Goodmorning2U

Aloha!

Has anyone heard anything about the new Montage opening on Maui?

I prefer the Wailea location for exploring the island but as a management company I've had good experiences with Montage.

Here is a link to the website. It say the property will have 50 rooms.

http://www.montagehotels.com/kapaluabay

Kagehitokiri

http://kapalua.com/stay/residences-kapalua-bay http://www.residencesatkapaluabay.com/
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=ritz+...26273&t=h&z=18

they may be ceasing sales of fractionals and having those remaining units be the "rooms/suites"

Goodmorning2U

I just called Montage to see if they are accepting reservations and was happy to learn that they are already open and under Montage management. But I was disappointed to learn that Montage didn't build any new buildings but have instead just reflagged the Ritz Carlton property. I'm going to wait to see the reviews on this property before visiting.

Here is a link to their current website:

http://www.residencesatkapaluabay.com/gallery/

Kagehitokiri

not the ritz carlton hotel (which lehman is selling) but only the separate ritz carlton residences/club development

seems montage began managing aug 1 and bought management entity

(hotel is located here https://maps.google.com/maps?q=ritz+...26273&t=h&z=17)

ridefar

I am sure you are right, but the photography on the website does a terrible job of communicating this. The majority of the photos show the whole of the (old?) RC property at Kapalua--meaning the big hotel style resort building. If you didnt read the fine print talking about 50 rooms, it sure would be easy to believe they have taken over the whole of the RC site.

Kagehitokiri

residences are / will be in hotel inventory

pictures (and address) are ritz residences, not ritz hotel
http://kapaluabay.montagehotels.com/...rview-main.jpg
http://kapaluabay.montagehotels.com/...-overview2.jpg

residences >
original numbers >
62 fractionals (177 fractions sold / 12 = 14.75 units) 2/3BR 1,912 to 2,257 square feet
84 condos (28 sold including 15 to Exclusive Resorts) 3/4BR 3,002 to 4,271 square feet

hotel (almost a mile away) >
a few details >
http://www.exclusiveresorts.com/blog/?p=1656
http://www.heretodaygonetomaui.com/R...apalua_Bay.php

its a new owner, but i wonder if original equityholders Exclusive Resorts / Steve Case relationship with montage laguna beach and deer valley was a factor. Exclusive Resorts also has relationship with timbers, which was interim manager. but timbers is more oriented towards club/fractionals, and kapalua residences was only 19% sold excluding Exclusive Resorts.

jeffreyt

They've set an opening date of June 1, 2014 as the Montage.

Larkin

Kapalua and particularly the Ritz Carlton site are extremely windy much if not most of the time. In my experience if you are going to Maui, the better weather is around Wailea most if the time.

off2rome

Looking for a review

JadeRom123

I am very excited and looking forward to it and Can anyone tell me about resorts samoa?

offerendum

Don`t you live there?

JAGMAP

For having been open less than 60 days, my mouth dropped when I experienced service levels that came close to rivaling the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (next door) at the beginning of our stay. Had flashbacks of staying at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve 3 months after opening in Dec-2012, experiencing abysmal service. By the 4th day at Montage, I was convinced Talent and facilities at Montage Kapalua > Ritz.

Each property has its pluses/minuses and I encourage everyone to visit both

Montage Kapalua Bay is situated between two beautiful beaches

Montage Kapalua Bay is a highly interactive, open-air, oasis resort

Food at the restaurant under the lobby, Cane & Canoe, and pool bar was off the charts (foodie here)

The Talent never, ever, wants to have to tell a guest "no" (least that's what I learned in Hospitality 101)

Aspect that most resonated was the cohesive/warm/family-type energy the new facilities and Talent so generously gave off

New pool facilities had numerous waterfalls, rock climbing opportunities, bubble-massage beds, a couple well-hidden makeout spots (think: Playboy Mansion Grotto), and at least 2 hot tubs. Like its neighbor, complimentary sunscreen (SPF 50ish) is available upon request. See pictures below!

I have ridiculously high expectations. I worked in hospitality ops for 4 years @SPG and developed an eye for imperfections. Also a Starwood Residences Owner and lived in a 5-star property for 3 years. Montage Kapalua is already functioning as a well-oiled machine and I finally concede tearing down the (former) Kapalua Bay Hotel 8 years ago was the right choice.

If you're considering staying on the east side of the island, don't. It's not a valid question unless you've found an amazing deal. Four Seasons, Grand Wailea and Kea Lani are dated properties with little character. If you have the urge, do yourself a favor and go directly to Oahu.

Lastly, rent a convertible!

Kagehitokiri

thanks, some great details/photos in the first trip report posted here!

aug 1 2013 - montage began management (so 10 month soft-opening/etc)
jan 1 2013 - timbers began management (lasted 7 months)
may 31 2009 - opened under ritz carlton management (lasted 3 years and 7 months)

looking at online reservations, i see they have 1,250 sq ft 1BR suites listed
1BRs connect/lockoff? or did they actually renovate? 1,750ft2 and 2,065ft2 2/3BR
so (former) fractionals, and no residences in inventory yet, but they will be >
http://www.montagehotels.com/kapalua...ations/suites/ "to 4,000 square feet"
http://www.montageresidenceskapaluabay.com/ >
http://www.montageresidenceskapaluab...loorplans1.pdf

when i posted that, i hadnt noted montage is all one owner (except kapalua and palmetto contracts)
and for kapaulua property, it seems like montage actually purchased its management entity

IIRC montage deer valley has some great comments here
so good news considering montage owner has kauai plans >
(only montage kapalua and palmetto are management contracts, and reflags)
upcoming montage >
- cabo (looks like part of master plan with other hotels and residences)
http://ohanare.com/portfolio/ (montage owner) >
- kauai - 86 hotel cottages and 34 single family residences
- sonoma - 130 hotel rooms and 70 single family residences
presumably both of those will also be montage

Goodmorning2U

This is a fantastic trip report. What are your thoughts on the rooms/suites?

If I might ask, what type of rate did you secure?

Valveking

Do you have access to the RC facilities as well? This is the former RC residences right?