Magical Maui

HOTEL WAILEA

MORE THAN SIMPLY A VACATION DESTINATION FOR CALIFORNIANS, MAUI FEELS LIKE A SEPARATE KINGDOM FILLED WITH PLUSH BEACHES, STUNNING SCENERY, AND OPULENT RESORTS. ➨

About 35 miles from Kahului Airport in South Maui sits the oasis of Hotel Wailea—an intimate five-star Relais & Chateaux adults-only property on 15-acres of lush tropical landscape. This coveted wellness destination rolls out the red carpet for its guests with complimentary Tesla Model X shuttle service, dedicated concierge service, and plush accommodations. Sip champagne upon arrival, then travel to your ocean view Celebration Suite in a beach valet for refuge in spacious, private quarters.

The 720-square-foot posh suites are decorated in an eclectic mix of tribal Polynesian artwork from owner Jonathan McManus’ personal collection. Rich colors and custom furnishings add to the sophisticated surroundings designed with a living room, separate king bedroom, two flatscreen TVs, Espresso machine wet bar, and large soaking tub.

Slip into a plush robe, take in the Aloha spirit, and relax on your lanai with a cocktail before dinner at The Restaurant. Considered one of the best on Maui,

the hotel’s onsite bistro serves decadently fresh, locally sourced seafood and Wagyu beef.

Wake up in paradise and start your day with an invigorating workout on a Peloton or an acrobatic yoga class in the open-air gym with sweeping views of the beach below. Return to your suite for an intimate alfresco breakfast, served on the lanai by room service each morning of your stay. When it’s time to bury your toes in the sugary sands of Wailea Beach, call down for a Tesla, travel a few short miles, and bask on a chaise lounge or swim in the calm, clear waters.

If you’re on Maui December through April, it’s prime humpback whale watching season. Book a catamaran cruise to view these awesome marine mammals in their natural habitat. Back in town, The Shops at Wailea offer a nice mix of designer boutiques like Prada, Coach and Gucci, and markets for sushi and ahi poke.

It's easy to spend the day floating in Hotel Wailea’s 82-degree tranquil pool with a Mai Thai or languishing away in a comfortable cabana with a good book. For a fun, satisfying experience, book a spot in a Poolside Poke class with Chef Krista Garcia, a master in the art of carving fresh fish into buttery bites of poke. Or splurge on a private chef-prepared dinner in a dramatic treehouse setting complete with stunning ocean views. Celebration Suites start at $1,299/night, hotelwailea.com.