Kauai is set to enhance its resort bubble; here are 10 compelling reasons to experience Timbers Resort in Hawaii.

Exciting developments are unfolding in Hawaii as Kauai has approved a significant expansion of one of its "resort bubbles." Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences partnered with TPG to explore this new concept. I visited back in January to experience the three-day quarantine, and I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of being restricted to my room, I was free to explore all 450 acres of the estate.

The resort bubble is about to grow even larger. Timbers has informed TPG that Hawaii's state authorities have authorized a collaboration between Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club and Timbers, creating an expansive 800-acre waterfront "Resort Bubble" for guests and owners participating in Kaua'i's "Enhanced Movement Quarantine" (EMQ).

Here are ten compelling reasons why I wholeheartedly recommend a stay at Timbers.

A colossal resort bubble.

Kauai previously had some of the strictest entry protocols in the United States, requiring a full 14-day quarantine until just a few months ago due to its decision against participating in the state's COVID-19 "test-out program."

However, Kauai is now permitting guests to reserve stays at one of six resorts on the island, allowing them to enjoy a "resort bubble" for three days before taking another COVID-19 test and being released from quarantine.

Last month, I had the unique opportunity to experience lockdown as a guest at Timbers Kauai, which also covered my flights to and from the island. I was pleasantly surprised by the expansive nature of the property and the ample space within my "bubble." It hardly felt like a quarantine—I was able to play golf, explore the organic gardens, enjoy the swimming pool, take long walks, and even do some plane spotting.

With the expansion of the Timbers bubble to include the Marriott property, there’s even more space to explore. Gary Moore, managing director of Timbers, stated, "Along with Timbers' impressive range of activities and programs, 'EMQ' owners and guests can now enjoy additional amenities at Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club, featuring three more dining options (Duke's Restaurant, Aupaka Terrace, Kukuis Restaurant) as well as Marriott's inviting grounds and lush landscapes (Kamala o Kalapaki Garden, boardwalk, and grassy promenade)."

Sparkling tracking bracelets

When I first heard about the mandatory tracking bracelet for participants in the Kauai bubble, I pictured a parole ankle monitor, but the actual bracelet used for the EMQ resembles a Fitbit. The EMQ is managed by a company called Hub Culture, utilizing their Aqua App (Active Quarantine User Ally).

Timbers provides a small kit to add some glamour to your wrist, and I couldn't resist that.

Culinary classes

Guests in quarantine can enjoy dining at Hualani's restaurant on the property. The meals are delightful, featuring greens and vegetables sourced from Timbers' organic farms, along with plenty of fresh fish, thanks to the ocean nearby. Chef Zach Cummings occasionally hosts cooking classes for quarantined guests. I had the chance to learn how to prepare a poke bowl, which many Americans might mistakenly think comes from Asia, but it’s actually a Hawaiian creation. We used fresh tuna and locally sourced ingredients.

The property also features live yoga sessions, kayaking workshops, lei-making activities, and once a week, they invite local artisans to host a mini flea market on-site.

Chocolate tasting experiences

One of my favorite experiences at Timbers was the weekly chocolate tastings hosted by the renowned Kauai chocolate artisans at Lydgate Farms.

CEO Will Lydgate conducts tastings for guests once a week. He introduced us to the origins of chocolate by slicing open the cacao fruit and letting us sample the seeds. He detailed the production process and then invited us to taste the finished chocolates. I indulged in plenty of chocolate.

Lydgate comes from a fifth-generation Kaua'i family and transformed the family farm, which originally grew vanilla and other crops, into a producer of high-quality cacao. Today, Lydgate is well-known for the chocolate they create. They also offer farm tours, but once a week, they bring the farm experience directly to guests at Timbers who are under quarantine.

Organic gardens

One of the most remarkable aspects of Timbers is how they've converted part of an unused 18-hole golf course into organic gardens. Guests can tour the grounds, including the 16.5-acre Farm at Hokuala, and even meet some of the farmers dedicated to creating a full farm-to-table experience. Guests have the opportunity to personally harvest their own produce. I enjoyed a tour of the farm led by Farmer Cody.

The golf course

Timbers features the Ocean Course at Hokuala, a renowned Jack Nicklaus Signature course boasting the longest oceanfront golf stretch in Hawaii. While I didn’t play a full 18 holes, the fantastic golf pro Kellie Hines taught me the basics of swinging and let me play a few holes.

But it's not just golf; the property also offers "soccer golf," which is just as fun as it sounds. Instead of hitting a tiny golf ball into a small hole, you kick a soccer ball into much larger holes scattered across the course. It’s a great time.

The spacious accommodations

A stay at Timbers doesn't come at a low price. Residences begin around $1,495 per night, but remember, these aren't typical hotel rooms. They are two- and three-bedroom homes equipped with full kitchens, dining rooms, living areas, and terraces. While it may not be ideal for solo travelers, it’s a fantastic option for families or groups. The three-bedroom unit I stayed in could comfortably accommodate eight to ten guests. Splitting the cost among several adults makes it much more feasible.

The rooms are incredibly spacious, with top-quality bedding and furnishings, and there are ample bathrooms as well. Having stayed at many five-star hotels, I can confidently say that Timbers offers an exceptional experience.

The breathtaking views

Speaking of exceptional, the views at Timbers are truly stunning. One side of the property overlooks the port of Kauai, while the other offers a panoramic view of the ocean. The sunsets here are extraordinary. Most rooms provide water views, and there are numerous spots throughout the property to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.

The local wildlife

Kauai is home to numerous endangered bird species that can be found all over the property, including the nene (Hawaiian goose), the koloa (Hawaiian duck), and the 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian coot). The resort even employs a resident bird expert who monitors these birds, ensures their safety, and educates visitors about their significance and conservation.

The staff

The team members I interacted with at the property went above and beyond, treating residents and guests like family. I've heard that strong bonds often form among guests and residents. During Hawaii's full lockdown, some residents opted to stay at the resort with a minimal staff of hotel workers.

From the farmers to the front-desk staff, the service was outstanding. "Adventure Dave" was fantastic and showed me around Kauai once I broke free from the "bubble." I also met David Nagao, who has been with the property for over 20 years and took me to discover his hidden fruit tree collection. It was a wonderful stay, and if you're looking for a great place for a large group, this is it.

We’ve provided a comprehensive overview of what you need to know before visiting Hawaii here.