Montage Hotels & Resorts are best-known for their well-executed take on modern luxury, meaning the rooms and public spaces are gorgeous and refined yet not totally overdone and uncomfortable. In short, these are luxury hotels that were built with families in mind. And the Montage Kapalua Bay Resort in Maui just might be the most divine family-friendly hotel on the island.
THE ROOMS
In 2014, Montage Hotels and Resorts took over the former Ritz Residences at Kapalua Bay, which was also the former site of the Kapalua Bay Hotel, and rebranded the individual residences into one, two, three and even four-bedroom suites. This means that the starting room category is a whopping 1,250-sq.ft. complete with a full kitchen, living room (with a pull-out couch), a master bath with a deep soaking tub, a powder room, generous lanai space and our favorite amenity of all—a washer and dryer.
If you're hunkering down in Maui for a week or longer, the Montage is the place to do it.
FOR THE KIDS
At every Montage Hotel, there's a Paintbox kids program for ages 5-12. At the Montage Kapalua Bay, this includes time in the cute kids club near the two main restaurants at the hotel, but also activities throughout the property. The price is typically about $25 per child per hour. (Also good to know? Outside guests and visitors can also use the kids club for an hourly rate of $35 per child. )
Even if your kids don't want to pop into Paintbox, they can still collect the Montage Merits. These are adorable pins awarded for each activity the child complete at the property. They range from surfing to whale spotting, attending a luau, making a lei and snorkeling. If a child finishes all these activities, he or she will be awarded the big Humu Status pin in honor of Hawaii's state fish.
But rest assured, the pool scene is a huge focus here as there are three pools (one dedicated for kids) and lots of daybed seating. Down by the beach, which is just off the Kapalua Coastal Trail, stand-up paddle boards and snorkel gear are available (for an additional charge).
FOR THE PARENTS
Kapalau is a more chill side of Maui (which we told you about when we visited the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua) so coming over to this side of the island is more about relaxing and resting rather than adventure. Of course, there's adventure to be had if you want it including hiking, ziplining, sailing, diving, golfing and our favorite adventure of all, spa-ing. The spa and fitness center is actually located in a beautiful building next to the resort's main building and you should plan to spend several hours here if you book a treatment.
While Lahaina is just a quick 10-15 minute drive away, Montage knows that its guests don't want to have to go far for good eats and drinks. The open-air Cane & Canoe restaurant is the main dining room where you can sip spa-mosas in the morning (champagne and green juice) and have a romantic meal at night. The Hideaway does more casual bar eats and phenomenal cocktails in more of a clubby setting.
There's a small poolside bar facing the Kapalua Coastal Trail which serves pupu platters, generously-sized sandwiches and of course, island libations.
Families will be grateful for the Mahana Market in the property which has coffee and small bites, but also swimwear and adorable gifts.
BOTTOM LINE
This is a luxury property with high room rates, but compared to the other resorts in Maui where you also pay top dollar, you'll get so much space. And did we mention a washer and dryer in your room? Rates for September, which is just past peak season on the island, start at around $616 a night, plus a $48 resort fee which includes WiFi, in-room coffee, cultural classes, Kapalua shuttle services, and access to the fitness center.
Want to book a stay at the Montage? Book through me! I'm a luxury travel agent and booking your stay through me will get you additional perks and amenities such as daily breakfast, $150 spa credit, one category upgrade (if available) and a fun welcome gift.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
