Mind Over Maui

Hawaii has long been a haven for serenity seekers. We can’t blame them: a powerful life-force energy (called “mana”) is palpable on each of the islands (not to mention, the general feeling of contentment one gets when visiting paradise). Now, on Maui, travellers can access one-stop wellness at the Fairmont Kea Lani, where a robust Inspire Your Energy program, headed by a dedicated energy ambassador, offers a curated fitness and wellness experience for all. —Noa Nichol

stay. Situated in Wailea, the Fairmont Kea Lani is truly one of the most beautiful resorts on Maui. No rooms here—the hotel is all luxurious lanai-equipped one-bedroom suites and steps-away-from-Polo-Beach villas. Our stunning top-floor abode was equipped with PTP fitness equipment, a self-guided Kerstin Florian mineral muscle-relief bathing kit and a Nectar Essences aromatherapy system to support deep sleep and calm a restless mind (read: everything needed for serenity, body, mind and spirit).

savour. With wellbeing in mind, every meal at the Fairmont can be healthful (look for special Inspire Your Energy menus at each on-site eatery). Breakfast options at the Kea Lani Restaurant range from fresh juice blends made from Maui’s finest produce to protein pancakes and tofu scrambles (try, too, the avocado-apple mash, or power-up your steel-cut oatmeal with chia seeds). A nutritious lunch at the poolside AMA Bar & Grill could consist of a poke bowl or sushi featuring locally caught fresh fish, while there’s more good-meal karma at dinner, with plant-forward plates like tofu-loaded kale salad, vegetable-packed sushi and tempeh-treated fried rice at Kō.

sweat. Beyond the bright fitness centre (with personal training available) and robust schedule of classes (barre, boot camp or restorative sunset yoga anyone?), be sure to reserve your spot (and your close-toed sneakers) for the Tuesday or Thursday early-morning King’s Trail Excursion. Guided by the Fairmont’s wellness co-ordinator, this breathtaking walk follows an ancient trail designed in the 16th century to unify Maui’s dozen districts. Trust us: this near-10-kilometre track will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

spirit. Body worked (and satiated), it’s time to feed your spirit. First, take time for yourself with a morning meditation and breathing class that teaches techniques to calm the soul and create peace within. Next, connect with nature—take yourself on a 45-minute self-guided Polynesian and native Hawaiian plants walking tour of the hotel’s 22 lush acres and discover species like taro, sugarcane and banana. Finally, book yourself into the Hawaiian Canoe Experience to learn the basics of paddling a six-man outrigger canoe, along with the history of the vessel and its importance to Hawaiian culture.

spa. No wellness experience is complete without a little (a lot of) pampering—something the award-winning Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Kea Lani offers in spades. The journey starts in the change room, where three showers offer a trio of temporal pleasures: a cool morning mist, afternoon rain and evening storm stall. Treatment wise, choose from a menu that includes classic and advanced facials, massages and salon services, many utilizing native flora, fruits, earth deposits and waters. We indulged in the hour-long Hawaiian Pa‘akai, featuring sea salt gathered from dry pools along Maui’s coastlines mixed with coconut oil and locally grown green papaya and lemongrass to leave skin smooth and hydrated, followed by a Vichy shower rinse. Next time, we’ll add a nourishing avocado wrap—a saviour for sun-baked vacation skin.

fairmont.com