Ben and I went to Maui on our honeymoon in 2009 and vowed to return for our 5-year anniversary. We had a great time on our honeymoon and we did alot of touristy things: luau, sunset sail, etc. But we didn't do a ton of research and while we had a great time, we didn't see as much of the island as I knew we could have. So around January, I got on Trip Advisor and started researching things to do, see, etc. I spent about 9-months carefully crafting our itinerary to cram in as much as I could in 7 nights while still having time to relax--not an easy task!
Our flight from DFW left at 12:15 pm and our car was arriving at 10:00 am to take us to the airport. So we were up at 7:00 am to shower and finish packing. We always take one gigantic suitcase for both of our clothes and toiletries as well as one carry-on. It's always a gamble as to whether we will come in under the 50 lb. limit.
The moment of truth arrives.
46 lbs., woo we made it!
We arrive to DFW, check in and wait about an hour or so to board. After about a 30 minute delay on the runway (boo!) we were off!
The 8-hour direct flight from Dallas is great since it is non-stop, but Ben and I aren't the greatest flyers. The flight was a little bumpy and we just tried to read and keep our mind off of the fact that we were bobbling around over open water. I read "Dark Places" by Gillian Flynn since I loved her last book "Gone Girl." I think Ben watched a little of Planet of the Apes but mostly he just listened to music on his phone. I snacked on cheese and crackers and grapes that I had packed while Ben bought a sandwich from American. Let's just say I had the better meal.
Finally it's getting close to being over and we see Maui come into view!
We land and make our way to baggage claim. Many people like to have their spouse go get the car while the other gets the luggage but Ben had his doubts about me being able to handle a 46 lb. suitcase by myself. We made our way to Alamo and there were 3 or 4 people ahead of us but with 4 agents, the whole thing only took a few minutes. We booked a standard car but as expected, we were told we could pick anything in the standard or full-sized class. We finally settled on a Ford Fusion.
Ben had me tackle finding a radio station. I found KPOA 93.5, Hawaiian music Maui style! Awesome.
So we're off for the 30 minute drive to our resort, the Four Seasons in Wailea. After much research, we decided to stay here because it has the reputation as the best resort in Maui and it was in the one area (Wailea) that we did not visit on our honeymoon. Upon arrival we are greeted and shown to the front desk where there are leis, cool towels and ginger lemonade waiting for us--ahhhh, this is the life! We are immediately impressed with the decor and surroundings upon walking in and I just immediately relaxed and went into Maui-mode right then!
Some pictures of the grounds and lobby:
We were given a bellman to escort us to our room. Along the way he told us where things were located, hours things were open, etc., along with of course helping us with our bags. The service at the Four Seasons was truly impeccable. Every attendant, bellman, guide, housekeeper, waitress, desk clerk, etc. greeted us, offered assistance, etc., always with a smile and an "Aloha."
We had booked the cheapest category of room, a "Mountainside Room." Which in essence meant we would have a view of the parking lot. We were given room 639 on the sixth floor. As we walked in, I had to suppress a gasp of shock as we walked in to a terrible, dank, musty smell.
Upon entering, I saw that we had been left a bottle of champagne and a card for our anniversary, a lovely touch!
We thanked and tipped our bellman and began exploring the room. Initially, we were very happy with it. It was nice and roomy with nice decor and a comfy bed. Water had been left for us and was replenished each day. It had music in the bathroom which we enjoyed (although the Hawaiian station didn't work, boo).
Some pictures of the room:
Oh and remember the view I mentioned? I really don't have words to describe it, only the picture can properly do it justice.
We go downstairs to check out the hotel and then go to the lobby bar for a drink. After a drink, we decide to go have dinner and I suggest Monkeypod Kitchen since it's nearby and supposed to be good. So we have the Four Seasons shuttle (which is actually a white Cadillac Escalade) take us over to Monkeypod. We have a bit of a wait so Ben gets a drink at the bar and about 10 minutes later we get a table. I order something called the Monkeypod Mai Tai. It is way too strong for me so Ben has to drink it (something he is used to having to do!)
We decide on tacos, fish for Ben and Asian pork for me. Mmmmm, they are yummy (we both liked mine the best).
Back to the Four Seasons, the party is over for us at 9:00 pm but we are so happy to be in Paradise!
