Hotels
Fairmont Kea Lani needed a music strategy that could reflect the spirit of Maui while appealing to its global clientele. The hotel’s soundscapes were inconsistent across zones, and guest experiences varied depending on the area. Each space had a different use case and demographic, yet lacked cohesion. Music was either absent or disconnected from the atmosphere, particularly in spaces like the spa, restaurants, and fitness centre. Staff also lacked an easy way to manage the music or give feedback.
Altaura crafted a bespoke sound strategy for each zone, aligning music with guest intention and energy across the day. We designed subtle, natural playlists for the spa, vibrant yet refined selections for poolside and dining areas, and integrated remote scheduling tools to ensure seamless delivery and easy updates. Our team also advised on speaker placement and system optimisation, working closely with on-site installers to preserve the hotel’s aesthetic while maximising audio quality.
Understanding the property and people
We began with an extensive site visit and stakeholder workshops to immerse ourselves in the hotel’s environment. The team met with department heads, staff, and leadership to define key goals for each space. These sessions revealed key pain points, like inconsistent ambience or echo issues in public areas, but also opportunities where music could enhance mood and memory. Our research led to the definition of core pillars to guide the strategy: effortless luxury, local authenticity, positivity, and people-first hospitality.
Designing for each zone
Using insights from the workshops, Altaura mapped out a zone-by-zone music strategy. From the breakfast areas to the spa, each playlist was tailored to reflect both time of day and guest mindset. The spa was given calming soundscapes rich in natural instrumentation. Ko restaurant was curated with elegant, soulful sounds for refined dining. At Ama Bar & Grill, the sound was more upbeat and vibrant, designed to build energy into the evening. Every playlist reflected both Hawaiian roots and global relevance.
Music as storytelling
Each playlist was designed to tell a story. Using regional instruments and musical influences from the island, we created a distinct sonic identity that balanced cultural respect with international appeal. The music helped guide guest emotions: encouraging calm in the spa, focus in the fitness centre, and joy in the lobby. Every transition across zones was considered, building a seamless guest journey from check-in to evening cocktails.
Implementation and rollout
Altaura worked closely with the hotel team to roll out all playlists simultaneously across the resort. Local installers fine-tuned speakers in each zone to ensure optimal clarity and ambience. We consulted on tech upgrades and helped implement a user-friendly backend system that gave hotel staff remote access, along with the ability to block songs and provide real-time feedback. This ensured that the playlists remained both dynamic and adaptable, and the music strategy was fully operational without burdening the internal team.
Continuous support and measurable results
Following launch, Altaura maintained close communication with the hotel team to assess performance and make refinements. The impact was clear: guest satisfaction scores related to ambience rose to 9/10, and staff reported a marked increase in enjoyment at work. Breakfast areas saw a 6-minute reduction in table turnover times, helping eliminate wait times and boost operational efficiency. The curated sound has now become a recognised part of the Kea Lani experience.
Impact and results
Altaura’s music strategy elevated the Fairmont Kea Lani into a multisensory guest experience. The strategy aligned perfectly with the property’s brand and boosted everything from guest satisfaction to staff morale and operational efficiency.
“Partnering with Altaura has transformed our atmosphere. Their expertise has provided us with high-quality, customised soundtracks that perfectly complement our theme and enhance the experience. Altaura's seamless transitions, optimised sound levels, and tailored playlists create a unique ambiance that our guests love. Their contribution has significantly boosted our brand identity and guest satisfaction. We couldn't be happier with their service.”
our work
Through careful planning, cultural sensitivity, and deep brand understanding, Altaura helped Kea Lani find its sonic identity. The result is a guest experience that feels considered, elegant and distinctly Hawaiian, yet welcoming to an international audience.
