Aloha,
I finally had some time to go through hundreds of photos and sit down and write about our wonderful stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, Maui. In a word, it was amazing. (I asked my teenage daughter/travel companion to come up with one word as well and that is also the word she came up with.) If you follow me on Instagram, you may recall that we visited Hawaii late summer for a friend’s wedding in Oahu. We spent a week in Oahu and then flew over to Maui as it has been on my bucket list of destinations for years. (I had only ever been to Kauai for our honeymoon.)
The Ritz-Carlton brand is synonymous with luxury and that is apparent from the moment you arrive at any of their hotels. The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua is a Five Diamond hotel so you just know the rooms, service, food and amenities are going to be top notch. (Read this post on why staying at an upscale hotel like the Ritz-Carlton is so worth it.)
It’s details like this healthy and delicious welcome snack that sets the Ritz Carlton apart from other hotels. And look at the stunning stone counter!
We felt like we were living large in our 900 sq’ suite with a full kitchen and separate living room. I believe the decor was recently updated – loved the modern, beachy vibe!
With a hotel suite like this, it was very hard to leave for the day but we had a lot of exploring to do while in Maui.
The media console, chair and area rug would all be pieces that I would covet for my own home. Loved that they used an indoor/outdoor area rug which is the perfect solution for wet and sandy feet and that there was hardwood flooring rather than broadloom throughout the suite. (Broadloom in hotel rooms are just icky.)
Since I am a very light sleeper it was nice to have a separate bedroom away from the front door and potential noise from the hallway. The bed was so comfortable.
Texture upon texture and another surface to place toiletries and belongings:
We loved having the kitchen where we stocked up on some groceries for breakfast and snacks.
This was the view from one of the two balconies. We regret not spending more time lounging around the pool. Look at how beautiful it is with plenty of shade from trees, thatched umbrellas or cabanas. When we did spend some time here it was easy to find a spot in the shade and the staff were so attentive. They make you feel like you matter and their one goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and happy.
And this is the view from the balcony off our bedroom. Yes, two balconies with two stunning views. The resort fronts the Pacific ocean and that’s the island of Molokai off in the distance. The 54 acre property is lush and so well maintained and is adjacent to a 22,000 acre natural preserve with a rain forest. There are meandering pathways throughout the property which take you into the hiking area.
A highlight of my stay was spending the morning at the Spa where I was treated to the Tropical Awa Nui Journey – 110 minutes of pure bliss. The treatment is based on the ancient Hawaiian tradition of healing designed to cleanse, calm and soothe the body and mind. Ahhhh…I’m relaxed just thinking about it.
This curved, river rock wall welcomes you into the spa. You just wanted to run your hands along it every time you walked by.
The outdoor shower was a special treat. I had never used one before!
There is plenty to do at the resort and on the surrounding premises like play tennis, hike through a rain forest, play golf on one of two championship courses, exercise at the fitness center or relax at the beach. There is Ritz Kids which offers educational and inspirational activities for children aged 5 to 14. There are also a number of restaurants on the premises including fine dining and ones with ocean views.
The resort is located in Kapalua on the northwest coast of Maui which is more quiet and remote than say Wailea. I loved that feeling of being surrounded by ocean and nature without all the hustle and bustle. It is in close proximity to wonderful beaches like Napili Bay (below), snorkeling and attractions like the Nakalele Blowhole. And also a short drive to Lahaina, where there are more beautiful beaches, shopping and great restaurants.
All photos taken by me except for the “spa treatment room” provided by the Ritz-Carlton.
Our three night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui was nothing short of incredible. We would go back in a heartbeat. It truly is paradise. Now that the cold/freezing weather is upon us, it’s a good time to start vacation planning for next year. Be sure to take a look at this gorgeous, relaxing resort. You will not be disappointed.
Happy travels,
{I received a Media Rate for my stay at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, Maui but all opinions are my own.}
What do you think?