After a night in the newly reimagined Makai villas at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, I wake up in the master bedroom feeling like I’m floating on a cloud.
I freshen up in the marble-walled en-suite bathroom, which features a dual-basin sink designed for couples, a freestanding tub, waterfall shower, and bidet encased by frosted glass for privacy.
Making my way through the open kitchen and into the walk-in pantry, I pour myself a cup of coffee and enjoy it on the extra-large sectional couch in the expansive living area. From here, I take in views of swaying palm trees on Mōkapu Beach and glistening blue Pacific Ocean waters. In the winter, if you’re lucky, you can even see whales breaching and spouting offshore.
Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
The walls are adorned with artwork commissioned from local artisans, including kapa (bark cloth) paintings, woodcut prints, ceramic sculptures and fiber art. My personal favorite is a custom headboard inspired by the iʻe kūkū (traditional kapa beater).
On the lānai, towels and swimwear are strewn across chaise lounges, left out to dry after an effervescent evening spent sipping sparkling wine and soaking in the villa’s private hot tub. An outdoor barbecue goes unused, but I know that the resort’s VIP concierge can arrange a cookout at any time.
My friends emerge from different parts of the villa, which comprises 2 ½ bedrooms—the half bedroom functioning more as a game room with bunk beds for keiki—and three bathrooms. Designed for larger groups, the villa could comfortably sleep six or more, leaving plenty of space for our group of three.
Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
We start the day at Kaʻana Kitchen’s breakfast buffet, where I load my plate with mochi waffles topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips, crispy bacon and a freshly pressed green juice—for balance, of course.
I laugh to myself when we’re seated at the same table we occupied for dinner the night before. While we didn’t indulge in the signature six-course chef’s table experience, we sampled what looked like the best of the à la carte menu, and I already know I’ll be returning for the grilled octopus salad.
For the rest of our day, we find a quiet spot at the adults-only pool, where we enjoy some espresso martinis. All of the in-pool chaise lounges are taken, and I make a mental note to arrive early the next morning to secure one before checkout.
Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Nearby, three cascading infinity pools offer ocean views. Also close by is the newly refreshed Bumbye Bar, well-suited for leisurely afternoons, and the Lehua Lounge, which recently debuted a new menu. Highlights include Hawaiian-inspired dishes like pipi kaula (beef jerky), venison rigatoni Bolognese, taro-based sides, and malasadas with lilikoʻi curd; the place also features an extensive beverage program.
We spend the evening at Morimoto Maui, a fine-dining Japanese fusion concept by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The restaurant is known for expertly crafted sushi, certified A5 wagyu from Japan, and fall-off-the-bone sticky ribs.
Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
After a nightcap back at the villa, I curl up in the pillowy king-size bed, grateful for a late checkout the following morning.
During my short stay, I realize how different the Makai villas are from other resorts. Here, the space between private luxury and communal living is bridged, and you feel more like a resident, if only temporarily, than a guest. Whether you need a comfortable home base from which to explore Maui; an easy gateway to Wailea’s beaches, shopping and dining; or a place to slow down and fully settle in, the villas are worth a visit.
For more information and to book a stay at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, visit its website here.
Ashley Probst is a contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.
