There is one resort that keeps me coming back to use my Marriott 85K free-night certificates: Marriott Wailea Beach Resort. Even though Marriotts don’t get us the oversized value that Hyatts do, this resort beckons me again and again. Marriott Wailea Beach Resort is a must-stay resort for me!

85,000-point Marriott annual free-night certificates are benefits of two different Marriott cards, one of which is no longer available via direct application.  The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is open for applications and comes with one of these certificates. The Ritz-Carlton™ Card also does, but it is currently only available if you request a product change. Both my husband and I have each card, so we can book four nights a year at this resort. These are some of the reasons that it is a must-stay resort for me.

 

 

Perfect Couples Stay

While there is a great family pool and even a children’s slide and water park area, that isn’t the feel of the resort. Despite the presence of children, it has a very chill and quiet atmosphere. I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that it plays peaceful Hawaiian music all day instead of the usual louder, popular music at resorts.

With exclusive amenities like the Olakino wellness pool (at an additional cost) and the Maluhia adults-only infinity pool, the resort creates a refined atmosphere tailored for relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort’s elegant design and oceanfront setting make it an ideal retreat for couples, solo travelers, or friends seeking a peaceful Hawaiian getaway. 

 

 

Family Time Getaway

It is also a family-friendly paradise that blends luxury with fun, offering something for every age. Kids can splash and slide to their heart’s content at the NALU Adventure Pool, which features multiple waterslides and a splash zone, while parents relax nearby. Family activities, such as hula lessons, lei-making, and movie nights under the stars, bring everyone together. With a welcoming spirit and thoughtful amenities, it’s an ideal destination for creating unforgettable family memories in paradise.

 

 

Unbelievable Ocean Views and Ocean Access

The ocean views at Wailea Beach Resort are peaceful and beautiful. You can see the ocean from many spots around the resort—your room, the pool, or while walking along the paths. The sound of the waves and the warm breeze help you relax. In the morning, the light is soft and calm. At sunset, the sky turns orange and pink over the water. It’s a quiet, gentle place to unwind or, in my case, chill. Of all the resorts in Hawaii that I have stayed at, I enjoy these ocean views the most.

My husband was able to snorkel near the hotel, as there are many places with good access. You can also spot children boogie boarding and people kayaking in front of the resort as well.

 

 

Good Places to Eat 

• Luigi’s Andiamo Pizza Kitchen by Roy Yamaguchi

• KAPA Bar and Grill

• Mo’ Bettah Food Truck

• Humble Market Kitchin

• Starbucks

Warning: None of the food is cheap, but it is good. Additionally, Monkeypod is nearby, along with lots of other restaurants.

 

Décor and Service

The décor is pure Hawaiian calm and more minimalistic—just my style. It has just undergone a $100 million renovation, showcasing the natural beauty of its oceanfront setting. There are numerous beautiful places to sit, relax, read, or watch the surf. 

Service is also top-notch, with the staff offering fresh floral leis for women and beaded leis for men, along with a refreshing drink when you check in at the outdoor lobby. Every employee exemplifies the Spirit of Aloha.

 

 

 

Is It Worth Keeping Those Cards?

The two cards that offer these benefits also have high annual fees. How do I justify keeping these cards, especially when I still have to pay a $57 resort stay and a $45 parking fee per day?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has a $695 annual fee. I also receive a $25 dining credit from it each month, which I always use, so that’s worth $300 per year. This makes the effective annual fee $395 for me.  It comes with Platinum Elite status, which occasionally gives me an upgraded room, free internet, and late checkout. The other perks it gives me I also have with other cards, so they don’t do much. In the example above, the standard room costs $840. This is a must-stay resort for me, so even with the fee, I think of this card as getting me a heavily discounted stay.

The Ritz-Carlton™ Card is an even better deal for me. It has a $450 annual fee, but comes with a $300 annual travel credit that I also use each year. That means it costs me only $150 per year, resulting in a very discounted stay at one of my favorite hotels.

 

 

Bottom Line

There are lots of hotels and resorts on Maui, and I’ve tried quite a few! After just having returned from this one yet again, I had to give it a special salute. Marriott Wailea Beach Resort is a must-stay resort for me, and I don’t see that changing!

 

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