Starwood Preferred Guest - Kapalua Bay vs. Manele in December

Does anyone have experience at both of these hotels? I am trying where to go for xmas week and (points aside) am looking for a relaxing, luxurious destination. I will be going with my wife and an infant, so limited nightlife isn't a concern.

Although I love the Kapalua Bay Hotel, The weather in December might be somewhat on the iffy side. This hotel is so relaxing and peaceful and the hotel staff is very gracious. We are returning there in a couple of months. We wind down our three week trip with this resort. I have never been to Manele Bay, but I thought I would give you my input on Kapalua. Have a great trip. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

We went to both of these hotels in October. Entirely different experiences. Manele is on a very secluded island. Not much to do except golf, snorkel, sit by the pool, go to the spa. But very luxurious. Better dinners at the Lodge (10 min by free shuttle), but good breakfasts.

KB is on Maui which is pretty built up IMHO. Nice hotel, nice beach, but not the caliber of Manele IMHO. Much more to do on Maui. Road to Hana, restaurants, golf, better scenery (more like the HI you expect).

Feel free to contact me if you want more.

If you stay on Lanai I would stay at the Lodge at Koele over Manele Bay. If you want the beach scene I would stay at Kapalua Bay.

The Lodge is like a private residence with excellent service and it is very relaxing. The stone fireplaces in the greatroom along with the multiple seating options make it a great place to read and relax.

You can take the shuttle back and forth between the Lodge and Manele. We would take the shuttle to the beach each day but enjoy retreating back to our beautiful surroundings and great staff.

Kapalua Bay for Maui is also slower paced and very relaxing and beautiful.

If I had to choose one over the other I would opt for Kapalua Bay as there are more dining choices and things to do on Maui.

I have stayed at Kapalua over 10 times and Lodge only one time.

I will go back to the Lodge again though as I enjoyed the jeep rental and driving to private beaches without anyone around, the skeet shooting, and the relaxing and doing nothing parts.

So I like both but for different reasons.