- Hotel Website: The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
- Location: Google Maps
- Book: Check availability
- Room Type: Ocean Front Suite (Sunrise View) – Suite, 1 King, Living/sitting area, Patio, Sunrise View
- Review Score: Results of our review
- Hotel Fact: The resort is built on a site that has served as a major filming location for decades. The dramatic coastal backdrop, known for its rugged beauty and famous waves, has been featured in several iconic movies and TV shows, making it a recognizable piece of cinematic history. The most famous example is arguably the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which used the property extensively.
Location: Beautiful, secluded setting on the scenic North Shore.
Luxury Suite: A fantastic east wing room with the closest possible ocean view.
Dining: Top-tier food quality across the board; the breakfast buffet was a 10/10.
Ambiance: Stunning, open-air lobby and bar area with unique fire pits and ocean views.
Service: Employees were generally spectacular and highly attentive (minus the initial arrival hiccup).
Amenities: Complimentary, direct beach access with towels and chairs provided.
Isolation: The resort is geographically isolated; it is not close to Waikiki beaches or major North Shore shopping/restaurants.
Arrival Experience: Valet service was extremely slow, requiring us to manage our own luggage cart initially.
Room Amenities: No full-length mirror in the suite.
Ritz-Carlton Standards: Several deviations from traditional Ritz-Carlton standards (e.g., non-traditional bath amenities, lack of bottled water service, absence of a double bathroom vanity).
Cost-Cutting Measures: The quality of the toilet paper felt distinctly lower (“airport toilet paper”).
Breakfast Rush: Lines form quickly; arrive before 7:15 AM to secure optimal outdoor seating.
🕐 24-hour room service
🧸 Babysitting services
🍸 Bar
🏖️ Beach
🧘 Fitness classes
⛳ Golf
🏋️ Gym
📋 Meeting rooms
🏊 Outdoor pool
🐾 Pet friendly
🍽️ Restaurants
💆 Spa
The Luxe Atlas Rating
Design: 8.9/10
Vibe: 9.5/10
Romantic: 9.2/10
Air Conditioning: 9.5/10
Room: 9/10
Food: 9.1/10
Location: 8/10
Gym/Fitness: 10/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Wow Factor: 10/10
Overall Experience: 9.32/10
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay Review: A North Shore Luxury Escape
This review covers our recent experience at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay Resort, located on the secluded North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. This property, which famously transitioned from an older Turtle Bay Resort and previously a Hilton, underwent significant renovation before reopening its doors last year under the Ritz-Carlton flag. This history provides context for some of its unique structural elements but ultimately offers a refined, luxurious alternative to the bustling, tourist-heavy Waikiki scene, carving out a niche for secluded, high-end escapes on the North Shore.
Introduction: North Shore’s Unique Positioning
Another unique stay means another fun review! This time we are focusing on Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore resort: The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay. It is important to consider that this luxury property is not situated near the popular beaches of Waikiki or the main shopping hubs of the North Shore. Instead, it offers a self-contained retreat, built on the historic grounds of the former Turtle Bay Resort. We took this unique positioning into consideration, as while we had visited the area many times, this was our first stay at the newly rebranded Ritz-Carlton. We always enjoy visiting the North Shore for the legendary Banzai Pipeline, the surfers, the unique shopping, and the laid-back vibe it carries, and we were thrilled to spend a nice weekend here.
The Arrival Experience: First Impressions and Valet Hiccups
Our journey began at the Honolulu airport (HNL), where we picked up our SUV and grabbed our leis before embarking on the approximate hour and fifteen-minute drive to Turtle Bay. The drive itself is scenic, winding through different parts of the island before reaching the peaceful North Shore landscape. Upon arrival, the resort is situated at the very back of the Turtle Bay complex, which is a sprawling area featuring condos, Airbnb rentals, and a golf course. We drove directly to the valet at the main Ritz-Carlton entrance.
However, the first impression upon arriving at the resort’s dedicated valet was underwhelming. We were unfortunately quite taken aback that no one approached us promptly. After such a long drive, the expectation for a Ritz-Carlton arrival is instant, high-touch service. Instead, the valet service was exceptionally slow, to the point where my travel companion and I ended up managing our own luggage, loading a cart ourselves without any assistance from the team. This initial lapse in five-star service was frustrating, providing an immediate and negative contrast to the luxury environment we sought. After eventually finding a staff member and getting our keys checked in, we proceeded inside for check-in. During check-in, our upgraded room was not yet ready, so we utilized the time to enjoy a number of wonderful cocktails at the lobby bar. We later returned to the desk and were escorted to our room.
The Main Resort: Lobby, Ambiance, and Design
The main entryway welcomes guests into a beautiful, open-air lobby, typical of many grand Hawaiian resorts. While they have the capability to close windows for weather, the overall vibe is distinctly outdoors. Off the lobby, you’ll find stands offering tourism guides, which we skipped.
The spectacular lobby bar truly stands as the heart of the resort. It provides stunning, panoramic views overlooking meticulously designed tiered fountains, the tranquil bay, and the massive ocean waves beyond. What elevates the evening ambiance are the unique gas fire pits strategically placed inside the fountains. This clever design element creates a breathtaking contrast of fire and water, giving the entire open-air area a warm, inviting glow that encourages guests to linger over cocktails late into the evening. It’s a beautifully executed space that merges modern resort design with the natural elements of the North Shore. There are plenty of lovely sitting areas for afternoon and evening cocktails, with attentive waitstaff circulating constantly.
Inside the Suite: Unexpected Luxury and Missing Details
Our upgraded suite was located in the East Wing, all the way at the very back, which proved to be a fantastic location with the best ocean view possible. Though the bellhop did mention the weight of our luggage cart (which felt a bit strange to us), we entered our beautiful room to find a lovely layout: a large bathroom on the left, a spacious sitting/living area with a television, a beautiful Ritz-Carlton bed, and our own personal balcony overlooking the water.
Despite the glorious, unobstructed ocean view and the generous space afforded by the suite layout, the property’s subtle deviations from expected Ritz-Carlton luxury standards were noticeable.
Room Lighting: The overall lighting setup inside the room was strikingly inadequate. Once the sun passed the hotel and the evening approached, the entire room plunged into dimness. With only three small lamps scattered throughout the large space, it became genuinely difficult to perform simple tasks like locating items in a suitcase, seeing clearly in the small mirrors, or having enough illumination for a quick photo or selfie. This was, by far, the worst and most poorly planned lighting we have ever encountered at a Ritz-Carlton property.
Mirrors: The complete absence of a full-length mirror in a luxury suite is a significant oversight for travelers preparing for events or even just a day out. We checked every possible location—the armoire, the closet, the back of doors—but found only a small, awkward one-foot-tall mirror by the front door and the two-foot diameter circle vanity mirror in the bathroom. This seemingly minor detail had daily practical implications.
Water Service: While traditional Ritz-Carltons are known for being generous with bottled water, this resort provided only two reusable aluminum bottles for us to refill ourselves at the centralized ice machine station down the hall. We keenly missed the customary turndown service where fresh bottled water is placed bedside, forcing us to remember this chore before turning in for the night.
Amenities & Toiletries: Another notable difference was the use of non-traditional bath amenities. The resort did not feature the standard Ritz-Carlton branded shampoo, conditioner, or soaps. While the replacement products weren’t inherently bad, the switch was unexpected for a brand where consistency is part of the promise. Even more curious were the less-luxurious details, such as the distinctly lower quality toilet paper that felt similar to “airport toilet paper,” suggesting some visible cost reduction measures across the property.
Bathroom Layout: The bathroom itself was noticeably smaller than typical Ritz-Carlton standards and, disappointingly, did not feature the expected double sink vanity often crucial for suites shared by two travelers.
However, the team did excel in other traditional luxury services. The air conditioning was powerful and efficient, crucial for the humid climate. The empty large fridge was appreciated, and the balcony was perfect for morning coffee. Though the bed and sheets did not feel like the traditional Ritz-Carlton mattress, they were well-suited for the hot and humid climate. We received nightly turndown service while we were out, complete with the expected, high-quality Ritz-Carlton chocolates. Furthermore, we were thrilled to find a massive thank you note and a beautiful bottle of wine awaiting us upon arrival, courtesy of Classic Travel, a touch that underscored the personalized service.
Culinary Excellence: Onsite Restaurants and Breakfast Strategy
The resort features a number of excellent dining options, including Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi. We highly recommend Roy’s and strongly advise utilizing the breakfast benefit. We received complimentary breakfast with our stay and rotated between the buffet (a solid 10/10) and ordering à la carte. Be sure to charge all drinks and food to your room to ensure your refund is processed correctly.
The food and beverage program here truly distinguishes the property, offering top-of-the-line quality that rivals even the most exclusive international destinations—second only to our experiences in the Maldives. The breakfast benefit, which we strongly advise utilizing, was a particular standout. The buffet, which we rated a solid 10/10, featured an incredible array of fresh local fruits, specialty Hawaiian dishes, made-to-order options, and high-quality staples. Whether opting for the buffet or ordering à la carte, the consistency was exceptional.
A crucial tip for breakfast at the resort is the timing: make sure to arrive before 7:15 AM. Due to the high volume of guests and the natural consequence of travelers adjusting to the time change (often resulting in accidental 3 AM or 4 AM wake-ups), the restaurant gets extremely packed very quickly. Arriving early is essential to secure a spot on the highly recommended outdoor patio, which offers beautiful morning views and a relaxing start to the day, ensuring you avoid a potentially long wait for a table inside.
Onsite Dining Options and Typical Operating Hours (Daily)
Alaia | Signature Modern Hawaiian (Breakfast) | Breakfast: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
Alaia | Signature Modern Hawaiian (Dinner) | Dinner: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi | Hawaiian Fusion / Pacific Rim (Lunch) | Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi | Hawaiian Fusion / Pacific Rim (Dinner) | Dinner: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
Off The Lip | Lobby Lounge / Crafted Cocktails & Small Bites | 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
Lei Lei’s Bar & Grill | Casual American / Golf Course View (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Ho’olana | Coffee House / Baked Goods / Grab-and-Go | 5:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Sunset Pool Bar | Poolside Drinks and Bites | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Retail Therapy: Onsite Shopping and Boutique Options
Multiple unique retail stores are conveniently available just off the main lobby and conference area, catering to various needs. The Market functions as a high-end convenience store, perfect for quick snacks or beverages. The Ritz-Carlton Store features detailed, branded apparel, high-quality souvenirs, and logo products suitable for gifts. For the adventurer, there are specialized Surf Shops, including a cool, main one and another smaller outlet near the pool area, selling everything from wax and boardshorts to branded apparel. Lastly, a few charming Boutiques near the market offer unique local apparel and jewelry, making it easy to find a memento without leaving the grounds.
Water Amenities: Pools, Jacuzzi, and Protected Beach Access
The resort boasts a massive main pool and a very large outdoor Jacuzzi that attracts many guests. However, we preferred the tranquility of the direct beach access. The property provides complimentary chairs and beach towels at a dedicated stand, making a day by the ocean effortless. Importantly, the beach area benefits greatly from its location within a bay protected by large jetties. This natural and man-made barrier ensures the water is traditionally quite calm, providing a gentle environment ideal for wading, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the sand, a stark contrast to the rougher waters found on other parts of the North Shore.
Exploring the Grounds: Scenery and Leisure Activities
Beyond the water amenities, we highly recommend taking the time to explore the entire meticulously maintained property on foot. The landscape architecture is stunning, particularly when walking around the front grassy areas often utilized for elegant wedding ceremonies. These grounds are exceptionally beautiful and highly picturesque, especially in the evening when the resort lighting enhances the tropical foliage. For the photography enthusiast, the long route back to your suite after a late afternoon at the beach provides the perfect opportunity to capture the breathtaking Hawaiian sunset over the palm trees and pools. This is the ideal time to snap photos as the golden hour light creates perfect shadows and colors. Furthermore, the experience of hanging out at the pool bar is unique; during our visit, we enjoyed watching the World Series on the television screens with the dramatic backdrop of the ocean crashing just behind the bar—a truly memorable blending of relaxation and entertainment.
Final Verdict: Is The Turtle Bay Escape Right for You?
In conclusion, our stay at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay Resort was a truly rewarding experience. The property successfully delivered luxury through its gorgeous ambiance, high-quality dining, and dedicated staff. The hotel successfully carved out its niche as a secluded, elegant destination. However, we would recommend this resort to anyone looking for an intense, relaxing escape lasting a few days, but anything beyond three or four nights might start to feel slightly isolating. Given the property’s self-contained nature, we covered the main areas and amenities within the first 24 hours. After three nights, we were personally ready to transition to the more energetic, vibrant atmosphere of Waikiki Beach for the remainder of our trip. To counter the potential for boredom, we highly suggest setting aside at least one full day to explore the wider North Shore area—head out to see the legendary Banzai Pipeline surfers and enjoy some local shopping and food trucks, which provides a perfect balance to the resort’s seclusion.
Pictures of The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
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