In 1904, John Jacob Astor founded the landmark St. Regis Hotel in New York. The flagship hotel was famous for luxury, service, elegance and its high-society guests. Astor lost his life in the Titanic disaster in 1912 but the St. Regis brand lives on. This fall, Starwood Properties will open the St. Regis Princeville Resort overlooking Hanalei Bay on Kaua'i.

St. Regis Princeville for a limited time will offer kama'aina preview rates of $195 per room per night. Included: a 25 percent discount off spa treatments in the Halele'a Spa; 25 percent off food and beverages (not alcohol) in the Makana Terrace restaurant and Nalu Kai Grill & Bar; and a 50 percent discount on parking. A round of golf on the Prince Golf Course is $50, including cart. For tee-time reservations, call 800-826-1105.

Outdoor adventurers have access to the Princeville Ranch and to the oceanfront infinity swimming pool.

The kama'aina rate of $195 runs Sept. 26-Oct. 3, with a kama'aina room rate of $299 available Oct. 4-Dec. 24. Proof of residency required at check-in. 800-325-3589, www.stregisprinceville.com.

— Advertiser staff

HAWAI'I BOTANICAL GARDENS

POCKET GUIDE CAN HELP YOU DISCOVER GARDEN SPOTS

One of the pleasures of picking up Kevin Whitton's "A Pocket Guide to Hawai'i's Botanical Gardens" is discovering new gardens despite many years of living in the Islands.

Such as the lesser-known Tagami and Powell Fine Art Gallery and Gardens, in Kane'ohe, created in the 1960s, which has evolved into a calm oasis of daylilies, anthuriums, heliconia, philodendrons and ferns, providing the backdrop for two art galleries where resident and invited artists show their work (viewing by appointment only).

Or the Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Garden in Kilauea, Kaua'i, that began as a backyard garden in 1982 and has blossomed into several themed gardens surrounding a man-made lagoon, sculpture collection, secluded beach and hardwood plantation.

Whitton guides plant lovers through 35 botanical gardens statewide with a spot review of each one's history, and its plant life; every page is saturated with full-color photographs to guide you to the garden's special delights, with visiting and tour information.

Take "A Pocket Guide to Hawai'i's Botanical Gardens" along with you on a journey of discovery. It's $8.95.

— Chris Oliver

ON THE GO

TRAVELERS CAN DO WONDERS WITH DENTAL FLOSS AND A DRYER SHEET

Did you know: Dental floss is so strong it can double as a makeshift laundry line for clothing you might be handwashing on the road. Travelers swear that dryer sheets repel mosquitoes if you tie one to your belt loop or backpack or slip one in with your bedding. They also keep a suitcase of clothes or a musty rental car smelling fresh.

Those free hotel shower caps can wrap up a damp swimsuit or cover a camera in the rain.

From the "101 Tips for Women Travelers" booklet from Overseas Adventure Travel. Get a free copy: www.oattravel.com, 800-873-5628.

— Advertiser staff