The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka'anapali

When Westin Nanea Ocean Villas opened in 2017, it was the fourth Westin property on the island, and they took care to pay respects to the island and culture. Landscaping here is beautiful, and the outdoor public space is full of swaying palms, bright green lawns, thatched roofs, rocky walkways, and calming koi ponds. Compared to its neighboring sister property, the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, which draws a lot of families with young children, the Nanea is more relaxing and has less of a rambunctious vibe. This is also a smaller property, giving it a more intimate feel (while still allowing guests to venture over to use the facilities). The design is contemporary and clean with lots of black stone, smooth wood, and cream walls. The result is a casual, welcoming vibe with an elegant lean. 

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is located along the beach just two miles (six-minute drive) north of Lahaina's popular Ka'anapali Beach. This is a tourist area and most of the surrounding buildings are other hotels. The hotel shares its 16 acres of beachfront with next door sister property, the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. The tourist-friendly town of Lahaina is an 11-minute drive south, Mount Haleakala is around two hours by car, and Hana is about two hours and 45 minutes east. The area's main airport, Kahului Airport, is around a 45-minute drive away. 

The beach behind the hotel is just a short walk across the boardwalk. A six-minute drive north of the popular Ka'anapali Beach, this beach is surrounded by a preserve, leaving much of the area to vegetation. The beach area is beautiful, but narrow, and there are usually a few sun loungers and umbrellas set up for guests. Beware, the ocean here can be rocky and it's not always possible to swim. Farther down the beach, in front of the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, guests will find kiosks for water sports. 

The 390 villas here have an apartment-style layout with separate living rooms and bedrooms, plus full-sized kitchens and large dining room tables. Kitchens come with all the fixings to whip up a large meal, including pots, pans, utensils, and full-sized appliances. Convenience continues with stacked washer/dryer units, dishwashers, and contemporary L-shaped couches that double as pullout beds. All villas have free Wi-Fi, 55-inch smart TVs, and iPod docks. The carpeted bedrooms feature Westin's signature Heavenly Beds and big windows that bring in loads of natural light. Marble bathrooms are contemporary, and villas with separate rainfall showers and large soaking tubs feel more luxe than ones without. Each villa has a spacious terrace with a table that seats up to six. Resort views are standard for all One Bedroom Villas, while upgrades to some Two Bedroom Villas and all Three Bedroom Villas add oceanfront views. 

The resort's pool area is a popular spot during the day, and the contemporary, cushioned loungers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lagoon-style main pool has sparkling blue water, and is dotted with small faux-lava rock boulders and palm trees. The tall palms, manmade koi ponds cut into the walkways, and the carefully placed lava rocks help give the space a natural, relaxing vibe. The adjacent black-sand beach pool is usually taken over by kids who also have a fun splash pad area with waterspouts out on the pool deck. Both pools are heated, and there are also three whirlpools (for adults only). A smaller rectangular pool has shallow water and a chair lift to assist guests with mobility issues. One unique feature of the Nanea is the cultural center right off the lobby which offers classes and activities to help teach guests about Hawaiian traditions and culture. There are also evening torch-lighting ceremonies to mark the transition from day to night. During the day, guests have a range of activities to choose from, including arts and crafts activities and fitness classes. Though you won't find your typical resort shows here, there are occasional and casual live music performances. The 24-hour Westin Workout Fitness Studio keeps workouts simple with a lineup of cardio machines and free weights. For an extra fee, The Westin Family Kids Club offers up half- and full-day supervised, planned activities (and food) for kids ages 5 to 12. Guests here also have access to the pools, restaurants, activities, and spa next door at the avail. Unlike some of the other Westin properties on Maui, parking rates here are reasonable; guests can self-park in the garage across the street. Wi-Fi is free and there is no resort fee.