Just got back from the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Had previously stayed at the Fairmont Wailea. The Four Seasons was certainly gorgeous and had the better pools (particularly loved the serenity pool). I was a little bummed out about the public beach, though this was no fault of the Four Seasons. The Fairmont's beach is private, so you get better beach service. At the Four Seasons, the beach is public, so the service is nonexistent, which feels a little bizarre for a Four Seasons.
Having stayed at Four Seasons all over the world, I was pretty underwhelmed. The service was terrible, and I'm not usually one to complain, either. The food was also pretty expensive (50$ average an entree) which can be expected, but usually Four Seasons Resorts have at least one less-upscale restaurant with more average pricing. Anyway, it definitely is not my favorite in the chain, and I probably wouldn't return. I felt like the Fairmont had a much better value for the money. Anyway, if you want more detail or pictures:
http://www.peacelovewander.com/2012/05/four-seasons-maui.html
Four Seasons Maui Trip Review!
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I've stayed at both properties and enjoyed them both for different reasons.
ALL Beaches in Hawaii are public.
While all beaches in Hawaii are public - there are varying degrees of "public" depending on what kind of easy access the beach has and also - the atmosphere at the particular beach, whether or not it has snorkeling or surfing, beach chairs set up by the resort, etc.
Some beaches - are much more "semi-private" than others.
The Four Seasons and the Kea Lani beaches are both EQUALLY Public
I had no idea the Kea Lani was public. I believe that it is, but it doesn't scream "public" to the guests because it isn't shared by other hotels, whereas the Four Seasons is a larger stretch of beach that has other hotels next to it. Sorry for the miswording on that.
I am sorry to have detracted from your post. What lovely pictures. Mahalo for sharing them!
Love both hotels! The spa at the Four Seasons is wonderful! Although, we were very disappointed in Spago. It's been a few years since we were at either hotel. I preferred the rooms at the Kea Lani. Sorry your stay didn't measure up.
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.
We just returned from the Four Seasons and we had a different experience. We thought the service was fabulous whether on the beach (where they set us up, kept offering ice water or fruit, watered down the hot sand, you name it) or at the pool (I loved being spritzed by Evian water) or just around the hotel. Our room was large and lovely and the bathroom was huge. I can't say enough positive about this hotel and they practically needed to drag me out when it was time to go home. I will agree with the comment above that Spago was extremely expensive (as were all top restaurants in Maui) but Spago was very disappointing.