Set on a hillside in southwest Maui, Hotel Wailea offers a lot of everything: pristine Pacific Ocean views, gorgeous grounds, fine and casual dining. Hotel Wailea is an all-suite, adults-only Relais & Châteaux property, setting a high bar for service, food and overall excellence.
After a couple of days at the resort, you’ll see why there are so many 5-star reviews.
A Suite Stay
The Hotel Wailea has moved beyond ordinary rooms, offering 72 one-bedroom suites, each at a generous 750 square feet, locally designed, uniquely appointed and with all the amenities you would expect, including a deep, soaking tub. These suites have living room and kitchen areas, offering a spacious base to relax and enjoy Maui.
Celebration Suite
The Celebration Ocean View One Bedroom Suite is my favorite. Situated on the top floor, the suite has custom interiors, premium linens and bedding, curated collection of original artwork and vaulted ceilings that create an airy sanctuary, offering you a haven where time seems to pause as you soak in the sunset ocean views.
Upon arrival, guests are treated with a VIP welcome amenity that includes a bottle of Champagne Billecart-Salmon – setting the tone for your luxurious stay. As you pop open this bubbly that’s paired perfectly with gourmet treats, let it mark the beginning of an extraordinary vacation filled with indulgence. “The Celebration Suite overlooks three islands at sunset. Just sit on the lanai and relax,” said Jonathan M. McManus, Owner of Hotel Wailea.
“All suites are a small apartment size which is unique for Wailea. We have guests who choose to use this as their home while on Maui. They stay for weeks at a time and consistently tell us it’s less expensive then purchasing a Maui property and has all the the Hotel Wailea amenities!”
Dining becomes another highlight during your stay when you book the celebration suite, as each morning begins with breakfast served either on your lanai or at their exclusive restaurant overlooking panoramic ocean vistas. Whether you choose fresh tropical fruits paired with artisanal pastries or opt for hearty classics made from locally sourced ingredients – each meal promises to be as delightful as it is nourishing.
The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea
Nestled amidst lush tropical surroundings, The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience right from the moment you arrive. The open-air design of the restaurant allows guests to fully immerse themselves in their natural surroundings while enjoying unobstructed views of the endless Pacific Ocean.
This visual feast is just a prelude to the interactive culinary experience Chef Ryan Cruz creates on your plate. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea serves breakfast and dinner and features brilliant ocean views (of course), including three of the Hawaiian islands, as well as dinnertime stargazing. Revel in favorites like caviar and oysters, Kanpachi Crudo, Scallop Risotto, Japanese Eggplant, Snake River Farms Ribeye and Truffle Fettuccine. For dessert, Baked Hawaiian, Spiced Flan, Chocolate Mousse and refreshing Mango Passion with Liliko’I, Macadamia Nuts
Wine Offerings
Discover a world of wine at Hotel Wailea. From rare vintages to perfect pairings, their meticulously curated selection caters to every palate and occasion on the beautiful island of Maui. Experience the best from classic and emerging producers in an intimate setting. “We are a new Krug Champagne Ambassador (one of only 35 in the USA), and Hotel Waila will be hosting several summer Krug Champagne open flame culinary events. They are truly unique and very exciting nights to be a guest,” said McManus.
The Treehouse
If you’re looking for a private dinner, The Treehouse is a perfect destination. The name says it all. Perched in the Maui treetops, this intimate dining experience provides some of the best ambiance on the island. Pair that with a seven-course 7-course private chef dinner hosted by their award-winning restaurant.
Chef’s Table
For a completely different experience, dine at Chef’s Table, which is actually located in the restaurant’s kitchen. Chat with the chefs as they prepare your five-course meal and enjoy the ringside seat. Enhance this luxurious dinner by opting for the curated wine pairings expertly selected by their sommeliers.
About Chef
Chef Ryan Cruz graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles, over the years he’s honed his culinary skills in fine dining establishments across the globe, spanning Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, CUT at 45 Park Lane in London, CUT New York City and Spago in both Istanbul and Maui.
The Birdcage
The Birdcage Japanese Grill is another great option. The open-air bar and lounge was designed by Philpotts Interiors – taking inspiration from the glamour and essence of bars and restaurants in New York City and cosmopolitan cities in Europe to create a timeless and alluring lounge.
The Birdcage offers Asian cuisine and beautifully crafted cocktails including:
Green Jay
Hendrick’s Gin, Melon Liqueur, Cucumber, Rosemary “Super” Syrup
Bird of Prey
Corazon Blanco Tequila, Blood Orange, Ginger, Lemon
Im-Peckable Daiquiri
Kuleana Nanea Hotel Wailea Blend Rum, Smith & Cross Rum, KoHana Kea Agricole Rum, Acid-Adjusted Pineapple Juice, Cane Syrup
Lovebird’s Potion No. 9
Monkey 47 Gin, Raspberry “Super” Syrup, Butterly Pea Tea
In Room Spa Treatment
Let Hotel Wailea transform your private suite into an intimate spa getaway. Treatments include:
Paradise Retreat
Revitalize your skin, choosing your favorite Exfoliating Hawaiian Body Polish. Escape with a Ho’omana 50 min Signature Lomi Lomi Massage and a cozy Coconut Milk Bath infused with Hawaiian Honey.
Lomi Lomi Deep Tissue Massage
This advanced full body Lomi Lomi technique is a comprehensive and therapeutic treatment for guests with specific areas of concern, bringing immediate relief with lasting benefits.
Signature Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage
Treatment includes a full body Traditional Lomi Lomi Massage, a Hot Stone Foot Massage and Coconut Rosemary Scalp Treatment
Hapai Lomi Lomi Pregnancy Massage
Ancient Lomi Lomi practitioners have used this deeply restorative therapy to support pre-natal mothers.
Aloha Spa Ritual
Begin by choosing your favorite exfoliating Hawaiian body polish, unwind and relax during your 50 minute signature Lomi Lomi Massage and rejuvenate your skin with a Hawaiian Herbal mini facial.
Aina Spa Ritual
Connect with elements of the earth in a warm awa alae clay body masque, followed by a relaxing 80 minute deep tissue massage incorporating hot stones.
Take in the Experience
This alone would be an incredible stay, and you haven’t even left the grounds. But Maui beckons, offering endless surf, sand and other fun. Enjoy golf, tennis, hiking, biking, fishing, surfing and everything else the island has to offer.
Resort Amenities include complimentary valet, complimentary private pool cabanas on first come first served basis, open-air fitness studio with ocean views, Aerial yoga studio, luxury vehicle shuttle service, beach concierge and more.
Hotel Wailea has its own curated experiences as well, including a morning yacht adventure, wellness classes, whale watching from an outrigger canoe and more.
“I wish more people knew Hotel Wailea and F&B teams consist of creatives vs corporate executives. We don’t have brand guidelines to hold us back when delivering a personal seasonal experience which attracts a well traveled, stylish guest profile,” said McManus.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic trip, indulgent solo retreat, or vacation with friends, this resort has something for everyone all year round, especially during the low travel period between (April to mid-June) and fall (September to mid-December) “The lighter visitor footprint on the island means greater opportunity for doing a lot of unique experiences. The beaches, restaurants and businesses are less busy. It’s a wonderful time,” said McManus.