Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/78601
FAIRMONT KEA as "the place to stay" with good reason. The resort's name is the Hawaiian word for "royalty" and that is exactly how you are treated during your stay. Here, the suites are huge, ranging from 1,500 sq. ft. one bedroom with a den to 1,900 square foot, two- bedroom units. That's just the beginning of the good things here, though. "Our property is based on the ohana feel, where everyone here is family. Where everyone knows each other," the property's Hotel Operations Manager, Garry Farrington explained. What really stands out at the Alii though is the size of the rental units. "Our units are probably twice as large as most condominium developments," Farrington continued. "That's the thing that sticks with families that travel and stay with us as well as our full time residents because they're not shoe- horned into a 600 square foot condominium." Guests are also offered a high-tech 3,000 sq. ft. gym area in which to work out, tennis courts complete with a pro and complimentary tennis and clinics, an outdoor social centre with two huge flat screen TVs for watching the big game and two swimming pools, free parking and no resort fees. Then of course, the ocean is just steps away from the back property line. Those are just a few of the reasons Calgarians Mark and Tracey Hollands have chosen to make the Alii their home away from home. "As a Canadian I like the fact there are a lot of other Canadians here," Mark said. "The friendliness is also a big thing. Everything is just so friendly, it's like being home." A big plus for the Hollands, who have three kids, is they know their children are safe within the recreational areas at the Alii. "The kids can do whatever they want here. You keep an eye on them but for the most part they can just ramble around here and it's all good," Mark explained. In becoming owners of a property at the Alii, Mark noted that it was money well spent, "Definitely. In terms of luxury resorts this place is a rock in the community. It's solid." This Classic Resorts property backs that up with its rankings within the hotel industry. "We operate as a four star, four diamond hotel property with daily maid service and a 24-hour front desk service," Farrington pointed out. "A lot of times you'll stay in a condominium and you'll see signs on the wall that say 'Upon leaving please strip the bed and put the sheets in the washing machine.' We don't do that. It's the same as any hotel. There's daily maid service to take care of your needs." The overall welcome feeling of the Alii, Farrington again noted, is based on family, or the ohana feeling which is exactly what a visitor is looking for in a home away from home. "The ohana feel is here. Everybody knows everybody and everyone is very comfortable," the manager repeated, stating a fact that is obvious as soon as you walk onto this wonderful holiday property. Visit www.kaanapalialli.com. THE GRAND WAILEA The Grand Wailea Resort and Spa comes by the "Grand" in the name honestly, given its attention to detail in the accommodations, the architecture and original art... not to mention making clients feel pampered. THE GRAND It has over $40 million worth of artwork, most notably sculptures, throughout the premises. It has a row of great shops including art galleries, clothing stores, an in-house deli and nine swimming pools. At the Grand, kids are important but the hotel realizes parents sometimes need time away so they do a great job in keeping the keiki (kids) occupied during their stay, if that's desired. Christina Yumul, PR Manager expains that "Families are key and we have great features for them, we have the nine pools, seven water slides and a Tarzan swing. There is also a 20,000 square foot facility for kids that offers arts and crafts, a theatre room, a computer room and daily activities for them." For the adults, there are amenities for them as well. "If the adults are looking for a romantic dinner, there's the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant (better known as the Humu for obvious reasons). For fun, they can go ahead and jump on the Tarzan swing if they want or there's an adults-only pool. We're right on Wailea Beach and there are a lot of activities there like kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, things that anyone can do... Or if you want to just relax, you can walk around our gardens or take the art tour that's absolutely amazing. It's the largest in the state." The hotel's patronage of the arts, and in particular local artisans, is key, Yumul commented. "Art was actually part of the DNA of the Grand Wailea when it was built. We spent $40 million on art and about 90 per cent of that was local art. There were six themes used when it was built: flowers, light, sound, art, water and trees. For example we have 665 A FIRST TIME VISIT TO JAPENGO IS GUARANTEED TO BE REPEATED iG's Gord Montgomery is a prairie kid, historically a firm believer in a meat and potatoes diet, "But my time to step outside the box came when I was invited to Japengo, Maui's hottest new eating spot on Ka'anapali Beach." Japengo is a sophisticated dining destination with spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Drawing on fresh, locally grown products, coupled with exotic ingredients from neighboring Pacific Rim countries, Japengo creates a culinary adventure showcasing modern Asian- inspired flavours with a Hawaiian flair. "In fact, I took several really large strides outside my cocoon and found out adventure is a good thing, recalled Gord in a post to insidegolf.ca during his trip. " I was shocked, and yes, even delighted, to discover just how good this style of food is and wondered why it had taken me so long to venture down this culinary roadway."