Seven Secrets of the Four Seasons Maui, the Real-Life White Lotus
As Hawaii gets set to end its Covid Safe Travels screening program on March 25, tourism to the Aloha state
CELEB Magazine
As Hawaii gets set to end its Covid Safe Travels screening program on March 25, tourism to the Aloha state has never been more in demand. And this makes sense. Hawaii is part of the US so there is a semblance of ease while it remains exotic. As for where to stay, the Four Seasons Maui in the Tony Southern Resort Enclave is the preeminent address on the island. The architecture, pools and vistas will also look familiar to those familiar with HBO’s breakout hit The White Lotus however, the actual hotel is far more effortlessly luxe than the show’s camp and kitsch let on. Here are seven things you need to know:
1. There is a hotel within the hotel: With 383 rooms and suites spread across 8 floors the hotel is sizable enough so that guests certainly feel spread out, however there is a co-op of 26 rooms and suites tucked away on a privately keyed wing on their penthouse floor for those looking for an intimate boutique vibe. Accommodations here include private registration in a lounge that features hosted F&B presentations (including personal beverages) and some of the hotels very best staff – many of whom have worked on the club level for decades.
2. There are 21 complete suites that boasts some very over-the-top features: Don’t let The White Lotus fool you. HBO went in and set decorated these posh residences with some serious kitsch. The actual aesthetic is much more modern Hawaiian complete with museum quality art and three Elite Suites boast an extended mini bar curated by Christian Navarro of the Wally's Wine. Naturally guests are afforded their own personal assistant to orchestrate a perfect holiday.
3. The $26,000 real life “Pineapple Suite” represents some value: Yes, we know that $26K is certainly a lot of money, but this suite (actually named the Lokelani Presidential) boasts 3 bedrooms, can easily sleep 8 with its existing bed configuration and the per bedroom cost is not out of line with the hotel’s premiere suites. What’s more, the suite boasts 7,200 square feet of indoor/outdoor living with a massive lanai, living, dining and theater rooms as well as two kitchens. Guests can arrive directly onto the lanai where they are greeted by fire and hula dancers to get their trip started off right.
4. The Maile Presidential is the nicest accommodation on Maui: While the Lokelani suite boasts a massive terrace, the views from the Maile Presidential are handedly the island’s best. While portrayed as the Mossbacher’s one-bedroom suite on The White Lotus this 4,000 square foot abode actually has 3 bedrooms (similar to the Lokelani), a private sauna and fronts the 7th floors entire north wing.
5. The Serenity Pool’s cabanas offer some serious value: Perched above Wailea beach, this adult’s only oasis is literally a slice of heaven. And while the chaises are in high demand, the six cabanas (two decked out in Missoni and another four featuring the art of Gray Malin) should ideally be booked when you make your room reservation. Not only do you get a well-appointed refuge from the sun, but your booking includes either a bottle champagne or four cocktails, a stocked fridge, fruit plate and lunch! Given this the nominal tariff for these cabanas are more than worth it.
6. For $25 you can upgrade your spa experience in a major way: While you can certainly enjoy your massage in their regular treatment room, there are 3 extremely private, oceanside hales which is where those in the know book their services. Trust us, this is the most worthwhile “enhancement” we’ve seen.
7. If you're expecting tourist dining think again: The Four Seasons handedly boasts some of Maui’s best dining. From modern Italian served beachside at Ferraro’s, to DUO whose wagyu preps rival any NY or Vegas eatery to Wolfgang Pucks expectational Pacific Rim inspired Spago. In fact, the only culinary reason to leave the property in our opinion would be to try Iron Chef Morimoto’s eponymously named haunt at the nearby Andaz. Regarded as the greatest Iron Chef, the food and service here are perhaps the island’s only restaurant that stands up to what’s found at the Four Seasons.