The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
"What will we notice when we arrive?Winding along the entrance to the Ritz-Carlton you’ll notice the topography looks different than the coastal scenery you’ve passed en route from Maui's main airport. Kapalua is marked by lush, towering trees (some of them pine) and windy weather; it might even be raining when you pull up to the hotel, giving the whole vibe a mountain-lodge feel. Indeed, if you’re aiming for seclusion and relaxation rather than sunny beach days, this Ritz is just the spot. What's the backstory?Kapalua, a resort community developed by the Maui Land & Pineapple Company, includes residences, two luxury hotels, two golf courses, tennis courts, hiking trails, and a few shops and restaurants. The Ritz-Carlton fronts a portion of Honokahua Bay where, when the construction began in 1987, an ancient burial site was discovered along the shore. The hotel then scrapped its plans to build a beachfront and moved inland. Visitors can learn more about its history during their stay. How are the rooms?Traveling with three kids, including a one-year-old, our family opted for a one-bedroom residential suite. The setup was perfect for our needs, with a bedroom, a kitchen, a sitting area with a pullout couch, and a wide balcony overlooking the pool. The furniture and amenities are new, including dark wood floors, pretty area rugs, and cooking utensils. The bathroom was a bit small, but it had a shower and a tub along with posh Dyptique toiletries. One note: Getting to the rooms can be a little bit confusing since the hotel has two wings that don’t connect, so you’ll need to make sure to set off from the lobby level in the correct direction. If you’re aiming to spend a lot of time at the pool or down by the beach, pick a room close to the back elevator. Wi-Fi is included in the $40 daily resort fee, along with fitness classes, Kapalua Resort shuttle service, beach chair and umbrella setup daily (for Marriott Bonvoy Elite Guests), a lei greeting, and resort activities. What kind of restaurants will we find here?The modern Ulana restaurant (the Hawaiian word for “weave”) serves a sprawling breakfast buffet. Several other options on the property range from casual to elegant and even to-go, but the highlight is actually the beachside Burger Shack, located at the entrance to the ultra-secluded beach. The menu is simple but perfect, with burgers, milkshakes, and craft beers. How is the service?Utterly smooth and gracious—and completely understanding when the kids get a little rambunctious. What are the guests like?This crowd feels similar to that of a country club, perhaps thanks to Kapalua's championship golf courses. Otherwise, the mix is typical: honeymooners, families, and retirees. But thanks to the low-key vibe and the widely spread-out property, you’re not constantly running into them. And the area?Kapalua is not what you’d expect from a Maui vacation, thanks to its different topography and fussy weather. If you're craving a beach getaway, head down the coast to Kaanapali or Wailea. Anything else we should know?The Ritz-Carlton is especially kid-friendly; its Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors to the Environment program allows little ones to enroll in morning and afternoon activities. We also loved the full playground near the kiddie pool. For non-parents, the resort has three other pools, including an adults-only one; the top pool is lined with large, tricked-out cabanas with flat-screen TVs and fully stocked mini-fridges. Lastly, if you’re getting tired of pricey resort food, visit Honolua Market, just beyond the resort, to stock up on snacks at more earthly prices. Bottom line.A Maui resort that truly let you hide away? That's priceless." - Juliana Shallcross
