There are hotels you check into, and there are places that change your rhythm entirely. The newly rebranded Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay—formerly Turtle Bay Resort—is the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe deeper, and lose track of time (in the best way).

Set along Oʻahu’s raw and cinematic North Shore, the property has undergone a thoughtful transformation—now marrying barefoot Hawaiian beauty with the quiet polish of the Ritz-Carlton brand. It’s still expansive and full of heart, but there’s a distinct shift in tone: more curated, more refined, without losing the soul of what makes the North Shore feel like the last stretch of untouched Oʻahu.

Why We Chose This Over Other Oʻahu Resorts

We considered several properties—including some of the most iconic hotels in Waikīkī—but ultimately chose The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay for one simple reason: serenity.

Where Waikīkī brings buzz and city energy, Turtle Bay brings space. There’s room to spread out here—physically and mentally. No elevator crowds. No poolside chaos. Just coastal trails, tide pools, golden hour, and a sense of stillness that feels increasingly rare.

The transition to a Ritz-Carlton under Marriott Bonvoy has been seamless. There were no glaring changes—just a quiet upgrade in finish and service. The soul of the property remains intact.

One of our favorite spots was Sunset, the cliffside bar perched just above the surf break. It’s hands-down one of the best up-close views of surfers we’ve ever had—like stadium seating for a live North Shore surf show, but with craft cocktails and no crowds. We could have sat there for hours watching the sets roll in while the sky turned every shade of gold. The view alone is worth the visit.

The Stay

Our oceanview room was calm, spacious, and well-designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a lanai perfect for morning coffee or post-beach wine. Natural textures, neutral tones, and thoughtful lighting made the space feel fresh but grounded.

If you’re looking for more space or privacy, the beachfront bungalows are stunning—with their own dedicated pool and a distinctly cinematic feel (has anyone seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall?).

The Spa & Wellness

We booked Lomi Lomi massages at the Nalu Spa, and I left feeling like someone had wrung out all the tension and handed me back a new nervous system. Calm, restored, and very, very happy.

I also took two reformer Pilates classes during our stay. And although it might not look like it, I’ve done a lot of Pilates over the years—enough to know when an instructor is truly exceptional. Ashley was just that. Grounded, clear, and quietly challenging in all the right ways.

Activities on Property

There’s so much to do here if you want it—and none of it feels over-programmed. Beyond the beach and the spa, there's also a golf course with sweeping ocean views, and horseback riding stables where you can explore coastal trails on horseback (arguably the most cinematic way to see the property).

The hotel offers an impressive range of experiences: everything from whale watching and sunrise yoga to family-friendly art classes and an on-site bird watching tour, which takes you around the property by golf cart to spot native and rare species. There’s snorkeling, paddle boarding, and sunset kayaking, plus stargazing nights and a festive Wednesday luau that brings Hawaiian music and storytelling to life. And if you're just in the mood to roam, you’ve got 1,500 acres of coastline and trails to explore by bike or on foot. It’s the kind of itinerary you can tailor to your mood: active, relaxed, curious, or all of the above.

Jasper booked a private surf lesson through the Jamie O'Brien Surf Experience, which is based right on the property. While he didn’t technically need a lesson, it had been ten years since his last time surfing—and he said it was incredibly helpful just to know where to go. It ended up being his favorite activity of the trip. He came back sandy, tired, and completely exhilarated.

Meanwhile, our son spent hours on the two waterslides near the main pool. It was one of those rare hotel amenities that actually delivered—he was entertained for hours, and we got to sit down and have an adult conversation that wasn’t about snacks. Everyone won.

Dining Highlights

Every meal on property felt easy, elevated, and the kind of satisfying that makes you briefly consider canceling all future dinner plans back home.

Alaia was a standout. Local flavors, seasonal ingredients, refined plating—beautiful without being showy.
The Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi gave us one of our most memorable meals. We celebrated an early birthday there, and they brought out a small quesadilla for our son as an appetizer—something they do for all kids, and frankly, a genius move. Every restaurant should do this.

For something more casual, The Smoking Boar and the Coconut hit the spot before a beach afternoon. Don’t miss the mango smoothie. It’s one of those bright, creamy island flavors you’ll crave the second you leave.

And of course, we couldn’t leave the North Shore without a stop at Kono’s for their legendary pulled pork—messy, rich, and completely satisfying.

The Beaches

One of the gifts of staying at Turtle Bay is how much coastline you can access without ever getting in a car. From tide pools and gentle coves to long stretches of golden sand, each beach we visited had its own rhythm.

We ventured beyond the property too—Kailua, Waimānalo, Ala Moana, and a few quieter local spots like The Leftovers. Some were perfect for swimming, others just right for watching the waves roll in. Oʻahu’s beaches are less about the bucket list and more about following the mood of the day. We did exactly that.

The Mood

This is not Waikīkī—and that’s precisely the point. The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay offers a rare balance: a five-star experience wrapped in the untamed beauty of the North Shore. It’s for travelers who want comfort without crowds. Stillness without isolation. And the kind of low-key luxury that doesn’t ask for attention, but earns it.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational trip, or a family vacation where everyone actually relaxes—this is the place.

The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay: North Shore, Reimagined (And Totally Worth It)