“DOLCE FAR NIENTE,” THE ITALIANS SAY—WHICH MEANS, “How sweet to do nothing.”

Sugarcane fields are no longer the main attraction at Ka‘anapali Beach, but life tastes even sweeter there since theDecember, 2000, opening of Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club. The staff describes it as the perfect venue to relax, recharge,rejuvenate …or simply to perfect the art of doing nothing.

Located in Lahaina, this Marriott Vacation Club International property nestles between green mountain peaks and miles of golden sand beaches on the northwest sector of Maui’s west coast. The facility features lush tropical landscaping, restaurants, lounges, shops, and a 3.5-acre “superpool” with its own waterfall, two whirlpools, a grotto, and waterslides.

Thrown in for good measure are spectacular scenery, brilliant tropical sunsets, clear tropical waters, fine sand, and an appealing balance between nature and culture. One might easily enjoy a well-spent hour…or a full day…simply lounging on a chaise, sipping tropical drinks, and meditating on stunning views of the neighboring islands, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i. If keeping both eyes open proves too strenuous, close them and soak in a massage from the skilled spa staff.



For those whose notion of “doing nothing” is more active, the Maui Ocean Club offers tennis courts, a fitness center, and access to golf and numerous water sports. Links include the two renowned championship Ka‘anapali Golf Courses, located within walking distance, and several more outstanding courses a bit further along. Water sports are available via America’s best beach (as acclaimed by “Dr. Beach,” Stephen P. Leatherman). Opportunities abound for water skiing, jet skiing, snorkeling,scuba diving,sailing, surfing, mountain biking, jogging, horseback riding, volleyball, and more.

The Maui Marriott Resort and Ocean Club is a mixed-use facility, blending a first-class hotel with vacation ownership properties. The architectural layout features two contemporary style 10-story towers, linked by a central four-story wing. The entire complex is grouped in a semi-circle facing the beach, thus sheltering the pools, ponds, and landscaped grounds.

At the beginning of 2005, the Club included 196 Vacation Villas located in a wing separate from the hotel. A second phase of construction began in April of this year; by year’s end the Club is expected to comprise over 500 villas. These suites include one-bedroom, two-bath units (790 square feet, sleeps four) and two-bedroom, three-bath units (1,305 square feet, accommodates up to eight guests). Villas offer a choice of oceanfront sites or those with ocean views, mountain views, mountain-and-garden views, or island views.

Rooms and appointments include separate living and dining areas, each with their own individual l änais; a master suite with king bed, separate bath, and its own l änai; a gourmet kitchenette with microwave and tableware; televisions with multiple cable or satellite movie and sports channels; and a DVD player.

Décor leans toward traditional American style with an emphasis on comfort. Color schemes might include a range of yellows, golds, and ochres with warm wood furnishings, accented with framed Hawaiian floral prints. Amenities include air conditioning with individual climate controls, alarm clock, coffee maker/tea service, crib, iron and ironing board, down/feather pillows, pull-out sofa bed, rollaway bed, safe, and hair dryer. Kitchens come complete with dishwasher, microwave oven, pots, pans, serving dishes, silverware, table and chairs, and a toaster. Business amenities include desk level electrical outlets and telephone voicemail service.



Restaurants and lounges at the Ocean Club offer a variety of dining experiences from the casual to the elegant. Poolside, vacationers can enjoy the Pool Bar and also the Beach Walk Market & Pantry, a deli open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Nalu Sunset Bar & Sushi is open for dinner. That Italian “dolce far niente” philosophy can be stretched to indulging one’s sweet tooth (as well as the rest of the palate) at the Va Bene Italian Beachside Grill. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ownership opportunities are offered on a fee-simple basis.

Prices start under $13,000 (for one week, every other year) on a one- or two-bedroom suite. Prices vary according to villa type and season. Vacation owners may also choose to exchange prime season Hawai‘i weeks at any of more than 40 Marriott Vacation Club resorts worldwide. Vacation weeks may also be converted to Marriott Rewards points, redeemable worldwide for accommodations, travel, cruises, rental and more. Setting his most famous love story in Italy, Shakespeare said a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Vacation owners at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club experience this truth for themselves; at Ka‘anapali Beach, the art of doing nothing is equally dolce (or momona) in any language—Italian, English, or Hawaiian.

Marriott Maui Ocean Club
1-800-638-8148
www.MarriottsMauiOceanClub.com