The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

This opulent monolith of a hotel is remote, tucked away on Maui’s northwest coast, and perhaps uncharacteristically it’s set back from the beach, high on a forested hillside, with commanding views of Honolua Bay and the distant and picturesque island of Molokai more than making up for any slight bother in getting to one of the three beaches.

Also uncharacteristic for Ritz-Carlton is the Kapalua’s architectural style — a case of “when in Hawai’i,” one imagines. Rather than the European country manor style that’s grown so familiar, this hotel’s look is a contemporary one, subtly Polynesian, tastefully elegant. Most of the guest rooms have at least partial ocean views, and all come with the full complement of luxury amenities, including private lanais, ornate marble bathrooms and high-speed internet access. The Club level goes one step further, offering dedicated 24-hour concierge service and feather beds with Frette linens.

This isn’t the sort of hotel from which you’ll be able to dash off to town — the location makes it something of a self-contained destination, and naturally the facilities are quite up to the task. The three golf courses are a major draw, and non-golfers will enjoy the spa and fitness center, or perhaps the kids’ club. Four restaurants and two bars ensure you’re never at a loss when evening comes — if you’re up for it the Beach House Bar & Grill offers live Hawaiian entertainment most nights, and the Banyan Tree restaurant is among Maui’s finest.