Maui’s Most Heavenly Resort | by Sean Calvillo
When envisioning a picturesque stay in Maui, the luxurious Westin in Kaanapali is just that. Situated on a beautiful beachfront, the hotel houses over 700 rooms with views of Maui’s West Mountains and the ocean with clear visions of Lanai and Molokai. Waking up in the comfy Heavenly Bed to the glimmering sunrise breaking through, I knew an amazing day in paradise lay ahead. I brewed a fresh cup of coffee and sat on the balcony of my room to soak in the morning.
The Westin offers a made-to-order breakfast delivered to the room or an expansive buffet with everyone’s favorites. And to make visitors feel more welcome, the hotel houses a Starbucks located right in the lobby.
After some delicious plates of food, I was ready for some sun. Making my way through the lush and exotic pool area, I found where I would set up camp for the day. My agenda included working on my tan, reading, and napping. The upgraded lounge chairs and the on-deck servers further enhanced my day. With my Piña Colada in hand, this vacation was getting better with each sip. The Westin boasts a large 87,000 square-foot pool area with lounge chairs, a water volleyball net, and basketball hoop. For the kid inside me, I could not pass up the fast and winding water slide. Amongst the kids and some adults, I’m happy to say I enjoyed it more than once. With direct access to the ocean, I relaxed on the covered lounge chairs reserved for hotel guests. The sights and sounds of the beach at the Westin are unparalleled and lured me in for a warm swim.
The hotel also provides easy access to essentially any island activity available on Maui. From scuba diving and snorkeling, to surfing and paddle boarding, or even a golfing adventure on the island of Lanai, there is no shortage of activities. For me, I chose a whale watching trip on the Gemini.
The afternoon approached and it was time for the lomi lomi massage at the Westin’s Heavenly Spa. This world class oasis is set up to heal, relax, and rejuvenate all who enter. I instantly appreciated the personable and well-trained staff, who made sure my time was supreme. And that, it was. The floor to ceiling windows revealed a soothing view of the ocean as I lounged in pure relaxation. The massage proved to be exactly what I needed. With a renewed outlook, I was ready for the evening.
The Westin’s Tropica restaurant offers a scenic and tasteful experience. Open to the beachfront, the ocean waves and tiki torches paint the well-known Hawaiian backdrop for an excellent meal. The hotel provides a private sunset dinner for two, which is the ultimate romantic Maui dining experience. For a more family oriented night, the Westin hosts the Wailele Polynesian Luau, which throws you right into a unique cultural event.
With a staff that breathes service, their Aloha is not just a greeting; it encompasses anything you need for your stay at the Westin. Now, that is pure Aloha.