Tucked away in 22,000 acres of unspoiled island landscape, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua stands as an ideal destination catering to both adventurous and leisurely travelers. Over the years, this resort has been a popular choice among couples and families alike, offering a seamless integration of family-friendly amenities while maintaining the luxurious standards expected by couples on a Maui getaway.
Recently, the resort underwent a comprehensive $100 million makeover, addressing nearly every aspect of the property – from the guest accommodations and dining venues to the pool complexes and elevators – with a meticulous focus on highlighting the native Hawaiian heritage in every design element.
Upon arrival at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, guests are greeted by vibrant indigenous flora and fauna that lead into the all-new lobby lanai with panoramic vistas of Honokahua Bay. The infinity-edge lanai not only captivates with its beauty but also honors the Hawaiian culture, recounting the narrative of Kapalua.
The hand-carved wooden kapa panels adorning the lobby symbolize the six bays surrounding the resort that once served as favored spots for Hawaiian chiefs. The unique lighting fixtures draw inspiration from ancient fishing traps, designed to provide fish for royalty. The lanai, featuring multiple seating areas complete with firepits, radiates a warm and welcoming ambience from daybreak to dusk.
“The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua holds a special place for our guests just as Kapalua did for the esteemed Hawaiian chiefs,” remarked Clifford Nae’ole, the Hawaiian cultural advisor at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. “Every element, regardless of size, carries significant meaning in Hawaiian culture, and we hope our guests appreciate them for both their aesthetics and significance.”
Stepping into the sunlit lounge, guests are immediately transported into a serene indoor-outdoor haven with sweeping vistas of majestic Molokai and the 15th hole of the Bay Golf Course. Adorned in soothing tones with bursts of tropical hues mirroring the resort’s natural surroundings, this exclusive sanctuary serves as a coveted private escape for the resort’s most discerning clientele.
Embracing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Maui, the newly refurbished guest rooms, suites, and residences, all featuring private terraces, carry delicate sand tones and bespoke wood finishes, evoking a sense of tranquility. Azure blues and deep greens mirror the enchanting shades of the ocean and lush greenery, while floor-to-ceiling windows blur the lines between indoors and out, creating a distinct sense of place unparalleled elsewhere.
Merger of The Ritz-Carlton’s sophistication with a Hawaiian-inspired ambiance continues into the hallways, characterized by opulent dark wood finishes and bursts of color from tropically infused carpets.
For guests seeking an even more intimate experience of Kapalua’s beauty and magic, the Resort will introduce The Fire Lanai Collection, a new exclusive room category in December. Situated on the ground floor of the Napili Tower, each room boasts extended lanais with shade trellises, hammocks, sun decks, and fire pits, inviting guests to indulge in the best of Maui’s indoor-outdoor living.
A striking feature of the sprawling open-air resort is the expansive 10,000-square-foot reimagined pool complex. Inspired by a famed natural lava rock formation in front of the resort at Makaluapuna Point, the resort’s trio of zero edge pools linked by cascading waterfalls form a fleur-de-lis, framed by lush tropical blooms. This natural inspiration aims to extend the beach ambiance onto the property, with each pool offering in-water lounges for a relaxing experience along with ample seating options around them.
For those desiring a more opulent and secluded experience, the resort has unveiled seven custom luxury cabanas and oasis beds. These cabanas, accommodating up to eight guests, in varying blues and greens take inspiration from indigenous flowers and the surrounding natural beauty. Guests in the luxury cabanas enjoy personalized service from a dedicated attendant and have access to a range of amenities including a tropical fruit plate with house-made banana bread, sunscreen, unlimited beverages, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, flat screen TVs, refrigerators, ceiling fans, and plush robes.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua takes pride in its preservation of the Honokahua Preservation Site, a designated “wahi pana” (sacred site) located adjacent to the resort. This site serves as a gathering place for Native Hawaiians to perform ceremonies and rituals.
Image Source: theritzcarlton.com
