No stress. No hubbub. No running around. For many people, that means a break from their job and — as much as they adore them— their kids.

The dilemma: where to find accommodations geared to like-minded travelers?

One solution: Hotel Wailea on Maui. When the all-suite property completed a $15 million renovation in January last year, it introduced a novel adults-only concept.

Explaining how the idea came about, General Manager Markus Schale said, “Jonathan McManus, Hotel Wailea’s owner, and I have energetic children, and we were looking for the perfect hideaway for a romantic weekend with our spouses. As we were wrapping up the renovation and getting ready to launch the hotel anew, we realized we could establish it as the ultimate couples’ getaway. As far as we know, Hotel Wailea is the only ‘kid-free’ hotel in Hawaii.”

Initially, Schale admits, there was uncertainty about what the reaction would be. “Hawaii has always been marketed as a family destination,” he said, “and we were taking a chance that there were enough couples who felt like we did: We love kids but sometimes we need adult time. Thankfully, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Here are a few highlights of a Hotel Wailea stay.

The setting, the suites

Before architect Takashi Okamoto, who hails from Osaka, Japan, developed the design for the 15-acre property, he camped there for a week to get a good sense of the place. His blueprints reflected principles of feng shui, the Chinese system of arranging buildings and the objects within them to achieve balance and harmony of qi (life force) and, with that, happiness, health and prosperity.

It is said that the University of California, Berkeley-e ducated Okamoto wanted to see or hear water, a key feng shui element, wherever he stood. Moving water represents the flow of vital qi energy, so he oriented the majority of views toward the ocean and planned streams, ponds and waterfalls amid a lush landscape of ginger, plumeria, palms, bamboo, bougainvillea, heliconia and more.

Since clutter and density block qi, great care was taken to ensure there was ample air and light. Accordingly, Hotel Wailea exudes a feeling of freedom and openness. There are just four one-bedroom suites per building, for a total of 72. Even when fully booked, a maximum of 144 guests are on-site at any given time.

Each suite offers 720 square feet of space with ohia wood cabinetry, granite countertops, European white oak and travertine tile floors, a kitchenette, deep soaking tub, two flat-screen TVs, a private lanai, separate bedroom and living areas and top-of-the-line fixtures, furnishings and appliances.

Schale calls it “barefoot luxury, meaning you’ll enjoy an elegant ambience and first-class services and amenities presented in the casual, laid-back style that’s so endearing about our local lifestyle.”

A suite getaway

Hotel Wailea is not oceanfront, but even the most avid worshippers of sun, sand and sea won’t mind. Wailea Beach is just a mile from the porte-cochere, and you can get there in style via complimentary Mercedes-Benz SUV shuttle service or by booking A Suite Getaway for Two, a fun splurge starting at $729. Among the inclusions: four hours behind the wheel of a 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster reproduction (mauiroadsters.com).

In that cool convertible, you’re instantly elevated to celebrity status. Heads will turn, horns will honk and there will be plenty of cheers, applause and shakas. “Smile and wave back; you belong in that Porsche,” Schale said. “After all, you’re Marlon Brando and Audrey Hepburn — for a few hours anyway.”

The package also features one night in an ocean-view suite; a map of Maui’s best beaches; and a picnic lunch that might consist of herb-roasted turkey sandwiches on house-baked sourdough, fresh fruit, sweet potato salad, couscous with fire-roasted red bell peppers, house-made tortillas and sweet potato chips, and house-baked chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies.

The Treehouse

You remember your childhood treehouse — the one your dad built with salvaged lumber, leftover paint and recycled doors and windows. Architecturally speaking, it wouldn’t have won any awards, but it was your haven, your private retreat.

Set away from other buildings in the canopy of mango and avocado trees, the Treehouse is Hotel Wailea’s most intimate and exclusive experience, and the price of an evening there reflects that — $799 and up per couple.

It begins with a champagne toast against a backdrop of sunset and a panoramic ocean view. Your personal chef prepares a customized five-course dinner right there; think gourmet dishes inspired by locally sourced ingredients such as Caesar Crudo of Hebi (shortbill spearfish) with Garlic Gratin and White Anchovy Vinaigrette, and Kona Lobster Risotto with Coconut Nage and Kaffir Lime.

“The Treehouse seats up to six people, but it’s best for two,” Schale said. “It’s a beautiful, peaceful, romantic spot; you’re in your own special world.”

Which might be said of Hotel Wailea as a whole.

ABOUT RELAIS & CHATEAUX

Hotel Wailea is the first and only Hawaii member of Relais & Chateaux, an association of some 530 independently owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants in 64 countries.

The prestigious organization traces back to 1954 when Marcel and Nelly Tilloy, two music-hall artists, decided to promote La Cardinale, their hotel on the Rhone, and seven others under the slogan “La Route du Bonheur” (the road to happiness). All of the properties were between Paris and Nice, away from big towns. Though different in look and personality, they shared a commitment to the art of refined hospitality.

Today, Relais & Chateaux adheres to strict admission standards, based on “the five C’s”: “caractere” (character), “courtoisie” (refined hospitality), “calme” (tranquility), “charme” (charm) and cuisine. Member hotels typically have fewer than 100 rooms.

For more information, call 800-735-2478 or go to www.relais chateaux.com.

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.