Only one word can come to mind to describe Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay: Luxury. After a multi-million dollar renovation, this secluded piece of paradise raises the bar for lavish, upscale resorts while preserving Hawaii tradition.
Microsofts’ Bill Gates and Oracle’s Larry Ellison have been in on this secret gem for a while now. Gates liked it so much he chose the #12 hole of the golf course for his wedding locale. Ellison was wildly impressed and decided to buy 98% of the island. So what do these moguls know that you don’t? Well, perhaps a few things; but, here are some of the reasons celebrities are flocking to the island of Lana’i.
The newly renovated rooms at this resort offer an innovative, contemporary oasis influenced by Asian design elements. The minute I stepped into this Shangri-La I was whisked off to a tech-savvy zen den. The 75-inch television greets you with a personalized welcome when powering on the device. The spacious bathrooms have built in televisions in each mirror in case you want to watch the football game while relaxing in the bathtub with effervescent mint and rosemary bath salts.
The tricked out loo is an experience in itself, including a heated seat, motion sensor cover and customizable cleansing features. The boudoir oozes serenity. The lights are controlled by a touchscreen panel where guests can set the room to the day, sunset or relax setting with a single click. The blackout shades are controlled by the same mechanism and allow for the ultimate good night’s sleep. In each room, guests will find an iPad where they can place orders for room service and explore the amenities of the Four Seasons Lana’i property.
From the in-room dining options to the One Forty steakhouse, the food at this resort is incredible. As a self-proclaimed food aficionado, I can comfortably say I did not have one bad meal on my vacation. Splurge and start your day with an order of ahi tuna Eggs Benedict accompanied by local Kona coffee. For a more swimsuit friendly option, begin your day with the feel the beet smoothie, a refreshing concoction of cold pressed beets, fennel, apple and red cabbage juice.
Kailani offers new age Italian and makes for a lovely lunch poolside or a great al fresco dinner. If you are in the mood for the freshest sashimi and fusion sushi, guests can savor trendy Nobu, a restaurant with international acclaim for its modern Japanese cuisine. One Forty offers a fabulous breakfast buffet and a more formal dinner dining experience for guests. With over 300 bottles of wine, guests can perfectly pair their filet with the help of the sommelier. Cap the evening off with the deconstructed banana split.
Do not forget to venture to the golf course restaurant, VIEWS. Here, you can enjoy Baja inspired dishes while gazing out on Pu’u Pehe or Sweetheart Rock. After your round, enjoy the makai salad — a dish with fresh crab, scallops, shrimp, mango, papaya and lilikoi dressing paired with a Cucumber Caliente don Julio cocktail spiced with jalapeño syrup.
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Another reason why the Fours Seasons Lana’i is getting its name on the map is due to the newly renovated Jack Nicklaus designed Manele Golf Course. As a PGA professional I found the par 72 course to be a fair test of one’s game. Golfers will get a true roll on the paspalum greens, a typical seaside grass — but be warned, this same grass type can create some gnarly lies in the rough. The layout of the facility perfectly showcases the island’s natural topography.
The elevation changes on both the front and back nine create some visually intimidating holes. Whether you are shooting your career low round or are in the process of losing a dozen balls, the coastline views over Hulopo’e and Manele Bay this course will make you stop and stare. Number 12, Nicklaus signature hole has a cliffside vantage point that rivals Pebble Beach. Travel down in winter and golfers can even do some humpback whale watching in between shots. From the Director of Golf, Scott Ashworth to the superintendent, Seril Shimizu, the Manele Bay course has a topnotch staff that truly enhances your golfing experience.
Unique amenities and exceptional hospitality are the differentiating factors for this high caliber property. Spend some time on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean and poolside. While sunbathing, pool attendants spritz your décolletage with a cooling mist, distribute chilled towelettes and serve complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Wander through the designer boutiques near the hotel entrance. Pilna features relaxed designer clothing from lovely Diane Von Furstenberg maxi dresses to silk Joie blouses.
Next door, check out Makamae and feast your eyes on Jimmy Choo pumps and Camilla kaftans. Hike up to Sweetheart rock and soak in the views of Pacific Ocean. If exercise is your thing, take a spinning class in the fitness center or try a morning yoga class on the beach. Do not forget to reenergize at The Spa at Manele Bay. Here, you can indulge in a macadamia sugar polish followed by a coconut oil massage. You can also give the cooling ti-leaf wrap or a royal Hawaiian facial a whirl — all signature services distinctive to this destination. Tom Roelens, General Manager, oversees an excellent staff and guests can expect to be greeted by name at almost every touchpoint.
One word to the wise: budget accordingly prior to this trip. Heaven on earth is not for those with a thin pocketbook. Luxury at this level does come with an expensive price tag. The Four Seasons Lana’i is a destination for total tranquility and the resort is an ideal location to escape the everyday hustle bustle. So even if you are not the founder of Microsoft or the CEO of Oracle, you can still be pampered like one. If you got the dough, this utopian paradise is a must go.
