Written by { Misty Milioto
Photos by { John Russo
Nestled on 15 oceanfront acres in Wailea, minutes from championship golf courses and luxury boutiques, Four Seasons Hawaii, Maui, is an ideal respite from hectic city life. The eight-story, 383-room hotel (76 rooms are suites) features interiors by San Francisco-based Brayton Hughes Design Studio with a focus on contemporary tropical Hawaiian motifs, koa-inspired wood furnishings and a contemporary Hawaiian art collection including numerous paintings and sculptures. Meanwhile, buildings surround a formal courtyard with fountains and waterfalls—leading to an oceanfront pool complex and beach—with swaying palm trees throughout, leaving guests with an immediate sense of relaxation.
Guest suites include the Elite Oceanfront Suites, which come complete with a selection of fine wines curated by sommelier-to-the-stars Christian Navarro of Wally’s Wine & Spirits of Beverly Hills. Special guest experiences include the Ultimate Pairing Dinner (a private, multicourse dinner designed around wine preferences selected during a consultation with a sommelier and chef) and Beyond the Bottle (in which guests meet winemakers and take private winery tours).
Relaxation is at the heart of the resort, with a spa that features 13 indoor treatment rooms and three oceanfront hales. Located amongst tropical gardens and water fountains, the spa is designed as a peaceful retreat, featuring plenty of natural light, a color palette inspired by Maui’s golden-sand beaches and aqua blue Pacific Ocean, natural bamboo accents and modern Hawaiian artwork. Treatments, which include the signature Hawaiian Healing Wrap, the Lomi Pohaku massage and the Ultimate Cocoon body treatment, can also be enjoyed poolside.
Of course, the food here is incredible as well, with three on-site restaurants—Spago, Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante and DUO—all offering locally sourced ingredients. The view at Spago is amazing, especially when paired with the ginger macadamia nut-crusted mahimahi. Meanwhile, the rigatoni with Italian sausage can’t be beat at Ferraro’s, and the 48 hour bone-in short rib at DUO is also pretty spectacular.
Recreational activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, tennis (and lessons with a super-knowledgeable pro), golf and more. The new infinity-edge Serenity Pool offers panoramic views of the island of Lana’i and the West Maui mountain range. There are two additional saltwater pools, plus a 5,700-square-foot fitness facility with Pacific Ocean views. Be sure to try tai chi on the beach for a relaxing, invigorating experience. fourseasons.com/maui