By { Misty Milioto
The only Relais & Chateaux luxury boutique resort in Hawaii, Hotel Wailea is an ultraromantic, adults-only escape offering privacy and elegance. Perched 300 feet above the sea, it features 72 oversized one-bedroom suites set in a sprawling tropical landscape of lush gardens, cascading waterfalls and winding pathways; plus, a pool that overlooks three Hawaiian islands, with residential style cabanas and an apothecary-style bar.
A new set of Celebration Suites have recently been created specifically for milestone moments, such as honeymoons, anniversaries, micro-weddings, babymoons or simply romantic getaways. All 12 of the suites, located on the top floor of the property, feature 720 square feet of space, vaulted ceilings, panoramic ocean views, 108-square-foot private lanais, Italian granite countertops by Bianco Romano, custom-crafted rich Hawaiian ohia wood cabinetry, doors and details, and European whitewashed oak hardwood planks. There are also kitchenettes with Wolf microwaves and SubZero refrigerators and freezers, flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms and living rooms, premium linens and bedding, deep soaking tubs and showers, and Molton Brown bathroom amenities.
Celebrated interior designer Marion Philpotts Miller, of Philpotts Interiors, worked with owner Jonathan McManus to customize every detail. Designer decor and original artwork from McManus’ personal collection is unique to each suite, further imbuing the suites with their own aesthetic.
This fall and winter, the creative team behind The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea—which specializes in using fresh island-to-table fare from local farms and fishermen—is rolling out new experiential culinary offerings to engage guests in the island’s adventurous spirit. Offerings include an updated schedule of cooking classes at The Chef Kitchen that incorporates seasonal fall flavors like winter squash, pumpkin, earthy greens and herbs into traditional Hawaiian dishes. For a truly luxe experience, try the Champagne and caviar pairing event that includes sustainably harvested sturgeon caviar from artisan provider Black River Caviar and the rosé and brut varietals of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Or, for the adventure-minded, book the luxury fishing expedition experience ($4,225 for two) that includes a day on the Pacific in a private, chartered 52-foot limited production Buddy Davis Sportfisherman luxury yacht, followed by a romantic seven-course dinner in the Treehouse, where a private chef prepares your catch tableside.
Other experiences at Hotel Wailea include cruising in a Tesla Model X, the house vehicle available within the Wailea area; vintage cruising in a ’57 Porsche 356 Speedster reproduction (six hours for $322); eco-friendly electric bicycle rentals; water sports equipment rentals at Wailea Beach, including snorkels and masks, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; beach picnics; tropical mixology classes; poolside poke classes; kiteboarding lessons; sunset sailing; and wellness offerings, such as private and floating sound baths, and complimentary yoga, aerial silks and group fitness classes set in a 5,600-square-foot studio elevated above the crystal blue Pacific Ocean. And the spa? Expect ancient Hawaiian healing traditions incorporated into relaxing spa treatments that provide an authentic connection to Hawaii’s land, people and cultures.
And for the ultimate romantic getaway, be sure to book The Celebration Suites Experience (starting at $8,215 per couple). It includes five or more nights in a new Celebration Suite, a personal concierge for customizing romantic experiences, a private treehouse dinner for two, a couple’s paradise retreat massage, daily cabana rentals and breakfasts, and a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne paired with a tropical fruit platter upon arrival. Suites start at $1,299 per night, 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea, Maui, 808.874.0500, hotelwailea.com