Unwind, recharge in marvellous Maui
Travaasa Experiential Resorts’ philosophy is to provide an escape, enjoy traditions
A vacation is the perfect time for a digital detox, a break from technology. Shut off your phone, avoid watching TV, unplug from email. Think you can do it?
The Travaasa Hana Maui can show you how.
The AAA, four-diamond hotel even goes so far as confiscating your cellphone at check in, placing it at their ‘cell hotel,’ where it sits on a tiny beach lounger under a paper umbrella for the duration of your stay.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied.
Located at the end of the famous road to Hana, the hotel (formerly Hotel HanaMaui) is tucked among tropical gardens and lush lawns that sprawl down to the ocean on Maui’s verdant eastern coast. This picturesque, quiet community is quintessential old Hawaii — the ideal place to unplug, unwind, check out.
Quintessential old Hawaii — the ideal place to unplug, unwind and check out
There are no big-box stores, no condos. It’s like being transported back in time to when the island chain was truly an unspoiled paradise.
The 70 guest rooms are spread across 70 acres and the clapboard, plantationstyle Sea Ranch cottages overlooking the Pacific provide the perfect respite. All have big soaker tubs and some have private Jacuzzis on the huge lanais. Heaven.
Rooms are free from televisions, radios, clocks, Internet and air conditioning. It’s the ideal place to recharge.
The original property opened in 1946 and has remained Hana’s largest employer ever since, with many of the hotel staff second- and third-generation locals.
The property has retained its barefoot elegance and easy, carefree charm. It feels like a 1970s summer camp. Complete with a full roster of activities, the day leisurely stretches from one experience to the next.
Guests can get pampered at the spa facilities or indulge in a full menu of vacation ac- tivities from hula lessons to horseback riding.
Daily use of sports equipment, such as snorkels and bicycles, is available, as are daily wellness activities like yoga, aqua aerobics and fitness classes. A morning beach walk could lead to a hike to a bamboo forest, or end in lounging in an infinity pool or on one of the many beautiful beaches.
All part of Travaasa’s five experience pillars.
Travaasa Experiential Resorts’ philosophy is to provide an escape for those looking to enrich their lives and immerse themselves in local traditions. They do this by allowing you to choose from five pathways, or pillars. You can focus on one distinct pillar (fitness, for example), or customize your own program for the perfect overall experience.
The five pillars are adventure, culinary, culture, fitness and wellness.
For adventure, try your hand at standup paddling, throw-net fishing or horseback riding. The truly adventurous can take a flight in a glider plane.
Culture represents traditional Hawaiian pursuits such as hula lessons and lei making. Fitness buffs can try the daily yoga, boot camp, Pilates and aqua aerobics, among other activities.
For wellness, head over to the award-winning Spa at Travaasa — named the No. 1 resort spa in Hawaii by Condé Nast Traveler in 2012 — where more than 20 therapeutic treatments are given in a lush garden setting. The signature lava rock Jacuzzi, ideal for pre- or post-treat- ment relaxation, overlooks picturesque Hana Bay.
Those looking for a culinary adventure can take an interactive lesson with the resort’s chef.
If those options aren’t enough for you, other daily activities at the Makena Centre include traditional ukulele and hula lessons, or the more zany nutritional workshops where you can learn how to “Feed Your Face” with foods that work as skin treatments (wear your swim suit — this one gets messy!)
All in all, it’s like camp for adults. At the end you feel rejuvenated and refreshed — like a kid again.
And if you manage not to retrieve your cellphone from the front desk, you’ll have achieved the best detox of all.