Purpose-Driven Culture at Maui's Newest Westin

I've visited the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas twice now and loved the experience both times.

So when I got word that the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka'anapali was opening next door, I couldn't help but wonder: "Can they really be that different?"

It's the same owner, same fractional ownership model, same basic premise: spacious villa accommodations, but with resort hotel amenities and the Westin products fans of the brand have come to expect. It's a tried-and-true model, and it yields good results-what's to fix?

As it turns out, nothing's necessarily broken, but a new-build property is always a chance to work with a clean slate and make some minor enhancements to an already successful idea. The property opened in May and was still factory fresh when I visited in October.

From a resort perspective, there have been several improvements from the resort's "older sister" next door.

The main signature restaurant has been moved from the lobby building to a more central location in the center of the complex, as has the "market" outlet, which offers grab-and-go meals, groceries, Starbucks and gifts.

Not to leave the lobby bare, Mea 'Ono is a smaller grab-and-go outlet that is modeled after the crack seed shops of the plantation era, selling sundries and candy for quick purchases before setting out on island adventures.

What's more, the available land isn't entirely given over to resort pools. They are just as generously sized but are clustered oceanfront, while guests not wishing for the more energetic pool-front experience can opt to lounge alongside tranquil lagoons in areas which are far less trafficked. There's also an expanded kid's club with activities that can be enjoyed either with staff or parents.

Guest room design has also been updated to not only feel more spacious but with reformatted areas to congregate. The breakfast bar and small dining table of the old design has been replaced with an open, eat-in design with a bar-height island that can do double duty for both prep and indoor dining. The smaller indoor and outdoor four-top tables both have been expanded to six, so each villa has options for larger groups.

Plantation shuttered soaker tubs in master suites have been replaced by visually striking standalone soaker tubs with separate standup showers and small local accents like whale's tail-shaped towel hooks. Kitchens make up for the loss of the storage space in the breakfast nooks by incorporating a small pantry.

From a cultural perspective, there's been increased interest in authentic cultural experiences by Hawai'i visitors, and the resort is well equipped to meet that need.

There's an on-site cultural advisor directing activities in a purpose-built cultural center near the lobby, and the design of the resort from the bottom up was done with Hawaiian cultural elements in mind.

In landscaping the resort, there was also a significance placed on using plants endemic to Hawai'i and those introduced by early voyagers from Polynesia (colloquially termed "canoe plants".) Of course, you'll find later introductions like plumeria, but there's a heavy emphasis on plants like lehua, kalo (taro) and 'ulu (breadfruit). Buildings are also themed with Hawaiian cultural concepts and images to help aid younger guests with wayfinding.

Mauka Makai, the resort's signature restaurant, places emphasis on these plants in much of their cooking, but also on fresh, local seafood and produce prepared in ways inspired by the varied culinary traditions that have found their way to Hawai'i-from the early Polynesians to the pan-Asian influences of the plantation culture that was particularly prolific on Maui from the 19th to 20th century.

Of particular note was the luscious small plate combination of crispy pork belly and seared ahi, meant to be taken together in the same bite for the flavors and textures to compliment each other on the palate.

The Takeaway

New, fresh and distinctly Hawai'i Nei in concept and design, the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas are certain to collect their share of stories from travelers drawn to a sense of place, togetherness and authenticity that will keep them coming back.

The Math

Rates start at $329 for off-peak seasons for one, two, or three-bedroom villas.

Instagrammable Moment

Sunsets in Mauka Makai and the neighboring bar at happy hour are pretty luscious. However, one of the most popular photos on my Instagram feed turned out to be shots of the comfy lagoon-side lounge chairs in the lobby.

Loyalty

Starwood Preferred Guest. It's worth noting that as a villa property, some elite benefits like late checkout are not available.

Good To Know

Valet is a good value at only a slight surcharge over the self-parking fees and is complimentary the first night.

In lieu of the normal Westin Make a Green Choice™ program that offers Starpoints or account credits, the property offers vouchers for buffet breakfasts for declining housekeeping services.

There's scheduled transportation between the resort and the three other Starwood properties in Ka'anapali and Lahaina.

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