In Hawaii, the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, has completed the first phase of its propertywide refresh, marking the most extensive renovation since its launch more than 30 years ago. Fronting Maui’s Wailea Beach, the resort revitalized its Botero Lounge; the Grand Wailea’s Napua rooms, suites and private lounge; and two dining venues into brunch restaurant, ‘Ikena, and grab-and-gourmet market, Loulu. A reimagined wellness and spa will be completed in 2023.
“We are thrilled to update the classic charm of Grand Wailea, while enhancing the luxury and heritage for which it is known, and to commemorate this new chapter with so many exciting activations and partnerships,” Managing Director JP Oliver said in a statement. “We look forward to finalizing all redesigned spaces and ultimately offering guests an enriched product with authentic Hawaiian experiences in our idyllic Maui setting.”
Botero Lounge
The revitalized Botero Lounge displays select artwork from Grand Wailea’s 900-piece outdoor art museum, including nine bronze sculptures by contemporary artist Fernando Botero, each flown in from Italy more than 30 years ago.
Housing the most extensive private collection of Botero sculptures in the world, Grand Wailea has restored pieces to their original form as part of the broader revitalization. Botero Lounge will also host the resort’s new, all-encompassing “The Art of…” series, including guest-centric workshops such as “The Art of Sushi Making,” “The Art of Whiskey” and “The Art of Cocktail Mixing.”
Napua Tower
Grand Wailea’s Napua, which debuted in June, is an enclave of hotel rooms and suites in a dedicated tower with a private lounge for guests. Featuring a collection of modern and postmodern art throughout, guestrooms and suites have been reimagined by Nina Chiappa Interiors.
Design elements reflect a contemporary and abstracted Hawaiian theme revolving around land and water to create a visual palette that immerses guests in the laid-back pace of island life. Guests have a private concierge and the exclusive Napua Lounge with food, beverages and daily activations, including chefs’ stations, beverage tastings, live entertainment, spa and wellness sessions.
Napua will also have a curated collection of fashion editors’ favorite resortwear during select times of the year.
'Ikena and Loulu
Two of the resort’s former food and beverage venues have debuted under new concepts. ‘Ikena is an indoor-outdoor venue with sea and sky views from every table. It has a large-scale chandelier lanterns and a custom-screen frieze. Every Saturday, ‘Ikena will host a rosé brunch in partnership with Black-owned premium rosé label La Fête du Rosé offering local favorites.
Artisanal café-market concept Loulu was named after the only species of palm tree native to Hawaii which can be found throughout the property. The market has been refurbished with brighter colors, high-top counter seating and French windows with garden views.
Wellness
The 50,000-square-foot Spa Grande is also being upgraded to offer new services next year. The hotel also has Hawaii’s first-ever biostation facility, featuring personalized treatment plans.