We recently had the great pleasure to stay at the new Andaz Maui at Wailea, which just opened their doors on September 1, 2013. Formerly a Renaissance hotel, this hip and modern property was redesigned by the architecture firm Rockwell Group. The Andaz Maui is a 297-room, 15-acre oceanfront resort that sits on luxury row with Four Seasons, Grand Wailea and Fairmont to name a few.
{Shot taken with a water housing camera by Kenji Croman}
Upon our arrival, we were each greeted with a beautiful tuberose lei when we stepped out of our car. We then walked into the spacious lobby where we were greeted by the hotel staff. This isn’t your typical check-in that you normally see at a resort where they are behind the counter and you wait in line. The staff will actually come to you with their iPad and you can sit, relax, sip on your lavender lemonade and get checked-in while enjoying the view. Starring out to four multiple cascading outdoor infinity pools and having your feet sink into the partial sand lobby, you will immediately feel like you have reached paradise. Ladies and gentlemen, now that is how you start off your vacation!
{Overlooking to the infinity pools from Lobby. Dress: ViX Paula Hermanny}
{Arrival drinks and cold towels}
{In the middle of the hotel lobby where it’s partial sand. Dress: Billabong Bikini: ViX Shoes: Cocobelle Bag: ViX Bracelet: Pearl. Love}
{Modern art sculptures in the lobby}
{Modern furniture on display}
{Main entrance that leads into the lobby. Dress: Forever 21 Belt: Cocobelle}
{One of my favorite things about this resort, this beautiful wave photo}
{Love how these pillows add a nice pop of color}
Let’s talk about their uniform for a hot minute… We instantly noticed the ladies wearing beautiful, flowy maxi dresses from Tori Richard, (designer from Honolulu) and the men in aloha shirts throughout the whole property. They looked so chic and it really made the resort stand out from any resort that we’ve ever been to. Huge pat on the back to whomever thought of that.
{Tori Richard Brigitte Dress}
After getting the brief low-down of the resort, we went to our room, #636 to drop off our luggage (Only 7 floors on the property). We had a beautiful ocean view room with a king bed, balcony with unique outdoor chairs, built-in flat screen and a modern bathroom that had an awesome rain shower and a huge tub. The water doesn’t seem to get that hot if you’re a person like me that likes to take really hot showers/bath. Some great perks is that, they offered complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages and snacks in your mini bar, Malie Organics (deluxe size) for toiletries and a touch pad to control settings in your room that techies would love. My only complaint on the room is that I feel they need better art. A ‘Gone Surfing’ photo behind the bed with two additional smaller prints just didn’t do anything for the room and made it look very bare. The room is very minimalistic and they need something grand to make it pop and give it life. A Kenji Croman wave photo would seal the deal and add ”wowness” to it.
{Lounge bench near elevators}
{Balcony of our room #636}
{Bathroom view in our room #636}
{Malie Organics deluxe toiletries}
{View of our room #636}
{Bed view of our room #636}
{Room #636 with a view}
If anything makes this resort unique, it’s the staff that works here that will have you keep coming back. They are extremely friendly, service is top notch and they spread the true aloha spirit. I love how they were observant in their turndown service… I had my eyeglasses lying out and they set an eyeglass cloth cleaner next to them. Also, when we returned from the spa, we had some lovely treats that were delivered with a handwritten note. Those little things are what guests appreciate and will remember.
{Eyeglass cloth cleaner that was left near my glasses}
{Yummy treats with a personal note that was delivered}
With four beautiful infinity pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean, there is no shortage of relaxation. If you want a total escape without kids and more of an intimate setting, there is an adult only pool separate from the infinity pools that make you feel so relaxed that you can unwind from your stresses. They also offer complimentary canoe rides and snorkel gear for the adventurous guests wanting to explore. After a day of fun in the sun, make your way to the lobby to enjoy a complimentary cocktail at 5pm. One day per week, the GM will even host it and do a meet and greet which is a great personal touch for guests to enjoy.
{Infinity pools}
{Turtle taken right in front of the resort}
{View of the pool and resort using underwater camera}
{Pool View from top level}
{Adult only pool- view from our room}
{Enjoying the infinity pool in my Peri Carmen bikini from ViX}
This is a brand new resort, so in the coming months like any new establishment, there will be some fine-tuning and adjustments. My overview of this hotel is that it was great, I wish we had a little more time here! We didn’t find out until the last minute that they will accommodate your pet as well, so our little mascot will be joining us next time (click here on pet policy). Would I stay here again? Yes. Would I recommend this place? Yes, if you’re looking for a hip, modern hotel, Andaz Maui at Wailea is waiting for you.
Mahalo and a hui hou (thank you and until we meet again)!
{Hallway of our floor enjoying the sunset}
Stay tuned for more on my stay here where I visit ‘Awili Spa and dine at some of their yummy restaurants …
