WHAT IS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE MAUI AND
LOCAL UPCOUNTRY COMMUNITY?
We’ve been lucky to establish relationships with other small business and service
organizations in the community who we feel share similar vision. One such
organization is Maui Cultural Lands, which is working to restore the ancient Honokowai Valley. We support local artisans by showcasing their artwork in each of
our rooms and common areas, which guests many purchase. We feel honored
to be able to support the Maui art community in this way. We have programs
inviting the community to come and enjoy Lumeria throughout the year too.
CULINARY PROGRAM: WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Lumeria has an intense sense of place and an almost magical location
on the hip of Haleakala and very near the ocean. This area is known
world-wide for its waves and water sports. Surfing, windsurfing,
SUP (stand up paddle boarding) and kite surfing classes with local
pros. are offered to guests. But Xorin you also go a step further
and combine teaching a “one-ness” with the ocean (soul surfing)
combined with yoga and meditation at the retreat center.
IS THERE A CORRELATION BETWEEN SURFING AND YOGA?
Yes, we’re finding that people who enjoy yoga and find the balance within
themselves also see that surfing has a very similar focus of attention – finding the core of stillness. It requires you to be out of your head and in your
body to experience the flow of the wave and the still point of the mind.
You’ve mentioned cultural activities and the importance of
authenticity. What are you introducing to guests that is Hawaiian?
And other than offering a unique feel for sense of place –
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO GUESTS?
Sitting by the fire on certain nights and talking story with kahunas has been
enlightening for many of our guests. Understanding the true meaning
of “alo-ha” and not just saying the word deepens the experience and
understanding.
Teaching our guests about what indigenous plants are used for in the past
and in the present brings an excitement and reverence of nature. (Kahunas heal with plants and materials from the natural world.)
Sharing with our guests the restoration work that organizations like Maui
Cultural Lands are doing – this brings a rich historical value to the Hawaii
experience, and our guests are learning about and gaining deeper understanding and respect for the native Hawaiian culture.
That we grow a lot of our own fruits, herbs and vegetables and support locally grown farmers too. We are inspiring others to create their own gardens and
fill the food that they eat with the love of growing, nurturing and caring.
Our Harvest Cafe, serves lunch and dinner for individual guests, and meals
for group retreats. Food from our gardens and other local organic community
farms inspires peole to eat local, organic, healthy food by showing them that
eating healthy not only feels better but tastes better too!
We also have an expert chef that prepares juices and sustenance for the Lumeria
Glow Cleanse. It brings another element to the retreat possibilities at Lumeria. There
are a number of guests who come to Lumeria specifically for a cleanse retreat.
LUMERIA MAUI IS NEW BUT ALREADY POPULAR. WHERE ARE
PEOPLE COMING FROM AND DO YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE PROPERTY’S PROGRAMS IN ORDER TO STAY THERE?
People are coming from all over California, Washington, Canada,
New York, Europe.
In order to stay at Lumeria Maui you have to and must want to participate in a
class or two… or more! Whether it be yoga for strength, relaxation and centering;
horticulture to learn to create your own garden; meditation to quiet the mind;
water sports to connect with the ocean; or a cultural program to understand the
native Hawaiian culture. People want to experience and learn something more
today on vacation rather than just sit poolside and sip a Mai Tai. It’s all about Experience now, particularly exciting, new, off-the-beaten-path experience.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR GUESTS TAKE AWAY FROM
THE EXPERIENCE AT LUMERIA?
A deep and profound sense of the culture. An understanding of respect that
Hawaiians have for their land and also the deep connection and respect they
have for their ancestors and the teachings passed through the generations.
We hope that our farm-to-table dining experience inspires our guests to go
home, build their own gardens, and incorporate what they grow into their
daily meals. We hope that deepening our guests’ connection to the earth
and the land continues after they leave here. And we hope that guests leave
relaxed, rejuvenated and connected with their center, with a sense of peace
and gratitude, and with a profound state of well-being.“
Our lunch arrives to our table, delivered by a sun-kissed beau