MILL VALLEY, Calif.—Auberge Resorts Collection added Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, a resort on the Big Island of Hawaii, to its portfolio of luxury resorts, residences, and clubs. Under the direction of a development team, Mauna Lani will undergo an extensive redesign and revitalization and will be reborn as Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection.
The development and ownership team is DiamondHead Land, a joint venture between San Francisco-based ProspectHill Group and Hawaii-based hotel executive Pat Fitzgerald, in partnership with a major institutional investor. With plans already underway, the re-launch and re-opening of Mauna Lani is planned for late 2019.
“Among the many distinctive qualities of Mauna Lani are its exceptionally beautiful natural setting and iconic place in the history of Hawaii,” says Dan Friedkin, owner and chairman, Auberge Resorts Collection. “We are excited to elevate the great heritage of Mauna Lani with the Auberge sense of intimacy, world-class service, local adventures, and a fresh contemporary aesthetic that will allow guests to experience the best that Hawaii has to offer.”
“Auberge Resorts Collection shares our vision for providing a style of luxury and service that resonates with guests on a personal level,” says Pat Fitzgerald, partner, DiamondHead Land. “Auberge’s experience capturing the unique lifestyle of each destination and setting in a captivating way is what we sought for the transformation of Mauna Lani. We are thrilled to collaborate with Auberge to create a truly inspiring Hawaiian resort.”
Set on 32 oceanfront acres marked by sacred royal fishing ponds, natural lava plains, tropical gardens, and bordered by white-sand beaches, Mauna Lani offers a premier location for relaxation, adventure, and immersion in the authentic culture and traditions of Hawaii. Respect for the ancient concept of aloha āina–love of the land–and a connection to land, sea, and Hawaiian heritage will inform every aspect of the resort’s physical and experiential transformation.
Plans are well underway for a hotel renovation in excess of $100 million, which will completely re-envision the guest experience, bring to life the legacy, character, and spirit of the Kohala Coast and celebrate the natural and active lifestyle of the Island of Hawaii.
Interior design firm Meyer Davis is orchestrating a redesign of the public areas and guestrooms. Land planning and architecture firm Hart Howerton will lead the complete re-imagining of Mauna Lani’s architecture and oversee the extensive renovation and refurbishment of the resort’s gardens and grounds, respecting and preserving the ancient and sacred royal fishing ponds, native plants, and the many archeologically important features of the coastal site.
As part of the hotel redesign, the total number of hotel rooms will be reduced, and ocean-front and ocean-view suites offering panoramic coastal views will be added. The ultra-luxury Mauna Lani Bungalows, with their private pools, butler service, and private resort-within-a-resort setting, will be enhanced.
The resort’s signature waterfront CanoeHouse restaurant will serve local dishes, hand-crafted cocktails, and premium wines. The existing Bay Terrace Restaurant will be transformed and re-imagined as a new three-meal restaurant with a bar to enjoy daily sunsets.
Anchoring the extensive landscape of the resort will be brand-new pools and a variety of gathering places for playing and relaxing. A new infinity-edge adult pool and lounge with private cabanas will offer views of the royal ponds and the Pacific, and a completely redesigned family pool will be active with daily programs.
Auberge will introduce its signature Auberge Adventures program, which will take advantage of the resort’s 32 acres and the Island’s natural playground. Whether together or independently, ‘ohana (families) will enjoy active programs, from a kids club for keiki, to stand-up paddle boarding, outrigger canoe adventuring, and after-hours bonfires.
Mauna Lani will cater to active guests with a 5,000-square-foot fitness facility that includes an expansive fitness garden, personal trainers, and classes tailored to all levels, as well as The Auberge Spa.
Plans call for Mauna Lani to close in October 2018 and reopen in late 2019 as part of Auberge Resorts Collection.
