The hotels of Maui County completely dominated the "Top Hawai‘i Resorts" list in the 23rd annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Poll.
In this category, four of the top five winners were from Maui and Lana‘i. The list includes: 1. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; 2. Hotel Hana Maui and Honua Spa; 4. Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i at Manele Bay and 5. Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i, The Lodge at Ko‘ele. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Hawai‘i Island) ranked third.
Other Maui properties ranked in the Top 20 including: #9 Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui; #11 Grand Wailea; #15 Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa (tie) and #20 Westin Maui Resort & Spa (tied with Kaua‘i Marriott and Beach Club). In total, Maui captured nine of the "Top 20" spots.
Let's see what's new with Maui's hotels and resorts for the fall of 2010.
- Famed for being Ka'anapali's hidden jewel, Aston Maui Ka'anapali Villas recently completed a renovation. The $1.6 million makeover will bring a fresh new look to the resort's lobby, function area, garden courtyard and meeting space. Situated on the finest beachfronts of Maui, the upscale, condominium resort combines the feeling of being at your very own exclusive beach home with all of the perks of a full-service resort, such as daily maid service, a poolside restaurant and a day spa.
- The Fairmont Kea Lani has embarked on a $14 million room renovation. All 413 one-bedroom suites will be renovated with new furniture, paint and décor, new linens, draperies, HD flat screen TVs, and new interior doors and cabinets. New sleeper sofas and other "value adds" guests include microwaves and mini-refrigerators. The remodeling coincides with the current pool deck renovation. In fact, the fall renovation is the first of three scheduled remodeling projects, which include the build-out of Ko, the resort's signature restaurant and Spa Kea Lani. Suite renovations are scheduled to be completed by the holidays. For more info, call 808-875-4100 their website.
- Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay has just unveiled technology-driven poolside amenities, allowing both you and your favorite handheld device to recharge and disconnect al fresco. The tech-savvy "TLC for PDA" amenity offers Tender Loving Care for your most prized possession – your Personal Digital Assistant. Whether it be a Blackberry or iPhone, the device will have a twitter-ific time in paradise with the hourly poolside amenity service. There's also a blissful "hands free" mini-massage to revive overworked and texting-weary fingers and, for those that need a reboot, a selection of refreshing PDA inspired libations, such as the Blackberry Mojito. For more information, please call the Concierge at 808-565-2388.
- This fall, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa will undergo an extensive $15 million transformation. Scheduled for completion in December 2010, the resort will debut updated guestrooms, and an exciting new restaurant, Japengo, a sexy, hip dining destination offering lively Asian-fusion cuisine blending exotic flavors from around the world. Occupying the former space of Cascades, Japengo will feature an open-air garden Moon Bar, a Sushi Lounge and an outdoor dining overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For more information, call 808-661-1234, or visit their website.
- The Kapalua Villas relocated their reception center and administrative offices to 2000 Village Road. Return guests will know this building as the Adventure Center Building, which is located on the right as you enter Kapalua Resort. The new reception center provides ease of access to the Villas front desk, concierge, bell services, and the executive offices, all of which are conveniently located under the same roof as the Kapalua resort's logo shop, adventure desk, full service concierge, and a new dining venue opening in the near future. For info, call 800-545-0018 or visit their website.
- The historic Lahaina Inn re-opened on September 1, 2010 after a complete re-model, under the new management of Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts (HH&R) which owns and operates the Royal Lahaina Resort. The Lahaina Inn is ideally located just off of Front Street, within easy walking distance of art galleries, restaurants, lounges, and shops. Guests of the Lahaina Inn now also enjoy access to the oceanfront amenities at the full-service Royal Lahaina Resort, including swimming pools, beach and water activities, restaurants and lounges, tennis, and golf. For more information, call 800-222-5642 or visit their website.
- Napili Kai Beach Resort, a deluxe resort on Maui's beautiful Napili Bay, is marking its 50th anniversary with an online contest to win a free week-long trip for two to Maui. The 50th Anniversary Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents who are at least 21 years of age. No purchase is necessary, and the entry form, eligibility, rules, prize, and other contest details are available on their website. Entry deadline is December 31, 2010. For resort reservations or information, call Napili Kai Beach Resort at toll-free 1-800-367-5030.
- Couples seeking an intimate oceanfront venue for their wedding will be delighted with the debut of the Kai Lani Lawn at The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the setting is perfect for an early morning ceremony or an evening affair with a stunning sunset backdrop. The sprawling 26-acre oceanfront resort also offers the spacious Ocean Lawn for elaborate themed outdoor receptions. Located lobby level, the newly-opened Pu'ukukui Boardroom offers state-of-the-art design and Westinbranded comfort. It is ideal for corporate-style meetings and cozy cocktail receptions.
- Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has unveiled its new Ali'i Boardroom designed for executive meetings. Fully equipped with the latest audio and visual technology, the Ali'i Boardroom measures approximately 12-feet by 28-feet with seating for up to 11 people. Executive touches include leather ergonomic chairs, dedicated wired and wireless Internet connectivity and a 52-inch LCD TV. The resort hotel now offers 27,130 square feet of indoor meeting space and 86,740 square feet of outdoor function areas for a wide range of group needs. For more information, call 808-879-1922.
- The Westin Maui Resort & Spa introduces 'In Celebration of' – a guest recognition program with monthly themes nominating hotel guests chosen by their family. A drawing held Wednesdays selects one lucky hotel guest recipient and offers one resort indulgence whether it is a spa renewal at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™, a culinary special or use of a pool cabana for the day. Hotel guests planning a vacation in months to come can look forward to participating in 'In Celebration of Romance' held in August and 'In Celebration of Wellness' in September.
