The Residences at Kapalua Bay & Montage: An Update

The Residences at Kapalua Bay & Montage: An Update

It has been announced that Montage Hotels and Resorts will take over as the operator of The Residences at Kapalua Bay.  The Pacific Business News reports this transition will take place later this summer (sometime in August).

In recent years, Montage Hotels and Resorts have received numerous awards and accolades, including World’s Best awards from Travel + Leisure and Conde Naste Traveler.  In a 2008 interview with Montage CEO Alan Feurstman, Estates West for their “15 to Watch” edition revealed his philosophy: ‘“[Our] commitment is to an incredible sense of place,” he says.  And this vision is apparent in each of the stunningly elegant settings he brings to life, with every one of his hotels reflecting the distinct architecture and ambiance of its location.  “There is an incredible passion that we as a group at Montage have in creating and operating the resorts, hotels and residences that we’re building—it’s very experiential.”’ 

This struck me as an interesting parallel with a description often associated with the Kapalua Resort: and Hawaii  Clifford Nae’ole, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s cultural advisor, has held a long running program by that same name, "A Sense of Place" here in the Resort.  His program is a historical discussion and walking tour to the Kapalua Resort’s Honokahua Preservation site, which provides a narrative detailing the significance of the sense of place, here in Kapalua to both ancient Hawaiians as well as for cultural practices today.    

The marriage of the Residences at Kapalua Bay and the Montage Hotel and Resort group is a positive direction for the property.  After the court confirmed foreclosure by the lienholders in January, 2013, the new owners are still in the process of taking title.  The appointment of Montage as the new operator is the first step in the rebranding and re-launch of the property.   

I encourage you to visit the Montage’s website (www.montagehotels.com) to learn more about their Mission, Vision and Values and properties.  Montage takes over for Timber’s Resorts, which was named the interim manager after the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences ended operations on December 31, 2012.  At this time, Montage’s portfolio includes Hotels and Residences in Beverly Hills, Laguna Beach and Deer Valley, as well as a resort in Los Cabos, Mexico set to open in 2014. 

As soon as I heard the news, I decided to visit the Montage properties in Beverly Hills and Laguna Beach.  Both have a unique character and are well suited to the surrounding areas,  The views at the Laguna Beach property are simply stunning.  I found the Residences at both properties to be similar in size to those at the Residences at Kapalua Bay, and the level of service offered by Montage I personally found to be on par with that of the previous operator, Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences.   

I will continue to post updates as information is made available and any sales programs are announced in the future.  You will find updates on my blog as well as in my newsletter and on my dedicated Residences at Kapalua Bay page.  If you would like to receive updates on the Residences and be notified when sales are re-launched via email, please contact me.

In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or for additional  information.