the best day

The first day of this new year started with a hangover and cloudy weather.  I find it hard to start the year strong with a throbbing head, unquenchable thirst, and rain looming near, but this day managed to pull through as perhaps my favorite day of the whole vacation.  It was a day of no makeup and a comfy maxi dress with a backpack strapped on and no particular plans except to go on a walk with R and explore.  R had read about a secret beach near the house we were renting in Princeville, Kauai that we hoped to eventually find.  Our first stop on our walk however, was the exquisite cliffside St. Regis hotel nearby.  We wandered around pretending we were honey-mooning at this swanky place and took in the panoramic views on the balcony.  After relaxing and taking it all in, we found the  hidden trail to the beach, complete with frayed ropes to lower yourself down where the guard rail had long since rusted away.  The best days always include a little bit of adventure.  Below are some of my favorite snaps from the first day of this new year, I hope you enjoy!

 Taking in the views from the balcony of the St. Regis.

 Our adventure started with a walk down the road for a few miles to the St. Regis.  On the way, I spotted these gorgeous little two level condos, which I plan on living in someday!

 The view from above the dining room in the St. Regis was breathtaking.  The tall windows made you feel like you were actually outdoors.

 Rooftop gardens and foggy mountains. Yes please.

 R taking in the view.

We didn't want to ask someone to take our picture so we did our own self portrait in the glass of the balcony doors.  

 We found the secret beach! And no one else is here! Hi R!

The view of the ocean from under the "tree of life" on the secret beach. 

The dreaded but mandatory bathing suit picture at secret beach.

 All was well and good after we did some serious frolicking in the water, shouting and running around with no one watching.  That is, until we spotted the man-o-wars washed up all over the sand.  Needless to say, we did not go back in for a swim after. 

Those terrifying tiny creatures and cloudy skies did not dampen our day however! We had our own little adventure and I could not have asked for a better start to 2013.

xo Hannah