Four Seasons Lanai A Double Dose of Paradise: My Unforgettable Stay

Travel aficionados! I want to share an island escape that felt like living in a dream - twice over! I had the incredible opportunity to stay at both Four Seasons resorts on Lanai, and let me tell you, it's the kind of luxury that sticks with you. Here's my journey through this duo of luxury havens.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai - The Beachfront Bliss:

• Arrival and First Impressions:Landing on Lanai was like stepping into a time warp - with only three paved roads and no traffic lights, it's this serene little bubble. We drove through Lanai City, which used to be all about pineapples but now feels like a charming, tiny village with one stop sign where the deer outnumber the cars. The journey to the resort was an adventure in itself, passing red dirt paths that led to the lush oasis of the resort, contrasting sharply with the island's rugged, almost otherworldly landscape.

• Accommodations:My room was like my own little slice of beach paradise, with a private lanai where I could enjoy my morning coffee while watching the waves. The decor and amenities were luxurious but cozy, the kind where you feel like you're living in your own version of luxury, not just staying in a hotel. It's the perfect setup for families or those looking for that traditional sand-and-sea vacation.

• Dining:Dining at Nobu was a highlight - that black cod dish was like nothing I've tasted before, melting in your mouth. Breakfast at One Forty with those Flaxseed Pancakes was a sweet indulgence, and Malibu Farm's Ahi Poke Bowl? So fresh, you could taste the ocean. Every food and beverage outlet here lives up to its reputation.

• Activities - Manele Golf Course:Golfing at Manele was surreal. Especially from the 12th hole where you're literally teeing off over the ocean. The course is both a challenge and a spectacle, with GPS carts to guide you. And after, sipping on a Lanai Sunset Cocktail at VIEWS Restaurant was the perfect way to unwind. Plus, the hikes and other activities offered by the resort are simply terrific.

• Service:  

  • Personalized Attention: From the get-go, the staff knew my name and my quirks. They welcomed me with my favorite drink, making me feel like I was returning home rather than checking into a hotel.

  • Anticipatory Service: They were ahead of my needs - sunscreen by the pool, extra pillows at night, you name it.

  • Cultural Insight: The staff shared stories of Lanai, giving me a real feel for the place, like they were sharing a piece of their home with me.

  • 24/7 Availability: No request was too odd or too late; they even managed a midnight snack after I got back from stargazing.

Sensei Lanai - My Wellness Retreat:

• Arrival:The drive to Sensei Lanai was like entering a different world, through pine forests that made it feel more like Europe than Hawaii. After its $75 million renovation in 2019, this adults-only sanctuary boasts sprawling gardens that are just breathtaking. The red dirt and rugged beauty of Lanai set the perfect stage for this secluded wellness haven.

• Wellness Focus:Sensei Lanai was all about pressing the reset button. My Sensei Guide was like my personal wellness guru, customizing my journey with activities focused on movement, nutrition, and rest. It's an ideal spot for those looking for an escape, to do some digital detoxing, and get some serious R&R.

• Cuisine:The food at Sensei by Nobu was all about health without skimping on flavor. From the Greek Yogurt Honey Bowl to the light yet delicious Kohlrabi Salad, every meal felt nourishing, perfectly complementing the wellness ethos of the retreat.

• Wellness Activities:  

  • Gym: The gym was top-notch, but it was the personalized fitness sessions, using tech like thermal body mapping, that really stood out.

  • Yoga and Meditation: There's something special about doing yoga in the morning with the breeze blowing through, followed by meditation that felt like grounding your soul. The Forest Bathing session was a new favorite, teaching me to breathe with nature.

  • Spa: The spa treatments were like a luxury escape within an escape, with the traditional Japanese Ofuro Bath being particularly soothing. The facilities are among the best I've seen.

  • Hiking: Hiking to spots like Keahiakawlo was not just exercise but an adventure with views that made you feel on top of the world.

• Service:  

  • Personal Wellness Guidance: My guide was my coach, nutritionist, and life counselor all in one, checking in daily to tweak my wellness plan.

  • Attention to Detail: They remembered my dietary preferences and kept my room at the perfect relaxing temperature.

  • Holistic Support: Conversations about my wellness goals weren't just transactional; they genuinely cared about my journey.

  • Peace and Privacy: The service was there when you needed it but never intrusive, ensuring you could truly retreat from the world.

Getting There:

For those worried about getting to this secluded paradise, both properties make it seamless. Your stay includes a flight on Lanai Air from Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii Island. After landing in Honolulu, you're whisked from baggage claim straight to the Lanai Air hangar, where a luxury lounge awaits. Then, in just 20 to 25 minutes, you're touching down in Lanai, greeted on the tarmac, beginning your special journey with the island.

Conclusion:

My experience at both Four Seasons resorts on Lanai was like living through a luxury travel magazine. One resort was all about beachside indulgence, with the thrill of golfing at Manele, while the other was about finding your inner peace with a wellness focus that transformed how I think about relaxation.

Lanai as a Luxury Getaway:

• Honeymoon: With its secluded beaches and personalized service, Lanai is perfect for couples looking to connect in luxury.

• Luxury Wellness Retreat: Sensei Lanai is your go-to for rejuvenation, with programs tailored to your personal growth.

• Exclusive Getaways: For those special occasions or when you just need to disconnect from the hustle, Lanai's exclusivity is unparalleled.

• Golf Enthusiasts: Manele Golf Course is where you go for a challenge with a view.

• Adventure Beyond the Resorts: As Four Seasons Resort Lanai's GM, Avi Phookan, emphasizes, Lanai isn't just about the resorts; it's an island ripe for exploration.

Lanai isn't just a place; it's an experience of luxury intertwined with nature, culture, and self-discovery.

Travel Tips for Lanai:

• Best Time to Visit: Late fall to early spring for cooler weather and whale watching.

• What to Pack: Sunscreen, a light jacket for those cooler upland evenings, and comfy shoes for exploring.

• Getting There: The private flight with Lanai Air adds that extra touch of luxury to your journey.

Until My Next Adventure,LuxuryTraveled