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When friends extend an invitation to Maui, you respond with a resounding “Aloha!” and pack your bags faster than you can say “pineapple.” As a discerning luxury traveler and proud Angeleno, Hawaii has always been my go-to for short weekend getaways. This time, however, I indulged in a four-night stay at the Grand Waldorf Astoria in Wailea, and what an experience it was!
First Impressions:
Entering my room, I was met with a dramatic “Wow” moment. The space was vast, almost ballroom-like, with a large balcony and a stunning ocean view that could captivate even the most critical eye with the most refined taste and uncompromising standards. However, as any seasoned discerning “female” traveler knows, the true measure of luxury lies in the bathroom!
Bathroom Bliss:
The bathroom was nothing short of a dream. The shower felt like stepping into a personal waterfall, with easy access and ample space. Three large bottles of high-end artisan shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel awaited me, promising an indulgent cleanse. The counter was generously sized, and the mirror was large enough to ensure every angle was perfectly reflected. Cooling gel for sunburn and luxurious moisturizer were delightful touches. The toilet had its own private room, and while I initially mistook the bathtub for a jacuzzi, it still earned high marks in my book.
But wait, there’s one more crucial factor by which I grade a hotel: the hair dryer. If it’s one of those small, underpowered devices suited only for men to quickly dry short hair, the hotel falls short of five-star status in my opinion. However, if it’s a respectable, powerful hair dryer with adjustable speed and heat settings, and can be plugged in anywhere, then it truly passes the test. Fortunately, this one definitely made the cut!
Resort Review:
The resort itself was truly stunning, boasting magnificent views, a pristine beach, and the incredibly kind and warm people of Hawaii’s gracious locals that added to its allure. The rooms, lovingly named “chapels,” struck a chord with their sweetness and originality, bringing a smile to my face each time I saw the sign. The tranquil setting with small waterfalls, ponds teeming with fish and turtles, and birdsong enveloped me in nature’s beauty. As someone who values spirituality, I felt truly blessed amidst such serene surroundings.
The Breakfast Terrace:
The terrace was an enchanting morning delight. Surrounded by serene trees and the melodious chirping of birds, it offered a priceless breeze. They also have nice light music to add to the beautiful morning ambience.
Breakfast was undeniably my favorite part of the day. The trick is to start the day early. I would be at the breakfast terrace between 7am-7:30am.
Sitting on the terrace felt like a daily retreat. After selecting food from the buffet, we were graciously served our choice of beverages—whether it be selection of teas, rich coffee, or fruit juices.
I would sit back, savoring each bite, and immerse myself in the stunning surroundings. The view of the beautiful ocean, palm trees swaying gently, rolling hills, and the vibrant tapestry of nature were a feast for the eyes. A light, cool breeze caressed my skin, adding to the sense of tranquility. Birds fluttered around, occasionally trying to snag crumbs left behind, adding a touch of liveliness to the serene setting. These were delightful moments, filled with the simple pleasure of kicking back and enjoying life as we all should every day.
The Breakfast Buffet:
The food itself, however, was another story. Unfortunately, it fell far short of my expectations. The quality was mediocre at best, with limited choices—especially if “healthy” meant anything beyond just fruit. The buffet offered sautéed vegetables, some sort of sautéed chicken dish, sausages, fried or sautéed potatoes, pancakes, and French toast or waffles, which were clearly from a box.
Another section labeled “Breads and Bagels” included white and wheat toast and some bagels, situated next to two toaster ovens. Croissants were a rare sight, appearing only on the last day in the form of small, dry, overdone specimens. There were the usual accompaniments: cream cheese, yogurt, jam, and butter. One area featured smoked salmon, the kind you might buy at the store, along with capers and lemon. Another station included oatmeal and cereals. Another had a good selection of fresh fruit included melons, strawberries, apples, pineapples and Dragon fruit.
Finally, there was the omelet station. When I asked the server what type of oil they used, he replied, “Canola oil.” Canola oil? No, thank you! He refused my request to use coconut oil or even butter, which is still healthier. The next day, a different server was there and he agreed to use butter, thankfully.
Reflecting on it, the only items I believe were actually cooked or made in their kitchen were possibly the pancakes, the sautéed or fried vegetables, and the scrambled eggs. Most of the sautéed or fried items were likely cooked in canola oil. Clearly, “healthy” was not a priority in their food selections or preparations.
Food Fiasco:
The food situation was a bit of a letdown. Most restaurants in the Waldorf Astoria Wailea were only open from 5 to 9 PM and began closing before nine. Room service shut down by 8:30-9 PM, and the food was mediocre at best. The one highly-rated hotel restaurant was booked solid, and other island eateries didn’t impress, except for Mama’s Fish House. Thanks to some valet magic, we snagged seats in the bar section. The food was good, but a bit over-hyped and overpriced. Perhaps I’m spoiled, but high expectations come with the luxury territory.
I also explored dining options at the neighboring Four Seasons, but I was surprised to find that none of their restaurants open until 5 PM, and they also close as early as 9 PM.
Kilolani Spa
Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea is a wellness sanctuary that harmoniously integrates ancient Hawaiian principles with modern wellness techniques and technologies. The spa offers an array of indoor and outdoor spaces, designed to accommodate both communal and private settings. Kilolani’s signature wellness experiences and rituals cater to individual guests, couples, and groups, ensuring a serene and personalized journey towards rejuvenation and relaxation.
From their tempting massage services I opted for the traditional Lomi Lomi massage, hoping for an indulgent treat. Alas, it fell short of my expectations. Despite my repeated requests for more pressure, the therapist remained very gentle and almost afraid to hurt me, leaving me yearning for a more invigorating experience. It was a bit like asking for a strong cup of coffee and being handed herbal tea instead!
One thing I didn’t care for was that the relaxing area at the spa, along with other selected areas were co-ed. I felt out of space and made me uncomfortable that I immediately left without enjoying the facilities.
Pool Extravaganza!
The Grand Waldorf Astoria features a remarkable selection of pools, each delivering an unparalleled blend of luxury and relaxation. Every corner I explored within the resort revealed a fantabulous pool or picturesque pond. There was the Hibiscus Pool for adults over 18, pool chairs, cabanas and deluxe convertible and spacious daybeds. A second pool for children which has 3 story drop slide that splashes into a nice big pool.
Lastly they have a Wailea Canyon Activity Pool which is like a water park on steroids, with nine separate pools on six levels, all linked by a lazy river that transports swimmers through both wild rapids and calm currents. Dive into four jungle-themed pools, navigate five interwoven slides (because one isn’t enough), brave the exhilarating whitewater rapids slide, swing like Tarzan into the aptly named Tarzan pool, chill at the sand “baby” beach (because even the sand is having a good time), marvel at six cascading waterfalls, explore hidden caves, soak in three Jacuzzis, and if you’re feeling adventurous, paddle your way to the swim-up bar—because hydration is key, even underwater!
On our last day, we indulged in the Luau on the 4th of July, complete with fireworks. The setting was stunning, set amidst swaying palm trees and an oceanfront view, bathed in lights and caressed by a priceless cool breeze! The food was decent—not exceptional, but not terrible either. We sipped on iced beverages, captured memorable photos, and enjoyed delightful music. Then, the fireworks stole the spotlight, exploding right before us in a spectacular display—perhaps the best fireworks show I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ve seen quite a few!
In conclusion, my overall experience at the Waldorf Astoria was delightful. The resort’s expansive and stunning surroundings made for a memorable stay, filled with cherished memories that I eagerly anticipate reliving. Despite minor shortcomings, which were negligible in my eyes, I wholeheartedly recommend the hotel and eagerly anticipate my next visit.
Maui experiences:
Driving the Road to Hana turned out to be an epic adventure of our own making. Skipping the guided tour, we opted for a rental car escapade, zigzagging our way past small waterfalls and soaking in the breathtaking vistas of mountains and ocean along the way. Finally reaching the grand finale: Waimoku Falls. It’s a 400-foot beauty in Haleakala National Park, but the hike? Oh boy.
A gentleman assured us it was a 40-minute round trip. Sure, if you’re a mountain goat. Two hours and twenty minutes later, we reached the top, exhausted and sweaty. The hike was a wet, muddy, rocky ordeal. The bamboo forest was lovely, but honestly, I was extremely sore and in too much pain to appreciate it. The descent was equally treacherous, but thanks to a bamboo stick someone gave me, I survived. And yes, we did this in sandals. Not my brightest idea. Next time I will stick to sightseeing only.
MAHALO!
