SB LIFE & STYLE travel
awaits Written by Taylon Faltas
A
s I step into the lobby of Maui’s Hotel Wailea one of the wonderful front desk associates, Adi, hands me a glass of Champagne and adorns my neck with a lei of purple orchids. Let’s face it, I was waiting for this moment the entire 5 hours and 12 minutes of that flight from LAX: I finally got lei’d. I soak in the breathtaking architecture and decoration– from the vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams to the solid, single piece of a Koa Tree, expertly crafted to serve as the check-in desk. My bags are swiftly taken from my hands, along with any worries I bring with me to the island. With only 72 one-bedroom suites across 15 lush acres, this tranquil adults-only resort has me feeling relaxed the minute I step foot into my private oasis. Hotel Wailea’s newly remodeled Celebration Suites capture an island-chic decorative palette and allow natural light and air to circulate through the entirety of these top-floor sanctuaries. I take a stroll through the elegant, modern bedroom area and the restroom, where there is a towering stone shower and deep white bathtub: the ultimate rejuvenation station. The views from my suite overlook the neighboring island of Kaho’olawe and the smaller, crescent shaped island of Molokini. The inviting crystal blue waters glisten in the sun and the natural landscape of the property dances around me as I sip the last of my Champagne on the lanai. A visit to the concierge desk reveals the wide array of activities offered, including Poolside Poke, Treehouse Dining, Aerial Silk Yoga, Tropical Mixology 101, and Sunset Sailing. I go for the Poolside Poke, a hands-on class in the art of creating delicious gourmet poke bowls. This class is taught by the incredibly experienced (and hilarious) Chef Krista. I am physically unable to wipe the smile off my face, even as she’s effortlessly filleting a fish before my eyes; her stories and expertise are unique and relevant to the cooking experience. The class can hold up to 16 students, but we are lucky to find that there is an intimate group of four poke students this evening.
64 | MARCH/APRIL 2020
