The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Hotel Information: In the chandeliered lobby that opens onto a verandah above the resort’s gardens and pools, guests are greeted with fresh lei and tropical punch, then escorted to their island-style rooms. Golfers, leisure travelers, and celebrating couples come to the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua for impeccable service, access to championship golf, and a strong sense of Hawaiian culture and history.
Amenity highlights: The resort's 7,000-square-foot spa and fitness center (surcharge) includes nine treatment rooms, cardio and strength-training equipment, a steam room, a sauna, and classes such as Pilates and yoga. A daily resort fee covers shuttle service to three secluded beaches, two golf courses, and a tennis complex.

Twice daily, servers provide complimentary Maui pineapple slices next to the outdoor pool. Dining options include a fine-dining regional restaurant, an oceanfront bar and grill, and a lobby sushi bar.

Insider tip: Adjacent to the resort, the Honolua Store takes visitors back to the area’s plantation past, when this was the place to shop for dry goods and plate lunches. Today, the store offers casual resort wear, souvenirs, groceries, sundries, hot breakfasts, local plate lunches, and deli items.
Divided over nine floors and two wings, the Ritz-Carlton's 548 guestrooms all have sliding-glass doors opening to furnished lanais with wrought-iron railings. Amenities include high-speed Internet access (surcharge), featherbeds, complimentary daily newspapers, complimentary bottled water, premium channels, CD players, in-room safes, and turndown service. Island-style decor includes pineapple motifs and local artwork.

Marble bathrooms have separate glass-enclosed showers and tubs, double vanities, Spa Fresh toiletries, terry-cloth bathrobes, and scales. Compact refrigerators can be stocked each day with items from an in-room menu (surcharge), and microwaves are available on request (surcharge).

Smoking is not permitted inside hotel rooms.