Maui Plays Host to Migrating Whales and Bevy of Spectacular Sea Life

The beauty of Hawaii doesn't stop at the shoreline. Meandering through the coastal waters is a plethora of fascinating sea life, including 13 species of dolphins, sea turtles and tropical fish, and come winter the waters surrounding Maui become home to nearly ten thousand whales. This year, guests can adopt-a-whale at Wailea Beach Villas when booking at stay at the luxury resort.

Wailea, Maui, Hawai'i - Dec. 9, 2009 - The beauty of Hawaii doesn't stop at the shoreline. Meandering through the coastal waters is a plethora of fascinating sea life, including 13 species of dolphins, sea turtles and tropical fish, and come winter the waters surrounding Maui become home to nearly ten thousand whales. This year, guests can adopt-a-whale at Wailea Beach Villas when booking at stay at the luxury resort. 

From mid-December through mid-May the North Pacific Herd of humpback whales spout and breech for all to see in a phenomenon not to be missed. The whales spend the summer months feeding in Alaskan waters before making their way to Hawaii to mate and give birth to their calves. The Au'au Channel (coastal Maui and Lanai) sees the second largest concentration of humpback whales during the winter months, making Maui one of the best places to see humpback whales in their natural breeding waters. Amiable topography, lack of predators and warm waters (75 degrees) draw the whales back annually, creating one of the islands' most popular offshore activities and attractions. 

While countless excursions await to give guests first-hand glimpses of the breathtaking mammals, the Wailea Beach Villas has partnered with the Pacific Whale Foundation to give guests a unique opportunity to adopt one of the graceful humpback whales. The whale adoption includes a canvas tote bag with image of their whale breeching, a DVD “Why Whales Do That” and a book “Humpbacks, The Long Journey Back” as well as a map of where the whale goes. The package also includes a three-night stay in a two-bedroom garden-view penthouse including a luxury rental car from Dollar and breakfast daily at Longhi's Restaurant. The Adopt-a-Whale package is available Jan. 6 through April 19, 2010 for $3,900 (based on four people) or $975 per person. 

For more information or to book an Adopt-a-Dolphin or Adopt-a-Whale lodging package, call 866-901-5201, or visit www.waileabeachvillas.com. 

Wailea Beach Villas is an exclusive residential resort with an enviable location along Maui's famed Wailea Beach. The resort offers luxurious accommodations ranging from 1,900 to 3,100-square-foot villas situated on 12 acres of lush gardens and refreshing pools. Guest amenities include two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, business center, an activity room and room service. Wailea Beach Villas is within walking distance of more than five resort restaurants and is conveniently located next to the Shops at Wailea featuring upscale boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars. The dedicated concierge staff at Wailea Beach Villas is prepared to customize each guest experience to meet their vacation needs from personal chefs to in-room spa services, private butlers and much more. 

Wailea Beach Villas is one of more than 30 independent, upscale hotels, resorts and conference centers managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, which is consistently rated one of the top 10 independent hospitality management companies in the United States. To protect and preserve the unique communities in which the company operates, Destination launched Destination Earth, an environmental sustainability program in 2008. New for 2009 is the 582-room Terranea Resort situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern California which opened to the public in June. The 102-acre ocean front resort features a 25,000-square-foot destination spa, three swimming pools, three ocean view restaurants and a Todd Eckenrode-designed par three golf course. In addition to Terranea in the greater Los Angeles area, Destination operates properties in key metropolitan areas and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Denver, San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Palm Springs, Houston and Lake Tahoe. Destination is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises.  For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com or to join the company's loyalty program for the best offers available, visit www.destinationdelivers.com

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