Photography courtesy of Jaclyn Johnson

Kapalua Bay is like stumbling into a postcard — except the water really is that turquoise, the cliffs really are that dramatic, and the vibe is totally unbothered. It has the perfect mix of calm, swimmable water and cinematic views. We snorkeled right from the beach, claimed a spot under the palms, and settled into that dreamy, no-wifi energy. If I could’ve bottled the golden hour light there, I would have.

Arriving at the Exclusive Resorts residence at Montage Kapalua Bay was unreal — the perfect home base for a tropical escape. Once unpacked, we explored the storied terrain. A coastal trail right near the villa winds along the ocean, and walking it first thing in the morning quickly became my favorite “reset” ritual. After about 30 minutes, we landed at Ulana Terrace, where I ordered the orange-beet-ginger juice and banana mac nut pancakes. The walk back, barefoot in the sand and fully caffeinated, was pure bliss. Later that day, we ventured over to Paia, an artsy little surf town on the North Shore that somehow still feels under-the-radar. We wandered into Cafe Des Amis for turmeric lattes and crepes, and ended up spending the whole afternoon there. The shopping was eclectic and fun — Biasa Rose for flowy boho dresses, CLHEI for timeless fine leather goods designed on Maui — and the people-watching was chef’s kiss. Paia is Maui’s cool cousin that doesn’t try too hard.

That night, we experienced the famed Merriman’s Kapalua — the ultimate dinner-and-a-sunset spot. Their Mai Tai comes with a honey-lilikoi foam, and I’d fly back for that alone. We sat on the lanai, ordered the wok-charred ahi, and timed it perfectly with the sun slipping into the ocean. The next morning started with a sweat at the spa’s gym — surprisingly luxe — followed by a Lomi Lomi massage, which was everything. For lunch, we grabbed poke bowls and fresh fruit from the poolside Hana Hou Bar, packed a cooler with coconut water and a few mini bottles of rosé, and headed down to the beach. We set up a little picnic, people-watched, and read beachy novels until the sun dipped low.

That night, the Exclusive Resorts team organized a private in-villa cocktail and bites experience with Chef Jason, who whipped up a ginger-lime ceviche and torched local pineapple for dessert. It felt like our own private supper club — barefoot, stylish, and completely effortless.

On day three, we snorkeled off Honolua Bay, and it was next-level — schools of technicolor fish surrounded us like we were swimming through a screensaver. We even spotted a sea turtle casually gliding by. If you’re up for it, I’d recommend booking a tour out to Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic caldera. It truly feels like floating in an aquarium. That night, we made our way to Mama’s Fish House, a Maui institution that lived up to the hype. The food was incredible, but it was the setting that got me — vintage photographs, outrigger canoes, and a view that felt straight out of Old Hawaii. Later, we caught a sunset luau at the Sheraton in Kaanapali, complete with fire dancers, local musicians, and kalua pork that melted in your mouth. One of those “I’m really here” moments.

Our last full day was magic. We chartered a private boat, and it turned into full-on whale watching euphoria. A mama and baby humpback swam right up to us and lingered for what felt like forever. It was silent except for our squeals and the sound of their blowholes. Afterward, we cracked open a bottle of bubbles, jumped off the boat, and swam in the middle of the Pacific.

Now that I’m home, I keep replaying it all in my mind. If I could go back for just one more day? Easy. I’d be back on that boat. We’d pack snacks from Leoda’s Pie Shop (the banana cream pie is unreal), jump in the ocean, and soak it all in one last time. Then it’d be back to the villa for a sunset grill session — probably steaks and grilled pineapple — followed by movies in loungewear and face masks. Lowkey, luxe, and the best kind of tired.

Staying with Exclusive Resorts was amazing. It was a private sanctuary — huge living spaces, wraparound views, and a kitchen that practically begged for barefoot dance parties. The wine fridge was stocked (essential), the closets were Carrie Bradshaw–level, and the bathroom had one of those soaking tubs that demands a glass of wine and a good playlist. But the real magic was the Exclusive Resorts team. Our groceries were already in the fridge, our excursions and dinner reservations pre-booked, and the vibe? Flawless. All we had to do was show up and chill.

Jaclyn Johnson is the founder of Create & Cultivate, an inspiring platform for women in business, and an investor dedicated to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. Follow her journey on Instagram @JaclynRJohnson.

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