebrate decades of shared memories. Yet, despite its reputation as a romantic haven, Ko’a Kea extends a warm welcome to solo travelers like myself.

The resort boasts 121 meticulously designed rooms and suites. Each space reflecting a recent $5 million renovation aimed at enhancing the guest experience. The rooms are thoughtfully appointed, incorporating local materials and a color palette inspired by Hawai’i’s natural beauty. The Suite and Deluxe King rooms feature pillows adorned with fern and palm frond details, a subtle nod to Kaua’i’s lush greenery. Adding an authentic touch, the resort showcases kapa-cloth tapestries crafted by the talented Hawaiian artist Dalani Tanahy. These details contribute to an immersive experience, connecting guests to the island’s culture and environment.

Ajeet K. Anand, the vice president of sales and marketing at Meritage Collection, aptly described Ko’a Kea as "a destination unto itself amid Kaua’i’s coveted setting." He emphasized the resort’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection with the destination through its design, enhancing the experience for its many returning guests. Ko’a Kea, the I Went on a Solo Trip 6 Months Before My Wedding—and It Was to a Romantic Honeymoon Destination, becomes more than just a place to stay. It becomes a part of the Kaua’i story.

Culinary Delights: A Taste of Kaua’i

No culinary journey at Ko’a Kea is complete without a visit to Red Salt Koloa, the resort’s on-site restaurant. Under the guidance of executive chef Noelani Planas, a Kaua’i native, Red Salt offers a menu brimming with fresh, locally sourced seafood. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner, providing guests with a diverse array of culinary options.

In the evening, the appetizer selection features delectable choices such as charred octopus and ahi bruschetta. The entrees are equally enticing, ranging from macadamia nut-crusted mahi to lobster risotto. Adjacent to the restaurant is a sushi bar, offering spicy tuna rolls and other Japanese delicacies. For those who prefer non-seafood options, the menu includes cauliflower steak, Cornish game hen, and boneless-braised beef short ribs.

However, the true highlight for me was the breakfast menu, specifically the lemon soufflé pancakes. These ethereal pancakes, drizzled in caramel and topped with caramelized pineapple compote, were simply divine. They were a sweet and satisfying start to each day, a testament to Chef Planas’s culinary creativity.

While Red Salt remains closed during lunch hours, guests can satisfy their midday cravings at the Pool Bar. The Pool Bar offers a more casual dining experience. Its menu includes coconut shrimp, poke bowls, watermelon salad, plant-based burgers, and fish tacos. And, of course, no tropical vacation is complete without cocktails. Both Red Salt and the Pool Bar offer a wide selection of libations. Guests can choose from classic mai tais and frozen margaritas to more adventurous options like cactus pear mojitos and lychee sangria. For breakfast, mimosa flights provide a festive start to the day.

Relaxation and Rejuvenation: The Spa at Ko’a

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, The Spa at Ko’a offers a range of treatments designed to soothe the body and mind. The spa utilizes local ingredients such as Kaua’i clay, native botanicals, and nut oils, further enhancing the connection to the island’s natural resources.

For an additional fee, guests can elevate their spa experience by enjoying their massage oceanside. I opted for the Ko’a Kea Signature Adventure Massage in a private cabana just steps from the Pacific Ocean. After months of wedding-related stress, the massage was precisely what I needed to release the pent-up tension in my neck and shoulders. The gentle ocean breeze and the sound of the waves created a serene and calming atmosphere, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of the massage.

In addition to massages and facials, The Spa at Ko’a offers other wellness activities such as sunrise yoga classes and soaking in a hot tub surrounded by lava rocks. These options provide guests with a variety of ways to relax, recharge, and connect with their inner selves.

Adventures Beyond the Resort: Exploring Kaua’i

While the Ko’a Kea Resort provides a luxurious and relaxing environment, the island of Kaua’i offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and adventure. The resort’s prime location, right next to the ocean, makes it easy for guests to participate in water sports. Ko’a Kea has partnered with local surf school Hoku Water Sports to offer rental equipment such as paddleboards and surfboards. Guests can take these down to the water and enjoy the waves at their leisure.

For those who prefer land-based activities, Poipu Beach is just a short walk from the resort. Here, you can soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, or try to spot resting sea turtles in the early morning hours. The I Went on a Solo Trip 6 Months Before My Wedding—and It Was to a Romantic Honeymoon Destination became a truly unforgettable experience.

The concierge desk at Ko’a Kea can assist in arranging a variety of excursions and activities around the island. During my two days on Kaua’i, I embarked on a rum safari with Kauai Safaris, exploring the island’s lush interior and sampling locally produced rum. I also took a helicopter tour with Air Kauai, soaring over the island’s dramatic landscapes, including the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.

Sharing the Experience: A Bridge Across the Miles

Throughout my trip, I made a point of sharing my experiences with my fiancé. Every night, I sent him videos and pictures of the island, showcasing the stunning sunset views from my oceanfront guestroom. My intention was twofold: to let him know that I was thinking of him and to demonstrate that Hawai’i offers more than just beaches.

My efforts were successful. He expressed a newfound interest in a future Hawai’i vacation. More importantly, the "me time" I enjoyed amidst the chaos of wedding planning proved to be an invaluable act of self-care. It was an indulgence I don’t regret.

I Went on a Solo Trip 6 Months Before My Wedding—and It Was to a Romantic Honeymoon Destination was more than just a vacation. It was an opportunity to reconnect with myself, to explore a beautiful island on my own terms, and to appreciate the value of solitude and self-discovery.

Guest rooms at Ko’a Kea Resort start at $594 a night.