Courtney Brown

The Realtor's Association of Maui has posted its May 2009 statistics. While activity has been slow overall for year to date over last year, it does seem like there has been an increase in activity in the Kapalua Resort, with five new escrows.

The activity focused largely at the Golf Villas, which reflects the lower price range of the Kapalua Resort Market. A 1-bedroom listed at $599,000 is now pending, as are two 2-bedroom listings at $600,000 and $650,000. The lowest priced oceanfront one bedroom at the Bay Villas, at a list price of $1,100,000, is also pending sale.

The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences celebrated it's opening at the end of May, and we have seen more visitors and guests each day. Since the property opened, Residence1403, has also been placed under contract.

It was a gorgeous day today, so I thought I'd take a little time to stop by the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay. Strolling through the lobby, the view overlooks beautifully landscaped grounds, framing the channel between Molokai and Lanai. The sound of waterfalls surround, as you make your way to a lagoon like pool setting. This time, I had my camera handy.

I stopped by one of my favorite locations, 2503, which has stunning coastal and sunset views overlooking the pool area (pictured left). But what's special about this location is actually the views from the back bedrooms, which look out toward the Plantation Course and Honolua Bay.

Koliana Designs, the talented team that has renovated many of the Kapalua Villas to new Gold Standards has just finished decorating the first Residence. The three bedroom plus den features custom designed furnishings and artwork from local Maui artists.

The Kapalua Spa is absolutely stunning. I had the opportunity to preview it with the Kapalua Club, and am thrilled with the newest amenity in our resort.

Entering the building, you are greeted with a view overlooking the Coconut Grove and Kapalua Bay. Waterfall features and fire bowls frame the view. To the left is the juice bar and gift shop (already stocked with jewelry, skincare and spa products!) and the flex room (for those looking forward to yoga classes). To the right are the treatment rooms. Downstairs you'll find the fitness center (complete with a kenesis circuit system), the saline lap pool, and the men's and women's locker rooms. You'll note the theme of the ocean woven throughout the decor and reflected in the treatments.

At this time, Kapalua Club Gold level members will have access to the spa and fitness facilities through their membership program. Members of the public will also be able to book treatments. For information, please contact the Kapalua Spa at 866-941-5772. For those visiting from the mainland, the Kapalua Villas has put together some amazing spa packages for a limited time.

At the beginning of each year, the Kapalua Resort hosts a tournament champions in the first PGA event of the season. In years past, this invitation only tournament was the Mercedes-Benz Championship. This year, the new sponsor is SBS.

Played at the Plantation Course, it is a fantastic spectator tournament--as long as you can walk the hills and valleys, you can follow your favorite PGA professional closely. While walking the par 73, Crenshaw and Coore designed course is challenging, the backdrop is spectacular.

A friend sent this ESPN profile to me because it mentions Kapalua. I wanted to share it with you. Whether you are a golfer or not, it's an inspirational story, about having the determination to pick yourself up even after you fall.

http://vodpod.com/watch/1165857-walk-on-espn-video

So, I invite you to follow in DJ's footsteps, and join us in Kapalua from January 4th-10th, 2010 to walk the Plantation Course in the first SBS Championship.

Last night, the Ritz-Carlton Club, Kapalua Bay welcomed its first guests.

While I'd been on several construction tours over the past few years, I took the opportunity to walk through the property last night, seeing it all for the first time. Flowing rivers line the walkway to the lobby, and the sound of waterfalls greet you. As I entered, I was struck by the view that captures the best of Kapalua: a tropical landscape, leading to Kapalua Bay, framed by the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.

As I walked through the meandering pool area, I passed over bridges, waterfalls and grottos. The first guests were sitting at the outdoor pool bar, watching the sunset and clearly enjoying being the first to experience the Kapalua Resort's newest luxury community.

The wholly owned Ritz-Carlton Residences will begin closing shortly, and the newly decorated model should be open in time for the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, held this June. Comprised of spacious three and four bedroom floorplans, these are amongst the largest oceanfront condominium residences in the Kapalua Resort.

Prices of whole ownership residences begin just under four million. For more information on this new community, please don't hesitate to contact me.