The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua announces the final phase of a $100 million resort-wide transformation including new guestrooms, dining experiences, and public spaces that is set to be unveiled by the end of 2022. Situated across 54 acres of pristine, wide-open space overlooking Honokahua Bay, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a sanctuary for guests seeking a restorative, luxurious escape.
Upon arriving at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, guests will be welcomed by bright and colorful native flora and fauna that flow into the all-new lobby lanai featuring unobstructed views of Honokahua Bay. The hand-carved wooden kapa panels adorning the space symbolize the six bays surrounding the resort that were favorites of the Hawaiian chiefs. The distinct lighting fixtures are inspired by ancient fishing traps, which were designed to catch fish for royalty. With multiple seating areas, complete with firepits.
The resort will open The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge at the Anuenue Room in July. This new Club Lounge offers a private indoor-outdoor weather-protected destination for guests with club access to savor a rainbow and taste the flavors of Maui. The space offers a dedicated concierge and a well-appointed, relaxed lounge environment where guests can enjoy five food and beverage presentations daily. Culinary offerings include breakfast, light snacks, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and sweets – many reflecting the cuisine of the Hawaiian Islands. Unique to the space and exclusively for club guests, Club Lounge programming will include cocktail classes, cooking demonstrations, lei making, and exclusive musical performances by Hawaiian artists.
For guests looking to experience the beauty and wonder of Kapalua in an even more private setting, the Resort will debut The Fire Lanai Collection, a new premium room category in November. Located on the ground floor of the Nāpili Tower, each room will feature extended lanais with a shade trellis, a hammock, a sun deck, and a fire pit complete with a special menu to make one’s own tropical twist on s’mores.
A centerpiece of the open-air resort is the expansive 10,000-square-foot reimagined pool experience. Inspired by a famous natural lava rock formation in front of the resort at Makaluapuna Point, the resort’s three zero-edge pools connected by cascading waterfalls, form a fleur-de-lis and are surrounded by lush tropical florals.
The resort recently debuted seven custom-designed luxury cabanas and oasis beds. The new cabanas, with seating for up to eight guests, in hues of blues and greens are inspired by the indigenous flowers and the natural beauty surrounding the property. Luxury cabana guests will have a personal cabana attendant and access to a range of indulgences including a tropical fruit plate with house-made banana bread, sunscreen, unlimited water, and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speaker, flat-screen TV, credenza with refrigerator, ceiling fan, and robes.
With panoramic views of Honokahua Bay and surrounded by walls of cascading orchids, Banyan Tree restaurant features a menu rooted in coastal cuisine. As part of the extensive transformation, the resort redesigned Ulana Terrace, the breakfast restaurant overlooking the gardens, pool, and ocean. Meaning “to weave,” the bright and airy restaurant, with pitched ceilings, woven accents, and warm woods, offers an extensive selection of traditional and local breakfast favorites, and a sumptuous breakfast buffet each morning. Highlights include the Kapalua loco moco, breakfast ramen, and banana macadamia nut pancakes.
In the morning, guests can enjoy house-made pastries and a quick bite from Kai Café, the resort’s gourmet coffee shop, while relishing in the warm Kapalua breeze and catching a glimpse of a whale dancing in the bay. As the sun sets and fire pits are lit, the lobby lanai and Alaloa Lounge come to life with live entertainment, including the time-honored Hawaiian sunset ceremony. Featuring high ceilings, dark wood, and rope accents, the lounge is inspired by a Hawaiian voyaging canoe.
Just steps away from the pools, the new ‘Olu Café is the ideal alfresco lunch destination, featuring hand-crafted cocktails, pūpū, salads, and sandwiches. For guests looking to remain in the sun poolside, all orders can be delivered right to their cabana or lounge chair.
Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
