Fodor's Expert Review Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

"Impeccably stylish," "extravagant," and "relaxing" describe most Four Seasons properties, and this elegant one fronting award-winning Wailea Beach is no exception, with its poolside cabanas, beautiful courtyards, and luxuries such as 24-hour room service and twice-daily housekeeping. Most of the newly refurbished rooms have ocean views, and plush robes and mini refrigerators (stocked with your favorites on request) are among the amenities there. The dining is just as refined, with three excellent choices on the premises: Ferraro's Italian cuisine, Wolfgang Puck's Spago, and DUO Steak & Seafood. The spa has indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, acupuncture and chiropractic services, and a menu of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox, fillers, and body sculpting. You can also opt for poolside mini-treatments while enjoying Evian spritzers. The adults-only serenity pool features cabanas outfitted with TVs, cappuccino makers, and Missoni designed fabrics.

room

Rooms at Four Seasons are very large, all at 600 square feet, suites doubling and tripling in size, with garden or ocean views. All rooms have spacious, furnished lanai, light, beachy decor, mini fridges, and coffee makers. Beds designed in conjunction with Simmons Bedding Company are incredibly comfortable and the down pillows (fronted by two Euro-sized pillows bearing the Four Seasons logo) just beg you to spend your time sleeping, even though there are so many other things to enjoy, and if guests are not pleased with the comfort level of their bed they can request a change in bed topper to make firmer or softer. If you happen to be hapai (pregnant) during your vacation, pregnancy pillows are also available upon request. Upgraded room options include oceanfront suites and rooms on the club floor that include daily snacks, drinks, special food services (including tea time), and an exclusive lounge.

A club level room adds to the relaxation experience and gives guests more of the “all inclusive” experience that can be found at other tropical destinations. It’s a splurge, but you’ll be saving on dining and drinking.

bathroom

Spacious bathrooms are opulent and bright, with marble tubs, floors, and vanity tops, separate stand-up shower from the soaking tub, and plenty of room for getting ready and for relaxing.

lobby

The large lobby is very relaxing and luxurious, with a recessed check-in desk, marble countertops, a large fountain, and an abundance of comfortable seating. The lobby just received a makeover that included a complete change of color palette, taking it from dark to light and beachy. The views from this central hub of the hotel can’t be beat. Guests receive a lei, fruit drink and snack, and cold towel upon arrival.

pool

Though Four Seasons is directly on the beach, it doesn’t skimp on its pools. The main pool, known as the Fountain Pool, is open all hours and includes two hot tubs on either side, with an enormous, regal fountain as its centerpiece. The kiddie pool is definitely not your average child’s pool, with a large lava rock waterfall, small slide, and toddler platform. The hotel offers beach service to set guests up with chairs and umbrellas, and the entire grounds between the beach and pools is covered with loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas, all available for no extra fee on a first come, first served basis.

The real treat for taking a dip, however, is the elevated Serenity Pool. Two rectangular adults-only pools (one of which is an infinity pool with the most stunning bay views), three hot tubs, a swim-up bar, and music piped underwater make this one of the most incredible adults only pools in the world.

There are a very limited number of loungers at the Serenity Pool, available on a first come, first served basis, so you’ll want to get there early to grab a seat. Private cabanas are also available for a fee.

spa

You really can’t visit the Four Seasons without receiving a massage in one of the thatched huts down by the ocean. The views as you drift off into tranquility are incredible, and the sound of the ocean crashing along the shore is way, way better than an Enya CD. Other services include body and facial treatments, as well as salon services. A limited menu of treatments are also available at the Serenity Pool.

gym

The fitness center includes separate rooms for weights and cardio, all a nice size with nice equipment to choose from. In addition, an outdoor workout space gives guests the opportunity to work on boxing, cardio, and more in the open air. Yoga is also offered in the garden.

dining

Enjoy Hawaiian and Californian cuisine at Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago, with beautiful ocean views. This is a AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four Star restaurant, so you’ll need to ditch the flip flops and make reservations. Duo is a hopping spot in the mornings for breakfast service and a little more subdued at night when guest can enjoy steak and seafood, including a variety of local fish, accompanied by family style vegetable sides, hand crafted cocktails and an impressive wine list.

For lunch dining, Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante offers American food and sports on the TV next to the fountain pool, then transforms to an Italian eatery at night. Beachwalk Cafe offers coffee, snacks, poke bowls, and gelato for a beach snack, and the lobby bar offers pupus, as well as dim sum on Saturday and Sunday mornings. And of course, there’s always room service for when that incredible bed is just calling your name.

drinking

All three restaurants offer fantastic drinking choices, and the swim up bar at the Serenity Pool is definitely a treat. The lobby bar is the crown jewel of the beverage program, with a brand new cocktail menu that is arranged by the changing colors of the day, with plenty of twists on tropical classics. Enjoy with music and comfy views while relaxing on comfy, new furniture.