Valentine’s Day was upon me once again without a special someone. However this year was different. I was actually happy in my career, I had my health, and I was really enjoying a great relationship with myself. So, instead of being depressed that I was alone I decided to take my beautiful, bad ass self on a tropical getaway… a real room service, warm water, rainbows and ocean view vacation. I decided upon the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
This of course was BC – Before Coronavirus.
I have been going to Maui since I was a young girl with my first independent streak. I stayed at cheap motels and with newfound friends in their surf shacks under the mango trees. Now, all grown up, I still have simple tastes. I simply like the best. So of course I choose Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea It hadn’t stayed there in nearly 10 years. But, even with new places to choose from, I wanted the luxury and comfort I knew the resort offered in spades. Impeccable rooms, 5 star service, it’s own in house Spago restaurant, and world class shopping. Maui is a non-stop flight from Los Angeles, without having to hassle with customs and long drives from the airports to the coast, like many tropical destinations. You can feel like you’re in a whole new world without being a world away.
After a super nice flight (I used my frequent flyer miles to upgrade to First Class) I was picked up and brought to the resort in a car the Four Seasons concierge arranged. I was given a fragrant orchid lei upon arrival and a delicious tropical smoothie while I awaited the upgrade of my room to a gorgeous ocean view suite as part of their American Express program. Once situated, I took a steam shower in the spacious marble bathroom and unpacked my minimal carry on bag as the sun broke through the tropical rain to greet me with a rainbow. Then all warm and wet I wandered downstairs to the spa and wellness center for a magical massage to start my vacation off just right. After a room service snack I was off to sweet dreams as the ocean waves sucked any remaining stress right out of me.
When I rose and opened the shutters it was all sunshine, tropical flowers and Pacific Ocean. I spotted a corner cabana by the pool that would be my home base for the next several days. I went down and was set up with everything I would need for pool, beach, eat repeat. Pool, beach, eat repeat. Though Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers a juice bar and plenty of lighter fare options I was more interested in the all you can eat breakfast buffet with made to order omelettes and decadent treats like white chocolate macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup and banana bread French toast. I may need to leave my mumu on by the pool to cover my Buddha belly this week. No matter. Fat and happy was part of my plan.
After another pool, beach, eat repeat day I was ready to meander down to the Shops of Wailea. As I recalled the Gucci store Maui was even better than many major cities. They had unique items, special pricing, and lower taxes. I was surprised to find the white coat I’ve been looking for in my size. Plus, all the handbags and leather goods were 25% off – even the ones that never go on sale. I’m saving money left and right is what I told myself as I carried my shopping bags back to Four Seasons. Happy Valentine’s Day to me!
As much as I enjoy sampling the local cuisine along Waliea beach and the neighboring town of Kihei nothing compares to Spago Restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Maui. My friend Barbara Lazaroff, the co-founder of the Wolfgang Puck brand, made sure I was taken care of with my favorite tuna cones and a special sampling of crudo including their Hamachi with caviar. The attentive bartenders craft specialty cocktails that can be made with or without alcohol depending on your tastes or vacation mindset. Being alone, most every night, I enjoyed the liveliness of sitting at the bar chatting with honeymooners, older married couples and local leisure lovers, watching the sun slide into the Pacific.
The concierge service at Four Seasons Resort Maui was helpful in putting together a day trip to visit their new Four Seasons Resort Lanai. The resort, and most of the entire island of Lanai for that matter, was recently remodeled. I wanted to see if maybe next time I would want to stay on the smaller, less travelled island. I enjoyed a Ferry ride from Lahaina to Lanai where I was met with a Four Seasons driver. I wandered their smaller resort grounds complete with a tropical bird sanctuary and quiet, well kept beaches. However, I felt it was a little too sleepy to stay there on my own. Perhaps someday I would return with someone to love and barely leave our hotel room. Until my lover magically appears I think I made to right choice to be surrounded with a little more civilization on Maui.
As I languidly enjoyed my last couple nights in paradise I vowed not to think too much, catch up on emails or worry if I’d taken the perfect vacation selfie. I simply let the magic of the island sink in. I was in a good place. I loved myself and appreciated all the gifts of my wonderful life. I felt that upon my return to Los Angeles I was finally open to start dating again. However, when I left I left Maui there were the beginnings of COVID-19 chatter on the news in the airport lounge. After a week of bliss I was recharged, relaxed and refreshed…and then suddenly worried. Was my newfound openness to love and readiness to go out in the world to find it too little too late? I came back to L.A. on the verge of the Coronavirus closing down the planet and keeping us all social distancing then sheltering in self-isolation… and just as I was gonna get out there again! Oh well. I guess a Global Pandemic is more important than my little love life. It’s nothing new. I‘ve never had the best timing when it comes to matters of the heart. What’s the hurry anyway if I am happy on my own?
AD – After Distancing
Now, as the world begins to open up, I believe we all can agree having a good relationship with ourselves is key, but so is actual human connection with others. If I never have to do another zoom meeting or virtual event again I will be most grateful. I am ready to go back to work and see my friends and family in real life with more joy and new appreciation. Plus, I will not put off Maui for another 10 years. After all, we never know what the future may hold and we should do as much of what feeds our soul, with whoever feeds our soul, as possible. Thank you Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea for the amazing experience. Your resort will be open again soon and I will be back – maybe next Valentine’s Day with a partner. If not, I know that all by myself will be just fine too.