Well worth the wait, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has reopened
following an extensive $160 million transformation. Providing a
dramatic new appearance and amenities to further enhance the guest
experience, the fresh design incorporates an authentic Hawaiian
sense of place which is evident from the moment guests arrive at
the lobby with its native Hawaiian artwork, koa-wood panels and
lava-stone bar.
The resort reinvents itself with an interior design concept that
reflects the area’s vibrant colors of the lush mountains, natural
rainforests and ocean. All 463 guestrooms and suites now feature
all-new furnishings, travertine bathrooms, dark-wood floors, area
rug designs with kukui florals and Hawaiian print artwork framed
with koa wood. Guestrooms also offer the latest technology,
including LCD flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations, DVD
players and wireless Internet access.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has also focused on food and beverage,
with several newly designed restaurants interpreting aspects of
Maui’s spectacular geography and history. The hotel’s signature
Banyan Tree restaurant has a new destination outdoor bar and lounge
with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Its innovative menu
was created by Chef de Cuisine Jojo Vasquez.
Inspired by the story of the native Hawaiians’ arrival across
the ocean, Kai Sushi offers the freshest in Japanese cuisine. The
Terrace restaurant features a plantation-inspired design enhanced
by an expanded lanai enclosed in glass to reinforce the connection
with the landscape.
“All of our menus are new, and we’ve added spa cuisine and
vegetarian options to better accommodate our spa guests or those
with particular dietary requests,” said Tom Donovan, general
manager.
For relaxing cocktails, the Alaloa Lounge has a black lava-stone
wall forming a back bar with a brilliant red ribbon of light
inspired by the long path from the mountains to the sea. The
illuminated onyx bar with carved wood details and hand-blown glass
pendants sets a warm glow in the lobby.
This multi-faceted transformation also provided upgraded
amenities to the signature 10,000-square-foot, three-tiered pool,
including a new children’s pool and enlarged cabanas with the
latest technology. Open 24 hours daily, the resort’s new fitness
center features dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean with the latest
state-of-the-art equipment. Plans also call for an Environmental
Education Center by mid-year.
What promises to be a highlight, however, is the new
Ritz-Carlton Spa that’s set to open in May. The design scheme will
draw from the concept of Waihua, which the ancient Hawaiians
believed was the most pure form of water, captured by the leaves of
the taro plant. The 17,500-square-foot facility will have 15
treatment rooms, including two outdoor couples’ cabanas, plus steam
rooms, saunas and hot tubs with private and co-ed relaxation
areas.
“I’m very excited about the new spa, as we’ll have treatment
rooms opening to private shower gardens, authentic Hawaiian design
elements, outdoor couples cabanas and a range of new spa
treatments,” Donovan said. “The size of the spa will double from
that of the former boutique spa to better serve our guests.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is an AAA Five-Diamond oceanfront
property located on 54 acres of Maui’s lush northwest shore. It is
part of the 23,000-acre master-planned Kapalua Resort, home to the
PGA Tour’s Mercedes-Benz Championship. The resort is renowned for
its world-class golf courses, award-winning tennis facility, white
sandy beaches and myriad restaurants and shops.
To celebrate its reopening, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is
extending an Island Paradise Package that’s available March 1-31,
May 1-June 30 and Aug. 13-Oct. 31. With a minimum six-night stay
required, the plan includes the sixth-night free and a $250 food
and beverage credit for any of the hotel’s six restaurants or
in-room service. Room rates are from $599 nightly, with suites from
$759. Commissionable at 10 percent, the package is based upon
availability and is exclusive of tax, gratuity and $20 daily resort
fee.
800-262-8440
www.ritzcarlton.com
