The basics
An adult fantasyland of saltwater pools, oversize fountains, crisp white cabanas, statuesque palms, polished marble hallways, and sunset-viewing restaurants–including a Hawaiian outpost of Wolgang Puck’s famous Spago– the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, an oceanside compound in Maui’s upscale Wailea community, is the answer to a Type A bride’s prayers. With two staff members for each guest, it’s the kind of resort where you could show up the morning of the wedding and know that everything will go off without a hitch. But then you’d miss one of the biggest lures of marrying in Hawaii: lapping up all that sun and surf before heading to the altar.
Wedding details
With only one wedding per day, you won’t be tripping over anyone else’s veil. And the resort’s dedicated wedding planner will make sure there aren’t any other hiccups; she’s got insider access to the best vendors on the island. As far as venues go, if you’re bringing in a crowd, the oceanfront lawn is broad enough to accommodate several canopies, which you can decorate with twinkling chandeliers. If you want something more intimate, Plumeria Point is a natural arbor of dwarf plumeria trees where ropes of flower leis and crystals can hang from the branches. And there are gardens that can be canopied, pool sides that can accommodate long dining pavilions—there’s even an oceanfront estate you can rent, if you want to go off-property.
Getting there
The hotel is an easy 30-minutes drive from the airport, and most people rent cars. But the fact is that the Wailea resort area is so self-sufficient and easy to navigate, you really don’t need wheels.
Keep in mind
They’ve got weddings down to an art here; you choose a basic ceremony package, then add a luau on the lawn, a outrigger excursion, a golf tournament. They’ll even custom-blend a signature fragrance for you, meaning you can spritz-on a wedding memory the rest of your life.