RECREATION PROPERTIES
Maui’s Luana Garden Villas
For Vancouverites Bruce and Leslie Hoeschen, the mere thought of the South Pacific isle of Maui sparks a treasure trove of memories.
With its abundance of silky sand beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, glistening green tropical lushness and some of the best surfing waves in the world, Maui offers so much beauty.
“It’s always held a special place in our hearts,” says Bruce.
The couple first set foot on the island’s golden sand beaches 23 years ago for a romantic holiday that culminated in their engagement.
Since then, the couple has returned on several occasions, often with their three children and grandparents in tow, spending school breaks and Christmas vacations enjoying surf, sand, sun and the lush beauty of this fragrant paradise.
The kids are now adults with families of their own, but Christmas on Maui is still a coveted event.
But over the years it has become increasingly more difficult to find vacation rental accommodation on this popular destination oasis, especially close to the beach and big enough to house the Hoeschen clan.
Last year, however, while on vacation in west Maui, the Hoeschens discovered Luana Garden Villas, a collection of 72 luxury homes within the Honua Kai Resort and Spa on Ka’anapali Beach, one of the world’s most stunning stretches of golden sand.
The couple, who is retired, wasn’t really looking for a vacation home — they already divide their time between continents with homes in Vancouver, Kelowna, London, England and the south of France.
“But this just made so much sense. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” says Bruce.
The couple was attracted to the project’s low density, generous three-bedroom floor plans, Ka’anapali beachfront locale within the Honua Kai Resort and Spa and the lack of rental restrictions.
“What really appealed to me was the fact that Maui is busy all year round. So I could have it rented out all of the time, but still be able to use it for Christmas and the month of January. The home will essentially carry itself and we won’t have the annual hassle of running around trying to find a place to rent for Christmas,” says Bruce.
Canadian developer Ledcor has spearheaded the project.
“It is a smart buy for people. When they are not here, the home can be generating revenue. There is maximum flexibility — you can live here full time, you can rent it nightly or you can simply use it as a second home and not rent it at all,” says Jason Schlackl, principal at PowerPlay Destination Properties, the sales and marketing company behind the project.
The 72 villas are arranged across 10 acres in three intimate, lushly landscaped garden enclaves. Each enclave has its own pool, hot tub and fire pit, while the verdant and fragrant landscaping draws from coastal vegetation, floral gardens and Hawaiian culture.
The floor plans are generous, featuring more than 2,000 square feet of single-floor living space with three bedrooms, along with a retractable glass window wall that opens to a 500-square-foot lanai with a full open-air kitchen.
Residents have their own private entrance, single-car garage and secure owner storage. All of the homes are fully furnished right down to the art on the walls and the corkscrew in the drawer.
Residents of Luana Garden Villas have access to all of the considerable amenities within the Honua Kai Resort and Spa, including an aquatic network of six swimming pools ranging from an infinityedge pool to a lazy river pool and kids’ aquatic playground with a sandy beach. A fitness centre, a day spa, Duke’s restaurant and bar, as well as two markets for day-to-day essentials complete the roundup.
But it is really the beach that differentiates this property. Voted the world’s best beach by TripAdvisor, Ka’anapali Beach is a mile-long stretch of golden sand with warm, gentle waters perfect for snorkelling.
Just 200 steps from the beach, the Luana Garden Villas offer direct access to the Ka’anapali beach walk that connects Honua Kai Resort and Spa to the chi-chi shops and restaurants at Whalers Village.
The west Maui location, a 10-minute drive from the historic town of Lahaina, is second-tonone. The homes are currently under construction with possessions expected in the summer of 2019.
“We are really excited to get in for Christmas of 2019. It’s so nice to get away from the pouring rain in Vancouver, to get some sunshine. The ocean, the vegetation, the heat — it all adds up to a place that we love,” says Bruce.
We are really excited to get in for Christmas of 2019. It’s so nice to get away from the pouring rain in Vancouver, to get some sunshine. The ocean, the vegetation, the heat — it all adds up to a place that we love. Bruce Hoeschen