Like a contented tourist luxuriating on Ka‘anapali Beach, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa lies perfectly poised to enjoy the sun, sand and beguiling sunset views of Lana‘i and Molokai‘i, while resting serenely in the knowledge that every imaginable indulgence awaits just steps away.  In fact, the real beauty of the Westin Maui may be found in the way it serves up indoor luxuries with outdoor beauty -- blending bold architecture, soothing Hawaiian design, and gracious Aloha service.

From the moment they arrive, guests are absorbed into another world. 
“When you enter the lobby you are welcomed with a large waterfall cascading into a koi pond surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest-like environment,” says general manager Craig Anderson. “In addition to the landscaping, the epicenter of our resort is an 87,000 square foot aquatic playground with five free-form pools, waterfalls, grottos and slides.”

The elaborate waterscaping and tree-clad islands that lie adjacent to the lobby seamlessly link the check-in area with more ethereal Hawaiian environs. They’re so convincingly authentic that hundreds of birds make the daily pilgrimage to show their approval in a raucous sunset serenade.  It’s a testament to the resort’s universally attractive design and natural appeal.

For Anderson, it’s just another example of the Westin Maui’s success in the highly competitive Hawaiian resort market. In fact, the Westin Maui remains the most sought-after reward destination through its Starwood loyalty program and it is often sold out year-round.

After almost a quarter century in the hospitality industry --the last eight years in Hawai‘i -- Anderson has witnessed not only the rise in the Westin Maui’s fortunes, but also the growth of the island’s overall appeal.  He notes that “The ‘brand’ Hawai‘i has earned a tremendous reputation as a place for rejuvenation and breathtaking beauty.” One reason for that success is its delightful style.

 “Hawaiian style lends itself to glorious outdoor and indoor/outdoor living spaces,” Anderson explains. “The cuisine is fresh and flavorful, and the music and dance are steeped in the rich cultural heritage of these islands. All of these aspects are key components to successful resorts.  They are also touch-points that guests not only expect, but treasure as memories for many years after their visit. Our role is to deliver these components of Hawai‘i in as pure a form as possible, all in a world-class, contemporary setting.”

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa has fit that description from the time it was brought to life in the 1980s by legendary developer Christopher Hemmeter.  That decade was a prolific era for Hemmeter as he spearheaded the creation of several Hawaiian hospitality icons, including the Hyatt Regency Maui, Hyatt Regency Waikoloa and Westin Kauai Resort at Kauai Lagoons. The Westin Maui was one of his boldest endeavors.

Today the resort stakes its claim on Ka‘anapali Beach with two 11-story towers containing over 750 guest rooms and suites (all designated non-smoking, thanks to Westin’s health-conscious directive). From peaceful mountain-view rooms to the grandest oceanfront suites, each space features contemporary decor with neutral tones, dark woods, and ultra comfortable furnishings. These include the Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath components, spoiling guests with cushy duvets and pillows, extra-fluffy towels and brand-name bathing amenities.

Another popular touch is the recently renovated Heavenly Spa by Westin. After a $5 million remodeling, the 14,000 square foot spa features Ka‘anapali's only ocean view relaxation lounge. Staff cheerfully spoil guests with facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, make-up and hair salon services, as well as specialized treatments incorporating island fragrances, like Maui-grown lavender.

To pamper guests’ inner needs, the Westin Maui’s offers three restaurant options. Drawing from Maui's natural bounty and multicultural heritage, each presents distinctive menus featuring local ingredients served with cozy outdoor flair.  At flagship restaurant Tropica, guests dine amid flickering tiki torches and sparkling waterfalls just off Ka`anapali’s famed beachwalk and steps away from the ocean.

All of these features are designed with one thing in mind, says Anderson. “Our mission is to deliver a personalized, rejuvenating experience,” he explains. “We aim to leave every guest feeling better when they check out than when they checked in.”  And while he is satisfied with the results so far, he points out the hotel is always undergoing improvements.  “We’ve just completed a renovation of our Ocean Tower and will undergo a refurbishment of our Beach tower soon to complete all of our guest rooms and suites this year.  The look is what I would call Contemporary Polynesian.”

Room refurbishments include the addition of brand new Heavenly Beds, new Heavenly Bath Mirrors, new armoires, furniture and 32” flatscreen LCD televisions.  In addition, the corridors have all been updated with new carpeting, wallpaper and lighting.

The recent design improvements were undertaken by Susan Marinello Interiors of Seattle, WA.  As founding principal and design director, Marinello guides every aspect of client relations and design development working on such projects as the Private Residences at the Four Seasons Seattle and the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, WA.

Marinello describes the results of her Westin Maui foray. “The towers themselves have captured a real essence of Hawai‘i with textured textiles, use of color and style of furniture.  The guest rooms continue that message. The colors we chose for the guest rooms are soothing and connect in various ways to traditional Hawai‘i.”

She explains the premise behind the project. “Ease and simplicity are at the core of Westin design and at the foundation of my design philosophies. We celebrated Hawaiian style by our use of color and subtle textures and punctuated it with vibrant abstract color photography of native plants and flowers.  Hawaiian style means capturing and respecting the traditions of Hawai‘i culture, the Hawaiian people and most of all the beauty in the landscape and beaches. It’s all about the ease and relaxed nature of this culture; beautiful woods, bright vibrant color and simplicity.”

When all her work is done she says, “I want someone to walk into a room, take a deep breath, feel embraced and renewed. Our daily lives are very scheduled, busy and at times chaotic. A well-designed interior space can contribute positively to how we feel.”

Anderson clearly agrees. “In this hectic world, with ever-increasing bandwidths of information bombarding us every moment, there may be nothing more refreshing, more genuine, or more effective in reversing the stress of the daily grind, than an escape from it all…Hawaiian style. The Aloha spirit, a Heavenly Bed, your toes in the sand -- it doesn’t get better than this.  A hui hou!”

Judging from its extraordinary popularity and the obvious contentment of its guests, it’s clear the Westin Maui Resort & Spa will evolve to meet changing needs even as it remains perfectly positioned to enjoy those classic Maui sunsets.

Website: www.Westinmaui.com Phone: (808) 667-2525 / (866) 716-8112