Makena Beach & Golf Resort Marks 25th Anniversary with Beautification Project

WAILEA-MAKENA, Hawaii, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Landmark Hotels Group, managers of The Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui, announces plans for a multi-phased multi-million dollar beautification project that will encompass all areas of the 1,800-acre, 310-room and suite resort.  The property, formerly the Maui Prince Hotel, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a commitment to restoring the gracious hospitality standards of one of Maui's most respected resort destinations.

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At completion, Makena Beach & Golf Resort will offer an affordable price point not easily available in the exclusive Wailea-Makena resort area.  This includes providing improved guest experiences and better values for island visitors.

Guest Rooms and Suites

Phase One of Makena Beach & Golf Resort's rooms beautification project is already underway and includes the remodeling of all 290 guest rooms and 20 suites as well as updates to public facilities and amenities.  Expected to be completed by April 2012, plans for the spacious guest rooms include down-to-the-bare-walls makeovers, new wall-to-wall carpeting, granite countertops in the bathroom areas, contemporary faucets and fixtures and refinished cherry wood furnishings.

Additional new amenities include 37-inch flat screen high definition TVs, superior quality bed linens and bath towels and a new line of Tommy Bahama bath products.  Artwork reflecting Hawaii's rich artistic heritage and other designer touches, including bed throws and plush mattresses, are being incorporated to create an ambience that epitomizes both comfort and quality.

Contemporary room decor mirrors the colors of the surrounding sand and sea environment: beige and gold tones are complemented with hues of blue, teal, and sage for a tranquil effect. Slatted wood doors are being refitted and refurbished to lend an upscale residential influence to room and suite entryways.

Lobby & Public Areas

The lobby and porte cochere of the property have been transformed into an expansive, open-air "living room" for resort guests.  Comfortable seating areas featuring furnishings and area rugs chosen by Landmark designers from several renowned furniture houses capitalize on Maui's island sensibilities and tropical ambience.  Wi-fi internet access is available throughout the property.

Food Service and Dining

New Executive Chef Marc McDowell, a certified Master Gardener, is committed to refining the dining experience at Makena. He brings a "make everything from scratch" goodness to Makena's dining routine that is exceptionally reflected in revamped menus and dining room concepts.  The popular Japanese buffet in Raku's has been re-introduced, while garden and water feature refurbishments at Cafe Kiowai, the property's all-day dining room, have restored the outdoor ambience and enhanced the dining experience.  Herbs from Chef McDowell's garden are being used daily while plans for an on-property aquaponic garden to grow fresh vegetables and raise fish are already in the works.

The new Barista 5400 coffee shop is conveniently located at the lobby entry serving homemade baked goods and a selection of Starbucks® coffees and teas.  Barista 5400 also offers smoothies, fresh salads and sandwiches throughout the day.

Exterior Signage, Beautification and Security

Over a quarter of a million dollars has been invested in landscape improvements to open up dramatic ocean views and vistas.  The exterior of the hotel has been completely repainted and new signage installed at the entry to Makena Resort and throughout the property.  The re-landscaped Japanese garden and surrounding koi ponds capitalize on the 'zen' atmosphere that has been a part of Makena's legacy since its opening 25 years ago.

The property's spirit of aloha is apparent from the front entrance of the resort and extends throughout an expansive network of gardens and water features, embodying 'the home in Hawaii' feeling both visually and experientially.  A state-of-the-art security system with controlled access and monitoring capabilities has also been installed throughout the resort.

Makena Golf Course

Visually stunning yet challenging, the Robert Trent Jones-designed Makena Golf Course has been restored to tournament-quality condition with expertly manicured fairways and greens. A new fleet of Precedent Club Car electric golf carts has on-board GPS systems, improved safety features, and food and beverage ordering capabilities for quicker service at the course's 10th Tee Snack Shop.

The Makena Pro Shop has also been remodeled and showcases popular lines of apparel, equipment and golf accessories from the country's top manufacturers. The club's newly renamed Cafe on the Green restaurant (formerly the Makena Clubhouse) offers a completely new menu for all-day dining. Golf Director Timothy Murphy oversees Makena's golf operations and the pursuit to reclaim its reputation as one of the best natural golf experiences in Hawaii.  An added touch:  cold oshibori towel service is offered to golfers at the completion of their rounds. Intra-resort shuttle service is available on a complimentary basis.

Makena Tennis Club

Under Tennis Professional Frank Salvador, the Makena Tennis Club has undergone a major refurbishment in all areas, from court surfacing to pro shop apparel and equipment lines and enhanced membership programming. All six tennis courts have been upgraded and recently resurfaced with high quality Plexipave tennis court surfaces, the same professional surfaces used at the Australian and U.S. Opens.  All courts now sport high quality netting systems and two courts are lit for night play, making Makena Tennis Center the only center for night-time tennis on the southeastern coast of Maui.

New landscaping capitalizes on fabulous ocean vistas and golf course views and the remodeled Pro Shop sports the latest in apparel, racquets, including the entire line of Wilson rackets, and accessories. Makena's tennis professionals can also re-string, re-grip, and customize the weight of racquets as part of a 24-hour guaranteed service program.  Improved programming includes weekly, monthly and yearly membership opportunities, a complimentary Player Matching Program, and daily tennis clinics, including Salvador's Saturday Workout.  Tennis players receive courtesy discounts for Makena Kai Day Spa treatments and an intra-resort shuttle service is available on a complimentary basis.

Makena Fitness Center

Currently under construction, a new 2500-square-foot fitness center, overlooking the resort's gardens and water features, will be triple the size of the present facility. The new Fitness Center will be outfitted with state-of-the-art Life Fitness, Star Trac and Free Motion equipment and be open to guests 24 hours a day. The new Fitness Center is slated for completion this Fall.  

The Pool Experience

Makena's pool complex will be resurfaced and outfitted with multi-hued deck chairs, loungers and umbrellas.  The Pool Bar & Grill is also being remodeled to include brick pizza ovens, frozen yogurt machines, and outdoor grill areas. Menus have been modernized to reflect new trends in outdoor dining and nearby shuffle board courts and ping pong tables are ready for play. A new beach activity program will maximize the numerous recreational opportunities at Maluaka Beach.

Weddings, Meetings and Conference Services

Makena Beach & Golf Resort's commitment to "green meetings" is lowering the environmental impact of special events held on property.  New packages, group incentives, and event venues are being developed to offer affordability and versatility for groups and events of all sizes. The re-landscaping of the resort's gardens has opened view channels and created new locations for weddings and ceremonies while fresh, inspired menus and improved service standards are already elevating levels of guest satisfaction.

The Future

Landmark Hotels Group Senior Vice President and General Manager Shawn Sweeney is overseeing Makena Beach & Golf Resort's transformation. Since new ownership and leadership assumed the property in September 2010, progress has moved at an astonishing pace, with little disruption to daily operations or the guest experience.

Without a doubt, a new era of aloha hospitality, imbued with a renewed sense of pride, energy and enthusiasm for ensuring quality guest experiences, has begun at the Makena Beach & Golf Resort – a defining moment in the resort's and the destination's 25-year history.

For more information on the Makena Beach & Golf Resort, and for reservations, call 800-321-MAUI (6284), or 808-874-1111, or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com

SOURCE Landmark Hotels Group