"I knew for me to take a vacation, I had to make it meaningful."
2020 is the year I promised myself to travel more often. I know it sounds strange but the idea of traveling for “vacation” makes me incredibly nervous. So, earlier this year, on a whim, I booked a flight to Hawaii with my Four Seasons family in Maui. I knew for me to take a vacation, I had to make it meaningful. I am VERY aware, it is quite cliché. However, I was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘Eat Pray Love’ when the book came out in 2006. I’ve read the book a plethora of times and watched the movie when it came out. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I was inspired to have my own ‘EAT PRAY LOVE’ with one of my childhood friends. With my sunscreen & sunglasses packed, I was off to a week of relaxing. I wanted to start with the smaller island, somewhere quiet in search of some peace and serenity and I wasn’t disappointed. This trip was nothing short of cathartic.
DAY 1
"The hotel is a luxury oceanfront resort, with three fabulous restaurants, award-winning Spa, and three saltwater pools fronting a large golden-sand beach."
Landing in Maui, Hawaii was literally a dream come true. After much research about Hawaii, I had high hopes for this little neck of the island. Upon arrival, we learned that Maui has great snorkeling, water, and beaches. However, it looked like it was going to rain EVERY SINGLE day while we were there. Albeit, we were saddened by this news, we decided to make the best of our time by spending most of our time on the VERY vast Four Seasons Maui property. The hotel is a luxury oceanfront resort, with three fabulous restaurants, award-winning Spa, and three saltwater pools fronting a large golden-sand beach. The resort has a long list of daily complimentary activities, cabanas, and cultural activities. Our lovely host, Rebecca created an Itinerary for us for the next 3 days which make things much easier for us.
DAY 2
"We had a traditional Hawaiian cuisine and enjoyed cultural dances from the beautiful Hawaiian performers."
This was our first full day at our hotel! We started the day off with the most beautiful and delicious breakfast from their extensive buffet menu at DUO restaurant, from an avocado toast bar to açaí bowls in COCONUTS and amazing pastry chefs by Chef Riccardo Menicucci… it was basically Instagram heaven. We decided to spend the day in our cabana at the “ADULT ONLY” pool. For dinner, we experienced a Luau planned for us by the concierge in our hotel.. how convenient. “A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast accompanied by traditional music, fire dancing, and hula dancing. Among the Hawaiian people themselves, they combine the feast into a party to celebrate weddings, graduations or birthdays.” To be honest, I had never heard of it until our trip. We had a traditional Hawaiian cuisine and enjoyed cultural dances from the beautiful Hawaiian performers. Fabulous music and demonstrations, all while admiring a sunset ocean view. What a way to end day 2!
DAY 3
"This treatment left me feeling a sense of inner stillness and equilibrium from head to toe that lasted the entirety of the trip."
I partook in an “inner peace” immersion at the Spa Wellness at our hotel. The beautiful Spa Director, Pat Makozak gave me a well-needed talk therapy that gave me a profound feeling of calmness before I even entered the spa. Whilst at the spa, I had an all-over scrub to prepare my body for a deeply nourishing Inner Peace massage. Then the spa services to have one of the best facial and massage of my life. This treatment left me feeling a sense of inner stillness and equilibrium from head to toe that lasted the entirety of the trip. We finished the day at DUO steakhouse. We had a delicious steak dinner and excellent cocktails. The ambiance was beautiful and our waiter was so attentive.
DAY 4
"When the wind blows, the sounds of the bamboo stalks bumping into one another is almost musical. It was the perfect day of adventure and profound reflection."
Our last and final full day in Hawaii was truly breathtaking. I woke up early and went to a yoga class on the beach with a beautiful sunrise. It's hard to put into words how peaceful, serene, calming, and beautiful that hour of yoga was and how needed it was. We then decided to hike to the Maui's bamboo forest along the Pipiwai Trail. Wow! What a majestic sight indeed, and well worth the 1-mile hike to get there! When the wind blows, the sounds of the bamboo stalks bumping into one another is almost musical. It was the perfect day of adventure and profound reflection. We finished the day having Italian cuisine dinner at Ferraro’s. What an elegant and welcoming location overlooking the ocean. Time to pack our bags and head back to Los Angeles.
"My soul, body, and mind feel so nourished."
My soul, body, and mind feel so nourished. I feel very much reconnected with myself and blessed to have experienced this trip with one of my favorite humans. I hope you enjoyed reading about my Hawaii adventures with Four Seasons Maui. Incredibly grateful to the team and staff for such a warm welcome and a fabulous stay. I’m so excited to share more of my travels with you guys! Where are you wandering to this spring? Tell me about it on IG. As always, thank you so much for reading.
“Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go. This is my station."
