R&R: Maui Style

I got it into my head that we should go to Hawaii while we are here on the West Coast last winter. I mean, it's only a 5-hour flight instead of 8-10 from Detroit (depending on where your connection is). Which makes it much cheaper. So... I mean, it just makes sense to take advantage of our proximity, you know? It took a bit of work, but thanks to friends we met here who did just so, and our Hilton Diamond Member status, Steve was also convinced. (Insert happy dance here!)

And, we thought, why not make it an anniversary trip? So off we went, the week before our first anniversary. (First anniversary and second tropical vacation... yes, I know I am spoiled!)

Our Hilton points got us a cheap rental car and five days and four nights at the Grand Wailea Waldorf-Astoria resort. And then our diamond status got us upgraded to an ocean-view room. The resort was amazing and beautiful with exotic gardens, grand ocean views and access to a beautiful beach, and more pools than we could keep track of (seven, I think... it's hard to count that high when you're on vacation!), many connected with water slides. So needless to say, though there is much to do/see on the island, we spent almost half of our time just enjoying the resort and relaxing. So here's what our time at the Grand Wailea consisted of... (and I'll keep it fairly brief since a picture speaks a thousand words)

Wearing leis

Watching the fish and turtles in the koi pond below our lanai

Sitting by the beautiful pool

Reading and sunbathing (with sunblock, of course!) while drinking fruity drinks

Enjoying the sound of crashing waves on the beach

Laying by the pool

Drinking tea and reading on the lanai, enjoying the ocean view

Fine dining at the Humu restaurant at sunset

We were so grateful to be able to get away to such a beautiful place so affordably!  It was much-needed for Steve, who continues to work 12 hours/day (sometimes more), 7 days/week with only every other third weekend off. (Which is why we stayed and relaxed at the resort!) We had an amazing time! Thank you, God, for this blessing!

[PS - Yes, we did eventually leave the resort! (That will be the next post...)]