Andaz Maui at Wailea

We’ve been waiting some time for Hawaii’s hospitality situation to catch up with its natural gifts — this is a place where life is so good, it feels almost greedy to demand extraordinary hotels. And while it would be an exaggeration to say that we were waiting for Hyatt’s Andaz luxury-boutique sub-brand to make the transition to a resort destination, it’s certainly a development that we’re watching with interest. Even if the Andaz Maui at Wailea manages to be only as good as the sum of its parts, you’ve got to admit they’re some pretty impressive parts.

The result is a resort that’s on a level with the Pacific Rim’s finest, and for North Americans it carries the added benefit of being many hours closer to home. It’s no imitation, however — the concept is fully localized, Hawaiian through and through, from the décor to the landscaping to the cuisine. The location, in Maui’s upscale Wailea, makes it a perfect fit; here the Andaz’s tightly composed design and the thoroughly high-end comforts feel right at home.

And if there’s nothing enormously surprising about it, that might simply be because expectations are so (justifiably) high. Stylish environs, inventive cuisine, first-rate accommodations and faultless service that effortlessly finds the proper balance between friendly and professional — all this in a place no less magical than Maui.

How to get there:
Andaz Maui is a 30-minute drive from Kahului International Airport (OGG).