What's New on Maui in 2020

Each year, Maui ranks as one of TripAdvisor’s top U.S. destinations — and the island wants to keep it that way. 

With 2020 on its doorstep, Maui is staying current with a wave of impressive visitor improvements. The following headlines will offer travel advisors more options for selling the already popular island in the new year.

Fairmont Kea Lani Elevates Service Through Renovations
With major makeovers of its breakfast area, fitness center and ballroom, Fairmont Kea Lani is making a statement about its dedication to guest satisfaction. 

For starters, its Kea Lani Restaurant has been completely reimagined, both conceptually and physically, resulting in a contemporary design and decor. It now lays claim to an interactive omelet station, a reinvented buffet menu and an alfresco dining space, among other additions. 

The hotel’s updated fitness center boasts an expansive layout with panoramic views and advanced equipment, while its modernized ballroom and foyer feature a color scheme inspired by the natural beauty of south Maui.

"These upgrades reflect the type of intuitive service levels that astute travelers appreciate, providing advisors with an even better product to pitch to their sophisticated clients,” said Shannah Milstead, sales and marketing director for the property.

www.fairmont-kea-lani.com

Montage Kapalua Bay Amps Up Its Fitness Center 
This northwest Maui luxury resort is well-known for its high-quality accommodations and dining, so it makes sense that its fitness center follows suit. An extensive renovation has taken the facility to the next level, from Technogym strength and cardio machines to Peloton bikes and TRX 101 classes. Guests can even save their workout preferences to a personal user profile and track their performance using a cloud platform.

This news will come in handy for advisors whose clients want to maintain their wellness routines while traveling, said Jennifer Holzworth, spa and retail director for
Montage Kapalua Bay. 

“Our goal for the newly redesigned fitness center was to create a space where guests could exercise and meditate, while still enjoying beautiful island and ocean views in the distance,” Holzworth said.

www.montagehotels.com

Sheraton Maui Rethinks the Lobby Experience
First impressions can make all the difference. That in mind, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has transformed its lobby into not only a welcoming entry area, but also a social hub.

The new open floor plan brings the outdoors in via a deck with vistas of sand and sea. The lobby also presents a bar, a cafe and a lounge with island-inspired food, drinks and entertainment. In the lower-level game room, families can play foosball, watch movies or read a book in a bean bag chair.

“The lobby used to feel like more of a transactional space rather than somewhere to spend time with friends and family,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of Sheraton Maui. “By introducing another place where guests can socialize and relax, we’re looking to further enhance the entire resort experience.”

www.marriott.com

Wailea Village Generates Retail Buzz 
Many Maui visitors are searching for souvenirs unique to the destination. For these clients, the new Wailea Village shopping center aims to please. 

More than 90 percent of its stores are locally owned small businesses that emphasize casual, creative and artful offerings. For instance, clients can browse works by painter Phil Sabado; images by nature photographer Douglas Hoffman; resortwear at WaterLily Maui; and furnishings, gifts and textiles at Hue Home & Design.

“The owners are in their shops every day, so they can create relationships with visitors and share the real story about their products,” said Therese Hotvedt, spokesperson for Wailea Village. “Those kinds of direct connections are rare.”

Advisors should get to know the shop owners, as well, which will allow them to plan exclusive Maui experiences for their clients, Hotvedt added.

www.thewaileavillage.com