Travaasa Destinations Opens Second Property, Travaasa Hana, Maui

DENVER, June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Travaasa Destinations, a new collection of experiential hotels, today announced the opening of the newest hotel in its growing portfolio, Travaasa Hana in Maui, Hawaii.  Set amid the picturesque oceanfront community of "Heavenly Hana" on Maui's secluded eastern shore, the property, formerly known as Hotel Hana-Maui, features 70 cottages and suites, a wellness spa, locally-sourced dining, and extensive programming highlighting Hawaii's rich cultural heritage. Guests can choose from two different offerings: an all-inclusive program which includes meals, a daily spa credit and as many activities as they wish, or an a la carte stay.  The brand's first property, Travaasa Austin, opened in Texas's Hill Country in mid-April, 2011.

Located at the end of the famous Road to Hana, the original property opened in 1947 and became a favorite retreat for generations of travelers seeking barefoot elegance, unspoiled natural beauty and a Hawaiian sense of place. Travaasa Destinations' philosophy is to provide an escape for those looking to experience something new, enrich their lives and immerse themselves in local traditions, which pays tribute to the hotel's original intention. The AAA Four Diamond Hotel was recently rated the No. 2 Hawaii Hotel in the 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards Poll. The Spa at Travaasa Hana was also named the No. 1 Resort Spa in Hawaii by Conde Nast Traveler in 2011. Today, Travaasa Hana incorporates local and regional elements while encompassing the brand's five pillars: adventure, culinary, culture, fitness and spa/wellness.

"We are thrilled to add this quintessential Hawaiian property to our growing collection of experiential hotels," said Joy Berry, president of Travaasa Destinations.  "Travaasa Destinations' properties strive to bring back the magic of travel and I can't imagine any place more magical than the storied town of Hana."

Beautiful settings, exceptional levels of service, a captivating sense of adventure and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy define Travaasa Destinations' hotels. Accommodations at Travaasa Hana consist of 47 plantation-style Sea Ranch Cottages and 23 low-rise bungalow Garden View Suites. The spacious guestrooms feature organic linens and pampering amenities. To enjoy the comforting sounds of nature, the rooms are free from radios, clocks and televisions.

The exclusive Sea Ranch Cottages are generously-sized with high wood-beamed ceilings, interior ceiling fans and cooling tropical trade winds. All feature private lanais, many with private hot tubs.  The minimum age requirement for Sea Ranch Cottage guests is 16-years-old.

A diverse selection of programming reflects the small town flavor and local traditions of Hana, including throw net fishing demonstrations, hula and ukulele lessons, lei making, coconut husking, guided coastal and garden walks, bicycle tours, stand-up paddle boarding, outrigger canoe paddling, costal workouts, and digital photography classes. The Spa at Travaasa Hana infuses therapeutic native Hawaiian treatments with exercise as part of its holistic approach to relaxation and wellness and utilizes locally made and organic products. The Kauiki dining room showcases ocean-to-table cuisine and fresh organic fare by Executive Chef Barry Villiarimo, who was born and raised in Hana. Utilizing ingredients like taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, coconut milk and fern shoots in his menus, Villiarimo honors the traditions of native Hawaiians who depended on the mountains and ocean for food.

"It is our privilege to add a new chapter to this incredibly storied property," said Mark Stebbings, general manager of Travaasa Hana. "While we continue to rekindle the romance of old Hawaii with warmly appealing ambiance and gracious service, we have added new adventure, culinary, culture, fitness and spa/wellness activities that are authentic, fun and enriching. There is something different each day and every guest has the opportunity to choose how much, or how little, to do."

All-inclusive rates at the Sea Ranch Cottages start at $499 per person, per night based on double occupancy, excluding taxes and service charges. Rates include adults-only accommodations, three meals per day plus snacks, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, daily spa treatments, all resort activities, use of sports equipment, wellness classes, and use of The Spa facilities.

Rates at the Garden View Suites start at $399 per night, double occupancy. Garden View Suites are offered as packages or are charged as hotel rooms alone, allowing activities and meals to be booked a la carte.

For more information on Travaasa Destinations, visit www.travaasa.com or call 855.TO.TRAVAASA (855.868.7282). Follow Travaasa Hana at twitter.com/travaasa_hana and facebook.com/travaasa.hana.

About Travaasa Destinations

Travaasa Destinations is a collection of experiential destination hotels, uniting a variety of customizable experiences with spectacular natural locations. Extensive, diverse programming is offered around the brand's five pillars: adventure, culinary, culture, fitness and spa/wellness. Travaasa Destinations strives to educate and inspire by incorporating local and regional elements from each destination to create an authentic experience. Package pricing is per person and includes daily spa services, gourmet meals and snacks, as well as full access to all experiences and accommodations. The Travaasa Destinations portfolio currently includes two properties: Travaasa Austin, opened in April 2011 and Travaasa Hana, opened in June 2011, with plans for additional properties to be added in the future. www.travaasa.com

SOURCE Travaasa Destinations