"Give us your first impressions.It’s the spirit of Zen, more than Aloha, that greets you as you walk under a reclaimed teak pavilion, across a marble bridge that appears to be floating over a reflection pond, and into Andaz's open-air lobby on Maui. The soaring space is filled with light-colored furniture, all anchored by a sand pit in the center of the room. Above that, there's only sky—in the form of a skylight. It’s immediately clear that Andaz is one of the most modern resorts on Maui—indeed, it’s one of the newer resorts here—making you feel as if you’re in a rich relative’s modernist beach house. Adding to that comfortable feeling is the check-in process, which, per Andaz brand standards, happens via tablets while you sit and relax with a welcome drink, rather than at a front desk. Of course, ocean and pool views—there are four pools total—are front and center here too. What's the backstory?This was formerly a ho-um Renaissance Hotel until Hyatt demolished the building and turned it into one of the first resorts under its boutique-style Andaz brand in late 2013, making it one of the newer resorts in Wailea. David Rockwell, of the Rockwell Group, spearheaded the fresh, contemporary look. How are the rooms?Guest rooms are simple and modern, with white shutters, linens, gray area rugs, and teak furniture. Bathrooms are encased in lava stone; some feature deep-soaking tubs. There are complimentary minibar snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Although all rooms have private lanais, they tend to be on the smaller side compared to other resorts. If space is a must, book a suite category or higher. For bigger families, two- and three-bedroom ocean villas provide space, comfort, convenience, and direct access to the pool and beach. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Ka’ana Kitchen, Andaz's all-day restaurant, serves an epic breakfast buffet featuring Hawaiian and Western specialties and even a juice mixologist. Bumbye Beach Bar does a poolside menu with tuna poke and avocado toast. Morimoto Maui is the resort's fine-dining sushi destination (book in advance), and a 24-hour market stocks tasty to-go food, wine, coffee, snacks, and acai bowls. How about getting around?The property has an unusual layout—the experience begins at the top of the complex with check-in, then winds down a hill to the beach. There are elevators and walkways for those with small children and mobility issues, but it can be a lot of steps to walk when you’re returning from the beach. Anything to say about the service? Staffers are super-friendly and accommodating, and the overall mood is a laid-back and casual, rather than formal and uptight. Who's staying here?Those who can’t handle an overcrowded and manufactured resort experience—creative types, seasoned world travelers, and well-off young folks—often seek out the Andaz because it has figured out how to do luxury without falling prey to touristy schlock. What about the neighborhood? What else is hereThe Andaz is at the end of the Wailea coastal path, a small distance away from a cluster of nearby resorts and a bit farther from The Shops at Wailea. If you’re looking to be near the action, rather than in the middle of it, the resort is perfectly located. Any other features worth noting?The $48 daily resort fee includes cultural lessons like lei-making and coconut husking, along with a photography session, fitness classes, GoPro camera rentals, and more. The ‘Awili Spa is apothecary-style; choose among local herbs, plants, and fruits for a customized lotion to take home after your treatment. The resort also has a great kids' club (called Hub 808) for those ages 5-12. Other perks include complimentary coffee and tea each morning and a car service throughout Wailea. Bottom line: Worth it?Absolutely; it doesn’t feel like a mega-resort, yet it still has wonderful hospitality and amenities." - Juliana Shallcross
