"What was your first impression? Why did this hotel catch your attention?Located in the rustic Upcountry region of Maui on the North Shore, Lumeria is a deeply tranquil wellness retreat that feels more like a remote farmhouse than a bustling resort—if said farmhouse had an all-day restaurant, spa rooms adorned with healing crystals, and an outdoor yoga pavilion. What's the backstory?The property was originally built in the early 20th-century as a retirement home for Maui residents who had fought in World War I. It later became housing for plantation workers, and then a seminary, before it was converted into a 23-room wellness retreat under the vision of developer and designer Xorin Balbes. The property is now owned and operated by Eagle Point Hotel Partners. What should we know about the accommodations?There are 24 Zen-like rooms here, most with courtyard views and a few with (very faraway) ocean views. Each is named after a Hawaiian tree, flower or animal, and stocked with plush bedding, Hawaiian furniture, and breezy ceiling fans instead of A/C. Is there a charge for WiFi?Wi-Fi is included in the $29 retreat fee. Tell us about the restaurant.Lumeria’s Wooden Crate restaurant serves fresh farm-to-table meals using vegetables and fruits grown onsite. What's the service like?Staff is excellent. Top-notch wellness practitioners lead the classes, and off-resort tours and activities can be arranged, too. Imagine the other guests are part of a tribe. Name the tribe.Health conscious, Goop-reading yogis seeking to meditate their way to relaxation. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in?The North Shore is Maui's anti-resort, new-agey side; there aren’t many hotels over here—just a handful of low-key B&Bs. Lumeria gives you an intimate feel with all the perks of a full-scale hotel. Is there anything you'd change?We'd love it if the rooms were a bit bigger. Anything else we should know?Room rates include daily yoga and meditation classes, along with certain events and lectures that cover essential oils, tea ceremonies, and other wellness subjects. Why should we book a stay?Come for the ultimate wellness retreat that helps mind, body, and soul." - Juliana Shallcross
