Four Seasons in an Endless Summer Setting

Nov 5, 2009

Despite its Endless Summer image, Hawaii does have four distinct seasons. In this case, however, it’s Four Seasons – Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Hawaii at Hualalai, Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay and Four Seasons Lanai: The Lodge at Koele.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting each of these beauties, with my most recent stay at the Four Seasons Resort Maui that’s perched on a white-sand crescent of Pacific paradise along the island’s sunny southwest shore. Certainly, it was no surprise that the facilities, amenities and service proved true to that stellar Four Seasons form.

If you’ve never experienced a Four Seasons stay, it’s heaven at every aspect. Yet, the complimentary elements distinguish it from so many other similar upscale resorts. While these naturally vary from beach resort to slick city properties, the gratis touches all up the value. And when you’re in Hawaii, it’s the ultimate because the settings are so remarkable.

Four Seasons Maui offers a slew of extended touches that are extremely attractive to those who especially prefer beach resorts. It starts in the guest room with twice-daily housekeeping/turndown service, two bottles of water refreshed daily (especially thoughtful in the tropics!), ice delivery, coffee/tea service and children’s welcome program with age-specific amenities. All accommodations have an oversized marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub, separate glass-enclosed shower and upgraded L’Occitane bath amenities.

Even without these services, the rooms are a dream. Arranged in a U-shape facing the ocean, the majority feature dazzling views of the Pacific that can be enjoyed from the privacy of your furnished lanai. Accented by the artwork of specially commissioned local artisans, the welcoming décor features soft tones of peach, cream and mint. As much as I wanted to enjoy the great outdoors, I found myself in no particular rush to leave my spacious retreat.

For guests wanting to up it a notch, rooms and suites on the resort’s eighth floor offer the special privileges of the Executive Club Lounge. Accessible only by private elevator key, these accommodations provide additional privacy for small groups preferring more exclusivity. Club Floor concierge services include express check-in and check-out. As well as complimentary packing services.

The list goes on with such freebies as use of an Aloha Suite for early arrivals/late departures, an outrigger canoe program that teaches Hawaiian-style paddling techniques, Wailea resort shuttle service, Kids For All Seasons full-day children’s program, all meals for children aged five and under at DUO and Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante, morning coffee/tea service throughout the property, business center Internet service, and use of beach cabanas and umbrellas.

And for travelers accustomed to shelling out funds for fun, forget it here. Aside from the spa, almost everything else is on the house. So don’t shy away from the 24-hour fitness center, daily fitness classes (including spinning, yoga on the beach, pilates and tai chi), tennis, snorkeling and putting green.

In July, the resort welcomed its highly anticipated $9 million Serenity Pool. This third and most exclusive saltwater pool is tucked in the new 4,100-square foot Serenity Pool Terrace alongside the southern-most oceanfront edge of the property.

Shimmering with glass mosaic tiles, the 2,650-square-foot saltwater haven pampers adults with an underwater music system, a pair of integrating hot tubs, walk-up and swim-up bars, and six luxury cabanas with wireless/wired Internet access, flat-screen televisions and stocked mini-refrigerators.

For my money, it was the decadence of lounging in a shaded beach cabana looking out at a beautiful slice of the Pacific – then having an attendant approach me with a cooler of Otter Pops. Nothing beats a frozen treat when you think the day can’t get any better.

It’s no secret that Four Seasons doesn’t top the budget list. But it’s all about value. And to lure travelers during this time when the economy is finding serial vacationers opting to skip a beat, Four Seasons is extending a variety of incentives that make its upscale collection of getaways even more appealing.

For more information or reservations at the Four Seasons Maui, visit www.fourseasons.com/maui or call 800-819-5053.

Written by Dawna L. Robertson

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