By: Kym Whitney

Nestled on the picturesque island of Maui in Hawaiʻi, Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is an exquisite oasis combining luxurious accommodations, breathtaking surroundings, and world-class amenities. Renowned for its unparalleled beauty and impeccable service, this iconic resort is a haven for travelers seeking an unforgettable vacation experience embodying Hawaiian tradition.

Sprawling across 40 acres of pristine beachfront property, Grand Wailea captivates guests with its stunning natural landscapes, including lush gardens, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic ocean views. The resort's architecture seamlessly blends modern elegance with traditional Hawaiian influences, creating a welcoming and enchanting atmosphere.

Accommodations at the Grand Wailea are nothing short of extraordinary. Guests can choose from a range of luxurious options, including well-appointed and recently renovated guest rooms, spacious suites, and even private villas for those desiring more space. The Napua room category offers a collection of custom-designed guest rooms and suites in an exclusive area on the resort's private upper floors. The in-room experience has been reimagined and designed to create the ideal tropical retreat, combining natural Hawaiian elements, contemporary interiors, and guest-centric luxury finishings to immerse guests in the laid-back pace of island life. These private havens come with amenities and services of the private Napua Lounge, including a dedicated concierge and gourmet dining options daily, plus a selection of locally sourced snacks, beverages, coffees, and teas. In addition, guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of memorable experiences in the lounge, including a chef's station and live entertainment. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a destination wedding, there's an accommodation option to suit every need. Insider Tip: The Chapel Tower has stunning views of the Chapel, the grounds, and the ocean. If you are traveling with younger children, consider booking a ground-floor room by the main pool area.

Dining at Grand Wailea is a culinary journey filled with delectable flavors and exquisite presentations. The resort features a variety of dining options, from casual poolside eateries to sophisticated fine dining establishments. Some of the dining experiences we enjoyed include:

Botero Lounge was our favorite place for dinner. They offer craft cocktails, incredible sushi, and a range of inventive dishes amid nine larger-than-life sculptures by renowned artist Fernando Botero, the namesake of their signature lounge in the heart of the open-air lobby. The art-lounge setting creates an inviting ambiance with live music. Insider Tip: Order the Smoking Lady cocktail named after one of the statutes in the lounge. Botero's signature Black Manhattan features Garrison Brothers Bourbon, Amaro, Japanese Bitters, and Treasure Box Smoke.

Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa - named after Hawaiʻi's state fish, is the hotel's iconic open-air restaurant that sits on a floating lagoon in a tranquil and romantic setting with panoramic views. Serving Pacific Rim cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients, Humuhumunukunukuapua'a offers a delightful fusion of flavors. Insider Tip: Book your reservation time so you can enjoy the sunset. Order the Mai Tai.

Aloha Trick Pony - located in the surf garden, is a cool food truck featuring made-to-order tacos, tasty taco salads, and wood-oven pizzas. Insider Tip: Get the pizza w/ San Danielle Prosciutto whipped ricotta ʻaina lani honey, da kine herbs.

Grand Lū'au - The best we have ever experienced. From the comfort of a private table overlooking Wailea Beach and exceptional waiter service, we were treated to Hawaiian culture featuring traditional ceremonies, music, and dishes such as poi, kālua pig, poke, and haupia. It was a night brimming with interactive entertainment, hula lessons, and performances showcasing Maui's myths and legends.

One of the highlights of the Grand Wailea Resort is its expansive pool complex, often hailed as one of the best in the world. The centerpiece of the poolscape is the massive Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, featuring nine interconnected pools, waterfalls, a lazy river, waterslides, and even a swim-up bar in a cave. There is an adult-only pool for those seeking a more tranquil experience. There are poolside lounges and private cabanas available throughout the entire pool complex.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Grand Wailea’s spa experience is a sanctuary of serenity. While the resort's flagship spa location is undergoing a top-to-bottom transformation and is slated to debut in early 2024, guests have access to Mōhalu Healing Garden and Beauty Lab; a unique wellness destination nestled in a secret tropical garden. Their ten private hale invite you to rejuvenate, relax, and unfold in your own intimate space with a massage or body treatment. The spa treatment menu features locally inspired experiences that connect you with the healing energy of Hawaiʻi, enhanced by the use of botanicals inspired by fresh herbs and flowers grown in the surrounding garden. Mōhalu Beauty Lab offers world-class salon services, including waterless manicures and pedicures—all enhanced by personalized service and thoughtful comforts—or escape in a more intimate and private environment in the quiet comfort of a naturally lit treatment room where you can enjoy a custom-designed facial.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Grand Wailea has an impressive 2,500-square-foot state-of-the-art gym, and they offer yoga on the beach, spin classes, and more. Beyond the resort's boundaries, Maui offers many activities and attractions to explore. From tennis and pickleball at the Wailea Tennis Club (walking distance from the hotel), golfing, snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, SUP tours, hiking through lush rainforests or Haleakalā Crater, and traveling the road to Hana, visiting the island provides endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.

Golfers will be delighted by the neighboring Wailea Golf Club. A premier golf destination that offers players an exceptional golfing experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty set against the backdrop of stunning ocean views. Renowned for its meticulously designed courses and impeccable service, the Wailea Golf Club attracts golf enthusiasts from around the world. With three award-winning 18-hole courses catering to all skill levels, plenty of sunshine, and gorgeous vistas from every hole – there's more golf to enjoy at Wailea Golf Club than at any other resort in Hawaiʻi. All three courses feature top-notch facilities, including fully stocked pro shops, driving ranges, putting greens, and practice bunkers. Additional amenities include:

Club rentals.
Golf carts equipped with GPS.
On-course food and beverage services.

The onsite Wailea Golf Academy offers golfers professional instruction and clinics provided by experienced golf instructors to enhance their skills. We had the pleasure of working with the program director and PGA Master, Claude Brousseau. In his distinguished 20+ year career, he has taught more than 20,000 amateur and professional students in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. As a PGA Master Professional, Brousseau is dedicated to helping players at any skill level – beginning through professional – attain their goals. His teaching approach is to make golf lessons easy to comprehend and apply and to promote faster improvement in an environment that makes learning stress-free and fun. Our experience was unforgettable and game-changing, literally. As a student, you achieve positive results immediately, leave understanding why you produce good shots, and go home with a personalized program, video of your instruction, and tools to have more fun and play better.

Brousseau's own training includes being the only Golf Channel Academy Lead Coach, AimPoint Level III Certified Instructor, and VISION54 authorized coach in the State of Hawaii. Brousseau has also written more than 60 instructional articles for such notable publications as Golf Magazine, Golf Magazine France, Golf Digest USA & Canada, and Inside Golf Canada, and authored his book, Realize Your Golfing Potential. Unlock the Secrets of a PROficient Short Game.

Learn more here: www.waileagolf.com/Academy/Meet-The-Director

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both, the Grand Wailea Resort promises an extraordinary vacation that surpasses expectations. And, with the only on-site chapel in Hawaiʻi, it is an ideal location for a destination wedding. From its luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities to its breathtaking surroundings and unparalleled service, this tropical paradise is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality. Prepare to be enchanted as you enter a world of Hawaiian tradition, beauty, and tranquility at the Grand Wailea Resort.

To learn more about Grand Wailea or to book a reservation, visit:www.grandwailea.com