Maui, Hawaii Day 5 The Most Perfect Day of them all at The Four Seasons

August 7th

I woke up early with the intent to watch the sunrise, a promise I made myself to do as often as I can, especially when traveling. But, I had my alarm set for the time that it's risen, so when I got out there, the day had fully begun. Regan stayed back to sleep a bit longer, so I went off on my own, nothing unusual about that feeling for me. I did have my camera strapped up and I was taking pictures like crazy. When I'm alone I like to get all my detailed shots, taking the time to wait for the perfect capture without feeling the guilt of holding anyone up or taking too long. 

I decided to go on a walk and see where the trail led. The path went far beyond stretch of the four seasons property, spanning along a good chunk of the coast. It was the dreamiest walk and it was the perfect thing to do this morning. To get in a little exercise with the most beautiful backdrop. This walk helped restore my soul and restock my social battery. I felt so reconnected with nature and took the space to have a think. One aspect of solo traveling that I know I've mentioned before is that I always grow immensely from it. A mix of the new experiences, new feelings, and new ideas as I both push myself out of my comfort zone in what I am doing, and then have the space to reflect on how I'm feeling about it. That's where my mind went during my hour long morning walk. Thinking about what I wanted in life, what this trip has taught me, meant to me, and how it'll change me and my perspective.

Every time I turned my head, I was met with another remarkable view. It was a heavily trotted walking path, many early birds taking advantage of the trail and what it offer. Most passers with their active set on, iced coffee in hand, and significant other next to them. I had however had myself, my mind, my breath, and my camera. Can't complain about that. 

I walked to the end of the trail and made my way back to the hotel. Before going back up to our hotel room, I stopped at the adult pool as it was around the time it opened up. Last night, as a group we said we wanted to spend the day at the pool instead of the Sanctuaries, so I thought I might as well try to get good spots so we can enjoy the pool to the fullest. And boy my luck strike like gold again. I got there at 7:15am and somehow snagged the first row of chairs with an unobstructed view of the Western Maui mountain. He said he would hold the chairs for us for an hour. Knowing our breakfast took almost two hours yesterday, I asked if we could order food here instead and he said the pool's restaurant wasn't open until 11am, however he did give me the best advice of ordering our breakfast for takeout and bringing it up to the pool to eat. Genius. Plus I had a feeling Regan would be on board because she suggested getting room service, which this felt room service adjacent, eating comfortably and conveniently with a view. Plan secured, and perfecting timing as she texted me she was up for the day while I was on my way back up to the room and gave the plan her stamp of approval. I was excited because I really did scheme the perfect setup. I love planning, especially when it turns out this well. 

We ordered breakfast. I got the similar quantity to what I ordered yesterday but instead tried the museli, swapped out the green juice for a smoothie and got a detox juice in addition that served as my day's poolside beverage. I ate the museli and drank the coffee and smoothie right away and saved the rest for later. The muesli was good but not as good as the smoothie bowl, taking notes for tomorrow to revert back to my og order. I added vegan protein to the smoothie and it which was stellar. We took our food up to the pool and feasted in the sun and with the best view. Regan soon understood what I meant when I told her that I snagged us unreal spots. Especially when we chatted with the other girls at their spots behind us with the other chairs getting in the way of the pristine view.

Once we finished eating, we went into the pool for a dip and some pics in the water with the mountain view. The whole day we switched between lounging in our chairs, sitting at the poolside bar, swimming in the water, tanning, staring out at the view, or going down to the ocean to ride the waves. I saved my soyrizo hash for lunch, but it didn’t really fill me up much. So, when it came time we all got hungry, the girls wanted to go back to the Sanctuary to order lunch there. I did not want to give up our prime spots at the pool, but we followed them and went to our Sanctuary as well. Sadly, we did not get the best service and our food was forgotten and because of that was super delayed. We ate at 3:30pm, 1.5 hours after we ordered, which was pretty close to dinner time and we didn’t want to get too full for it. Finally some full bellies, we chilled a bit. went back into the ocean for a dip/crashing into waves session before heading up to get ready for dinner.

For me, today was a really good day. Reading by the pool, dipping in the hot tub, looking out at the Maui mountain with arms draped over the infinity pool, conversations with the girls, and the sun, it was a huge improvement from yesterdays overcast. And the evening was even better.

Regan and went down early for our own little photoshoot. She was falling in love with my camera and the quality photos it takes, and not to mention and how simple it was pulling the pictures out of my camera. We got some amazing photos and then joined the rest of the crew at the perfect time to get a nice group photo, do a fun tik tok, and enjoy our last night all together. I was really excited to try this dinner place tonight because they had tons of vegan options.

Dinner was fantastic. And we had the most amazing time together! As a table, we got this grand seafood platter for a starter, which sat elegantly next to the mushrooms I ordered for my appetizer. Then for the main meal I got a vegan curry with tofu and it was unreal, and in total, 3 sides of veggies haha - brussel sprouts and carrots in addition to my mushrooms. I was filling up to say the least. I finished my curry and made a dent in my sides. They also got some fun surf and turf, and drinks on drinks. we were all beaming with joy, balling out on this dinner. Kate and I ordered the avocado chocolate mousse as that was the only vegan option and I wanted to try it. They also gave Alex and I birthday treats with a candle, which up for getting a glass of champagne at Marimoto that Gretchen kindly had for me. It was the same cake they brought up to our room so I knew it was vegan and I felt so special. Everyone sang to us and I got to blow out the candle, feeling like my heart was about to explode.

Before calling it a night, we had a few more drinks at the lobby bar while listening to live music. Sitting around a table, exchanging stories, feeling that holiday glow, I knew then and there I would treasure this trip more than ever. What a unique and fortunate experience. I don't know how I get so lucky sometimes, surely it was nothing I did, but yet luck found me frequently, and there won't be a day that I don't reflect with gratitude on all my blessings. This experience, one of the biggest blessings of all.