ESCAPE TO LUMERIA MAUI

Upcountry Maui’s answer to an educational retreat center aims for peace and tranquility, spiritual growth and back-to-nature vibes in a lush, tropical setting.

Nestled amongst the trees in quiet upcountry Maui, halfway between Makawao and Paia, is the serene property of Lumeria. Housed in a renovated historic estate built in 1910, it has all the makings of a dream escape. The U-shaped building looks onto a lawn made for hosting large yoga classes, buddhas greet you from between the trees, and the landscaping is the star of the show. The on-site restaurant, The Wooden Crate, is farm-to-table using fresh produce from the property, and will accommodate vegan and paleo diets.

Indeed, a night spent at Lumeria is different than your average hotel stay. There is no AC, the wifi doesn’t work in the rooms, and speaking too loudly might get you dirty looks from other guests. In fact, Lumeria makes it clear that it’s more than a room to rest your head— it’s a place to hear your thoughts, nourish your body, and explore your spirituality. Billed as an educational retreat center, overnight stays are only welcome to those attending a retreat or Lumeria’s own classes and programs, which range from yoga and meditation to horticulture and dance therapy.

Lumeria, for sure, offers a more unique lodging experience than other Hawaii resorts. Bright colors and seascape art is replaced with simple, sleek interiors and there is nary an aloha print to be seen. The lobby is dark and moody with antique chairs and a sexy cabin vibe— a far cry from the usual decor found in Hawaii. If an escape is what you’re looking for—from cold mainland winters or the stress of work life, or even from the rest of overly-touristy, often-cheesy resort areas of Maui—this might just be place for you.

Photography by IJfke Ridgley, modeled by the96815