1813 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, Hawaii, United States | (618) 248-8274
Beautifully designed historic buildings with island and ocean vistas
Comfortable rooms with river-rock shower floors and four-poster beds
Yoga, meditation, a shaman, and water sports
Free light breakfast, in addition to tea, coffee, and fruit all day
Amenities for relaxation include saltwater pool, Lumeria Crystal Spa, and a crystal energy sauna
On-site MuBu restaurant serves farm-to-table meals
Exquisitely designed meeting areas like the hammock garden
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Charming lobby has a Steinway grand piano, Eastern art, and a fireplace
Seven acres of gorgeous grounds and gardens, which supply organic edibles
The retreat is isolated; the beach and towns are a drive away
No television, telephones, or air conditioning
Thin walls, and curtains must be drawn for any privacy
Roosters and their early morning wake-up calls are prevalent
The wildly pretty, four-pearl Lumeria calls itself an “educational retreat” and a “sanctuary for authentic transformational travel.” The lofty language may sound cheesy, but the property does indeed offer tranquil grounds off the beaten path in Maui, lovely design, and natural beauty. Its 24 high-ceilinged rooms are airy, with scenic views and luxurious furnishings. The lineup of programs is impressive, from yoga classes to detox cleanses to writing retreats. There's an organic restaurant, a saltwater pool, and healing spa along with plenty of places to enjoy the manicured and majestic outdoors. With caveats like limited staff, no air conditioning, and windows that are wide open for others to see through, the property does, however, seem to stress its retreat services more than guest hospitality. If a retreat isn't really your thing, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa on Maui's northwest shore and Grand Wailea on the west shore offer more traditional beachfront resort-style accommodations.
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Scene
A zen-like, elegant, and gorgeous retreat on seven carefully manicured seaside acres
This blissed out and beautiful retreat is set on what was originally a retirement home for plantation workers, built in 1909. Today’s Lumeria Maui was recreated in 2012 with a yoga-centric vibe: crystals, plush Indian textiles, and grand Buddha statues abound on the immaculately manicured seven-acre resort, with sweeping ocean views. Lumeria Maui is a retreat that sells adventures and experiences, with programs and classes centered on yoga, surfing, meditation, Hawaiian culture, and beyond.The main building is an ocean-blue, slope-roofed cottage; rooms and suites are spread out amid five lodge-style buildings. The lobby is bursting with character: it has a Steinway Grand Piano, comfy chairs and couches, antique carpeting, a chandelier, and a fireplace. Funky sculptures, extravagant crystals, and fresh flower arrangements add to the charm. The cheerful porch is lined with plush chairs and sofas.The property is not for those looking for nightlife or bustling activity, but couples, friends, and solo travelers can find their getaways here. Peaceful contemplation comes easy in this super quiet space, where common spaces are so hushed they feel nearly holy. There’s a rock garden, too, and plenty of space to enjoy the stunning grounds in hammocks or under shady canopies. Some of these pretty gardens grow produce used on the on-site MuBu Restaurant, which serves a farm-to-table menu.
Location
Relatively far from the beaches, in the scenic slopes of Maui
On the green, low slopes of Haleakala volcano, Lumeria is located behind a wall of lava rock in this rural, peaceful stretch of Maui. The historic ranching town of Makawao, and the funky surf spot Paia are about a five-minute drive away, in opposite directions. The Baldwin Beach in Paia is the closest beach, and is about ten minutes away by car. Kihei or Lahaina, the South Shore’s major towns, are about 45 minutes away via car. Kahalui Airport is 20 minutes away. Surfing Goat dairy farm -- where visitors can watch cheese being made, and sample over 20 cheeses -- is 25 minutes away.
Rooms
Rooms are gorgeously furnished in zen-inspired design, but have limited privacy
The 12-foot-ceilinged rooms are decked out in natural wood, stone, and metals with furniture from around the world. They’re designed by Xorin Balbes, author of SoulSpace: Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life. Generous four-poster beds are made with plush, quality linens and the color schemes are soothing neutrals. Local art hangs on the walls. Rooms have desks with lamps, but no televisions or telephones for that complete off-the-grid vibe. Mini-fridges, iPod dock alarm clocks, and free Wi-Fi are standard. Bathrooms are totally luxe, with rain showerheads, giant river stone showers and vertical grain Douglas fir flooring. They're also stocked with rosemary-mint-scented Aveda products. Not every bathroom has a bathtub, though. All rooms have pretty views: whether of gardens, mountains, or the crystal-colored ocean. The rooms are beautiful to look at, though a lack of privacy could be a potential drawback: walls are very thin, and window treatments have to be drawn to prevent others from seeing inside.
Features
Stunning spaces and gardens, a long lineup of yoga, meditation, and other activities, an organic restaurant, and a saltwater pool
Organic meals and a free breakfast are sourced from Lumeria’s own gardens and local farms. Those looking for a true holistic experience can opt for a detox cleanse prepared by the property’s liquid chef. A yoga lawn is surrounded by wooden lounge chairs, and yoga classes are included in a stay here, as are daily classes and programs in meditation, healing arts, water sports, and more. Between downward dogs, there's bocce ball, croquet sets, and fire pits. A saltwater swimming pool is serenely stunning. Lumeria Crystal Spa offers an excellent variety of healing treatments, everything from mud rituals to an AromaCrystal Bar and open-air massages. The courtyard layout, lush grounds, and flowering gardens are spectacular places to spend some relaxing time. In the main building, there’s a small library full of new age-y reads, good for perusing in one of the property's hammocks. Wi-Fi is free.
