The West & Southwest

Hawaii

Because beach resorts are more fun when they’re casual. Until recently, the buttoned-up European look of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua 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 area 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.

Explore great travel ideas in other regions:

Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

South & Southeast

Midwest

50 Reasons to Love the U.S.A. Now