Our Review of The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.

This post is sponsored. However, as always, all opinions and ideas are my own. 

When Errol asked me where I wanted to celebrate our 10-year-wedding anniversary I told him, “in paradise! And I wasn’t kidding.  Just like it says right there in its name “The Grand Wailea” is grand. It’s elegant. It’s adventure and it’s peace! Situated on the southwest shore of the Island of Maui, the Grand Wailea boasts 40 acres fronting Wailea Beach and portrays the richness of the Hawaiian culture. “The resort features luxurious accommodations, award winning cuisine, the unparalleled Spa Grande, championship golf and tennis, as well as the island’s most notable pools and water park.” It was the perfect destination for us to escape reality and enter utopia for a 5-night kids-free second honeymoon. It is also an ideal place for a family vacation- but this getaway was just for Errol and I. Read on for our review of the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.

Accommodations

The resort has 776 guestrooms, including 56 suites. The Grand Wailea’s ocean view king room was the right fit for us. The rooms are 640 sq. ft. with breathtaking pacific ocean and garden views. They come with a private balcony where we enjoyed coffee each morning.  I left the sliding door open at night and fell asleep to the sound of ocean waves and breezes.

Wailea Beach

The Backyard of the Grand Wailea is Wailea Beach and it’s rated one of the best beaches on Maui and in the world.  I found the water in Wailea Beach to be exceptionally warm which meant my husband and I spent romantic evenings jumping the waves together.

I also knew Wailea Beach was the perfect location for a romantic photo shoot to immortalize our 10-year-wedding anniversary. My husband was a great sport and went along with the mermaid theme. But the sunset, rocks and waves did all the work for creating an unforgettable atmosphere to capture the milestone.  

On-Site Snorkeling

We also went snorkeling for the very first time together on Wailea Beach and we couldn’t have had a better experience. It was super convenient.  We didn’t even need to leave the resort as Outtrigger Snorkel is located behind the adult pool and right before the beach.  They provided two snorkel guides for a private canoe snorkel adventure. Our guides were extremely patient (especially with me LOL). That’s one-on-one help- which we needed as first-timers. One of our snorkel guides agreed to video and photograph our experience using my Iphone which I protected with a water cover. We even got to swim with a huge turtle! You can check out my reel on Instagram to the sounds of “Under The Sea.”

Cabanas & Pools

Grand Wailea features the best pools and water activities on Maui. The Grand Wailea has several pools designed for “the kid” in everyone- with waterslides, rapids, a rope swing and much more. But since Errol and I were on our second honeymoon kids-free, we spent our days in the elegant Hibiscus Pool which is reserved for adults-only. It’s the perfect romantic retreat for sun and relaxation. The pool-side cabana provides full shade and seats 4. Cabanas include a mini refrigerator and some include a flat screen with Direct TV. Hotel staff provide ice, water and special snacks throughout the day with a cabana rental.

Luau

 “WOW!” There is no luau quite like the Grand Wailea’s. We were impressed with the authentic Hawaiian music and storytelling. It was so entertaining. We were welcomed to our own private table overlooking Wailea Beach, where we enjoyed a luxurious family-style three-course feast featuring traditional Luau cuisine and an open bar.

Click here for the full menu.

Spa Grande

“Do you think the spa would notice if we took those robes home with us?” I kid- I kid- Lol! After 10 years of being married, Errol and I never had a “couples” massage together. Well, the Grand Wailea changed that for us the last night of our trip. We enjoyed a relaxing outdoor massage where the sounds of the ocean waves!

Spa Grande is the largest spa in Hawaii. It uses Thalassotherapy and Ancient Eastern and Hawaiian Philosophies with advanced technology to bring wellness and beauty simultaneously. Here’s what we loved about Spa Grande:

• Warm neck rests provided in the relaxation room along with an elegant selection of organic teas and refreshments.
• An intimate and private environment for our couples massage. Our “spa-room” came with an ocean view.
• Safety precautions were a high priority. Face masks must be worn in the relaxation lounge and until treatment begins.

Dining

We were impressed with the Grand Wailea’s on-site dining. We ate breakfast and dinner almost  daily at Humuhumunukunukuapua’a  which is affectionately known as “ Humu Humu”. The “floating” seafood restaurant is named after Hawaii’s official state fish.  It is known for island cuisine with Polynesian and Hawaiian influences. I particularly enjoyed the pancakes each morning there.

We ordered poolside eats and cocktails as well as causually dined outdoor for lunch and dinner casually at Bistro Mokolini. There’s also Café Kula which was open daily for lunch.

It’s been a  week now since we’ve been home from the Grand Wailea and we miss it already. The tans may fade, but the memories will last a lifetime. The Grand Wailea is the perfect honeymoon destination and is equally ideal for a family vacation. We hope our review of the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort was helpful.  Click HERE to read about a California Coastal Staycation.