On an island famed for its luxurious beachfront resorts with action by day and night, Lumeria Maui marches to the beat of its own drum. The 6-acre property focuses on self-reflection, education and peaceful interactions between guests and the natural environment.
Although it’s not for everyone, Lumeria caters to the growing trend of travelers seeking a soul-stirring getaway in a setting that inspires wellness.
Located between the historical plantation towns of coastal Paia and Upcountry Makawao, Lumeria occupies one of Maui’s oldest wooden structures, which dates back to 1910. After going through many identities, it underwent a multimillion-dollar architectural overhaul in 2012 and opened as a retreat center. The result is a stunning property with charming accommodations surrounded by an impeccable landscape. Even at capacity, it’s often quiet except for birdsong and rustling leaves.
Each of Lumeria’s 24 guestrooms has its own personality. With high ceilings and a color scheme channeling the great outdoors, accommodations feature design touches from Asia, the Pacific and Hawaii. There’s no need for air conditioning thanks to the cooler temperatures at 1,500 feet above sea level. A porch wrapping around the main building is dotted with comfy chairs, which encourage communication among guests.
“It’s like people are sharing a house here,” said Douglas Drummond, business development director for Lumeria, during a recent site inspection. “This helps guests feel like they have neighbors, unlike at a conventional hotel where they can go for hours without connecting with anyone else.”
Lumeria does offer complimentary Wi-Fi access, although the property lends itself to unplugging from the chatter of technology.
Holistic health and well-being underscore Lumeria’s activities and meals, but there’s no such thing as a typical day. It casts a wide net, allowing clients to use the property for their own personal betterment, no matter how profound that may be.
“We invite guests to take it as far as they want to go,” Drummond said. “Lumeria appeals to all sorts of travelers, from existential and metaphysical types to yoga enthusiasts and active people who wish to explore the island.”
On-property classes include meditation, movement and tea ceremonies, as well as guided tours of Lumeria’s organic garden. Clients can muse in the outdoor labyrinth, relax by the oceanview saline pool, unwind in the hammock forest and enjoy one of 20 types of massage and body treatments.
Clients gather for farm-to-table cuisine served on a garden-view courtyard porch and a covered lanai with mountain views. For special occasions, they can dine under the stars on a sunken garden terrace. The restaurant packs to-go lunches for guests to take with them on daytime explorations.
Travel agents should suggest Lumeria to clients who have already stayed in traditional Maui resorts and are looking for something new, Drummond says.
“We’re attracting people with a sense of curiosity — ready to sculpt their own experience,” he said.
The Details:
Lumeria Maui
www.lumeriamaui.com
