The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has been the benchmark for Hawaiian resorts since 1990, and the formula has barely needed touching: 15 acres of gardens and terraces stepping down to Wailea Beach on Maui’s dry, calm southwestern shore. The White Lotus filmed its first season here, which tells you something about the looks; what the series did not capture is how well the place runs. Service is the real luxury, from pool attendants who remember your name to a concierge desk that actually knows the island.
The 383 rooms are large, plantation-cool and angled towards the sea, with lanais built for slow breakfasts and, in winter, whale watching from a chair. Three pools split the crowd sensibly: the adults-only Serenity infinity pool takes the sunsets, the fountain pool takes the families, and a quieter third handles everyone in between. The beach itself is one of Maui’s best for swimming and snorkelling, with a gentle entry and Lanai on the horizon.
Dining stays on property more happily than most resorts can manage. Spago does Wolfgang Puck with a Pacific accent on the ocean terrace, Ferraro’s plays Italian at sunset, and DUO covers steak and an outstanding breakfast. There is no resort fee, a rarity at this level in Hawaii, and the kids club is complimentary. It is very expensive and completely unapologetic about it; on this island, nothing else touches it.
