formerhater
newbie
We just spent a week at WPORV. We were in a studio on the second (top) floor at the end of building 7 with a nice view overlooking a large lawn and the ocean beyond. We inquired about an upgrade on check-in, but were told they were all full for our stay. In retrospect, we’re happy that we got to keep our studio with a view.
A few observations…
The property is large and spread out, which left it feeling very uncrowded. Granted, they are still finishing up interior construction on a couple of buildings, but they claim to be operating at 70% and it almost seemed empty at times. I think this is the function of multiple public areas (pools, lawns, BBQs, bars) and the fact that people tend to go out and explore the island a lot.
The property is on a bluff (as advertised). If you need to be on the beach, this property is not for you. Stop reading and go to WKORV.
There is access to Anini (technically Wylie) Beach via a foot path at the entrance of the property. It’s clearly marked with signage and a parking lot and it was the first thing we saw as we arrived. As I mentioned in another thread, it’s a steep, unpaved path and it took us under 8 minutes from trailhead to beach in flip flops. Travel time would probably be about 15 minutes or so from a villa depending on where it’s located. Able bodied adults should have no problem with the path, but it’s probably easiest with closed toe shoes and you wouldn’t want to haul too much stuff. Small kids, aged folks, or people with injuries/leg problems would probably be better going to a beach that can be driven to. The beach was nice and very uncrowded.
As is indicated on property maps, the buildings run perpendicular to the coastline (with the exception of a few units at the end of each building that face the ocean). I suspect these units will mostly be occupied by owners and/or elites, but who knows. Some units face the golf courses (and ocean beyond). Some units face other units across large lawns and may or may not have an ocean view if they hang off their balcony. Some units look over parking lots (and ocean or mountains beyond). As for the ocean views, it has been mentioned that the views could be better with some shrub trimming. That is definitely the case, but as I suspected, they are not Westin’s shrubs to trim. According to one source, they have filed a petition with the state for permission to trim them. That would significantly increase the views, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. I would guess that the units with the best views will generally be at the end of buildings three, five, and seven.
The Ke Kai Bar near one of the plunge pools turned out to be a great place to hang out. Chris, the bartender, is full of info on things to do in the area and he runs mixology, where he teaches you to make your own drink. He had quite a crowd and some great Mai Tai specials. They should keep that place open later than they do.
We ate breakfast at the restaurant once. They have a great 2 for 1 special on the buffet early on weekdays. Regular price is $20. Usual breakfast hot items and a killer fresh fruit spread. A great deal. Their dinner menu wasn’t enticing enough to draw us in so I can’t report on that. Maybe a 2 for 1 special would do the trick.
There are a ton of BBQs, which is great since the property is so spread out. I do wish they would put some BBQ tools in the individual units. I believe you have to get them from the store, which is a bit of a pain as the unit is very spread out. We ended up winging it with the less than stellar kitchen utensils. Speaking of which, they were pretty similar (if not exactly the same) to what we had at WKORV last year and I really wish they would have spent a little more money on some higher quality stuff. The pots and pans are dorm quality and it shows.
There are several palapas through out as well as some large palapa style cabanas that are available for rent. I think we saw one being used the whole week and I think they’re kind of lame. They would make for nice public spaces and seem to be wasted as they sit empty all day. There are a couple by the main pool that are prime locations (and likely the source of the pool bar rumors). One would make a great pool bar site, but instead it was usually chained up and empty. I’d like to see them do something different with those.
For you aspiring meteorologists, it was usually pretty pleasant with the occasional shower or brief downpour during the day. It does rain more up north than other parts of the island, but in our experience, the majority of the rain comes at night. We had several nights of heavy rains while we slept only to wake up to sunny mornings.
That’s about all I can remember right now. We had a great time. It's generally very peaceful with some nice gathering areas. Construction is minimal (almost entirely interior). The property is very nice and could be even nicer with a few improvements (i.e. trimming). If you like the north shore, I think you’ll enjoy it. If you have to be on the beach or are a Maui loyalist, it may not be for you. I’m happy to try to answer any questions.
A few observations…
The property is large and spread out, which left it feeling very uncrowded. Granted, they are still finishing up interior construction on a couple of buildings, but they claim to be operating at 70% and it almost seemed empty at times. I think this is the function of multiple public areas (pools, lawns, BBQs, bars) and the fact that people tend to go out and explore the island a lot.
The property is on a bluff (as advertised). If you need to be on the beach, this property is not for you. Stop reading and go to WKORV.
There is access to Anini (technically Wylie) Beach via a foot path at the entrance of the property. It’s clearly marked with signage and a parking lot and it was the first thing we saw as we arrived. As I mentioned in another thread, it’s a steep, unpaved path and it took us under 8 minutes from trailhead to beach in flip flops. Travel time would probably be about 15 minutes or so from a villa depending on where it’s located. Able bodied adults should have no problem with the path, but it’s probably easiest with closed toe shoes and you wouldn’t want to haul too much stuff. Small kids, aged folks, or people with injuries/leg problems would probably be better going to a beach that can be driven to. The beach was nice and very uncrowded.As is indicated on property maps, the buildings run perpendicular to the coastline (with the exception of a few units at the end of each building that face the ocean). I suspect these units will mostly be occupied by owners and/or elites, but who knows. Some units face the golf courses (and ocean beyond). Some units face other units across large lawns and may or may not have an ocean view if they hang off their balcony. Some units look over parking lots (and ocean or mountains beyond). As for the ocean views, it has been mentioned that the views could be better with some shrub trimming. That is definitely the case, but as I suspected, they are not Westin’s shrubs to trim. According to one source, they have filed a petition with the state for permission to trim them. That would significantly increase the views, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. I would guess that the units with the best views will generally be at the end of buildings three, five, and seven.
The Ke Kai Bar near one of the plunge pools turned out to be a great place to hang out. Chris, the bartender, is full of info on things to do in the area and he runs mixology, where he teaches you to make your own drink. He had quite a crowd and some great Mai Tai specials. They should keep that place open later than they do.
We ate breakfast at the restaurant once. They have a great 2 for 1 special on the buffet early on weekdays. Regular price is $20. Usual breakfast hot items and a killer fresh fruit spread. A great deal. Their dinner menu wasn’t enticing enough to draw us in so I can’t report on that. Maybe a 2 for 1 special would do the trick.
There are a ton of BBQs, which is great since the property is so spread out. I do wish they would put some BBQ tools in the individual units. I believe you have to get them from the store, which is a bit of a pain as the unit is very spread out. We ended up winging it with the less than stellar kitchen utensils. Speaking of which, they were pretty similar (if not exactly the same) to what we had at WKORV last year and I really wish they would have spent a little more money on some higher quality stuff. The pots and pans are dorm quality and it shows.
There are several palapas through out as well as some large palapa style cabanas that are available for rent. I think we saw one being used the whole week and I think they’re kind of lame. They would make for nice public spaces and seem to be wasted as they sit empty all day. There are a couple by the main pool that are prime locations (and likely the source of the pool bar rumors). One would make a great pool bar site, but instead it was usually chained up and empty. I’d like to see them do something different with those.
For you aspiring meteorologists, it was usually pretty pleasant with the occasional shower or brief downpour during the day. It does rain more up north than other parts of the island, but in our experience, the majority of the rain comes at night. We had several nights of heavy rains while we slept only to wake up to sunny mornings.
That’s about all I can remember right now. We had a great time. It's generally very peaceful with some nice gathering areas. Construction is minimal (almost entirely interior). The property is very nice and could be even nicer with a few improvements (i.e. trimming). If you like the north shore, I think you’ll enjoy it. If you have to be on the beach or are a Maui loyalist, it may not be for you. I’m happy to try to answer any questions.
