The paradisical island of Maui is not any stranger to luxurious beachfront resorts providing family-friendly lodging, prime ocean entry and rejuvenating wellness alternatives. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort sits within the coronary heart of Wailea Seashore in southern Maui, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The property combines that sought-after family-friendly vibe with Waldorf Astoria’s signature luxurious expertise — and, following a serious renovation, it occurs to boast Hawaii’s greatest spa.
I first stayed on the resort again in 2008, however the property’s latest $350 million renovation warranted my return this yr to expertise the lodge’s thrilling updates.
Whereas residents of Lahaina in West Maui (north of this lodge) are nonetheless rebuilding after devastating fires tore by way of the historic city final yr, tourism to different components of the island is very necessary, now greater than ever. These hoping to unwind in fashion ought to contemplate reserving a visit to Grand Wailea Maui — here is why the property stays a TPG favourite.
What’s Grand Wailea Maui?
Grand Wailea Maui, or “the Grand” because it’s referred to as by locals, sits on 40 acres of manicured land stretching from Wailea Seashore up towards the slope of Haleakala. With 9 swimming pools, 9 distinct eating choices, and over 800 visitor rooms, suites and villas, there’s fairly a little bit of selection for several types of vacationers.
The resort has been part of Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria assortment since 2007. Initially constructed by Japanese developer Takeshi Sekiguchi, the resort opened in 1991 because the Grand Hyatt Wailea and included one of many largest artwork collections in Hawaii — now standing at 80 items by native Hawaiian artists such Herb Kawainui Kane, and artists Fernando Botero of Colombia and Fernand Leger of France. The resort has grown and advanced over time with the addition of the Hoolei villas in 2008 and, most not too long ago, with this huge renovation.
How you can e book Grand Wailea Maui
There are a handful of how to e book Grand Wailea Maui, beginning instantly on the Hilton web site. Room charges begin round $900 per night time, together with taxes and charges, although Hilton Honors members would possibly have the ability to discover particular program charges on the web site. If you wish to redeem Hilton Honors factors in your keep, customary award redemptions can be found beginning at 110,000 factors per night time.
The resort can also be bookable through American Categorical Journey. Cardholders can earn 5 factors per greenback if reserving with The Platinum Card® from American Categorical. The property is a Fantastic Resorts + Resorts member, so the complimentary breakfast profit, 4 p.m. late checkout and different FHR facilities will apply. Keep in mind, you too can stand up to a $200 assertion credit score when reserving an Amex FHR or Resort Assortment property through Amex Journey. A fast examine of September dates reveals there’s at the moment an Amex FHR promotion for a fourth night time free, which is included within the common nightly charge of $729 or 72,925 Amex Membership Rewards factors per night time.
Capital One cardholders can e book within the Capital One Journey portal to earn miles, however the resort isn’t within the Premier or Way of life collections.
When reserving Grand Wailea Maui, you may need to use one of many bank cards that earn probably the most factors for Hilton stays, or presumably one that provides computerized Hilton Honors elite standing for value-added advantages. These embrace:
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- Hilton Honors American Categorical Surpass® Card: Earn 12 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton motels, computerized Gold elite standing and the flexibility to improve to Diamond standing by way of the top of the following calendar yr by spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar yr.
- Hilton Honors American Categorical Enterprise Card: Earn 12 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton motels, computerized Gold elite standing and the flexibility to improve to Diamond standing by way of the top of the following calendar yr by spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar yr.
- Hilton Honors American Categorical Card: Earn 7 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton motels and computerized Silver elite standing (with an improve to Gold by way of the top of the following calendar yr if you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar yr).
- Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire Card: Earn 14 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton motels and computerized Diamond elite standing.
The data for the Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or offered by the cardboard issuer.
Grand Wailea Maui’s location
The resort is about 20 minutes south of Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG). Since my final go to to the island was in 2017, I used to be excited to find a brand new rental automotive middle related to the terminal through a tram. A rental automotive is a should if you happen to resolve to enterprise off the resort grounds and expertise Maui’s Upcountry or many different seashores and native eating places. In accordance with the resort’s web site, valet parking is obtainable for $65 per day, per automotive and isn’t included within the day by day resort charge. Self-parking isn’t obtainable on the resort. An alternative choice could be to hire a automotive for the day from the resort’s on-site Enterprise Hire-A-Automotive desk, which has an outpost within the foyer.
The Wailea space is undeniably lovely — right here, you may discover an abundance of championship golf programs and luxurious resorts. In reality, there is a seashore path that connects the Fairmont Kea Lani, 4 Seasons Resort Maui, Grand Wailea Maui, Marriott’s Wailea Seashore Resort and Andaz Maui. It is common to see folks strolling within the mornings to train or within the evenings heading to close by resorts for dinner. The Outlets at Wailea is an upscale purchasing middle that’s a few quarter-mile from Grand Wailea Maui and can also be simply walkable on a sidewalk.
If you happen to’d moderately not drive your self however nonetheless need to discover the island, the resort concierge may also help set up excursions with native tour operators.
A heat welcome
When driving as much as the property, visitors should not let the resort’s expansive measurement — or the regal bronze statue of King Kamehameha I, the founder and first ruler of the dominion of Hawaii — intimidate them. From a heat welcome on the valet stand to the smiling faces behind the entrance desk, we may really feel the Hawaiian spirit of aloha instantly upon arrival.
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As my household walked by way of the open-air foyer, we stopped to admire the sculptures positioned all through. Female and male hula dancer statues graced each side of the doorway and led on to the “fortunate mermaid” statue and water function in entrance of the Botero foyer bar — a favourite spot for arrival and departure photographs.
Whereas we checked in, we got welcome leis made from kukui nuts and a shark’s tooth necklace for my daughter, together with a children passport e book of stickers that could possibly be turned in later for a shock.
Up to date rooms and suites are mild, brilliant and stress-free
Throughout the lodge’s most up-to-date renovations, rooms and suites got a lightweight and ethereal replace (a departure from the earlier coral-forward colour scheme), that includes recent and trendy impartial hues, with up to date art work depicting island themes hung all through the areas.
Thankfully, nearly all of rooms at this resort open out to spacious exterior walkways that look over the property’s grounds, permitting visitors to have fast entry to the gorgeous breezy climate as they stroll to and from their rooms. Moreover, many rooms and suites function water-facing balconies (referred to as lanais in Hawaii), too, so the nice open air really feel very accessible even if you’re tucked inside.
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Along with customary updates made throughout the board to current lodging, the lodge debuted 11 new luxurious wellness-focused visitor rooms in June, which at the moment are obtainable for reserving.
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Every room consists of facilities that enable visitors to concentrate on well being and wellness — from equipment like Therabody compression boots, a therapeutic massage gun and meditation goggles to an air air purifier, premium eucalyptus bedding and a white-noise sound machine. Friends in these rooms may have a lanai that opens onto a inexperienced house to permit for outdoor backyard entry and motion, plus entry to the brand new Kilolani Spa’s Hydrothermal Gardens. Wellness room charges begin at $1,262 per night time.
The suite life
Suites at Grand Wailea Maui begin at round $2,770 per night time (with nonrefundable charges from $2,085 per night time) and vary in measurement from a beneficiant 1,280 sq. toes (the Honuaula Suite) to five,500 sq. toes (the Napua Grand Suite, which is the most important on the property) — and embrace a number of lanais.
Friends in search of villa-style lodging with extra space and full kitchens can e book one of many Hoolei Villas, which sleep six to eight visitors and vary in measurement from 3,400 to 4,000 sq. toes.
We stayed in a Molokini Suite (1,950 sq. toes), which included one king mattress and one sleeper couch — very best for a household of three, as everybody had sufficient house. Loads of home windows meant that pure mild streamed in from a number of instructions, giving the areas a recent really feel.
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The suite, which featured trendy neutral-hued picket and glass furnishings with pops of royal blue, was composed of an entryway (which had its personal half bathtub), a lounge with a comfortable sofa and 65-inch tv, a eating room with a big picket desk and 6 blue upholstered chairs, the bed room, and a kitchen. The kitchen had a full-size fridge and a microwave, in addition to loads of counter house for entertaining (and a separate entrance for service workers if one was internet hosting an occasion).
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The king mattress displayed signature Waldorf Astoria-logo linens by Frette — a comfortable 400-thread-count cotton sateen accompanied by feather and down pillows offered a really restful sleep.
The first toilet was decked out in gleaming marble and had each a whirlpool tub and a separate glass-enclosed bathe. There was loads of cupboard space and room to hold clothes within the closet.
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In line with the ethereal, pure vibe of the remainder of the suite, there have been monumental home windows over the bathtub, providing views of each the seashore and the ocean. The tub facilities (hotel-branded) have been in refillable pump bottles and featured a tropical honey-mango scent that has develop into synonymous with Maui for me since my first go to in 2008.
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Top-of-the-line options of this suite was the balconies (there have been three to select from!), every with spectacular ocean views. From right here, we loved the sound of the waves within the morning with a cup of espresso or relaxed and watched the sundown within the evenings.
Helpful resort charge inclusions
I will additionally word that whereas day by day resort prices will be controversial, the facilities which are included in Grand Wailea Maui’s $55 day by day cost are among the most helpful — significantly for households — that I’ve encountered at a luxurious resort.
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Suppose seashore cruisers to trip across the space, day by day scuba clinics and seashore umbrellas. There are fairly just a few actions and courses included additionally — yoga, pictures periods, and hula and ukulele classes, for instance — in addition to two water bottles per stick with refill stations all through the resort.
Be aware that if you e book your keep right here with Hilton Honors factors, the day by day resort charge is waived.
Ocean-view eating
There is no scarcity of eating places on the resort — 9 in complete (and room service is obtainable, too). Nearly the entire places provide ocean views, which is the cherry on prime. From an off-the-cuff poolside lunch to an upscale dinner on the resort’s signature seafood restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, visitors will have the ability to discover choices for even significantly choosy eaters.
Wailea Surf Haus
Wailea Surf Haus sits on the pool degree, providing umbrella seating or takeout.
I loved the lobster BLT ($34), served on frivolously toasted Hawaiian bread with candy lobster salad and freshly sliced tomatoes. The saltiness of the bacon and the crunch of the lettuce have been a scrumptious mixture, and this was positively probably the greatest sandwiches I’ve ever had (and that features New England lobster rolls!). There are kid-friendly choices resembling hen tenders and fries, burgers, scorching canine, and wraps, as properly.
Loulu
The resort’s grab-and-go connoisseur wellness cafe, Loulu, is on the walkway between the boutiques and options Erewhon merchandise (Grand Wailea was the primary lodge partnership for the fashionable L.A. model) and a menu of salads, sandwiches, poke bowls, wraps and flatbreads. Seating is obtainable on the walkway that overlooks the gardens and ocean — it is a fantastic spot for a fast meal or an after-dinner gelato for the youngsters (OK, and perhaps the dad and mom, too!).
Ikena
Simply off the decrease foyer space dealing with the ocean is Ikena — the indoor-outdoor breakfast buffet. Massive umbrellas shade patio seating so visitors can expertise cool ocean breezes whereas having fun with quite a lot of traditional American breakfast objects and a few worldwide delicacies choices, too.
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Along with recent seasonal fruits, yogurt, salads and cereals, there are scorching objects resembling pancakes, waffles and crepes, eggs, bacon or sausage and a made-to-order omelet station (lobster omelet, anybody?). Gadgets like miso soup or congee are additionally obtainable on the buffet, together with recent meats, cheeses and a number of home made bakery objects. The buffet prices $45 for teenagers (keiki) and $57 for adults.
Humuhumunukunukuapuaa
Named for the Hawaiian fish, the reimagined signature restaurant Humuhumu (because it’s nicknamed) options recent seafood in addition to choices like steak, pork chops and hen. All the restaurant is a collection of thatched huts perched over a lagoon, making a magical environment within the night as you watch the sundown from an ocean-view desk.
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There’s an aquarium constructed instantly into the bar, so you possibly can sit and watch fish swimming beneath your drink. It made for fairly the centerpiece throughout cocktail hour.
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The service all through the night was attentive and never overly formal, hanging the precise steadiness for a relaxed household dinner. To begin the meal service, we ordered recent ube brioche rolls with candy lilikoi (ardour fruit) butter ($16).
A gin mule (as an alternative of a conventional vodka mule) was additionally excellent. The Wailea Seashore Mule ($23) options domestically made Fid Avenue gin, lychee syrup, recent lemon and Q hibiscus ginger beer.
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For dinner, we loved abalone and clam chowder, garnished with bacon and chives ($30); Kona crabcake with a coronary heart of palm salad and lime remoulade ($32); and 10-ounce filet mignon ($75). A children menu is obtainable with choices beginning at $24, together with a candy gelato deal with on the finish.
I contemplate this restaurant a must-try whereas visiting the resort. We discovered it to have an elevated (however not too fancy) environment, glorious meals and attentive service.
Botero
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Positioned in the course of the resort, inside the open-air foyer, is a bar referred to as Botero — named for the well-known Colombian artist whose sculptures adorn the walkways surrounding the bar. Botero serves up sushi, mild bites and cocktails, with seating obtainable at tables or on the bar. It is a fantastic various if you happen to do not need to enterprise to Olivine or Humuhumu for dinner and perhaps simply desire a lighter snack. Leisure included reside music most nights.
Swimming pools and seashores
With 9 completely different pool choices, Grand Wailea actually is sort of a water park in some ways, however surprisingly, the swimming pools by no means felt overcrowded, and we by no means had problem discovering lounge chairs close to our most well-liked pool.
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The pool complicated sits between the ocean and the resort buildings. It consists of the adults-only Hibiscus pool, a kiddie pool with a seashore sand edge, a Tarzan swing, and a number of smaller swimming pools related by a collection of small, open slides that finally result in a whitewater rapids slide and the lazy river.
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There are two enclosed slide tubes as properly, and much more enjoyable is available whereas enjoying within the waterfalls, caves and on Wailea Seashore. I could have stopped on the pool Grotto bar for a lava circulate (a strawberry and pina colada, $20) a time or two on the best way all the way down to the lazy river.
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Friends should examine in every day on the pool concierge desk to obtain the day by day wristband and decide up pool towels. Subsequent to the concierge, there is a pool store that sells bathing fits, sunscreen and pool toys. Since we forgot to pack any toys, we have been in a position to get a spherical inside tube for $8 and a pack of fabric water balls for $6.
Kilolani Spa
The not too long ago renovated spa (previously Spa Grande, now Kilolani Spa) was nothing in need of gorgeous. The house was utterly rebuilt from the bottom up on the identical footprint of fifty,000 sq. toes unfold over two ranges — the most important spa within the Hawaiian Islands. The idea for Kilolani Spa is rooted within the Hawaiian tradition and moon phases — the title Kilolani pays homage to the traditional Hawaiian stargazers and encourages visitors to be in tune with the pure currents of the world.
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Calming colours, resembling blue hues and impartial tones, seem all through the spa and full-service salon. Every of the 40 remedy rooms consists of the most recent in lighting and sound know-how.
Upon coming into the absolutely accessible spa, I used to be transported to a tranquil and therapeutic house the place the spa information invited me to pause and set intentions, letting go of any adverse ideas earlier than embarking on my rest journey.
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I used to be given a silk-blend kimono gown, slippers and a spa bracelet that locked and unlocked my locker.
Reserving a spa remedy entitles visitors to all-day spa entry, and spa visitors are inspired to make the most of the open-air hydrotherapy gardens, that are superbly landscaped with comfy seating areas all through. Choices embrace steam and sauna rooms with eucalyptus aromatherapy, a cold and warm bathe circuit, a chilly plunge, a heated Jacuzzi, and heated stone benches.
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Hydrotherapy gardens can be found on each the ladies’s and males’s sides of the spa, and visitors can meet in the course of the spa on the co-ed saltwater vitality pool and hammam. Entry is complimentary with a booked spa remedy and it is really useful to reach an hour previous to remedy to benefit from the hydrotherapy. And not using a booked remedy, a two-hour cross to the open-air hydrotherapy gardens will be bought for $150.
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Himalayan salt rooms and infrared halotherapy can be found for reserving in personal 45-minute increments ($89).
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Whereas ready for my remedy, I used to be invited to calm down within the open-air co-ed lounge on the second ground, which appeared out over the Hibiscus grownup pool and the ocean.
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The lounge seating was comfy, and there have been wholesome home made snack bars, fruit and infused waters on the entry desk.
Throughout my go to, I used to be scheduled for the 120-minute Helu Po Ritual ($489 plus tax and gratuity). The workers urged this remedy which included a 60-minute physique scrub adopted by a 60-minute scorching stone therapeutic massage drawing inspiration from the Hawaiian moon calendar to honor the interconnected relationship between the celestial and religious domains.
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The scrub left my pores and skin feeling delicate and refreshed, and after a fast bathe within the personal remedy room, the therapist returned and started the new stone therapeutic massage. I’ll say it was so stress-free that I am fairly constructive I dozed off for a couple of minutes … twice.
The spa expertise general was very stress-free and a great way to unwind and deal with myself for just a few hours.
Boutiques and native distributors
Purchasing on the resort consists of high-end jewellery and art work, Tommy Bahama, Makana Items with Aloha, a males’s and girls’s boutique, and Quiksilver. As well as, there’s the Kilolani Spa retail store and the pool exercise store.
Household-friendly actions, together with the Grand Luau
To say this resort is family-friendly could be an understatement. There was no scarcity of actions to maintain children entertained, from the swimming pools to the seashores to the culturally targeted actions, which have been very family-friendly. Many of the actions happen within the Kilohana Useful resource and Cultural Heart close to the resort retailers. The schedule consists of ukulele classes, lei-making courses, weaving and rather more.
Along with actions, a Hawaiian cultural ambassador gives weekly excursions across the resort, permitting households to find out about Hawaiian historical past and tradition by way of tales and artifacts on the property.
Take into account that dad and mom are required to accompany their kids to the actions. Whereas there is not at the moment a children membership, the resort is engaged on a plan for a children membership location on the property. For now, if dad and mom need to retreat to the spa collectively, for example, the resort can advocate little one care companies.
One very particular exercise to notice is the Grand Luau, which is obtainable on choose dates — I like to recommend calling the resort forward of time to e book it — and takes place on one among two oceanfront lawns on the resort. It is an entertaining and enriching expertise from begin to end. Native distributors arrange earlier than the present and show every thing from wooden carvings to handmade jewellery, woven grass purses and different handmade presents and souvenirs.
Upon arrival, we have been welcomed with leis for the adults and a necklace for our daughter, together with drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices can be found), earlier than being escorted to our assigned desk. Every household has its personal personal desk, which I appreciated after having skilled different luaus that provide shared tables and buffet meals.
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The Grand Luau supplied family-style eating at our personal personal desk and a number of programs.
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The meals was plentiful and unbelievable, however the true deal with was the performances. The emcee shared Polynesian legends and the historical past of Hawaii, offering households with an opportunity to be taught and recognize extra in regards to the Hawaiian tradition by way of dance and storytelling. Luau pricing begins at $275 per grownup and $170 for teenagers.
Accessibility
It is easy to make use of Grand Wailea Maui’s web site to seek for accessible room varieties. There, you may discover full lists of accessibility options.
Public-area accessibility options embrace huge hallways, ramps and elevators. The pathways across the resort are paved and provide entry to the seashore, swimming pools and pool chair lifts.
The brand new Kilolani Spa was constructed with accessibility in thoughts — it options ramps, elevators and huge doorways for frequent areas and remedy rooms.
Trying out
When it was time to go away, nobody was able to say goodbye to this slice of paradise. At checkout my daughter turned in her children passport e book after discovering the entire places on the property and was introduced along with her shock — a hand-carved picket sea turtle necklace. She was past thrilled.
It was one other household trip with great reminiscences made even higher by a fantastic workers. It wasn’t till we returned house that we realized the resort has a webcam you possibly can take a look at for a day by day dose of paradise. I will be tuning in till it is time to return.
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