FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

by Carly Allen

Nov 1, 2017
Hotels

Arrival/Check-In: I arrived in Maui after a few days of business on Oahu, ready for a relaxing weekend. After a quick, 25- minute taxi to Wailea, I arrived at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. I was ushered down a tranquil outdoor walkway surrounded by water, leading into the open-air, expansive lobby. The lobby, on the top floor, offers views of several pools, restaurants and guestrooms in cascading levels all the way to the beach. Check-in was easy, with a kind front desk member showing me to a couch with a view of the water while I waited.

Guest Quarters: My room on the third floor offered a partial view of the ocean and the private, adults-only pool area with lush foliage. My room exuded an open, fresh ambience with its white stone floor, white couch and lighting accents facing wide glass doors leading to a nice-sized balcony. My comfortable, kingsized bed offered views and sounds of the ocean when I kept my doors open in the evenings. A flat-screen TV faced a small living space with a desk sitting adjacent. The mini fridge was stocked with water, juice and local craft soft drinks, free for guests and refilled daily.

The bathroom sat behind the bed and made great use of the limited space. Dark stone floors accented a long, single-sink vanity with excellent lighting and a chair tucked under the vanity. White doors flush with the wall opened to a large closet and separate water closet. A floor-to-ceiling mirror gave an open feeling to the space as well. The shower, with several jets and rain shower options, ran the entire length of the bathroom. It also looked over the bedroom if you opened the blinds — a nice touch for honeymooners.

Services/Amenities: Exploring the resort is an adventure in itself. Three separate pools and an expansive grass area for playing or lounging lead to the property’s beach. Hotel crew stand by to provide lounge chairs and umbrellas for the afternoon. It is one of the best beaches of the Wailea resorts — perfect sand, swimming and snorkeling. I spent most of my time here. If you are up for a real adventure, the beach crew offers group outrigger tours, standup paddle boarding and kayak tours. I braved SUP for the first time and found it a great experience, even though I fell off about six times. The concierge also helped arrange a sunrise snorkeling tour at Molokini Crater.

The Andaz Maui offers great dining options, which I enjoyed with a mai tai. For casual dining by the pool, try Bumbye Beach Bar. If you can get a reservation, I suggest sitting at the chef ’s table tasting at Ka’ana Kitchen, the farm-to-table restaurant. The bartenders can create custom cocktails to accompany any of the chef ’s creations — try the grilled octopus. My bartender extraordinaire, Archer, added to a great experience and offered a nice twist on the cocktails with flower- and herb-infused ice cubes, something I’d never seen.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ Andaz Maui’s private beach is a perfect location for lying in the sun, snorkeling and enjoying the views. The resort’s free daily activities are perfect for adult travelers, including paddle boarding, snorkeling and outrigger tours.
◆ The expansive property has a boutique feel and didn’t seem overcrowded even in the high tourism season.
◆ Dining options are superb, from great Japanese and Hawai’ian items to custom cocktails. You cannot go wrong for brunch, lunch or a romantic dinner.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

3550 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
tel 808 573 1234
andaz.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 17, 2025

UN Tourism Announces Best Tourism Villages in 2024

From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Vietnam, travelers can now discover the 55 newest Best Tourism Villages of 2024 as researched by UN Tourism. These are not overcrowded, mass-tourism villages, but instead very rural destinations that have consolidated their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

March 2025
Mar 17, 2025

Buenos Aires Embraces Life with Art, Music, Sports and Fine Food

The fascinating city of Buenos Aires has managed to maintain its appeal for travelers despite Argentina’s roller coaster economic history.

Daily
Mar 17, 2025

Welcome the Arrival of Tulip Season in Amsterdam with Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

Every spring, Amsterdam’s parks and fields erupt into an array of colors with the arrival of tulip season. To help travelers have the ultimate experience, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam offers three curated experiences celebrating the iconic flower through historical insights, natural immersion and gourmet food.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

Slideshow
Mar 17, 2025

6 Reasons to Put Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Santa Fe, New Mexico, with us.

Daily
Mar 13, 2025

Sedona, Arizona, Hotel Promises Perfect Nature-Centric Stay

Immerse yourself in nature with a stay at L’Auberge de Sedona. This luxury property in Sedona, Arizona, invites travelers to reconnect with nature through its accommodations and outdoor experiences.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

Daily
Mar 13, 2025

Ancient Baths Brand Opens Second Location in New York City

AIRE Ancient Baths officially opened the doors of its second New York City location March 1, bringing even more wellness to New Yorkers and visitors. Following the success of its location in Tribeca, AIRE New York Upper East Side debuts, blending ancient traditions from Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations.