Frommer's Review
This Ritz is a complete universe, one of those resorts where you can happily sit by the ocean with a book for 2 whole weeks and never leave the grounds. It rises proudly on a knoll, in a singularly spectacular setting between the rainforest and the sea. During construction, the burial sites of hundreds of ancient Hawaiians were discovered in the sand, so the hotel was moved inland to avoid disrupting the graves. This setback worked to the hotel's advantage, giving it a commanding view of Molokai.
The style is fancy plantation, elegant but not imposing. The public spaces are open, airy, and graceful, with plenty of tropical foliage and landscapes by artist Sarah Supplee that recall the not-so-long-ago agrarian past. Rooms are up to the usual Ritz standard, outfitted with marble bathrooms, private lanais, and in-room fax capability. If you can afford it, stay on the Club Floor [STSTST] -- it offers the best amenities in the state, including French-roast coffee in the morning, a buffet at lunch, cookies in the afternoon, and pupus and drinks at sunset. The Ritz Kids program offers a variety of educational activities and sports.
The excellent Banyan Tree Restaurant has a new chef, and the relaxing spa has just undergone extensive renovation and has a new menu of Hawaiian-influenced treatments. The resort's Hawaiian cultural program is one of Maui's best, with twice weekly movies and "talk story," along with other events.
Recently the Ritz added additional staffing to their guest service and guest relations program, to cover any gap in service that may occur. If you arrive during a particularly busy time and the bell staff is unable to show you to your room, someone from guest service and guest relations will fill in.
As we went to press, the investment partnership that recently purchased this property plans to sell 107 suites in the hotel to individual buyers; some will be available to guests and some will remained privately owned and occupied. The hotel announced that it would close the property for some $95 million in renovations and hoped to re-open for Christmas 2007. Contact the hotel for details.
Facilities: 4 restaurants (including The Banyan Tree Restaurant); 4 bars (including 1 serving drinks and light fare next to the beach); outdoor pool; access to the Kapalua Resort's 3 championship golf courses (each w/its own pro shop), golf teaching academy, and deluxe tennis complex; fitness room; spa; 2 outdoor hot tubs; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; children's program; game room; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service; in-room and spa massage; babysitting; same-day laundry and dry cleaning; concierge-level rooms (some of Hawaii's best, w/top-drawer service and amenities)
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
