Back in 1990, I had the privilege of attending the opening of the beautiful Grand Wailea Resort on Maui. I had dreamed, as a kid, of perhaps someday visiting Hawaii – and there I was, on my first trip, greeted by gorgeous grandeur, the likes of which I had never seen before. I was a Contributing Editor to The Robb Report magazine at the time, and the press trip was a “wow” every step of the way. The resort’s owner at the time had spent about a million dollars to bring in journalists just for a weekend. All invited travel journalists were given convertibles to drive, taken on snorkel sails to Molokini, trips to Haleakala, received spa treatments galore, and dined on ever-present – and perfect – food and beverage. My experience was, in a word, as spectacular as the resort itself.
Maui’s Montage Kapalua Bay Resort Offers A Larger-Than-Life Luxury Experience And Welcomes Travelers To Its Shores
30.10.2023 - 13:37 / forbes.com
Many people on the mainland remain unaware of the truth behind the Maui wildfires. They wrongfully believe that the entire island of Maui is closed – and nothing could be further from the truth. As of this writing, Maui’s upscale resort area of Kapalua is open – and welcoming tourists with its famous warm aloha.
If you’re seeking a truly special – and top-of-the-palm-tree-experience, look no further than The Montage at Kapalua Bay. I can tell you firsthand that this famed resort offers luxury, luxury, and more luxury, from the moment you enter the property. It’s no wonder that it attracts scores of celebrities, who use the resort’s private entrance – with its own elevator – hidden away on the ground floor.
Perhaps you want to consider The Montage right now – for your Christmas getaway, golf outing, honeymoon, destination-wedding, or that special vacation you’ve been planning.
I spoke with General Manager Robert Friedl and he had some very interesting comments:
Our Montage `ohana was thrilled to welcome back guests with aloha on October 8 th to Montage Kapalua Bay and West Maui. Since reopening, our guests and associates have enjoyed reconnecting with one another and the island of Maui. We recommend all visitors traveling to West Maui to indulge in experiences both at their hotels and resorts and areas outside of Lahaina Town to support the island recovery. This includes dining at restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients, exploring local markets, and supporting artisans, booking tours and activities operated by locals, participating in festivals and cultural events, and endorsing businesses committed to environmental conservation and responsible tourism. Visitors are warmly welcomed with aloha to contribute to and uplift the Maui community, fostering a positive and enduring impact that extends far beyond their time on the island.”
Just our very welcome at The Montage was quite special, and indicative of the elevated guest service to come. In the full kitchen of our three-bedroom unit on a private floor, our Sub-Zero refrigerator was filled with wonderful, welcoming, island treats: Mango tres leche, mango panna cotta, fresh mangoes, mango smoothie and dried mango. It was mango-liscious. Our Montage apartment also featured unusual amenities that were much appreciated – such as the deluxe clothing steamer in the walk-in closet. Our room also featured Gloss Moderne luxury bath amenities, marble double sinks in the bathrooms, wide-screen TVs in the bedrooms - and a wine refrigerator as well. On the marble kitchen island was a small gift: a tin of Maui Ku’ia Estate dark chocolate — an award-winning local cacao company. Bear in mind: 25% of all of its online sales are donated to the Maui
Wailea Beach Resort’s New Olakino Pool Is Just One Reason To Visit Maui Over The Holidays
The world watched – and mourned – as wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, Maui back on that fateful day of August 8. And many surrounding areas, including Kula. But thankfully, there are many areas of Maui that were completely untouched. If you’re considering going on vacation or planning a Christmas holiday in the next few months, make sure to consider Maui, with its inimitable beaches – and famous rainbows.
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