Gianna's Sexy Property Spotlight: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
/Chic, Thoughtful Design Meets Hawaiian Paradise
I've stayed at countless Hawaiian hotels in my life (it was a favorite family vacation spot growing up and also a favorite incentive trip for companies I’ve worked for), and the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort isn't just another beachfront property—it sets a gold standard in how a modern resort should think about the entire guest experience and is a 10/10 for the overall experience and value. Whether you're planning a corporate event, milestone birthday or wedding, or personal escape, this renovated gem delivers on every level and for relatively reasonable cost.
Why This Property is a Standout: The Details Matter
Let's talk about the things that make or break a hotel stay. You know what's annoying? Arriving before your room is ready with nowhere to go. The Andaz Maui gets it. Their arrival Lounge features showers, a microwave, cold beverages, and a comfortable “living room” like lounge to decompress—because your vacation (or work trip) shouldn't start with sitting awkwardly in the lobby for three hours.
And can we discuss the room amenities? Every guest receives a beach bag and two reusable water bottles. Forgot yours at home? No problem. They've thought of it. The rooms themselves are intelligently designed to maximize every square foot—think carved-out storage under the bed for shoes, extra wall-rack right by the door for hanging towels and wet swimsuits and complimentary Hawaiian snacks and beverages you need stocked and replenished throughout your stay… the water stations and ice on every other floor and “spa water” infused with citrus at every pool…It's this kind of smart space planning and thoughtfulness about what guests want and need that makes you wonder why other hotels haven't figured this out yet.
But here's where they really won me over: premium Nespresso pods (not generic coffee) and DryBar hairdryers in every room. As someone who has suffered through countless bad hotel coffees and hairdryers that turn my hair into a frizz disaster, these were welcome surprises I don't even find at supposedly "luxury" properties. The little things? They're actually the big things. Case in Point: I’ll never forget this past year I was planning a Milestone Birthday for a dear client at a luxury hotel in Napa, and she showed up to the final evening event (where I had scheduled a photographer to take professional photos of the couple and their guests), with WET HAIR! When she told me it was because the hotel’s hairdryer was so bad it wouldn’t dry her hair, I was appalled. So hotels - don’t do this to your guests! They deserve better.
Sophisticated, Smart, Timeless Design
The Andaz Maui has done an A+ job on maintaining classic Hawaiian traditions and aesthetics and upgrading them to be fresh, modern, chic and versatile. The aesthetic is clean, natural, and unmistakably Hawaiian—but in a sophisticated fashion that uses clean neutrals, wood, fres, neutral-toned carpet (with a delicate, light pattern) with pops of color introduced only via art and Hawaiian orchids. The traditional “welcome moment” as you arrive and approach the breathtaking Lobby still boasts a welcome with Hawaiian Lei and specialty fruit juice, and sweeping open-aired views of the ocean, with a fun upgrade which is a sand-feature that groups can use to “draw” a welcome message to guests. Clever, subtle, and understated natural without needing print signage to obstruct the view - so smart! Everything about this property feels intentional, from the materials to the layout. It's the kind of design that makes you feel relaxed the moment you walk in.
The Rooms: Where Smart Design Meets Comfort
Every room at the Andaz Maui is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and comfort. In the room I stayed in, the dual tub/shower combo and under-bed shoe storage were brilliant touches that make life easier. The large soaking tubs in every bathroom in the villa I toured are perfect for unwinding after a day of meetings or beach time—there's nothing quite like a good soak while looking out at Hawaiian views.
The Suites: Next-Level Luxury
But if you really want to experience something special, the villas are where it's at. Let me tell you about what made me fall in love with them:
The Stunning Glass-Bottom Dipping Pool
The Ilikai Penthouse Villa I toured feature an outdoor dipping pool with a see-through bottom—yes, you read that right. It's the kind of feature that makes you do a double-take and then immediately post about it. It's sexy, it's unique, and it's perfect for those sunset cocktail moments with friends (or colleagues if you dare).
Built for Entertaining
These villas come with large kitchens and outdoor Viking grills, making them ideal for entertaining. Whether you're hosting your executive team for a private dinner or traveling with family and want to cook a few meals in (or have one of their recommended private chefs cook for you), the setup is perfect. It's rare to find accommodations that actually make self-catering feel luxurious rather than like a compromise.
Perfect for Groups
The multi-bedroom configurations make these villas ideal for families or corporate groups who want communal space but still need privacy. The 'Ilikai Three Bedroom Garden View King, Queen, Queen/Queen offers plenty of space for larger groups, while the 'Ilikai Penthouse Villa takes luxury to another level entirely.
Stunner Event Spaces That Embrace Hawaii’s Natural Beauty
The Andaz Maui doesn’t take away from the most beautiful part of the property - the stunning views of the ocean. It embraces this as a natural backdrop for group events with several different lawns all overlooking the water—which can be transformed with tenting and an array of configurations. But here's the smart part: they also have indoor backup space featuring a Solarium that floods the room with natural light, so you never feel like you've been relegated to a windowless conference dungeon if weather doesn't cooperate.
One of the coolest features? The Studio kitchen in the indoor event space. Use it for catering service, live cooking demonstrations, or even team-building competitions. It's this kind of thoughtful, flexible design that makes planners' lives easier and events more memorable.
The property also features a Luau (The Feast at Mokapu) 3 nights a week. While dining alfresco at the property’s Morimoto restaurant, I was fortunate to get a taste of the performance and it was delightful to be able to hear the music and sneak peaks of the dancers while dining alfresco.
The Attendee Journey, Perfected
What I loved most is how they've thought through the entire attendee journey—not just the meeting itself. From that Ohana Lounge for early arrivals to the seamless flow between event spaces and resort amenities, they understand that corporate travelers are still human beings who want to enjoy their surroundings. Which leads me to something every resort needs and why the Andaz does it better
The Pools: A Multi-Tiered Paradise for every guest
The pool situation here is next-level. Three infinity-edged pools cascade down the front of the property like a waterfall, offering stunning ocean views. The pools offer the same sweeping views as the lobby and you can swim to the infinity edge and feel completely at peace looking off into the horizon.
Below these infinity pools, there is a large kids' wading pool for families, and—bless them—in a completely different wing of the property with no kids in sight (or sound), a serenity pool for adults only, ideally located right near the gym and spa, but with a full lunch/service menu available.
At every pool, you'll find spa water infused with citrus (a refreshing touch), and the lunch service features high-quality, fresh local flavors. That’s right - chicken that actually tastes flavorful and a variety of healthy and indulgent treats. This isn't your typical poolside burger-and-fries situation—the food is genuinely delicious, fresh, and locally sourced with friendly service the cherry on top of the lava flow.
Culinary Excellence
Ka'Ana Kitchen
I loved Ka'Ana Kitchen so much I ate there twice on my visit. The restaurant showcases local Hawaiian fare with skill and creativity, and they even offer a Chef's Table experience for those who want something extra special (I hope to try this next time). The flavors are authentically Hawaiian comfort food inspired but elevated through fresh ingredients, preparation and service with a chic, welcoming atmosphere that overlooks the stunning property and setting sun.
Morimoto Maui
Morimoto, a favorite of mine both in Napa and here, doesn’t have the views of Ka’Ana, but has its own stunning location, bordering the lower level pool and offers its own magic. I had dinner there and was treated to views of the setting sun while the sounds of the resort's Lu'au drifted into the restaurant. It was one of those unplanned perfect moments that make a trip memorable. Morimoto boasts a Japanese menu that delights guests both for lunch and dinner, a nice enhancement to the local flavors of Ka’Ana with an upscale yet approachable environment for groups, families and couples, and a lively bar as well.
The Spa: A Sanctuary
The spa is gorgeous and thoughtfully designed, featuring a full steam room, plunge pool and sauna. The boutique is beautifully curated (dangerous for your wallet, delightful for your senses), and the service menu is impressive. One detail I loved: they offer vitamin C after-sun lotion as a massage option instead of traditional oils—perfect for a day spent soaking up Hawaiian sunshine.
Location, Location, Location
The Andaz Maui is ideally situated with direct beach access and a long jogging/walking path that I took advantage of every morning. Whether you're a runner, walker, or just someone who likes to start the day with ocean views, this path is a gem because it offers not only stunning views of the coast, but a long enough path to create a solid hour-long run without having to detour to the street - an underlooked highlight when wanting to stay fit in Hawaii while enjoying the natural ambiance.
If outdoor running isn’t your jam, the fitness center is state of the art, clean, and airconditioned, with has brand-new equipment (and more peloton bikes than I’ve seen in any resort gym), yoga mats, and weight equipment. The also offer fitness classes and yoga overlooking the water. No excuses here—you can maintain your routine with ease.
The Service
Great service is invisible until you need it, and then it's everything. The Andaz Maui team strikes that perfect balance of being attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without being stuffy, and genuinely warm in a way that feels authentically Hawaiian. Text service is available and anecdotally, I was texted one day to notify me that my “do not disturb sign” was up and inquired if I wanted my room cleaned. There’s nothing like returning to your room only to find it wasn’t serviced to sour the mood, so I appreciated this small attention to guest satisfaction and preference. At one point, something I had delivered to me was hard for me to locate, and the general manager himself hand-delivered it to me since I was told the bellmen were all tied up. A+ for going above and beyond to solve a guest’s request!
And the thoughtfulness doesn’t end there. I was asked in advance what my preferences were for their profile, and as I entered my room, there was a bouquet of pink roses (my favorite color and flower), healthy snacks, champagne and bottled Fiji water. That’s right - all the way down to the water brand I prefer. That, paired with a thoughtful tour of the property and a handwritten welcome note made me feel welcome and comfortable from the very first hour on the property. Thank you Andaz for your hospitality!
The Bottom Line
The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort gets it right in ways that matter. It’s not obnoxious, it’s understated but chic. It’s fresh and modern while honoring Hawaiian traditions that people expect and love. From the thoughtful amenities (those water bottles! the coffee! that hairdryer!) to the stunning event spaces, world-class dining, and prime location, this property delivers an experience that works for personal travel, corporate groups, and everything in between.
It's the kind of place where the details are so well-executed that you don't have to think about what might go wrong—you can just enjoy what's going right. And in the hotel world, that's exactly what makes a property a true gem.
Would I return? Absolutely. Hope to do so before long and also plan a corporate event here.
Would I recommend it for your next event or personal getaway? Without hesitation. I observed a social event, a corporate event and a wedding while on property and all were having a blast and so well executed, I took photos for my own notes.
Rating: 10/10
For more information about Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort and to be put in touch with their Allstar sales team, contact me for a direct intro and to discuss how this property could be perfect for your next corporate or social event, wedding, or incentive program.
Want your property to be featured in Property Spotlight? We’d love to visit and feature your property - there are limited spaces left for 2026, inquire at gianna@gaudini.com.
Gianna Gaudini is an event strategist, advisor, and author of the Amazon bestselling book "The Art of Event Planning." She's held leadership roles at Google, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Airtable, creating unforgettable experiences that drive business results.
Want your property to be featured in Property Spotlight? We’d love to visit and feature your property - there are limited spaces left for 2026, inquire at gianna@gaudini.com.
