Kapalua Wine & Food Festival::Ritz-Carlton, Maui

It seems like everyday I receive a multitude of press releases inviting me to come see “our hotel’s $50 million transformation” or “our $32 million beautifully refurbished hotel” or check out “Hotel X’s comprehensive transformation to the tune of $65 million.” Most of these end up in the garbage because—Big Whoop.

But even I perked up when I received news that “The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua completed a $180 million transformation, which was the largest in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company’s history worldwide!” Even by today’s standards that buys a hellava lot of transformation. I was so wowed by the “after” pictures of the spa’s volcanic stone grottos, luxe cabana’s, spacious new rooms that I decided I should probably check it out in person. Rough job, but…..

Eureka! What timing. It just so happens that the Ritz is getting ready to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. This granddaddy of all F & W events will be hosted by Fred Dame, the president of the Court of Master Sommeliers. It will kick off June 11 with an invitation-only festivus attended by Master Sommeliers, winemakers,celebrity chefs (such as Chef Robert McGrath, Winner of the prestigious James Beard Award “Best Chef in America: Southwest”, and Executive Chef Scott Giambastiani, of internet dominator, Google, Inc) and ends four fun & food filled days later with their epicurean highlight: the Kapalua Seafood Festival.

Good news: there are still some tickets available for all or part of the festival if you hurry.
Plus, the Ritz is offering a special Wine & Food Festival Package which includes:

· Deluxe Ocean View, Club Room, or Club Ocean View Accommodations

· Two-day passes to the Grand Tasting and the Seafood Festival

· Buffet breakfast daily for two in the Terrace Restaurant

Three-night minimum stay required
Available June 10 – 15, 2009
Package starting at $750
Check website for details on the Wine & Food Festival or here for reservations and packages.

P.s. Don’t worry about putting on extra pounds. I plan on burning off the kcals while exploring every last inch of the Ritz-Carlton’s 54 acres. I’ll be jogging over to their new Herb and Veggie garden (planted to represent all the Hawaiian Islands), exotic fruit orchard, and pineapple fields. A little cross training is in order so next I’ll swim laps in their signature 10,000 sq.ft. pool, then possibly fumble around their championship golf courses (yes, there are two of them) and I’m really looking forward to joining a rainforest hike led by an expert naturalist as part of their new Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Environmental Program. A little snorkeling, perhaps while taking part in their underwater photography class, then maybe challenge a few other guests to a friendly competition at the Kapalua Adventure Center, where we can try the rope course, climbing tower, and end up with a little zip-line action. Actually, sounds like I might just lose a few pounds!