First Relais & Châteaux Property in Hawaii

Hotel Wailea is considered the most intimate hotel property within the Wailea resort area, with only 72 suites on an expansive 15 acres.

For those who seek the romance and tranquility of ultra-private suites coupled with gracious service, and a serene sense of place, take a look at the newest member of the world’s most prestigious travel association Relais & Châteaux. Hotel Wailea, a former private members club previously unknown to leisure travelers, joins an exclusive association of the world’s finest hotels and gourmet restaurants that have set the standard for excellence in hospitality, becoming the first Relais & Châteaux property in Hawaii.

Hotel Wailea is perched 300 feet above sea level with dramatic ocean views. Set across 15 lush acres, the resort offers 72 one-bedroom suites, designed by Honolulu’s Marion Philpotts-Miller, that bring together indigenous island character with the feel of an ocean view pied-à-terre.

Residential-style cabanas and an orchard-to-glass apothecary bar are among highlights of the newly finished pool area, aptly name The Cabanas, where raw- food-chef-turned-mixologist Kerry Mekeel crafts custom cocktails with handpicked island fruit, fresh-pressed juices, organic hydrosols and tropical infusions.

”Hotel Wailea was conceived as the ultra-private Hawaii couple’s escape centered on gracious service and exceptional culinary experiences,” said owner Jonathan McManus. “It’s an honor for Hotel Wailea to be admitted into the Relais & Châteaux family, and we welcome the opportunity for our guests to experience firsthand the essence of a Maui-based Relais & Châteaux property.”

Hotel Wailea is raising the bar on the farm-to-fork movement on Maui by artfully bringing the island’s full bounty to life through cuisine. Hotel Wailea’s fine dining restaurant blends Southern Mediterranean flavors, artisanal Hawaiian products and Maui-grown ingredients, including those sourced from the hotel’s on-property farming operation, Wailea Organics.

Executive Chef Brian Etheredge and Chef de Cuisine Chris Kulis, both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, share a passion and understanding for creative techniques and superb quality in the culinary arts, a philosophy that is infused throughout Hotel Wailea’s entire culinary program.