Maui Four Seasons Honeymoon - Best way to book?
Jun 20, 2018, 8:15 pm
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 14
FS Maui tends to start a flame war with speck and spittle flying everywhere. 'Mixed reviews' and 'rethink' are code phrases here on the FT luxury forum for 'some of us thought it sucked'. I've gone once and will NEVER return but that stay was well over 10 years ago so I expect to get brutally criticized for even participating in this discussion. You will find others here that, bizarrely, liked the place. There are several threads. Do a search and read the threads.
Here is my list of issues:
- There are actually very few 'ocean front' units. Look at the satellite view of the place here: Google FS Maui. The resort is U-shaped. The units described as 'partial ocean view' are on the inside and outside of the 'U' and the vast majority of the rooms fall in this category. 'Partial ocean view' is marketing speak for 'you can see the ocean from the room if you stand on the balcony and lean over'. I found our 'partial ocean view' room to be dark and depressing.
- There is simply not enough resources to properly support the number of guests at >50% capacity. During our stay, all, and I mean 'ALL' lounge chairs were gone by 7am. I watched as FS pool attendants held pool chairs for ransom. The trick was to get out to the pool before the attendants arrived and reserve a swath of chairs. Waiting times for the restaurants could extend to 2 hours, for both BK and dinner. They've added some resources such as an adult pool, but I am unconvinced it is enough to fix the shortage.
If you do book do it through an FSPP agent and not directly via the web page. Do not expect an upgrade at this FS unless explicitly guaranteed. This is a special event for you. I'd rather you tell us what you are looking for and your price range and let us recommend alternate properties. You risk spending your days in the sun on a towel placed over cement at this FS and waiting hours for the privilege of sitting in one of the restaurants.
Here is my list of issues:
- There are actually very few 'ocean front' units. Look at the satellite view of the place here: Google FS Maui. The resort is U-shaped. The units described as 'partial ocean view' are on the inside and outside of the 'U' and the vast majority of the rooms fall in this category. 'Partial ocean view' is marketing speak for 'you can see the ocean from the room if you stand on the balcony and lean over'. I found our 'partial ocean view' room to be dark and depressing.
- There is simply not enough resources to properly support the number of guests at >50% capacity. During our stay, all, and I mean 'ALL' lounge chairs were gone by 7am. I watched as FS pool attendants held pool chairs for ransom. The trick was to get out to the pool before the attendants arrived and reserve a swath of chairs. Waiting times for the restaurants could extend to 2 hours, for both BK and dinner. They've added some resources such as an adult pool, but I am unconvinced it is enough to fix the shortage.
If you do book do it through an FSPP agent and not directly via the web page. Do not expect an upgrade at this FS unless explicitly guaranteed. This is a special event for you. I'd rather you tell us what you are looking for and your price range and let us recommend alternate properties. You risk spending your days in the sun on a towel placed over cement at this FS and waiting hours for the privilege of sitting in one of the restaurants.
Jun 21, 2018, 7:35 am
#32
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: BNA
Programs: Virtuoso, FSPP, RC STARS, Rosewood Elite, Bellini, SPG LP, Dorchester Diamond, PenClub
Posts: 357
My advice would be to focus less on it being special, and more on exactly what it is that would make a great honeymoon for the two of you. Sit down and make a list on paper of what you want no matter how obvious or silly the items may sound. The trip will inherently be special because it's your honeymoon, and there are many ways to inject uniqueness and memorability into a vacation. I know that certain destinations may not sound sexy when you are telling people where you are honeymooning, but it's your trip. This isn't about anyone else but the two of you.
A personal example, I wanted to go to French Polynesia for my 10th wedding anniversary. I thought it would be a special and memorable way to celebrate. It was, because neither of us really loved the experience. We would have been much happier returning to our favorite destination and splurging on a fancy suite, cabanas every day, VIP arrival service, etc.
Hope this helps!