It may not have the best, or any, beachfront, but otherwise this brilliantly transformed 25-acre resort (now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection) deals in several superlatives. Among them are Kauai’s largest residential-style hotel villas—studios to three-bedrooms, with Wolf and SubZero appliances. Koloa Landing also has the best pool complex, including a water slide, sprawling main pool with terraces, grottos, and undulating rock walls, plus two outlying pools, all with Jacuzzis. Renowned restaurateur Sam Choy designed the enticing menus for its casual HoloHolo Grill and weekly Royal Luau (summer only). It’s a short walk to shops and a 5-minute drive to Poipu Beach. Note: Rooms with “resort views” may overlook the parking lot.