For travelers seeking a home away from home in a sublime setting, Maui’s all-suite hotels just might hold the key.
Unlike standard hotel rooms, suites have kitchens — ideal for travelers who don't want to eat every vacation meal in a restaurant. Their extra living and sleeping space is great for couples traveling together or a family with kids.
Most suites come with washers and dryers so globetrotters can pack light if they like. Suites also feature hotel amenities such as housekeeping and concierge service, swimming pools, spas and a front desk.
If such creature comforts sound appealing, consider the following all-suite resorts on your next trip to the Valley Isle.
Fairmont Kea Lani
Travelers have two choices on this oceanfront property. They can opt for one of Kea Lani’s 413 one-bedroom suites with a private lanai, living room, spacious marble bathroom and mini-kitchen, or they can stay closer to the beach in one of 37 two- and three-bedroom villas and enjoy their own plunge pool, barbecue, second bathroom, washer/dryer and full kitchen. Either way, guests have access to five restaurants, four bars, three swimming pools and a 9,000-square-foot spa — all on Maui’s sunny southern shores.
www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui
Honua Kai Resort and Spa
Located just north of Kaanapali Beach Resort awaits this tony oasis with 628 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Glass-railed lanais add to the sense of spaciousness and each bedroom comes with its own bathroom. Perks include a gourmet kitchen, washer/dryer, housekeeping, concierge service, four pools, a fitness center and a 3,000-square-foot spa. Don’t feel like cooking? Dine at the oceanfront Duke’s Beach House or carry out fresh, casual fare from the resort’s Aina Gourmet Market.
www.honuakai.com
Hoolei at Grand Waiea
Vaulted ceilings, stone floors and spacious lanais with sunset views set a luxurious stage at this 120-unit gated community in southwest Maui. A private elevator whisks guests to their three-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bath villa with a state-of-the-art kitchen, living and dining areas, and bedrooms with private lanais. A pool and fitness center add to the fun. Guests can stroll over to Hoolei’s affiliated hotel, Grand Wailea, for a large-scale pool and spa, shopping and dining diversions.
www.grandwailea.com
Montage Kapalua Bay
Set on the site of the former Kapalua Bay Hotel, Hawaii’s first Montage property is scheduled to open in June 2014. Its 50 suites meet Montage standards with large living rooms, oceanview lanais, fully equipped kitchens, elegant bedrooms and extravagant bathrooms. Twice-daily housekeeping is part of the deal. Guests can take advantage of the resort’s restaurants and lounges, multi-tiered lagoon pool, spa and fitness center, easy beach access and live music.
kapaluabay.montagehotels.com
Wailea Beach Villas
As the name implies, this exclusive resort — part of Destination Resorts Hawaii — hugs the sand and sea. The resort’s inventory includes five-bedroom, five-bath penthouse suites suitable for large families, reunions, wedding parties and girlfriend getaways. It also lists two- and three-bedroom options, some with a private outdoor garden shower. All units come with free services such as valet parking, twice daily housekeeping, a concierge and use of cabanas, beach chairs and umbrellas.
www.destinationresortshawaii.com
Westin Kaanapali Resort Villas
Flexible living space and designer amenities make this a great choice for multiple generations looking for seaside digs. Parents appreciate the full-sized kitchen, washer/dryer and daily housekeeping, and everyone gets a trademark Westin bed and bath. Family fun awaits at six pools, the 90-foot water slide and a game room. Three restaurants, two markets and a vast spa add to the many reasons for booking this highly-rated all-suite Maui hotel.
www.westinkaanapali.com