Wailea Beach Villas vacation condominiums on Maui opened this month, testing the limits of visitors' willingness to pay for luxury.

Room rates for the units range from $1,100 to $3,000 per night with a five-night minimum. The two- or three-bedroom villas come with fully stocked kitchens and bars upon request.

Wailea Beach Villas was developed by Lokahi Ventures, which built the 98 low-rise units and a host of resortlike luxury amenities on 11 acres next to the Shops at Wailea and the Grand Wailea Hotel.

In early 2003, Lokahi Ventures sold the villas, ranging from 1,900 square feet to 3,100 square feet, to individual buyers for roughly $1 million to $5 million. After construction, the original sales closed in the past several months, and units today have resale values as high as $9 million.

Investors who bought the condos are trying to attract guests to the exclusive gated property with a special offer of dinner prepared by a personal chef.

The meals are billed as a culinary journey of Maui served by a private staff in the lavishly furnished villas with views overlooking Wailea Beach. Wine, however, costs extra.

Property manager Destination Hotels & Resorts announced the grand-opening promotion for the project, which opened May 1.

The personal chef offer is available for reservations made by July 31 for visits before Dec. 15.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.