38 / 56
“Hawaii is all about the outdoors,” explains
Ed Crovo, HVO’s chief operating officer. “One
of the things that struck me as the project was
being built is how dramatic the entrance is. As
you look out, the ocean and the island of Lanai
are perfectly framed. Nobody else can claim
that view.”
Each unit boasts an outdoor lanai large
enough for a
punee
(queen-sized Hawaiian
daybed), several chaise lounges, and a table
seating four.
“I knew we had a winner when we developed
these oversized balconies,” Crovo says. “You
feel like you’re hanging over the ocean. You can
sleep out there with the sound of the waves crashing beneath you.
It’s not something you can experience in just any location.”
The Hyatt Ka’anapali Beach was designed as a premium
property, incorporating high-quality finishes and fixtures. The
kitchens offer high-end appliances including a refrigerator,
cooktop, dishwasher, and washer and dryer. Master baths feature
free-standing soaker tubs and double vanities.
The materials, textures, and finishes in the units and throughout
the resort provide a neutral background for a palette of warmer colors.
Outdoor dining areas provide views of both the Pacific and the pool
area, and a wide, curvilinear path bordered by extensive plantings
winds from the lobby to the beach. Lush landscaping includes trees
that were relocated during construction, as well as native and tropical
species, all chosen for their adaptability to the climate.
Amenities include a lagoon pool with a zero-entry children’s
area and a separate adult infinity pool, the beachfront Pau Huaka’i
tiki bar, the Lahaina Provision Company gourmet store, a casual
dining restaurant, and a 3,000-square-foot (279 square meters)
fitness center. Vacation owners can take advantage of the Hyatt
Regency Maui Resort & Spa’s amenities, which include multiple
dining options, a day spa, a kids’ play area, and a waterslide.
Selling Flexibility
Since the resort opened its doors last December, Crovo notes that
sales activity has been building, “especially now that there is some-
thing to see, touch, and experience.” The sales center, located in
the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, provides the experienced
representatives with the latest technologies.
The market for Hawaii is primarily the
Western U.S., but buyers also hail from the
Northeast corridor, not to mention Asia and
even Europe. “We’re also seeing positive interest
from the Chicago area and Dallas,” Crovo says,
explaining that these are two major central U.S.
cities with direct flights to Hawaii. With prices
reaching US$165,000, the project caters to an
upper-income clientele.
During presales, about 50 percent of tours
were guests at the Hyatt Regency Maui
Resort & Spa, with the others coming from
OPC locations at the Whaler’s Village Mall and
the nearby Ka’anapali golf courses. Now that the resort is opened,
in-house and mini-vacation guests have been added to the mix.
Crovo expects that a significant number of new owners will be
taking their first vacations at their home resort. “Certainly, one of the
things Hyatt Residence Club sells at the Maui property is, first off, a
destination,” he says. “If you want to come back year after year, you
can. You have a deeded right to a specific unit type at a specific
time of the year. If you’re not able to do that, you can convert your
week to points.
“It’s really the best of all worlds,” he continues. “You can get the
destination you purchased, or if you want to go skiing, or take a city
vacation, or see ruins in Mexico, you can.”
While owners are sure to be impressed by the variety of ways
they can now enrich their vacation experiences, their home resort
may hold them in its thrall for some time to come.
“The Hyatt Ka’anapali Beach is an achievement that epitomizes
Hyatt’s reputation for creating iconic, high-quality resorts in
world-class destinations,” says Craig M. Nash, chairman,
president, and CEO of ILG. “HVO shares our passion for delivering
great vacation experiences, which is one of the reasons we’re very
excited to include such a renowned brand as part of the ILG family
of companies.”
See page 2 for currency conversions.
Catherine Lackner, based in Miami, Florida, writes for newspapers,
magazines, and various media, and has been covering the vacation
ownership industry for 10 years.
36