An interview with Sam Wilhelm, Chef Concierge at Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. The extraordinary property was recently named on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List, making it five years in a row. Wilhelm discusses must-do honeymoon experiences, dishes out tips for couples to maximize their honeymoon stays, and even reveals his most unusual request.
What's the most common request you receive from your honeymoon guests?
We receive a lot of requests, but at the top of almost every honeymooners to-do list is a couples massage. Oceanside treatments in our open air hales (Hawaiian huts) are the perfect way to start and end your honeymoon.
What's the most popular activity or experience you recommend to your honeymoon guests?
The number one experience we recommend is our Ultimate Dinner. We will arrange a private romantic table set in the naupaka plants overlooking Wailea Beach. A dedicated server attends to your every need as the five-course menu is leisurely presented to the couple. Prior to the dinner, you will meet with one of our talented chefs, who will create your very own menu based on your culinary desires.
Another popular activity for honeymoon couples is a sunset sail. This offers the ultimate ocean and sunset views aboard a beautiful double haul sailing catamaran complete with heavy hors d'oeurves and cocktails.
Does Four Seasons have a honeymoon specialist on the concierge staff?
All of our concierge agents are experts on the island and are ready and excel at creating memorable honeymoon itineraries.
Four Seasons provides guests some amazing in-house amenities. Which ones stand out and are most popular?
The resort offers a wide array of amenities for just about every traveller. For those wanting to lounge pool side, complimentary cabanas on our main pool deck are always a hit. However our swim-up bar at our adult only infinity edged Serenity Pool is always a favorite hang out spot.
For our active couples, daily fitness classes including ocean view yoga, spin classes, tennis clinics and more are offered through The Spa. Water enthusiasts are not left out either. Our complimentary Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe excursion, daily scuba clinics, stand-up paddle boarding, and snorkeling are perfect ways to spend honeymoon days.
What's the strangest request you've received?
I once had to arrange for new scuba equipment to be delivered to a guest in the middle of the ocean. With a few phone calls and an extra boat we were able to make it happen.
How common is it for honeymooners to get room upgrades? Any tips you can share?
Unfortunately upgrades are not guaranteed. However, all of our honeymoon couples do receive a special welcome amenity from the resort recognizing their special celebration.
What's your No. 1 tip for guests to maximize their hotel experience?
We often see guests who want to experience all the island has to offer and will schedule a wide array of activities. More often than not, they will not schedule any relaxation time. Once they arrive at the Resort, we usually end up cancelling one or two excursions so they can lounge at the pool or beach. My advice is to factor in time to truly relax and enjoy the amenities of the resort.
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Photo courtesy of Four Seasons