Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Kapalua | Travel + Leisure

Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Maui
www.ritzcarlton.com
(800)241-3333 or (808)669-6200

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.

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