If a long, cleansing exhale was a physical space, it would be Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort. The well-being property is a byproduct of a partnership with Four Seasons and billionaire CEO Larry Ellison, who owns the secluded Hawaiian island on which it sits, Lānaʻi.

Arriving at Sensei Lanai, I felt like someone had removed a weight from my shoulders that I didn’t realize I was carrying. Flanked by lush vegetation, the plantation-style hotel ushers guests into an airy expanse of effortless luxury that doesn’t feel stuffy. But make no mistake: This is the ultimate restorative travel experience for those who aim to do it right.

I arrived at the island resort via private plane (a short half-hour flight from Honolulu) and was welcomed in pure Hawaiian fashion with a beautiful lei and a refreshing fruit-infused welcome cocktail.

Before becoming a Four Seasons, the hotel was originally The Lodge at Koele, one of Hawaii’s rare inland hotels. The property was temporarily closed for renovations and reopened in November 2019 as Sensei Lanai. It boasts 92 spacious rooms, four elite suites, and a connected Nobu restaurant.

It’s so much more than a luxurious place to eat and sleep, though. One of the biggest selling points is its create-your-own-wellness adventure, in which guests can choose from a menu of activities, including golf, hiking, forest bathing, mindset consultations, body composition analysis, well-being classes, private spa hales, and more. At the heart of it all is the Sensei Way, which is described as an evidence-led approach integrating healthy living practices into three paths: move, nourish, and rest.

Packing for the trip was as laidback as the experience itself. After researching, I quickly gleaned that ease was the name of the game in terms of wardrobe at this resort. I brought your typical resort wear: loose-fitting, breathable fabrics; active clothing and gym shoes; a light jacket for the cool, clear evenings; swimsuits; and casual sandals. Most guests also got that memo, and I saw many flowy dresses, linens, and flat shoes.

Speaking of guests, I spoke to a few during my stay and quickly surmised that we had something in common: exhaustion. One resort goer said she came to the resort for a 14-day stay after throwing her back out from stress as she kept up with her CEO role at a Fortune 500 company. Another guest shared that she comes every six months to recover from the busiest times of her career and reset for the new year. As a freelance writer and entrepreneur, I understand firsthand how professional rigors can force us to put our physiology last on the priority list. That’s why mind and body restoration was most important to me when I sat down to curate my activity agenda.

After an initial night of rest, I bounded into the following day, ready for my one-on-one biomarker session. Following my assessment on a body composition analysis machine that uses a low-level electrical current to collect key metrics, I was given a nutrition guide that examined multiple data points focused on muscle, fat, and hydration status. We also had a long talk about my diet and fitness habits and how they informed my body’s functioning.

Then, I was scheduled to enjoy some restorative and relaxing activities, including everything from yin yoga to an ofuro sea salt soak.

I went into the yin yoga session a bit apprehensive as I’m not as flexible as I used to be — I fully expected to feel like I’d completed a challenging fitness class. But imagine my surprise when I was immersed in an hour-long, slow, deep stretch. The instructor told us that we would be there to “ease into ourselves” through paced movements that reach connective tissues we usually neglect.

The next day, I was treated to a guided meditation session in the resort’s serene gardens, where I could reconnect with the sun, sky, and water. I was then able to experience my first ever functional fascia class in which a sensei guide helped my body to release stuck or shortened fascia. After 30 minutes, I felt like I stood taller and walked more smoothly.

By my last day, I felt replenished, refreshed, and more centered than in years. I also noticed I wasn’t glued to my phone as much, which was a feat since I have a (self-diagnosed) full-blown digital addiction. In just a few short days, I’d found myself a bonafide follower of the Sensei Way, which I’ve come to understand is the practice of making more of life’s moments more meaningful. Although I’m sure I’ll slip back into some old habits, I’ll try harder to put my well-being first.

Here’s my review of my experience at the Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort.

Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort

• Every stay comprises a fully curated, balanced itinerary that includes activities focused on enriching guests’ mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

• Clean, artfully prepared meals are available via in-room dining and at the on-site Nobu restaurant.

• The staff is highly knowledgeable, organized, and friendly.

• The focus on self-connection fosters an almost entirely digital-free, stressless environment.

The Rooms

Situated in the remote uplands of Lānaʻi, the rooms span from the Koele Deluxe Room to a Kaiholena Suite, all boasting different amenity levels. Still, one throughline with all the rooms is that they’re all flooded with beautiful natural light. The hotel’s 96 luxurious guest rooms and suites perfectly balance simple stillness with fast technology, as evidenced by the 75-inch LED TVs outfitted in each space. Most rooms overlook the ethereal outdoor landscape and tantalizing views of the outdoor art.

As someone who regularly suffers from seasonal affective disorder, I’m a huge fan of light and airy-feeling sleeping spaces, and this room did not disappoint.  Filled with dreamy neutrals and lots of texture, my room was a soothing mix of cozy and upscale luxury.

I was told that the serene outdoor nature scene inspired the color palette, evoking a seamless end-to-end relaxation experience. One of my favorite features was the inviting window seat, where I found time to curl up to read. My bed was also one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, apart from my own at home. (Guests can choose their style of mattress to help personalize their sleep while at the resort.)

I could dine al fresco on the outdoor balcony, perfect for two. The room was outfitted with intuitive lighting, temperature, and privacy controls via iPads. After long days of travel, I was highly grateful for the in-room dining ordering feature via iPads, saving me a phone call to the concierge desk.

As someone who enjoys a good selfie session, I was delighted that the bathrooms featured vanity consoles with carved stone tops, custom fixtures, and dimmable lighting. There was also plenty of mirroring throughout that was tall enough to accommodate my 5 ’10” frame. Each restroom also has Toto washlets and signature Sensei bath amenities inspired by the island.

The refreshment center offers water, locally sourced Hawaiian coconut water, and a selection of healthy gourmet snacks, including gluten-free items.

Food and Drink

Embarrassingly, I’d never been to a Nobu restaurant before this trip, but I have to say it was completely worth the wait. The resort’s on-site dining partner served the signature Japanese offerings found in its stand-alone restaurants worldwide.

For dinner each night, I indulged in fresh-caught seafood, sushi, and hand-crafted cocktails that left me wanting more. Luckily, I could eat these foods guilt-free. The resort prides itself on maintaining a clean food philosophy, prioritizing the taste of its meals and how guests feel after eating them. The menus were designed by world-renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his team in close collaboration with Sensei nutritionists to maintain the health-first approach.

The culinary team partnered with local growers to source organic seasonal foods, including produce from Sensei Farms, which is just steps away from the property.

Of course, all dishes can be prepared to accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets. I indulged in all the traditional machinations, including the conventional Hawaiian lunch and breakfast, including free-range ham, local fruit, and bacon.

The Spa

Sensei not only has an on-site spa — it has 10.

Individuals or couples can enjoy the spa hales, which are outfitted with oversized spa tables, indoor and outdoor showers, an infrared sauna, steam rooms, ofuro baths, private plunge pools, and lounging areas. I enjoyed a 120-minute facial and massage in one of them, and it was the best I’ve ever had.

Guests can select a spa experience that addresses their biggest concern, in keeping with the Move, Rest, and Nourish brand tenets. I knew my spirit needed a bit of rest after a tough year, and my skin was also showing signs of exhaustion, so I chose the Rest option.

I indulged in a drawn ofuro bath soak in my own personal hale. The water was infused with raw sea salt, marine algae, and flower nectar oil. Then, I received an intense facial and scalp massage using all-natural Italian products. Lastly, my masseuse gave me an incredibly relaxing full-body massage, followed by an infrared sauna sit and open-air shower.

Activities and Experiences

This property offers guests a 90,000-acre playground where they can enjoy a myriad of activities. Many are managed by Four Seasons, so coordination is seamless. Sensei’s philosophy hinges on offering experiences centered on water, movement, and earth, which are illustrated through the experiences offered on the island.

Guests can arrange to partake in scuba excursions, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, archery, and shooting at the island’s gun range. If you’re aiming for a more mellow event, I’d highly suggest the sunset sail, a two-hour cruise along the scenic Lanai coastline aboard the island’s private mini-yacht. I was able to enjoy a chilled cocktail and freshly prepared bites while watching the sun sink into the horizon. 

Family-friendly Offerings

Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort, is an adults-only wellness enclave on the Hawaiian island of Lanai. However, its sister property, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, is just a 20-minute drive up the road and offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including Kids For All Seasons, a complimentary program for children ages 5 to 12. There, children can learn about petroglyphs, partake in hula dancing lessons, build volcanic structures, hunt for lizards and other gentle wildlife on the property, or splash around in the many pools on the property.

Accessibility and Sustainability

For years, Sensei has demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainability and has become a leader in eco-initiatives. For its efforts, the property was awarded the Hawaii Green Business Award. For example, the property offers electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for guest use. In terms of housekeeping, linens and towels are replaced every third day unless otherwise requested to conserve energy and resources.

My room was outfitted with energy-saving controls and a water-conserving Toto washlet. The resort also promotes the elimination of single-use plastics, in which guests receive complimentary insulated refillable bottles (two maximum per room) to use at FloWater drinking water refill stations located around the property. Also, everywhere I turned, there were recycling receptacles in place.

Furthermore, I was told that food waste is diverted from landfills and regularly donated to local farmers for agricultural use.

Location

The resort sits 1,700 feet above sea level and is within walking distance of Lanai City, a sleepy former plantation town with no stoplights and a quiet yet approachable vibe. Although you don’t have any view of the ocean from Sensei, the surrounding forest is just as gorgeous. Lanai Air services Honolulu International Airport with flights between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Overall, my stay at this resort was unforgettable, mainly due to the partnered planning of my schedule with the staff. There’s something for everyone, from nutritional sessions, yoga, and hiking to hours-long massage sessions; if you aim to relax, you can do it here. Lean on the staff to help pre-arrange your itinerary so that you can unplug in style once you arrive.

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