Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The view from our lanai at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Lois Alter Mark If you’re trying to decide whether it’s okay to go back to Maui yet, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s been one year since the devastating wildfires that killed 102 people in Lahaina and, as the town slowly rebuilds, locals are asking travelers to come visit and help support the community.
Because I hadn’t been there since before the pandemic and had really missed the unique vibe of Hawaii, that’s all I needed to hear when one of my kids and their wife asked me to join them for a week of relaxation on our favorite island. Maui has always been a very special place to us as a family and is an ideal destination for multigenerational travel, whether you’re traveling with little kids or grown ones. We decided to spend three nights at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort because we love that area and had heard rave reviews from our friends about the renovations the hotel had completed in honor of its tenth anniversary.
From there, we would finally get to do the Road to Hana and experience three nights on the opposite end of the island. It was a perfect plan. Luxury accommodations for families The living area of a Premier Suite at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort The resort’s 320 updated rooms, 35 suites and brand new two- and three-bedroom villas ensure that there’s something for every combination of family, from couples to four generations. The villas look absolutely stunning but, knowing we weren’t going to be spending a lot of time inside, we opted for a suite overlooking the pool. Even if we had spent more time indoors, it would have been a good choice.
MORE FOR YOU New Password Hacking Warning For Gmail, Facebook And Amazon Users Trump Vs. Harris 2024 Polls: Harris Leads Trump In Latest Post-DNC Surveys Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Wednesday, August 28th The kids gave me the bedroom and, thanks to the sleeper sofa and extra half bath, were able to have everything they needed in the roomy and comfortable living room. We each had our own private lanai and they even had an ocean view from their other window.
The mini bar was refilled daily with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages so we were able to chill out together late at night, Chromecasting our favorite videos to the big screen TVs while chomping on bags of chips. In addition to a truly indulgent shower, my huge bathroom also boasted a soaking tub that the kids took advantage of when I went out for a walk. Food with a local flavor function loadConnatixScript(document) { if (!window.
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.. [+] Tia.
Lois Alter Mark Every meal we had at the award-winning Ka’ana Kitchen was top notch, from the massive breakfast buffets to the family style dinners. The buffet featured all kinds of sweet (Ube French Toast!) and savory offerings (fried rice with ginger-soy reduction!) along with made-to-order eggs and omelets and a mouthwatering selection of fresh, pressed juices and smoothies. Dinner was outstanding, with highlights like buttermilk fried chicken on a black sesame mochi waffle (heaven!) and the scallop gnocchi with pork belly, parmesan and ulu (OMG!).
Executive Chef Ritchard Cariaga and Chef de Cuisine Chance Savell source ingredients locally and transform them into innovative and exciting dishes that turned our trip into an unexpected culinary adventure. Our amazing server, Tia, gave us perfect recommendations and, as a certified sommelier, also suggested great wine pairings. She also gave us an insider’s view into what was happening in Maui that made us happy we had decided to return to the island and help spread the word that the locals were excited to welcome guests back.
I’m sorry we didn’t get to try the Chef’s Table – an exclusive experience that gives a limit of eight guests per night an opportunity to interact with the chefs as they prepare a special six course dinner in the open air kitchen. We’ll just have to come back. The Feast at Mokapu Lu’au at Andaz Maui.
Lois Alter Mark Andaz Maui also hosts the popular Feast at Mokapu Lu’au, an intimate and magical experience held on the resort’s signature lawn. The rich story of Hawaii and the South Pacific is told through traditional songs, dances and tales and you get a literal taste of the region through a multi-course dinner of local favorites while watching the breathtaking sunset over the beach. Although it wasn’t my favorite meal and I prefer the buffet-style luaus I remember pre-pandemic, the evening itself was very special and I loved being so close to the fire dancers.
Outdoor spa treatments The Tranquil Cabana Massage is one of the best outdoor experiences at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort ‘Awili Spa and Salon is a lovely spot to get a rejuvenating treatment but the must-do is the Tranquil Cabana Massage, which lives up to its name tenfold. Take advantage of the sauna, steam room and heated plunge pool in the spa first, then change into your robe to be escorted to a private cabana right by the beach for an hour and a half of bliss.
I loved feeling the ocean breeze and hearing the waves during my massage, although I did quietly laugh about the fact that there was a sound machine providing the same soothing effect on my right side while the real thing was going strong on my left. After my massage, I was led to another private area outdoors, where I was left to nap and replenish with snacks and ice water. I just adored this whole experience.
Cultural activities The Outrigger Experience for guests of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is both fun and educational. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort While I was busy getting the knots in my shoulders kneaded out, the kids headed to the beach for the Outrigger Canoe Experience, which is exclusive to resort guests. Not only did they learn all about this important piece of Hawaiian culture but they got to see turtles up close and personal and got some good arm exercise along the way.
Andaz Maui offers a variety of activities designed to teach guests more about Hawaiian culture, including lei making, coconut weaving and hula and ukelele lessons. They’ll also help you book off-property Maui experiences like scenic helicopter rides, snorkeling and scuba diving adventures and whale watching cruises – if you can actually bring yourself to leave the resort. The resort also supports local artists so guests can shop for one of a kind pieces in the pop up kiosks and check out the Welzie Gallery, which displays the Hawaiian Islands-inspired paintings and sculptures of artist in residence, Welzie.
Pools aplenty Just a few of Andaz Maui's many pools. Lois Alter Mark Water plays a starring role in a Maui vacation and, in addition to its highly coveted oceanfront location on Mōkapu Beach, Andaz Maui features five beautiful pools. Three of them are infinity pools with ocean views and there’s also a lagoon pool and an adults-only tranquility pool located conveniently by the spa.
Nothing felt crowded when we were there, even though it was peak season. Service at all of the pools is attentive and thoughtful. Someone comes around frequently to give out complimentary ice pops, and water and sunscreen are always available.
We played bingo at the pool one afternoon, and it was so much fun. Servers gave out candy to all the kids (big and small) and winners were treated to free drinks. Everyone was laughing and cheering each other on and it felt like one big family.
Raising a glass to the resilient people of Maui and the rebuilding of Lahaina. Lois Alter Mark We reserved a private cabana at the adults-only pool one day and it was so relaxing. The menu at the pools is not your typical pool food, maybe because it’s the same menu you order from at Lehua Lounge and Bumbye Beach Bar.
It’s elevated and excellent, and we ordered the ahi poke twice because it was so good. Cocktails and mocktails were creative and refreshing – especially the Brain Freeze selections. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.
Their feeling of mahalo was only matched by ours..
