Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
COST: $$$$
Until recently, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua's buttoned-up European look was strangely out of touch with its tropical surroundings. Now, after a $180 million renovation, the hotel has lost the chintzy curtains, faux Renaissance artwork, and yes, the fireplace in the library. The 446 guest rooms are breezy yet refined: kukui tree-patterned rugs cover dark Brazilian ironwood floors, and wrought-iron lanais look out on the island landscape. As they say in Hawaii, Na mea maikai — It's all good.
From the T+L 500
A pair of long, low-slung buildings on a golden-sand beach 15 minutes from Lahaina.
- Stats:
- 445 rooms; 6 restaurants; 4 bars.
- Competitive Edge:
- Updated elegance: the resort just finished a $130 million renovation that overhauled guest rooms and public spaces.
- Rooms to Book:
- Oceanfronts, with views of D. T. Fleming beach.
- Don't Miss:
- A visit to the new environmental-education center, to learn about the area's natural resources.
lastArticle = and lastAward = 01/2008
