What is it? Situated away from the hustle and bustle of Hawaii's popular tourist areas, such as Wailea and Lahaina, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is a 463-room luxury resort covering 22 hectares of a former pineapple plantation. Located on the western tip of the island of Maui, on a clifftop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and neighbouring Molokai Island, this picture-perfect destination is a paradise for honeymooners - and golfers. The hotel likes to note that it is the 'annual home of the PGA tour season-opening championship'.
In keeping with its surroundings, rooms feature dark-wood flooring, locally inspired artwork and private lanais (balconies).
Does it have a private beach? No, all beaches in Hawaii are public. However, the Ritz-Carlton has the next best thing; it's less than 100 metres from quiet DT Fleming beach, the TripAdvisor reviews of which must be seen to be believed.
What's on the menu? The hotel's award-winning Banyan Tree restaurant serves Pacific cuisine featuring local ingredients - and offers 50 per cent off all bottles on its wine list on Wednesdays - while Kai Sushi uses fresh local seafood in its Japanese cuisine.
Is there a spa? Indeed there is. Following a US$180 million renovation in 2008, the hotel opened the 17,500 sq ft Waihua spa and boutique, with 15 treatment rooms featuring outdoor garden showers. There is also a relaxation lounge, volcanic stone grottos, steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools. The treatments are inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions - predictably enough - and feature indigenous ingredients such as pineapple and coconut oil.
Is the hotel eco-sensitive? The hotel runs the Jacques Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment eco-adventure programme, which offers guests activities such as humpback-whale watching, hikes in the rainforest and tours of local ecosystems with trained naturalists. It also boasts a full-time 'cultural adviser', Clifford Naeole, who educates the staff and guests about Hawaiian history and culture while organising activities such as weekly art exhibitions.