Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

The Fairmont is one of a handful of luxury resorts in Wailea, a manicured, planned resort development that lines two spectacular beach-dotted miles of Maui's southwestern shore. Besides the beaches and the almost perfect weather -- rain rarely falls in this arid microclimate, and the temperature hovers around 85 degrees year round -- golf and shopping are the area's big draws. It's a short drive (or free shuttle ride) to the Shops at Wailea, an open-air mall with high-end shopping and dining options, as well as grocery stores. Expect a 35-minute drive from Kahului Airport. There's a charge for valet parking while self-parking is included with the daily resort fee.

Fairmont Kea Lani is fronted by Polo Beach, one of the most private-feeling in Wailea (all Hawaii beaches are public) due to rocky surrounding shores. Public beach access is available through a small parking lot next to the resort, but the beach is filled mainly with guests. The generally calm waters are good for snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking, and are safe for children, but the waves aren't generally good for surfing here. Color-coded flags are put in the sand to alert guests to the safety conditions. The soft, fine-grained sand is groomed every morning and the hotel provides free beach chairs and umbrellas to guests. Snorkel rental (for one hour) is included with the daily resort fee. Guests can take a canoe lesson right off the beach.

The resort centers around the hotel's three well-designed, well-maintained pools. Although they can't rival the water wonderland at the nearby Grand Wailea (few hotels on Maui can), they provide areas for both adults and kids to enjoy. The adults-only pool is quieter and calmer than the other pools; it's located near Ko restaurant and bar. The upper, family-friendly pool has a swim-up bar. The lower lagoon pool is a large, amorphous pool, dotted with landscaped islands, basketball nets, and footbridges -- plus whirlpools. There's a long twisting water slide monitored by a lifeguard. Cabanas are available for rent and there doesn't seem to be a problem of getting a free lounger and umbrellas throughout the day, though some guests may be on one on the lawn instead of the deck. 

The Fairmont's restaurants are generally pricey, though that's typical for Maui and Hawaii. There's a good range of types of food and formality. The Kea Lani restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet with high marks for freshness and variety -- but it costs extra unless you book a villa. Ko, the hotel's open-air signature restaurant, features regional Hawaiian cuisine for lunch and dinner daily, and it has a bar. Ama Bar and Grill has poolside seating for casual Hawaiian fare. Nick's Fish Market is the most romantic spot on the property, serving seafood dishes. Luana Lounge offers live entertainment and specialty rums. Makana Market and Cafe is the newest addition, offering a counter for made-to-order food and coffee beverages, a large variety of snacks and alcohol, and sundries. Room service is available 24/7.

What Other Features are Available at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui?

This well-rounded resort offers a full-service spa and salon, kids' club, 24-hour fitness center, and daily lineup of activities.

It would be hard to fault the Fairmont Kea Lani for any of its amenities -- from the spa and fitness center to the kids' club and daily activities -- as they're all top-notch. And even if each feature taken individually pales slightly in comparison to what's offered at other top-tier Maui hotels (there's stiff competition here), overall, the Kea Lani's offerings combine to create a well-rounded, satisfying retreat.

The Willow Stream Spa offers several treatment rooms (and a beachfront cabana), an excellent range of services, mud bar, hot lava stone foot bed, and Hawaiian rain showers. A full menu of salon services are also available. The resort's 24-hour fitness center has a wide selection of Technogym cardio equipment, plus water, magazines, towels, and classes such as yoga and aqua aerobics in the adults-only pool. The kids' club offers full- or half-day programs that include educational walks along the beach (for a fee); by comparison, the Four Seasons offers its full-day kids program for free. Babysitting services are available with 24 hours' notice.

Destination weddings at The Fairmont are popular. The property can host up to 300 guests and add everything from a fire knife dancer to a conch shell blower to an outrigger canoe transporting the bridal party. Of course, if you prefer to keep things simple and elegant, that can be done too. With such a mind-blowing amount of extras, fees, and restrictions, it's best to consult the wedding planner included with each package. Ceremony locations include The Pacific Terrace, a semiprivate Tropical Gazebo, or the Polo Lawn. There's a back-up spot indoors in case of rain. Note that there isn't a special honeymoon suite, here. Most brides and grooms opt for a suite or villa with a deluxe ocean view.

The business center in the lobby is accessible 24/7, and offers services like boarding pass printing and a fax machine. A free shuttle runs throughout Wailea, including to other resorts, the Shops at Wailea, and the golf courses. Fast Wi-Fi is included in the daily resort fee.