beachkomer

Here is my problem: I want what I probably can't find!

I want to stay where we can see the ocean from our lanai. I want the accomodations to feel "tahitian/hawaiian" not tacky Florida looking. (I am an interior designer, I guess it's a job hazard) I want
a suite or seperate bedroom area. If I could afford $1000 a night, I would rent one of those awesome villas I've seen online. Peaked koa wood ceilings, natural light and finishes, etc; I don't want to be remote from restaurants or a pool.

I want to spend under $400 per night....
Am I dreaming? I found a condo unit that
was decorated much like I described, but
no AC. Ok, now I feel it, you're all rolling your eyes and trying not to laugh out loud. You can't wait to tell me how crazy I am!

padme

You might want to think about the Four Seasons Wailea or the Ritz Carlton Kapalua or the Kapalua Bay Hotel.All are luxury resorts in breathtaking settings (best beaches, worldclass golf, shopping and dining). I have stayed at the Ritz a few times and it is fabulous!!Also, I know you are going to Maui, but from the sounds of what you want in accomodations, the Four Seasons Resort on the Big Island is pretty close to what you described.
Have heard that it is the perfect "hawaiian" getaway.Just a thought.Have a great trip!!!

Mauigirl

If you don't need daily maid service & all the other amenities of a resort hotel, try Puamana. It's a gated townhome community on the southern edge of Lahaina. I've stayed here twice & enjoyed it. The units are privately owned, so each is decorated differently - some very nice, some just ok. Both units I've stayed in had everything I could possibly want. Both times I stayed ocean front. There is an oceanfront pool, which is adults only. There are 2 other pools, tennis courts, nice grounds. I think Whaler's Realty website lists some of the available rental units with pictures. Good luck!

gava

You could try the Kapalua Bay Villas. My husband and I stayed there and have nothing but compliments about the place. Since each villa is individually owned, you could request one with the decor you wish. The views are spectacular. We had a ground floor ocean view villa. Every night we sat out on our lanai and just took in the amazing views. And in Kapalua you really do not need A/C. There is this constant incredible breeze. I suggest contacting them and asking if they have any villas that meet your decor requirements. Good luck and enjoy Maui!

SuzanneSLO

We like Elua Villas in Wailea. They are in 2 story buildings scattered among wonderfully landscaped grounds. As with any condo, they are individually owned and some are better decorated than the others. Each has a huge lanai and access to a beach-front pool pavilian. They are within walking distance of the Shops at Wailea, the Renaissance, the Wailea Marriot (by Outrigger) and the Grand Wailea. When rented through Destination Resorts, daily maid service is included. Hope this helps. - Suzanne

bogart

not an interior designer...but that's exactly what my husband and I are looking for! We are going in May and have pretty much decided that there is not that ONE PERFECT hotel there for us....so we are staying in 2 places. 5 nights at the Kapalua Bay Hotel, "understanted elegance and a true Hawaiian feel" is how a friend described it to me that has been there several times...and understands what we want. Because the weather can be slightly wetter and windier up there we are also spending 5 nights at the Fairmont Kea Lani in the Wailea area to guruantee at least some sun-drenched days. not exactly hawaiian decor (moorish I think) but very nice and all-suite rooms. you may want the check this place out also.

What about one of the smaller hotels in Hana??? just a thought...

good luck!

beachkomer

Thanks for the suggestions, three places I am really thinking about, you all mentioned!!! I did check out the condo/units mentioned at Punmana. There are some possiblities there! Also, the K.Bay Hotel does seem to fit the bill as does the Fairmont Kea Lani. Decisions, decisons. I did my my dream location, a Villa called
Shangril-La. If you want to see something special, do a google search for it, and see why I wish I could stay there! I am not made of $$$ so,
maybe for our 30th wedding anniversary in 14 years!!! aloha!

bogart

hi beachkomer! I tried a search for Shangril-La but nothing came up...is it on Maui??

Suzie

Well it helps if it is spelled correctly : ) Shangri La Here's a web site for A Shangri la

http://www.vacation-maui.com/shangrila.html

joan

Hi beachkomer. I've been thinking alot about your post, because we wanted the same thing...and not a condo. Only our budget was even lower! Anyway, we went last September and stayed in a private villa, which we've done lots in the caribbean. I know Shangrila is out, but thought I'd share some other with you:

The place we stayed (walkable to Maui Prince but you'll need a car for the five minute drive to Wailea). It was clean, nicely furnished (not designer though!) with louvers all around, we actually needed blankets at night:
http://www.maui.net/~dugal/index.html

Here's one, oceanfront with pool and hot tub, walkable to all the Wailea restaurants:
http://www.tropicalvillavacations.com/summary.html?LSRC=listings-maui.js&SORT=mauibf&FSRC=fs-mauibf-wsb.js

And one last one, not oceanfront, but with view and gorgeous furnishings. Scroll down the page to Mediterranean Sunset Villa:
http://www.mauiaccommodations.com/s-homes.html

One more idea: If you hit the lotto, go to tropicalvillavactions.com and pick any place!

Good luck!

P.S. If you go to Hana, I have just the place (3 night min though).

beachkomer

Thanks for the input. I haven't checked out the websites posted, but here is my plan:

A Bali-esqe resort, maybe not 'over the water' rooms, because of the surf, but, still, Tahiti style huts, AC, cable, kitchen, privacy, Spago, tropical...oooh, and
Jen and Brad will come, and J Lo an Ben. Beach, internet,privacy, pools....Anyone want to invest??

beachkomer

Gosh, I am trying not to gush, but Brad is from my home town, maybe I need to see if he will invest...
I'll keep ya'll posted!!!!

bogart

hey beachkomer...I got sucked into a bad movie last night with Harrison Ford and Anne Heche...anyhow, I loved where they were...somewhere in the S. Pacific I think but not Tahiti...although could be where they filmed. Anyhow, I loved it...and am rethinking Hawaii a little bit. my husband is going to kill me ;-)

invest? in what?

beachkomer

Invest in my 'perfect' Tahitian style
resort in Maui that will be the
best place in Maui to stay....ha.
Tahiti sounds great, but I have frequent flyer miles and my trip is booked. These tickets to Hawaii are hard to come by!! I wish I had done more research before I picked Maui. I think Kauai (?spell) is more what I am looking for.
Have you guys tried luxury link and checked out all the awesome places they have for auction?? Bora Bora, Tahiti, Bali....next trip!

joan

Beachkomber, I don't get it...did I miss something? You ask for recs then say you haven't checked any of the websites, yet you're booked? Where did you book?

To Bogart: That movie, eight days seven nights (or close) was filmed on Kauai! We saw the beach when we sailed by on a catamaran last year!

beachkomer

My 'free' airline tickets are booked. FF mile tickets:
Book the tickets as early as possible for availability. Figure out the hotel or condo later....Esp. Hawaii
(hey, we're saving $2200!)

Sherri

Hey Beachkomer: Since you saved $$ on your airfare, stay at the Makena Surf Condos in Makena (south Maui). All oceanfront - gorgeous location! Checkout their website for details. If you stay 7 nights, you get the 7th night free - I just booked 7 nights for about $3,300 which works out to be about $550 per night including tax. Stay in "E" or "F" buildings - you won't be sorry. If you need help with a travel agent that knows this property, just let me know.

Sherri

Oops! My calcs were wrong (wasn't thinking about the "free" night) - actually turns out to be about $470 per night - totally worth it!

beachkomer

I am emailing back and forth an owner of one of the Villas mentioned by Joan.
I'll keep you posted! It isn't beachfront, but one mile from the Wailea beaches. It does have a pool. I figure, once you pack up for an afternoon at the beach and head out, it is just a matter of driving or walking or biking the mile to the beach. I would like to be in an ocean front place, but the high rise condos of the Whaler, etc; sort of ruin the
Hawaiian feel for me. How far a drive would it be from down in that area to go to dinner up near Lahina? Is Wailea a 'town', with shopping, Blockbuster, etc;? Thanks!

beachkomer

Further update on my lodging. I changed islands to the Big Island. The condos are so much cheaper, and I can get oceanfront for quite a bit less. I still want to go to Maui someday, but not this trip. I can get an oceanfront condo at Kanaloa for about $145-200 per night. They are right on the ocean. (no beach there)
Thanks for all your help! There is a perfect house I want to rent right on Alii drive but it is taken for our dates of travel. I can't believe the price difference between the two islands for accomodations.