Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort

Andaz properties are the Hyatt's version of super cool and super chic. From the moment guests step into the minimalist lobby they're transported into a world where aesthetics are more important than the front desk, which has been done away with completely in favor of check-in on a Mac laptop. The center piece of the lobby is a sunken room filled with white powdery sand and wooden bowl-shaped chairs. The back wall is completely open to allow sea breezes and Pacific Ocean views. Traditional wooden statues and a mural of the ocean add to the tropical vibe. Low to the ground white sofas are comfortable spots to linger. Guests are welcomed with lavender lemonade, but honeymooners have complained they don't get a special treat -- a common practice on the island.

Andaz Maui at Wailea was built on 15 acres and includes private access to the sandy public beach. The Four Seasons Maui is directly next door while upscale restaurants and boutiques at The Shops at Wailea are about a 10-minute walk away. Expect a 30-minute drive to Kahului International Airport. Valet parking is required and there's a daily fee for it.

There are 297 guest rooms and suites at Andaz Maui at Wailea and each of them is decorated with a minimalist and modern design aesthetic. The first thing you'll notice is that the bathroom is built in the center of the room, with white shutters looking into the bedroom that open and close for privacy. A circular mirror is hung by a thick rope over the trough-style sink. Rain head style showers are big enough for two. A wooden ladder leans against the wall to provide storage space for towels and Malie amenities. Each room includes a private furnished balcony (some overlook the pool and beach while others have vistas of the parking lot and grounds), 40-inch flat-screen TV, and minibar stocked with free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Clean lines, light wooden furniture, and simple white bed linens look modern. Blue and white stripe bolsters add a little color to the bed and a comfy armchair. Storage can be an issue. Book a suite for extra square footage and a dining room table. In-room tablets and free Wi-Fi are nice touches. Past guests have complained that the balcony furniture is too uncomfortable to enjoy and the minibar doesn't get restocked daily.

The features at Andaz Maui at Wailea match the property's cool vibe and minimalist aesthetic. ‘Āwili Spa and Salon is one of the best on the island (with price tags to match). Book a treatment and you'll have your own spa suite with access to the plunge pool, steam, sauna, and tranquility pool exclusively for spa guests. Specialty food and drinks are available, as is the apothecary lounge where estheticians whip up potions using natural ingredients. The beauty salon is helpful for bridal makeup and hair. The 24-hour fitness center has state-of-the-art Matrix cardio and strength-training equipment. Personal training and yoga sessions are available on the beach.

Guests can rent canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks or take surf lessons on site. There's a chic boutique where you can pick up bikinis and resort wear. Small pets are welcome without a charge -- just let staff know you're bringing your pooch when you book a reservation. There's a ballroom and meeting room spaces for events and conferences.

The crown jewel of Andaz Maui at Wailea is its four-tiered infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Sun loungers with soft gray cushions and chic white umbrellas line the pools, making it a comfortable spot to spend an afternoon. The top pool has the best views of the beach and there are drinks and snacks available at Lehua Lounge, along with a fire pit. One pool is for adults only. Techno music and palm trees give the area a cool and tropical vibe.

Iron Chef's Masaharu Morimoto is the genius behind the Japanese and American fusion cuisine at Morimoto Maui. Specialty cocktails and covered outdoor seating with ocean views make it popular with hotel guests and visitors. There's also a sushi bar. Another dining option is Ka'ana Kitchen with a rotating menu to incorporate seasonal ingredients and family style options. Mokapu Market stays open around the clock to satiate late night gelato cravings or to provide snacks for a beach picnic. Room service is available 24/7. There's a steep charge for breakfast at Ka'ana Kitchen.

Bumbye Beach Bar is located between the pool and the beach. It has a surf shack vibe but serves hand crafted cocktails and gourmet Hawaiian lunches. It's not open for dinner. The more sophisticated Lehua Lounge serves small plates and fresh-squeezed juice with waterfall views. This is the best spot on the property to watch the sunset. Live music and events are regularly provided.