Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

•The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is currently closed until January of 2008, as it undergoes a major renovation of the resort.

•The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua features a beautiful oceanfront location on Maui in Kapalua, surrounded by three golf courses and a historic pineapple plantation

•Guest rooms and suites decorated in a casual resort style, featuring either views of the ocean or green hillsides

•Six dining venues offer everything from poolside snacks to gourmet dining with a view

•Ritz Kids programs provide structured, supervised activities for kids ages 5 to 12

•Full-service business center, ample meeting spaces, and staff to plan private beachfront luaus for corporate gatherings

•Three nearby beaches, including D.T. Fleming Beach, which has been touted as one of the world’s top beaches

•Ample recreational opportunities include a three-tiered pool with sundeck, six tennis courts, and a prime spa featuring Hawaiian-inspired treatments

Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

• 548 rooms. Pets accepted. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Four restaurants, four bars. Children's activity center. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Beach. Outdoor pool, two whirlpools. Golf, 54 holes. Tennis. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Maui is the island that most people think of when they dream about a Hawaiian getaway. Its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and golden beaches beckon travelers. Surrounded by three golf courses and a historic pineapple plantation, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is one of the island’s finest accommodations.

This large resort blends the expertise and service expected of a Ritz-Carlton with the gentle spirit of this tropical island. Occupying an historic Hawaiian plantation house, the décor is defined by an old Hawaiian look and feel with lots of wood, fresh orchids, and wicker or rattan furnishings. The resort wows guests with the quantity and quality of its amenities. A three-tiered pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the resort’s centerpiece, and it also offers three championship golf courses, as well as a renowned golf academy. There are tennis courts, a basketball court, a nine-hole putting green, croquet and bocce lawn, and a 7,000-square-foot spa and fitness center. There are three diverse beaches to choose from, too.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s variety doesn’t end with its recreational opportunities, though. The resort has six different dining venues, as well as 548 guest rooms and suites. While conventional wisdom would suggest that a resort this large wouldn’t have time to pay special attention to guests, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua defies that theory, instead making each guest feel as if they are the only visitor to this posh playland.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua appeals to a wide range of travelers. Its lush setting, gracious service, and relaxing ambience make it a perfect place for honeymoons, anniversaries, or special occasions. Romance comes alive at this resort, but it is equally appealing to families with young children, who appreciate the breadth of activities and the Ritz Kids programs. Getaway travelers visiting Maui will feel at home, too, since the resort’s size and attitude isn’t exclusive to romantics or families.

Although this is a prime vacation spot, business travelers will feel at home. The resort offers many business-focused amenities, including a helpful business center, and a support staff to help plan corporate retreats, incentives and conferences. They’ll help you finish with business so you can get on the links or enjoy the plentiful recreational opportunities. Of course, the crashing surf, sandy beaches, and limitless activities might just have you easily forgetting all about the “real” world.

(+) First-class resort with scenic location and plentiful recreational opportunities for all types of travelers

Guest Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

One of the most unique services at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is its Hawaiian cultural advisor, who helps develop programs such as the Aloha Friday activities and Sense of Place tours. I found this notable, since many resorts tend to impose their personalities on a destination, rather than letting the locale dictate the resort’s attitude and activities.

Despite its large size, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua welcomes each guest as if they were the only person visiting the resort. The welcome I received was especially warm, and incorporated the delightful Hawaiian tradition of placing a lei of flowers around the necks of visitors. The staff made me feel as if they anticipated my arrival and were genuinely happy that I had arrived. Their pride in the resort was evident, and all staff members that I encountered were helpful, polite, and pleasant.

Even before my arrival, I knew that this resort had their system perfected, since the reservations agent was forthcoming with useful information, provided enough detail to make me feel informed without being overwhelmed, and offered to arrange transportation or transfer me to the restaurants or concierge for dinner reservations. Upon arrival, the bellmen made a fantastic first impression with their warmth and expertly timed service.

Whether I called for laundry service, requested toiletries from housekeeping, or asked for baggage assistance upon departure, I found that the staff was able to execute my needs in a timely fashion. They seemed to go the extra step and were proactive in anticipating needs. The valet not only picked up my luggage for departure, but checked with me to see if any transportation was needed. I felt well taken care of throughout my stay.

(+) Service is smooth, timely, and well executed, and the resort’s staff members are proactive in anticipating needs

Guest Rooms: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has 548 guest rooms and suites, including its exclusive Club Level of 32 rooms and four suites. All of the accommodations have private balconies, and many have partial- or full-ocean views. The rooms are exceedingly comfortable and plush, offering luxuries such as feather beds and elegant bed coverings. Rattan furnishings add to the resort’s casual style in the rooms and suites, while fresh flowers bring the lushness of the flower-filled setting inside.

The 32 rooms and four suites located on the Club Level afford occupants the opportunity to experience the feel of a boutique hotel but with the amenities of a large resort. Guests are treated to the services of a dedicated concierge and a lounge with five daily food and beverage presentations.

My room was a beautiful space with lovely views. Its tropical décor was both elegant and uplifting. It was made even more comfortable with the addition of generous closet and drawer space, and the bed was particularly plush and inviting. The room and bathroom were immaculately clean and well maintained, which gave the space an overall fresh feeling. The resort’s commitment to making guests feel welcome was continued in the room, where I found a welcome gift upon arrival. It was nice to find this little token of appreciation from the gracious staff.

(+) Beautiful rooms share a pride of place in their décor, while first-class luxuries appeal to discerning travelers

Facilities & Activities: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Whether you are young or young-at-heart, there’s something to fill your days at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

There’s a 10,000-square-foot, three-tiered pool with sundeck, and six tennis courts, while kids will find plenty to keep them smiling with the half- or full-day structured activities offered through the Ritz Kids programs.

The Boutique Spa provides a variety of facials, massages, therapies, and salon services that incorporate native plants, fruits, and herbs as you lay back in rooms decorated to reflect the tropical setting. The spa also has a fitness room with state-of-the-art cardio equipment and weight machines, and flat-screen TVs to keep you entertained. You can learn or practice your skills of yoga, Pilates, or hula-robics in the center’s wellness classes.

Three 18-hole golf courses surround the resort, making this hotel a natural choice for golfers. The Bay Course, totaling 6,600 yards for a par-72 game, offers rolling fairways and generous greens designed by Arnold Palmer. The Village Course, totaling 6,632 yards for a par-71 game, rises and falls through the West Maui foothills. The Plantation Course, totaling 7,263 yards for a par-73 game, is newly renovated and unfurls across island canyons and native vegetation. This course also is used for the PGA Tour championship each January.

The Kapalua Golf Academy has a 23-acre practice area where state-of-the-art technology and talented instructors help golfers perfect their putting, chipping, and other skills.

Guests who prefer to skip the sand traps and head for the real sand will find a choice of three different beaches, including the famous D.T. Fleming Beach. Boogie boarding and surfing equipment are available at the beach booths.

The town of Lahaina, a century-old whaling town, is just a short distance away, and shopping is plentiful there. Whale-watching, helicopter tours, mountain biking on volcanoes, snorkeling, surfing, and other outdoor activities are all within a ride from the resort.

(+) Guests need not leave the resort with its wonderful amenities, although the island of Maui offers many activities, too

Dining & Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The resort offers six dining venues. From poolside snacks to gourmet dining with a view, it has a place to fit every mood. In addition to 24-hour room service, the resort offers a unique program that allows guests to pre-select the snacks and beverages to be stocked in their rooms’ minibars.

The Banyan Tree is The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s signature fine-dining restaurant. This room, where windows frame magnificent views and the gentle sound of native music enchants diners, is ideal for celebrating special occasions. The menu spotlights local ingredients and includes a large section dedicated to seafood. A five-course pineapple offering showcase’s the area’s history as a pineapple plantation.

Surf and sand lovers with an appetite will be pleased to discover the Beach House Bar & Grill. Overlooking the beach and shaded by 40 coconut palms, this restaurant captures the essence of a laid-back beach shack. Feast on local favorites and salads at lunch, or sip cocktails throughout the day at this fun-loving spot. During the summer, the Beach House offers dinner each night, with the exception of Tuesday and Friday, when the resort hosts the Oceanside luau.

Start the day with a bountiful breakfast at The Terrace, with its lovely patio overlooking the pool and gardens. The Terrace’s relaxed open-air setting is also ideal for lunch and dinner.

The Pool Bar & Café is conveniently located for guests spending their days lounging by the three-tiered pool. Smoothies, appetizers, sandwiches, and salads may be enjoyed at the bar or chaise-side for guests who don’t want to interrupt their lounging.

Sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese specialties are offered at Kai, a small sushi bar-style restaurant just off the lobby. The Lobby Lounge makes a nice gathering place for evening cocktails or for enjoying the resort’s elegant afternoon tea.

I was pleased with all of my dining experiences. The staff approached me as soon as I was seated, and they all knew the menus well. Both the staff members and the gorgeous settings of the restaurants contributed to the enjoyable experiences I had at this resort. The menus featured a diverse selection, and all the food was well prepared, tasty, and artfully presented.

For those who prefer to relax in their rooms, a 24-hour dining-in service is offered, which I found to be delightful. While room service menus tend to be limited, this menu offered a wide variety of choices. The operator took my order efficiently and properly, and once my tray arrived, I was pleased to discover a nice presentation with little extras, such as candles and mints. The service was smooth--the tray was removed promptly once requested.

(+) Nice variety of casual and fine dining venues with good food, capable staff, and beautiful settings; resort also has wonderful room service

Business Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is often selected as a destination for meetings and incentives because of its plentiful amenities and stunning locale.

The guest rooms and suites are fitted for high-speed Internet access, though there is a daily charge. The resort maintains a staffed, full-service business center that provides secretarial support, such as photocopying, faxing, and shipping materials, and access to computers and cell phones. I was able to check my e-mail and send a package for overnight delivery with ease.

The resort’s 150,000 square feet of meeting space, including an outdoor ballroom, appeals to corporate conferences and retreats. If you need technical support for a special presentation, the audio/visual support staff can help. Special events, such as private beachfront luaus, are planned and executed by a dedicated meetings staff.

(+) Fantastic location for groups, and resort provides numerous business amenities even though it’s more often a vacation destination