From right, Steve Williams, Angela Nolan, Mayor Alan Arakawa, Matt Avril, Thorp Thomas, Keith Fordsman, Harris Chan and Ron Hensel break ground at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas’ blessing ceremony.

KAANAPALI – Starwood Vacation Ownership, a division of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., last week Wednesday announced the development of The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, a 26-acre oceanfront resort.

Scheduled to open in 2017, the new resort on Kaanapali Beach will feature 390 villas and a variety of amenities, including an expansive lagoon-style pool and a beach bar.

Going in next to The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, the new resort will pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings.

“The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is a highly anticipated addition to the Starwood Vacation Ownership portfolio, building on the success of our existing Westin resorts on Kaanapali,” said Steve Williams, SVO’s chief operating officer.

“By working closely with Hawaiian cultural experts on the resort’s design and offerings, we will provide a truly authentic experience that celebrates the island’s rich history and traditions.”

Several of Hawaii’s elected officials and community leaders welcomed Starwood’s expansion in Maui at the ground blessing ceremony, including Alan Arakawa, mayor of the County of Maui.

“Starwood has always been respectful, gracious and kind to our community,” said Arakawa. “Their new resort will be a fine addition along Kaanapali Beach and also provide more jobs for our working class in West Maui. We are thankful that Starwood continues to expand their brand here in Maui County.”

Situated on a 26-acre property that includes a ten-acre public park, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas has been designed by WCIT Architecture, a local architectural firm, and will be constructed by Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company Inc.

Infused with a variety of Hawaiian design elements, resort amenities will include a 10,000-square-foot lagoon-style swimming pool with an upper pool, children’s beach pool and play area; two plunge pools; three oceanfront cabanas; and a WestinWORKOUT studio.

A full-service restaurant will offer ocean views and a menu of Hawaiian and international cuisine, plus the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX menu.

The pool bar will provide a relaxing setting to enjoy oceanfront views, cocktails and lighter fare.

Guests will enjoy cultural programming celebrating local history, arts and crafts, music and dance, as well as access to resort amenities at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, including Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westin.

The new Westin resort will aim to inspire “Nanea,” a state of relaxation and repose. All villas will feature Westin Heavenly Beds, bath amenities and in-room, high-speed Internet access.