Review of newly renovated Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay, Hawaii

Courier-Mail

12 hours ago

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Renowned for its elegant take on modern luxury, Ritz-Carlton took over management of the renovated Turtle Bay Resort in July 2024, making it the brand's third resort in Hawaii.
The location
The original Turtle Bay Resort was built in 1972, before laws regulated development close to the ocean, which means the property enjoys unrivalled beachfront along O'ahu's northern coast, a one-hour drive from Honolulu. Naturally, the blockbuster location caught Hollywood's attention and the property's 1,300 acres have appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean, Hunger Games, and Jumanji II.
The lowdown
The resort underwent a US$250M facelift during the pandemic that included adding a new club lounge, fitness centre, spa and restaurants. In the lobby, which was once a darkened casino, the west and east walls were blown off to flood the space with natural light, accompanied by blonde timber flooring and sheer white curtains.
The resort underwent a US$250M facelift during the pandemic
Pulling up a seat at the west-facing lobby bar, you can sip cocktails overlooking the three different pools that cascade down the hill to the beach where wobbly surfers are taking lessons. Each pool is designed for different guests, from adult-only submerged lounges to kid friendly pools with disabled access. To the east, guests lay down a towel or lounge on spacious cabanas at family-friendly Turtle Beach.
The property's 1,300 acres have appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean, Hunger Games, and Jumanji II
The hotel is Y-shaped, so after the lobby area you reach a fork with boutique shops, a high-end restaurant, and private lounge to the left, and casual café and mini market to the right.
For a hotel that can host nearly 1,000 guests at a time, there's a surprising number of places where you can find privacy, from sunken circular fire pits thrust into bar-side infinity pool, to smaller nooks and lounges tucked between the pools.
The tranquility pool in an ocean bungalow
The rooms
All 462 rooms, counting 408 in the main building and 64 villas and bungalows a short buggy ride away, have waterfront views. I'm staying in a 43 sqm premium veranda room with king bed. The calming warm timbers and crisp white linen contrasts spectacularly with a wall-to-wall print of a crashing wave splashed above the bed, which propels me out onto my private balcony to watch the sunset.
I have a coffee machine, (empty) mini-fridge, lounge and mounted flat-screen TV. Charging points are plentiful, including bedside USB and USB-C ports. The bathroom and walk-in shower provide plenty of space to hang all my clothes and store my suitcase, with complimentary amenities from eco-friendly beauty care brand OLAS.
I'm staying in a 43 sqm premium veranda room with king bed
Food and drinks
When it comes to filling your plate, guests have five options ranging from burgers and salads at poolside Sunset Bar to light breakfasts at Ho'olana café, and poke bowls at Beach House on Turtle Beach. The resort's pride and joy is Alaia, a beautifully presented restaurant with a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients. It is the kind of place where a main-sized bowl of pasta will set you back AUD$65 (not including tips and taxes), or you can tuck into an AUD$300 tomahawk steak. If you want to eat for less, Holoholo Market sells Hawaiian souvenirs alongside supermarket goods like packaged sandwiches and sushi.
An optional upgrade also gives you access to The Club, a private lounge area with a self-service bar and buffet with rotating menu three times a day. Even if you're not in a snacking mood, it's a great place to sit and watch the waves.
The Alaia breakfast spread
Shopping and fitness
Scattered across the resort are four shops catering to different tastes and budgets. The Shop stocks Ritz-Carlton branded merchandise, while neighbouring Breeze offers premium coastal chic for men and women. Surf House showcases local, eco-conscious designers with bright and boldly patterned surf wear, including lines developed by three-time world champion surfer and local legend John Florence. You can pick up beach gear, like snorkels, masks and games for the kids, at Watershed.
If lounging by the pool leaves you restless, the gym is one of the best equipped I've ever seen in a hotel and enjoys some of the resort's best views.
The terraced pool at the Ritz-Carlton O'ahu
The extras
The resort offers an impressively stacked roster of experiences, which change every day of the week, ranging from lei making and hula lessons to stargazing, canoe tours, sound bathing, surf lessons and night snorkelling. Helicopter tours are expected to start this summer. Most activities need to be booked in advance, with some included in your room rate and others attracting an additional fee. Every Wednesday night, Ritz-Carlton hosts a Hawaiian Cowboy Lūʻau featuring cultural music, dancing and buffet.
Snorkel at night to explore Kuilima Cove
What's hot
Ritz-Carlton has partnered with local environmental organisations to help restore Kahuku Point, a vital monk seal habitat and green turtle nesting site.
What's not
Like with many American resorts, check the fine print of what is and isn't included in your stay to avoid any surprises.
Know what is, and isn't included in your stay
The verdict: 9/10
For a destination crowded with beautiful beachfront hotels, Ritz-Carlton has crafted a showstopping stay that caters just as well to families as it does honeymooners.
Rooms start at $U799 (about $1200).
The writer was a guest of the O'ahu Visitor Bureau, Hawai'i Tourism Oceania and Qantas.
Originally published as Review: The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay just had a glow up