Kea Lani Decadence

Jun 25, 2009

On a recent Maui visit, I opted to stay at a resort that’s been a favorite of mine since it opened in 1991. Great for families because of it spacious suite design – but also ideal for couples thanks to the privacy factor – the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui (www.fairmont.com/kealani) is the only luxury all-suite and villa oceanfront resort of all the hotels and resorts in Hawaii. And the fact that’s tucked toward a quiet end of sunny Polo Beach is simply a bonus for me.

Each of Kea Lani’s one-bedroom suites includes a spacious living room, separate master bedroom, elegant marble bathroom, mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, dinnerware and utensils. These great touches aside, I always size up Hawaii accommodations by “lanai appeal.” Kea Lani’s a winner here as well, with my large private lanai literally inviting me to soak in the beauty of the island and the resort’s 22-acre setting a step from my living room.

This is vacationing the way I like it. I had everything I needed at my fingertips. So with book, beverage and snacks in hand, I slipped right into vacation mode.

Obviously, I have no complaints about my accommodations. I was in heaven. However, the resort’s 37 two- and three-bedroom oceanfront villas are the epitome of luxury for those with bigger budgets and a greater ability to splurge. It’s something I aspire to.

Perched along Polo Beach below the resort’s main building, these 1,800 to 2,100 sq. ft. havens kick up convenience and privacy to a higher level with complete kitchen, washer/dryer, deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, double-pedestal sinks, and private lanai with barbecue grill and plunge pool. And if that’s not enough, villa guests also have exclusive services like a dedicated staff, special welcome amenities, optional shopping services and private chef meal preparation.

These are more like private homes with access to all the amenities associated with a world-class resort – Kea Lani’s trio of private swimming pools, a full service spa, 24-hour fitness center, fine dining in four restaurants, gourmet bakery and deli, personal concierge and twice daily maid service. Certainly, I was able to enjoy all these amenities. But villa guests get to do so, then retreat to their personal escape within an escape with the Pacific at their doorstep. In my brief tour of a two-bedroom villa, I easily imagined myself lazing in the plunge pool as my chef prepped sunset “pupus” and exotic beverages. Again, it’s something I aspire to.

A freelance writer based between Honolulu and San Diego, Dawna specializes in destinations and adventures in the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, the South Pacific and Western United States. Her stories have appeared in publications that include The New York Times, Global Traveler USA, San Francisco Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Smart Meetings, Family Fun, Hemispheres, Outside and Travel Agent Magazine. She is a frequent contributor to TravelAge West, a bi-weekly magazine targeting retail travel agents and wholesalers in the Western United States. An avid marathon runner and photographer, Dawna is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Visit www.dawnarobertson.com