The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is getting a $30 million renovation, which says something about how tourism is performing in the South Maui area. We already know that guests will pay more to stay at Wailea resorts than other areas of Maui, for the same reason that Wailea real estate is so valuable. Luxury, privacy, and stunning natural beauty are just a few of the draws to this special part of Maui.
The Grand Wailea renovations apply to guestroom interiors, meeting areas and pools. The work is scheduled to be complete in early 2015, and it’s the first renovation since 2009. Of course the hotel will be fully operational during the renovations, and since most of it will take place inside the rooms, the guests won’t see much of it.
From a real estate specialist standpoint, work like this is a good sign for the economy, and good for real estate sales. How? Countless Maui home owners were once vacationers who fell in love with the place, which wouldn’t have happened if they didn’t enjoy their overall experience, and that includes the quality of their accommodations. Hotels serve their own economic purpose, but they are also an example of the ways one can enjoy the time spent in any given place. Wailea Hotels do a great job at that, in general.
It will be interesting to see the quality of the renovations as well. Robert Barry of Los Angeles-based Barry Design Associates will be redesigning the rooms, which is a great fit, considering Barry Design was the resort’s original interior designer. Time will tell what new tricks they have up their sleeves as far as making guests feel comfortable and pampered. We already know that they are replacing all the furniture, but there will also be more of a focus on sustainability with LED lighting and carpets made from recycled material, which is a step in the right direction. They are also installing pump equipment to reduce energy consumption in the pools.
Sustainability is a big theme in South Maui, and not just at the hotels. Solar energy and smart meters are growing more predominant over time, and this helps reduce the cost of living, making the area more appealing to prospective Maui home owners. If you are looking for the right real estate to meet your unique needs, you’ll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo!