During my first visit to Hawaii, my family and I visited Oahu and Maui. We planned for an active trip in Oahu, so I was looking for a more relaxing wind down in Maui. It didn’t take us long to decide on a stay at Marriott’s Wailea Beach Resort in Maui. I was sold on booking a stay there, given how beautiful the resort looked in pictures. I also had been long fascinated by infinity pools and the resort conveniently has one!
The Rooms
The hotel has gone through a room refresh recently, though the room was fine to me when I visited. The room was clean and spacious. The room has a lanai so we can sit outside and get some fresh air. The rooms at this resort are spread out across buildings so it never felt crowded.
I booked a standard room, so I was thrilled to have gotten a second floor (highest floor) room with a partial ocean view! I suspect the staff upgraded me to the next best available room since I was a Marriott Gold.
On multiple occasions, I had to pinch myself when I looked outside and saw the beautiful view. It felt like I was looking at a page right out of some vacation brochures.
Grounds
It varies by season, but the resort is very picturesque. If you are a photographer – or just someone who enjoys taking pictures – you can spend a good portion of time just taking pictures. Gorgeous flowers in bloom. The beach as the backdrop. Breathtaking sunrise and sunset.
Location
The hotel is of walking distance to the Shops at Wailea (which consists of a mix of mostly high end shops and some regular stores). If you don’t feel like driving out, there is a island gourmet market and an ABC store at the mall. They are convenient for simple needs.
Service
Service was perfectly solid, even though we ran into a small hiccup shortly after arrival. We were waiting for our luggage after we got to our room, except it still wasn’t delivered half an hour later! Confused, I called the service desk to inquire and I was asked if I got a luggage tag. I wasn’t given one. The staff then asked me to describe our luggage to him. After I did, he exclaimed, “Oh those are your luggage!” (Um, yeah?) The staff promised to send someone to deliver our luggage quickly, and he made good on that promise. Service at the resort is great throughout — all very professional and cordial.
The Adult Infinity (Serenity) Pool
It’s hard not to relax at this resort, especially if you like to swim in pools. I was most interested in the infinity pool, because swimming in an infinity pool is something that’s on my bucket list!
Note that there are no lifeguards on duty at any of the pools. The infinity pool is not deep (5 feet or so) so you can take a dip on the shallow end even if you don’t know how to swim. I swam to the edge of pool so I can admire the ocean view from there. What an experience.
Experience a Hawaiian Luau
If you want to experience a Hawaiian luau, you’re in luck at this property. This is a view of the luau festivities one evening, as we were walking back from the public beach on the walking path.
Would I Stay at this Hotel Again?
You bet I would! While I’d be tempted to try out other hotels in the area, I would definitely stay at this resort again. It is its own little paradise. I had a wonderfully relaxing stay, and I would not hesitate to recommend this property if you are looking for a “resort” stay in Maui.
Did you stay at a resort when you visited Hawaii? If so, which one did you visit and would you recommend it to other visitors?
Fairmont Kea Lani
/Maui: One word: PARADISE! Weather, views accomodations, service, pools, etc.
Only slight complaint is the beach; I prefer Kapalua Bay
If Maui wasn’t 12 hours away, I’d visit yearly
LOVE this place; who wouldn’t?
Nice pictures! I especially enjoy that middle picture with the bright sunset view – looks like you got a gorgeous view! I’ve heard good things about Fairmont Kea Lani as well. Agreed — Hawaii is indeed far away. Personally, I’m not so sure I’d want to visit every single year, but I definitely have plans to go again. Thanks again for sharing!