Few places capture the platonic ideal of vacation quite like Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Maui. To kick off 2024, the resort has given its 794 rooms and suites an upgrade—gentle touches like teak lanai furniture and frangipani-flower prints—while the 50,000-square-foot spa, the largest in Hawaii, is midway through a top-to-toe revamp rooted in the island’s traditional healing practices. The 40 acres of pikake-filled tropical gardens and Pacific views remain, of course: Let the golden hour, during which guests gather to watch the sky turn every shade of sherbet, then ochre, determine the palette for your visit. Below, we gathered the Grand Wailea–inspired pieces to pack on your next beach vacation, from printed maxi dresses and colorful swimwear to chic, raffia handbags.
The Grand-Wailea–inspired pieces we love:
The halter dress
These Maui-inspired dresses are sure to earn you some compliments on your next beach getaway. The bold colors, lightweight materials, and flattering halter-style make them perfect for a special dinner or day trip beyond the resort. We especially love these linen dresses from Johanna Ortiz and Farm Rio—they’re packable, breathable, and scream vacation. Dress them up with a comfortable pair of heels and statement earrings or scale them back with a flat sandal and a crossbody bag.
The colorful swimsuit
Every packing list, whether you’re headed on an island-bound cruise or to a cabin in the mountains, should have a swimsuit included just in case. But when you’re headed somewhere as special as Hawaii, colorful prints are encouraged. We’re eyeing these styles for their flattering silhouettes and vibrant shades.
The comfortable sandal
Strolls around the resort require comfortable sandals that are easy to slip on and off. A black or tan sandal will match anything in your suitcase, whether that’s a pool cover-up or a maxi dress for dinner.
The small, beachy handbag
Sometimes all you need is your phone, hotel key card, and favorite lip balm. When a roomy beach tote isn’t required, carry one of these small, beach-friendly handbags. This shell-shaped clutch with a drawstring closure from Cult Gaia was made to be toted around the Grand Wailea. We also love this option from J.Crew that transitions well from day to night and clutch to crossbody.
The bucket hat
Straw bucket hats might not be the most packable accessory you own, but they always prove their worth when you find yourself poolside and in need of a little shade. They help protect your face, head, and neck from the sun all while elevating your look.
The chic sunglasses
Is there any vacation accessory quite as vital as a good pair of sunnies? Ivory shades give that effortlessly chic, Meredith Blake–esque look we all strive for on a fabulous vacation. We adore these oversized sunglasses from Loewe—they’re so stylish and are a true statement piece. If you tend you lose your favorite pair like I always do, go for these bestsellers from Madewell that are equally cool and under $100.
The minimal makeup
A day at the beach encourages a no-makeup look (and lots of sunscreen!). I typically steer clear of powers, foundation, or any eye makeup in case I take a dip in the water or sweat, but I always keep a nude lipstick and cream blush in my beach tote. These easy-to-apply makeup essentials are great to have on hand in case you want to do any touch-ups before lunch or sightseeing. Compact cream blushes like these from Merit and Milk Makeup can be applied with your fingers and instantly melt into your skin without much blending necessary.
A version of this article appeared in the March 2024 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
