Relax in Luxury at Wailea Beach Villas

By Donna Hull–

You’ve just stepped off the plane at Kahului Airport on Maui. You sign for the rental car and head for the villa rental in Wailea. On the way, you’ll need to stop at the grocery store to stock up. But you’re oh-so-tired from the flight.

If you reserve a villa at Wailea Beach Villas through Destination Resorts Hawaii, a concierge has already stocked the kitchen to your liking. All you have to do is drive to the southern coast of Maui, give your name to the guard at the gate of Wailea Beach Villas and proceed to the Penthouse Building. Here a concierge offers a lei greeting and tropical iced tea before giving an overview of the property and a personal escort to your vacation residence.

Destination Resorts Hawaii invited me to experience Wailea Beach Villas during my recent trip to Maui. As I drove onto the property, I immediately appreciated the lush landscaping and low-key feel. Although Hawaiian beach resorts are fun, there’s nothing like staying in a villa where there’s room to spread out, especially if you’re traveling with the entire family (children and grandkids) or even if you’re not.

The tasteful decor (I can only speak for mine as each villa is independently owned and decorated) made my two-bedroom two-bath luxury villa feel more like a vacation home than a beach rental. And I always appreciate speedy, complimentary WiFi.

To cook or not to cook at Wailea Beach Villas

Not only was the kitchen well-equipped, including paper and plastic goods, but the sleek design woke up my cooking genes. With two sub-zero refrigerators and a wine cooler, this unit could have easily been the headquarters for a small multi-generational family trip or a long-term stay on Maui. I’m thinking a combination romantic getaway and month-long winter writing retreat. Are you reading this, Alan?

The covered patio had a distant view of the ocean with comfortable chairs to take it all in. And the Viking barbecue would make any master chef happy.

But what if you don’t want to cook? Slip out the door and down the elevator for a walk through the grounds to the 1.5-mile paved Wailea Beach Walk. From here, you’ll have access to all of the fabulous resort restaurants that front Wailea’s five crescent-shaped beaches.

One evening, I walked to Ko at the Fairmont — voted Maui’s 2013 Restaurant of the Year — for dinner. It was a longer walk than I anticipated, and I was sort of sweaty upon arrival; but at least I worked off the calories of my delicious sugarcane plantation inspired meal in advance. Rather than walk back on a very dark path, I followed the concierge’s advice and took the free shuttle home to Wailea Beach Villas.

Relax or find adventure on Maui

I found plenty of relaxation spots at Wailea Beach Villas. The adults-only pool that fronts the beach was a favorite and so were the reserved lounges shaded by umbrellas on the beach. But families will enjoy the pool near the Penthouse Building with complimentary pool toys for the kiddies.

You’ll find Hawaiian adventure right on the beach. Bring your snorkel gear or book a ride on a Hawaiian outrigger canoe. I enjoyed an morning sunrise paddleboard lesson with Peg at Paddle On Maui. Or drive to the end of the road in Makena to walk the lava rock trails at Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Don’t worry about getting dirty, your Wailea Beach Villa comes equipped with a laundry room and supplies.

In the 2014 Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards — more than 76,000 readers participated — Wailea Beach Villas was named the “top resort in Hawaii, one of the top 25 resorts in the U.S. and one of the top 100 hotels in the world.” After my stay, I certainly understand the reason for the accolade.

If you’re considering Wailea Beach Villas, check out the amenities and discounts offered to guests.

Have you stayed at Wailea Beach Villas or do you have questions about my stay? Come join the conversation at the My Itchy Travel Feet page on Facebook. Or send me an email with your thoughts.

Disclosure: Destination Resorts Hawaii provided this travel opportunity. As usual, the opinions are strictly my own.

 
Originally posted on My Itchy Travel Feet.