There are a lot of “proper” methods to do Hawaiiand… I genuinely love most of them. I like the model the place you go just a little rugged — the place the roads get thinner, there are creepers dangling throughout you, and cliffs to leap off round each bend within the street. I like the surf modeltoo — the place the waves dictate the tempo, meals are there as gasoline, and the concern of offending an area within the water has me at my most courteous.
However over the previous few years, I’ve discovered one other model of Hawaii that’s powerful to disclaim — the one the place I simply chill and chill and chill. That’s the model I lived at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. And I didn’t understand how badly I wanted it till I used to be already there.
Why It’s Superior
Like… 4 minutes after arrival, my journey fell right into a rhythm that felt virtually suspiciously straightforward. I awakened early, daylight already pouring by sheer curtains, and began with the kind of resort feast that might be extreme if it wasn’t so thoughtfully put collectively — vibrant fruit, heat pastries, and native espresso.
The air was gentle. The solar warmed my pores and skin. The plumeria had been in bloom. You understand… all the weather of a Hawaii postcard.
For 3 days, I wandered all the way down to the white sand seashore and slipped into the water earlier than I used to be even totally awake. Later, I’d snorkel simply offshore, watching sea turtles glide by the cerulean sea (see how poetic this idyll made me!?). After that? Lengthy afternoon naps. A pulp detective novel by the pool. A cocktail at 3pm.
This wasn’t a visit about conquering an itinerary. It was about settling right into a tempo I hadn’t allowed myself in a very long time. And the Andaz Maui at Wailea made that extremely straightforward.
In-Home Meals & Drink
Kaʻana Kitchen anchors the eating expertiseand it’s the sort of restaurant that instantly tells you what the resort values. The kitchen is open, the substances are native and seasonal, and the meals feels considerate whereas nonetheless being crowd-pleasing. The wagyu hanger steak with inexperienced papaya was my private spotlight on the menu — an ideal combo of brightness and savory flavors. The seared scallops with parmesean gnocci was additionally a pleasure.
Breakfast turned a each day ritual (one I skip at residence) — defitinely one thing to linger over. This was each due to all of the recent fruit and pastry choices and that heat, convivial power that (once more) is kind of a part of the “mainlander visiting the islands” fantasy.
Past that, I’ve to say the poolside service was very attentive and the menu was thorough. And for those who’re staying in a villa, as I used to be, the personal eating expertise is unparalleled. Simply tremendous dialed and undoubtedly “particular feeling.” This appears to be one thing of an Andaz trademark as a result of I had the “villa eating” at their Costa Rica property tooand it was equally unbelievable.
Facilities
The property stretches throughout a beneficiant oceanfront footprint in Wailea, with Mokapu Seashore unfolding proper in entrance of you — white sand, mild waves, and loads of the aforementioned sea turtles. The structure is clear and fashionable however deliberately breezy so that you simply don’t really feel such as you’re in a concrete jungle.
One of many smartest selections right here is the pool format. There are a number of swimming pools unfold throughout the property, together with adults-only choices, which implies the power naturally self-sorts. Households have house to be households. {Couples} and solo vacationers can discover calm with out being irritated by crying children. It feels like a small factor, but it surely basically adjustments how relaxed the whole resort feels.
Listed here are a couple of extra of the important thing options:
- A number of swimming pools— together with infinity-edge choices and adults-only areas.
- Direct seashore entry — Mokapu Seashore sits proper in entrance of the resort, with wonderful snorkeling simply offshore.
- ʻĀwili Spa & Salon — a full-scale spa expertise.
The Āwili Spa & Salon isn’t one thing you tack onto your keep — it’s really particular. The house itself is expansive and calm, with sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and devoted rest areas that encourage you to remain longer than you meant to. Remedies lean into a way of place, utilizing methods and substances that really feel linked to Hawaii reasonably than imported wholesale.
You go in for a therapy and are available out realizing half the day has handed. Which is the precise kind of spa I like.
Room Sorts & Villa Dwelling
The usual rooms and suites are well-designed and comfy, however the villas unlock a unique model of the expertise. Full kitchens, indoor-outdoor residing areas, beneficiant lanais, and — in some circumstances — personal plunge swimming pools create a way that you simply’re not visiting a resort a lot as briefly relocating to a calmer life.
Staying in a villa made it straightforward to embrace stillness for me. Mornings stretched. Evenings allowed for a complete lot of winding down. As a dude who loves fashionable feeling wooden design touches, I felt like the inside design group on this property killed it.
What to Do Inside 15 Minutes
One of many understated pleasures of this property is its proximity to the Wailea Seashore Path. It’s a straightforward, scenic stroll with the ocean on one aspect and manicured gardens on the opposite.
Mattress Recreation
The beds listed below are constructed for restoration. After saltwater, solar, and lengthy days of doing virtually nothing, sleep arrives shortly and deeply. Afternoon naps develop into non-negotiable.
Score: 9/10
Sexiness Score
That is grown, assured sexiness. Linen. Quiet confidence. “I’ll meet you for some play time after my sauna” power.
It’s not loud and it doesn’t must be. Nonetheless… for those who permit children now we have to shave some factors off.
Score: 8/10
Views & Photograph Moments
Golden hour does plenty of work right here. Ocean-facing swimming pools, palm silhouettes, and wide-open sky imply images are inclined to look higher than you bear in mind taking them.
Score: 8/10
Backside Line
Andaz Maui at Wailea is the lodge you select whenever you need the true Hawaii reset (or to have a brilliant relaxed few days as a part of a much bigger journey). It’s polished with out being valuable, relaxed with out being sleepy, and designed across the radical concept that relaxation is an efficient factor.
Is that this the one strategy to expertise Hawaii? Completely not. However for those who’ve by no means taken the model of the journey that prioritizes ease — actual ease — it is a stunning place to start out.