The Fairmont Kea Lani

At first glance, this blinding-white complex of arches and turrets may look a bit out of place in tropical Hawaii (it's a close architectural cousin of Las Hadas, the Arabian Nights fantasy resort in Manzanillo, Mexico). But once you enter the flower-filled lobby and see the big blue Pacific outside, there's no doubt you're in Hawaii.

It's not cheap, but for the price of a hotel room in other luxury resorts, you get an entire suite here -- plus a few extras. In 2011 all the "soft goods" (bedspreads, drapes, and so on) were updated. Each unit in the all-suite hotel has a kitchenette, a living room with entertainment center and sofa bed (great if you have the kids in tow), a wet bar, an oversize marble bathroom, a spacious bedroom, and a large lanai that overlooks the pools, lawns, and white-sand beach. The small boutique spa offers the latest in body work in intimate, relaxing surroundings -- not to be missed, even if you're staying elsewhere.

The rich and famous stay in the villas -- 2,000-square-foot two- and three-bedroom fantasy beach bungalows, each with its own plunge pool and gourmet kitchen (and includes a luxury car rental).

Facilities:
4 restaurants (including Nick's Fishmarket Maui), plus gourmet bakery and deli; 3 bars (w/sunset cocktails); babysitting; year-round children's program; concierge; fine 24-hr. fitness center; nearby Wailea Golf Club's 3 18-hole championship golf courses, as well as the Makena and Elleair golf courses; 2 large swimming lagoons connected by a 140-ft. water slide and swim-up bar, plus an adults-only pool; room service; excellent full-service spa; use of Wailea Tennis Center's 11 courts (3 lit for night play) and pro shop; watersports equipment rentals; 2 whirlpools

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.

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