The Marriott Wailea
Close your eyes. Picture making the turn into your resort for some well-deserved R&R. The driveway is lined with lush, deep green trees and plants, sprinkled with dimly lit lanterns. The sun setting through the trees, the smell of salt and sun-kissed sand fills the air, the faint sound of a ukulele, the twinkle lights illuminating the drive… you’re instantly transported into vacation mode.
Welcome to the Marriott Wailea Maui.
You could simply walk around the property and that would be enough. Everything is serene, and every detail is executed to perfection.
So, here’s the inside scoop and some of our favorite moments:
The Malahuia Pool
The sunrise from the Malahuia Pool was EPIC. We took a dip in the adults-only infinity pool, which is calm and quiet. The view overlooking the ocean, is spectacular. In the winter you can see whales breaching off the coast, while outriggers and kayakers get their morning paddle in. It is everything you would expect of Maui and more.
Extra, anyone? We didn’t book this particular experience, but if you’re looking for a romantic night, you can lock in a candle lit dinner over the pool and watch the sunset, completely undisturbed. Dreamy, right?
Whales Tale
We grabbed breakfast and a coffee at Whales Tale. Everything at the joint is locally sourced and DELICIOUS. They’ve got everything your healthy little heart could possibly desire: fresh juice, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, salads… if you’re jonesing for a breakfast-cocktail, some BOMB cocktails. When I’m on vacation, I’m all about a breakfast sandwich, so grabbed a breakfast panini, no cheese, of course. Colin got banana bread (obvs) and the breakfast slider. We shared an acai bowl… we eat a lot on a normal day, but on vacation we tend to go in - double-trouble.
Coffee — Colin is always a hot and black. I LOVE an iced coffee and cold brew, but unless I’m in Los Angeles, I don’t order anything iced. It’s not strong enough. I’m convinced that only place on earth that knows how to do a strong cold brew is LA or my own kitchen. So quad shot of espresso over ice was the order.
Day’ Vibes: The ‘Ohi Pool
During the day we RELAXED. We posted up at the ‘Ohi Pool in a cabana that overlooked the ocean. The cabana has a king sized, reclining bed, and curtains that you can pull out and around for extra privacy + shade. The crowd over at this pool was livelier and less stuffy. We made some friends with a couple that was honeymooning, cheers-ed to love, and took a cat nap.
Lunch at the cabana was incredible, and yes, we got a full spread. Again. Burgers, salads, coconut shrimp, ahi poke… we’re not big drinkers, but we got a couple of cocktails as well. Yes, the ones with the little umbrellas and way too much rum.
The F&B program here is on point. There are a ton of healthy options, all locally sourced, and, of course, your Hawaiian comfort food.
Cliffside Yoga
We took a little stroll around the property. I found a gorgeous place to do some solo Yin yoga right on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. After a long travel day, it’s imperative to move around and get blood flowing. After a 25-30minute yoga, that crunchy, inflamed feeling that you get from flying goes away. You’re guaranteed to have a better vacation. I’m convinced.
KAPA
The Wailea’s KAPA Bar makes a mean cocktail, has a local rosé that was my go-to on this trip. Happy hour with a breathtaking sunset as the main course. The Halekala Heat will run you $22, but it’s worth every penny. Fortaleza blanco, coconut, lime, Hawaiian chili pepper ginger shrub… it’s a Hawaiian take on a Mexican classic and we’re all for it. You’re in Hawaii, so prepare yourself for your fill of fish — The spicy poke lettuce wraps and the ceviche were perfect apps for our dinner plans later that night.
We watched the sun go down over the ocean, and that was that!
What’s a Sam & Colin blog without some pro-tips?
Fit Hack
If you’re on vacation, and want to let loose, but still want to keep everything on point, opt for the fun stuff (i.e. booze + heavy food) earlier in the day. Go uber-healthy for dinner — greens, light protein (you’re in Hawaii… go fish), lots of water, and sugar-free wine or alcohol. We opt in for tequila. The theory here is that you can work off the breakfast sandwich, the haupia cookie, and the fried coconut shrimp throughout the day, but if you’re housing down massive calories for dinner, you don’t have time to work off the extra. You also won’t sleep as well if you eat heavy at night… or drink heavy.
Vacation Hack for Foodies
We’re big fans of food, and usually find ourselves in a position where we don’t have enough time to try all of the places that we want to try. We make a list of all the spots we want to hit AND do the research to figure out which spots have the best views, bites, and sips for breakfast, lunch, dinner, sunset, etc. Then we hit a bunch of them in one day or evening. We order drinks + small bites at all of them, UNLESS the place is a fancy, sit-down type of place, or there is a big celebration to be had. Opt in for lots of experiences rather than one big one.
For quick links to all of our favorite travel things, hit it.
Jet Lag gotcha down? We have a blog about that too!