Following an authentic Hawaiian blessing ceremony, the greatly anticipated Andaz Maui hotel has now opened at the Wailea Resort & Spa. Designed by award-winning architecture and design firm, Rockwell Group, the Andaz Maui’s striking interior embraces the immense natural beauty of its surroundings.
The Andaz Maui is in fact the tenth hotel to join the Andaz brand, and the first to be located within a resort destination. At the centre of this brand’s philosophy is a desire to immerse its guests in the local culture – something that the architecture and design of the Andaz Maui experiment with to interesting effect.
Rockwell Group has artfully created a series of architectural interventions in order to open up the resort’s buildings to Maui’s extraordinary landscape, while employing a palatte of natural materials to evoke a sense of Hawaii’s warm hospitality.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an entryway bridge of glowing Ambrato stone, framed in mahogany and constructed over an infinity-edge pool. Once inside, guests find themselves in the hotel’s airy lounge, where they can check in while soaking in views of Wailea’s picturesque beaches.
Constructed not only to set this unique vista to best effect, but with respect of the environment in mind, Andaz Maui at Wailea has made a commitment to adhere to the latest standards in green technology and design, and is aiming to be a LEED-certified resort under the US Green Building Council.
The hotel’s many amenities retain this same consideration of the island’s native beauty and customs. Two full-service restaurants, Ka’ana Kitchen and Morimoto Maui, offer striking views of the infinity-edge pool, lagoon and ocean, while providing a culinary experience that reflects the rich heritage of Hawaii.
The hotel’s Äwili Spa and Salon, meanwhile, incorporates indigenous herbs into customised treatments. This considerable 14,000ft² space comprises 10 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, three relaxation rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre and a private adult spa pool.
Adorned with tall, custom cabinets to store herbs and organic products, the spa lounge features a large walnut table where Andaz apothecary consultants mix freshly picked herbs and organic produce to create lotions and oils for guests’ treatments.
Fully equipped for weddings and group events, the resort also features more than 15,000ft² of elegant indoor and outdoor space. Five indoor Andaz studios are available – fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and designed in a residential seaside style – in addition to three outdoor beachfront event lawns with unparalleled views of Wailea’s pristine Mokapu Beach.
The resort’s 297 guest rooms and suites extend the spacious feel and far reaching views of these reception and leisure spaces. Each room consists of custom-designed furniture, including platform beds with side tables in a walnut finish, and teak wood slat vanity units.
In order to maintain the light and airy quality of the rooms, shuttered wooden screens in a white-washed oak finish separate the bathroom from the bedroom.
