Always More to Explore at Four Seasons Maui

I'm bobbing up and down in an outrigger canoe, eyes fixed on the water in the hopes I might see a sea turtle.

With the warm sun on my shoulders, I know the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is just on the other side of the rocky outcrop around which we've just paddled. That's about as far from the resort as I want to get at any point before I must regretfully check out.

Yes-it's that good.

Soon comes the call: Ho'omakaukau-and we're off paddling again. As we glide through the water on this nearly cloudless day with a fine sea breeze, I see the spa hale hau (huts) come into view and remember the Lomi Mohala massage enjoyed there the previous afternoon.

I took full advantage of the breeze and waves to relax while the therapist applied an herbal oil blend using lomilomi techniques to give a feeling of mohala or opening. Named for the construction materials of hau wood and cordage, thee hales were also said to be traditionally used as places of healing.

I certainly feel healed as I emerge to relax in one of the complimentary pool or beach cabanas. Or with a cocktail in the adults-only Serenity Pool, which has a clubby vibe and an underwater sound system. Or perhaps in a hammock surrounded by floral heaven in the rooftop plumeria garden. Fairly floating and liking a good walk after a massage to reenergize, I explore the property a bit after some refreshing in the eucalyptus steam shower in the men's spa.

There's a popular poke Aloha Hour taking place on the lawn in front of the spa, which is tempting. But time is limited and there's more to explore.

The hotel is full to the brim with curated selections of local art, from feather lei to Hawaiian quilts and luscious photographs-all from artists who have a connection to Hawai'i Nei. Guests who want help catching art-quality worthy shots of their own can seek out assistance and advice from the hotel's photo ambassador near the beach at sunset.

My own sunset is spent at Ferraro's, the resort's oceanfront Italian restaurant, which has an impressive list of craft cocktails and a memorable 1944 Mai Tai. (Trader Vic's original recipe has a smidgen of lime but is otherwise mostly rum.) Don't drink too much-the food is worth remembering.

Savor oven roasted meatballs, sweet local corn agnolotti with crab and seared ahi with cannellini, bacon and pickled Fresno chile.

As the outrigger makes its way back to the beach, the curiously invigorating sun and surf becomes draining, and it's a relief to pull the canoe back up into place well away from the waves. A large koa wood bowl is produced with chilled pineapple, the juicy sweetness cutting the lingering salt spray and quenching thirst.

There are a few hours left-to pack or to pool? The guest room is inviting enough to linger in.

A Four Seasons Bed for relaxing, an expansive bathroom with piped-in Hawaiian music hits and a soaker tub, or an ocean view lanai with cozy seating and intuitively placed tables for books or beverages all await. (As does a selection of books on a shelf tucked beside a ceramic octopus bookend that seems hauntingly tailored to my interests, which I wish I had time to read.).

But the pools are too inviting.

A message to the housekeeping staff via the Four Seasons app to request packing assistance-an offered if not advertised service available at most Four Seasons properties-solves the dilemma. Before I know it, an attendant is helping me pick out a shady cabana, cocooning the chair in fluffy towels, fetching ice water and sunscreen and making a run to the bar for a blended cocktail. Pool amenities come nonstop-Evian facial spritzes, chilled towels, magazines, chilled fruit skewers and ice water refills.

Good To Know

If you're an early riser/walker, there's complimentary coffee in the lobby, as in all Four Seasons properties, if you can forego the Nespresso in the rooms.

Housekeeping, concierge, spa, and guest folios are all available via the tablet in the room or via the Four Seasons app.

Want turndown service at 6 on the dot or forgot to pack a toothbrush? Tell housekeeping via your smartphone. Want to reserve the Serenity pool for a private dinner or take a helicopter to Hawai'i Island for a coffee plantation tour? The concierge is your next text.

In addition to Ferraro's, DUO Steak & Seafood serves a lavish breakfast buffet (or plated options if one prefers) and dinner. A branch of Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills institution Spago is open for dinner.

Broken sandals can be repaired and shoes shined overnight by housekeeping.

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore