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Retreats at Wailea Inn, Maui

Retreats at Wailea Inn:

In the past decade, Wailea Inn has been a loved venue for a myriad of retreats we’ve catered, ranging from yoga and shamanic journeys to sound healing and feng shui immersions. Our team at Lotus Chefs has had the privilege of catering to the unique needs of these transformative gatherings, ensuring that the food during the retreat experience is infused with aloha spirit and meticulous attention to detail.

Our journey catering for yoga retreats has been particularly rewarding, as we’ve witnessed the transformative power of yoga practice in this idyllic setting. While the venue boasts a large stocked basement yoga studio with infrared sauna lights, many retreat leaders have led meditation and sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the ocean.

While there are some logistical limitations for catering, overall we highly recommend this venue for retreat leaders and coaches looking for a warm sunny clean venue with ocean views, a killer yoga room, and enough space for up to 32 guests.

Considerations for Retreat Leaders at Wailea Inn

Wailea Inn: Size and Layout

The Wailea Inn is a multi-level gated estate spanning 6,352 square feet. This versatile venue offers exclusive access to four condominium suites, accommodating up to 32 guests comfortably. There is a full-sized yoga studio in the basement level, with infrared lights, and a heated pool in the back. The beach is a minute walk away. With its spacious layout, the Wailea Inn is well-suited for hosting a variety of retreat sizes, as you can rent the full property or select units.

  • Lele Penthouse – 4 bedrooms/7 baths – Sleeps 16: The two level penthouse is located at the top of a grand staircase on the second level. Two additional loft spaces share a bathroom on the upper level.
  • Lele Hideaway – 2 bedrooms/2 baths with Family Room and Bonus Bathroom – Sleeps 6: A cozy condominium suite located on the ground floor with a private garden view lanai. Lele Hideaway and Poolside Bungalow have identical floor plans.
  • Poolside Bungalow – 2 bedrooms/2 baths with Family Room and Bonus Bathroom – Sleeps 6: An end-unit located next to the pool. Poolside Bungalow and Lele Hideaway have identical floor plans.
  • Ohana Hale – 2 bedrooms/2 baths – Sleeps 4: A spacious two bedroom, two bath end-unit located on the ground floor.

Note: We always recommend reserving The Penthouse, taking up the top two levels and allowing the greatest space for expansion and community.

Wailea Inn: Location

Nestled in Kihei, Wailea Inn boasts a prime location within walking distance of the “The Cove” and Charlie Young Beach, and within easy driving distance of many other beaches on Maui’s Southside, including protected areas such as La Perouse Bay. Guests can easily access nearby beach parks for leisurely walks or enjoy surfing at The Cove, known for its gentle waves and ideal conditions for beginners. Additionally, the vicinity offers an array of amenities, including restaurants, stores, and bars, all within walking distance. Whether guests seek beachside relaxation, water sports, or exploring the local dining and entertainment options, Wailea Inn provides a convenient and central base for experiencing the best of Maui’s coastal lifestyle.

Wailea Inn: Chef Considerations

Wailea Inn offers four kitchens for guests who rent the entire property, providing ample space for culinary endeavors. However, it’s important to note that these kitchens are not set up as professional chef’s kitchens but rather as home kitchens. While they are well-equipped for basic cooking needs, they may pose challenges for large-scale meal preparation and service. Additionally, the property does not have a dedicated dining room, which means that for groups larger than six, we set up folding tables in one of the living areas for dining service.

For larger groups, access to at least one lower kitchen, if not more, is essential to accommodate safe food storage for the abundance of local produce we bring in. Ensuring proper food storage is crucial for maintaining freshness and quality, especially when dealing with a significant quantity of ingredients. By utilizing additional kitchen space, we can effectively organize and store ingredients, streamline meal preparation, and ensure a seamless dining experience for our guests.

Pros and Cons for Retreats at Wailea Inn

Pros:

  1. Embrace the Sunshine: Picture-perfect weather awaits you in Maui, with sunny days and gentle breezes providing the ideal backdrop for your retreat activities. Let the warmth of the sun invigorate your spirit as you bask in the beauty of Wailea Inn’s surroundings.
  2. Oceanfront Bliss: Located just steps away from the ocean, Wailea Inn offers unparalleled access to Maui’s stunning coastline. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach or taking a leisurely sunset stroll, the ocean is your constant companion during your retreat.
  3. Sunset Spectacles: Prepare to be mesmerized by Maui’s legendary sunsets, painting the sky with hues of gold, pink, and purple. Gather your retreat participants for an unforgettable evening of awe-inspiring views and heartfelt connection as the sun dips below the horizon.
  4. Yoga Studio Serenity: Find your Zen in Wailea Inn’s yoga studio, complete with soothing infrared lights that enhance relaxation and rejuvenation. From sunrise salutations to restorative evening sessions, let the studio be your sanctuary for inner peace and mindfulness.
  5. Luxurious Accommodations: Treat yourself and your retreat participants to the ultimate in comfort and style with Wailea Inn’s luxurious accommodations. From spacious suites to private outdoor spaces, every detail is designed to elevate your stay and ensure maximum relaxation.
  6. Private Pool Paradise: Take a dip in Wailea Inn’s private pool, where crystal-clear waters beckon for a refreshing swim or a leisurely lounge in the sun. With the pool as your oasis, you’ll feel utterly pampered and rejuvenated throughout your retreat.

Cons:

  1. Dining Dilemma: While Wailea Inn offers ample space for gatherings, there’s no central dining room, which may require some creativity when planning group meals. However, with the stunning outdoor areas and versatile indoor spaces, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy delicious meals together.
  2. Kitchen Considerations: The kitchens at Wailea Inn are standard and may not be equipped for large-scale meal preparation. You may need to utilize additional units downstairs for storage and meal prep to accommodate larger groups effectively.
  3. Sound Sharing: Keep in mind that some units in the penthouse are located on the mezzanine level without walls, meaning sound can travel from the main space. While this open layout adds to the airy feel of the accommodations, it’s something to consider for those seeking maximum privacy.
  4. Central Location: While some retreat leaders may love that Wailea Inn is centrally located in Kihei, others may prefer a more remote or secluded setting, away from the hustle and bustle of town life. Those seeking a quieter and more isolated retreat experience may find the central location of Wailea Inn to be less conducive to their desired atmosphere.

What Lotus Chefs offers

Love in Every Bite

At Lotus Chefs, every dish is more than just a meal – it’s a heartfelt embrace. For our retreat catering, we pour love and intention into every culinary creation, ensuring that each bite resonates with the soulful purpose of your retreat. Our approach transcends mere cooking, turning every meal into a nourishing experience that aligns with the transformative journey of your guests.

High Vibe Ingredients

Drawing inspiration from Maui’s fertile earth, Lotus Chefs embodies a genuine farm-to-table spirit. We proudly source around 80% of our ingredients, from vibrant produce to prime meat & seafood, right from local terrains. Enhanced with high-end organic superfoods and through collaborations with esteemed local purveyors, our offerings are a testament to our unwavering dedication to culinary brilliance and the heart of our community.

Chef Sisterhood

Our services are crafted by a remarkable team of talented chefs and hospitality experts, who happen to be an all-female ensemble. While we don’t wear our gender as a badge, it’s undeniable that our team brings a touch of feminine intuition, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. Just as in yoga, where balance and intention are key, our team imbues every meal and event with precision and soul, celebrating the feminine spirit.

Food for Every Belly

Embracing the diverse tapestry of dietary paths, Lotus Chefs seamlessly caters to preferences ranging from vegan to gluten-free, soy-free, and beyond. With each retreat bearing its unique intention, we artfully tailor our menus, ensuring that the nourishment we provide resonates deeply with your retreat’s core essence. Reach out to find out why we are the go-to for retreat catering Maui services.

Overall....

While Wailea Inn offers a dreamy backdrop for your retreat, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. With a little planning and flexibility, you’ll find that the advantages far outweigh any potential challenges, leaving you and your participants with cherished memories of your time in paradise. Inquiries for availability are made directly through Wailea Inn, and inquiries for chef services or more information can be through our Contact Page. 

If you're considering booking at Wailea Inn, we'd love to cook for you!

Five Star Chef Reviews

Our family owns multiple restaurants in both Chicago and Seattle, some for more than 30 years. During that time we’ve sampled the food of dozens of chefs who wanted to work for us, including CIA grads and some with Michelin stars. KYRA RANKS AT THE VERY TOP. With her terrific assistants, Heidi and Allisa, Kyra created an incredible 6 course dinner and served 10 of us with incredible style and timing from the miniscule kitchen of our hotel suite. We’ve eaten in fine restaurants all over the world (including our own) and would rate the meal Kyra created for us as truly among the very best. You’ll be lucky if you can book her!

Dan RosenthalRestauranteur, Pike Place Hospitality Group, Seattle

Kyra was so accommodating to my picky eater status. She called me ahead of the retreat to ensure she had food for the week that I would be able to enjoy. I was very appreciative. Throughout the week I ate way more than I thought I would and even tried some new foods I had never had before. She is an amazing, creative chef who I highly recommend!

Brittany MacKinnonMother and cancer survivor, Project Koru

Kyra and her team provided us with a world-class experience of cuisine during our company retreat in Maui. She also helped get us in touch with other amazing people in the hospitality industry that included a mixologist, massage therapist, and more. Highly recommend!

Armon PetrossianFounder & CEO, Coalesce Software

Kyra is amazing! She was always pleasant and very responsive to my emails. Meeting her in person was a delight with her upbeat personality and love for her craft! She is skilled and creative. The plant based meal she created for us was thoughtful and delicious! Each dish is beautifully prepared and presented with attention to every detail. She went above and beyond our expectations! If you are looking for an extraordinary experience I highly recommend Kyra-you will not be disappointed!

Janice WrenProfessional vacationer and foodie

Kyra is pure magic! I worked with Kyra to create a stunning picnic on the beach in Hawaii, and her food was so delicioius. On top of that, she helped to coordinate a gorgeous picnic set up with some of her colleagues out there, and holy MOLY was the result incredible. She *even* helped us get a few professional photographs--which speak for themselves. If you are looking for any kind of catering or prepared meals, Kyra infuses all that she makes with pure love. Thank you for making our experience so special, Kyra!

Susannah StokesPresident, Dountoinc & Retreat Leader

I had the pleasure of hiring Kyra to cater my most recent ShaktiRize retreat in Maui. She showed up on so many levels, from bringing altars, to Kangan water, to dropping into class with the other women. The menu was fully vegan and gluten-free and was not only delicious, but also intentional and presented beautifully. She put a lot of work into featuring local vendors and produce. I can't wait to work with her again.

Jasmine JudsonFounder, ShaktiRize

Kyra was an amazing chef and prepared a memorable dinner for me and my family- we were celebrating my daughter in law's 30th birthday. The food was out of this world. She was so good with my young grand children and they even ate her food. I highly recommend Kyra to cook in your home.

Eva HickeyBest grandma & mother-in-law ever!

My family was very happy with the “Hawaiian” inspired brunch Chef Kyra and her team prepared. Everything was prepared fresh with local ingredients and was beautifully presented. From Ahi Eggs Benedict to the juice bar, my family raved about the entire meal. Chef Kyra and her team were also fantastic in their service and so fun and friendly. When in Maui again, I would definitely use her services.

Tracy GBrunch aficionado