Lumeria Maui, Educational Retreat Center

Lumeria Maui, an Educational Retreat Center and Michelin Key Selected property on the Island of Maui, offers guests a serene and transformative escape into the heart of Upcountry Maui. This historic 1909 plantation estate, meticulously refurbished in 2011, is praised for its tranquil ambiance, lush grounds, and dedication to wellness.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Lumeria Maui is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a beautiful, peaceful, and elegant sanctuary. It consistently garners high ratings, reflecting its unique character and emphasis on a holistic retreat experience, distinct from the larger beachfront resorts. While some minor issues are noted, the overall sentiment points to a highly recommended destination for those seeking quietude, nature, and personal growth.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Lumeria Maui for several standout features:

• Tranquil Grounds & Design: The six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, meditation areas, and historic plantation-style buildings are frequently highlighted as "gorgeous," "amazing," and "incredibly peaceful." The property’s design blends modern luxury with traditional Hawaiian aloha and Japanese architectural touches, utilizing sustainable materials like river rock floors in the showers.
• Wellness Focus & Activities: Lumeria Maui is celebrated as an educational retreat center with an impressive lineup of daily classes and programs. These include yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, healing arts, breathwork, and even hands-on organic farming lessons.
• Saltwater Pool & Hot Tub: The saltwater pool and relaxing stone hot tub are frequently mentioned as beloved amenities, open 24/7 and contributing to the serene atmosphere.
• Complimentary Breakfast: The complimentary breakfast receives positive feedback for its quality and variety, often featuring fresh island fruit, eggs, bacon, banana muffins, and bagels.
• Quiet & Peaceful Atmosphere: The retreat's off-the-beaten-path location in Upcountry Maui contributes significantly to its quiet and peaceful environment, making it ideal for contemplation and relaxation.

3. Room Quality

The 24 high-ceilinged rooms at Lumeria Maui are generally described as elegantly done, clean, crisp, stylish, and comfortable. Each is individually designed, offering a soothing atmosphere with natural sunlight, cool ocean breezes, and a tropical ambiance. Rooms may feature French doors opening onto lawns and often provide views of the ocean and nearby islands. Bathrooms frequently include unique river-rock showers, enhancing the spa-like feel. However, some guests have noted issues such as a lack of air conditioning in certain rooms, insufficient sound insulation leading to noise from adjacent rooms, and a scarcity of convenient power outlets for charging devices. There have also been occasional complaints about rooms smelling of cat pee due to the presence of cats on the property, and a perceived need for deeper cleaning and better maintenance in some instances.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Lumeria Maui emphasizes fresh, organic, farm-to-table cuisine. The complimentary breakfast is a highlight for many guests, with offerings like fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and baked goods consistently praised. The on-site restaurant, sometimes referred to as The Wooden Crate or MuBu Restaurant, serves dinner, which guests have found to be extraordinary, balanced, and flavorful. However, some reviews indicate that the restaurant may not always be open for dinner, requiring guests to seek dining options off-site.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Lumeria Maui consistently receive high praise for their hospitality, described as "amazing," "helpful," "sweet," "friendly," and "kind." Guests appreciate the genuine warmth and unobtrusive yet efficient service. Specific mentions include staff members going above and beyond to assist guests, such as ensuring they were well-fed before an event or helping with an injury.

6. Location & Accessibility

Lumeria Maui is situated in Upcountry Maui, providing a unique and tranquil setting away from the bustling beach resorts. It is approximately a 25-minute drive from Kahului International Airport (OGG). The location is considered good for exploring Upcountry Maui and offers proximity to attractions like Haleakala. Nearby towns like Paia offer additional dining options and are a short drive away. While offering a secluded feel, guests typically need a rental car to explore the surrounding area. The property itself boasts ocean views from some rooms and is a short drive from beaches like Baldwin Beach and Hoʻokipa Beach Park.

7. Value & Pricing

Lumeria Maui is generally considered to offer good value, especially for the unique luxury retreat experience it provides. While it can be perceived as expensive, with average room prices around $477 per night (as of January 2026), guests often feel it is worth the cost due to the amenities, services, and serene atmosphere. Some past rates were noted around $299-$349, suggesting variations based on season and room type. Complimentary parking and breakfast add to the overall value.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Room Cleanliness & Maintenance: A few reviews mention issues with room cleanliness, including sand in corners, old towels, and, in isolated cases, a smell of cat pee. Some felt the rooms needed a deeper cleaning and better maintenance.
• Lack of In-Room Amenities: Guests have pointed out the absence of essential items like glasses in rooms, sometimes resorting to paper cups, and a lack of easily accessible phone or computer charging ports. Rooms also typically do not have telephones or televisions.
• Noise Insulation: Some guests have experienced poor sound insulation between rooms, allowing noise from adjacent accommodations to be heard.
• No Air Conditioning: While the natural breezes are appreciated, the lack of air conditioning in some rooms can be a concern for comfort, especially during humid periods.
• Inconsistent Dining Availability: The on-site restaurant for dinner may not always be open, which can be an inconvenience.
• Perceived "Camp Environment" or "Religious Vibe": A very small number of guests found the atmosphere less welcoming or described it as having a "camp environment" or a "religious vibe" due to some of the decor and activities.
• Weak Internet/Cellular Service: The complimentary internet connection and cellular service can be weak.
• General Upkeep: Some reviews mentioned a need for general upkeep, citing mold on outdoor cushions, weediness, and spiderwebs.

Sources

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