Sheraton Maui Resort

Description:

• Terrific facilities for families and fitness buffs and a premier beach location make this beautiful resort an all-around great place to stay. The grande dame of Kaanapali Beach is built into the side of a cliff on the curving, white-sand cove next to Black Rock (a lava formation that rises 80 ft. above the beach), where there's excellent snorkeling. The resort comprises six buildings of six stories or fewer set in well-established tropical gardens. The lobby has been elevated to take advantage of panoramic views, and a lagoonlike pool features lava-rock waterways, wooden bridges, and an open-air whirlpool. Cliff divers swan-dive off the torch-lit lava-rock headland in a traditional sunset ceremony -- a sight to see. And the views of Kaanapali Beach, with Lanai and Molokai in the distance, are some of the best around.

  Every unit is outfitted with amenities galore, right down to toothbrushes and toothpaste. Other pluses include the Sweet Sleeper Bed, a private balcony, and a "no-hassle" check-in policy: The valet takes you and your luggage straight to your room. There's also a new emphasis on family appeal, with a class of rooms dedicated to those traveling with kids. These "family suites" have three beds, a sitting room with full-size couch, and two TVs, both equipped with Nintendo. In addition, there's the Keiki Aloha program, with fun activities ranging from Hawaiian games to visits to nearby attractions. Children 12 and younger eat free when dining with one adult.

  The Seaside Salon and Day Spa is a tiny boutique spa offering quite an array of services; I recommend the "Beauty in a Blanket" treatment, which gives you a massage, facial, wrap, and scrub.

  Facilities: 2 restaurants; 2 poolside bars; indoor lounge; lagoon-style pool; 36-hole golf course; 3 tennis courts; fitness center; day spa; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rentals; children's program; lobby and poolside concierge; car-rental desk; business center; room service; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; same-day laundry service and dry cleaning; nightly sunset cliff-dive ceremony; beachfront snorkeling at Black Rock; weekly luau.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010