RESORT REFRESH :
If there ever were an ideal time for a reinvention , it ’ s 2021 .
WORDS / TAYLOR COULSON
New year , new you . Many resorts came into 2021 with brand-new looks or big plans coming later in the year . Here are six resorts with either fresh renovations ready to explore now or new looks in the works , planning to be ready for the leisure travel boom expected this year .
1
Kā ‘ anapali Beach Hotel
Maui , Hawaii
Located oceanfront on Maui ’ s world-famous Kā ‘ anapali Beach , “ Hawaii ’ s Most Hawaiian Hotel ” welcomes guests with authentic Hawaiian hospitality . In 2020 , the hotel announced the “ Kealaula ” property enhancement project , which was unveiled in early 2021 . “ Kealaula ” translates to “ the light of early dawn and the glow of sunset ” and this project is dubbed as more of a renewal rather than renovation . Significant redesign to each of the 180 premium rooms in the Papakū South Wing ( formerly known as the Kaua ’ i Wing ) and the 84 enhanced rooms in the Kauhale Southeast Wing ( formerly known as the Lā na ’ i Wing ) now exude an earthy feel and have been upgraded and infused with modern design elements and features while still retaining a strong sense of Hawaiian culture . Each room features employee-made mea makamae shadow boxes that include “ mā kau ” ( fishhooks ), “ lū he ‘ e ” ( octopus lure ), “ lei kū pe ‘ e ” and “ lei pipipi ” ( nerite lei ) and “ mea kaua ” ( weapons ). Huihui , the hotel ’ s new signature oceanfront restaurant , functions as a gathering place . It also serves as a relaxing dining experience with unobstructed ocean views and an extension of the property ’ s canoeing programs with the eventual addition of a sailing academy . The 5,000-square-foot venue highlights the incredible accomplishment of Hawaiian navigation and features a unique space to house a new Hawaiian sailing canoe . With these transformative enhancements there is no question as to why Kā ‘ anapali Beach Hotel was recognized in HAWAI ‘ I Magazine ’ s 2020 eighth annual Readers ’ Choice Awards . Kã ‘ anapali Beach Hotel ranked No . 1 on Maui across seven categories ranging from Best Hotel / Resort with Aloha Spirit to Best Buffet and Best Hotel / Resort Staff . Adding to its extensive list of honors , the hotel was also acknowledged across six additional categories for Maui including Best Hotel / Resort for Families , Best Hotel / Resort Guest Services Program and Best Resort for a Wedding .
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