Sensei Lanai An impressive marketing feat or Hawaii's unbeatable natural beauty, or perhaps both, has made the archipelago of eight major volcanic islands the ultimate holiday fantasy of everyone around the world.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, is nestled in the highlands of Lanai, 1,800 feet above sea level, surrounded by unique flora, like the endemic 'Ohi'a lehua trees with their gorgeous flowers.
It's safe to say that it's Hawaii's most exclusive island, as it is the smallest of the seven that's publicly accessible and inhabited.
There are several options to arrive at this scenic island. The Maui-Lanai Ferry runs daily, but as a guest of Sensei Lanai, you are more likely to arrive at the island's only airport by a private jet. You will also have the privilege of using the resort's free shuttle bus to take you to the harbor, the airport, the beach, or Lanai City.
The luxurious retreat revolves around three principles: nourishment, movement, and relaxation. Although, if you are here for tropical cocktails with cute umbrellas and to turn nice and crispy in the sun, you can skip the movement part.
You won't be disappointed if you have high expectations about the treatments Sensei Lanai offers. The resort worked together with scientists and physicians to compile a list of the best experiences you can have.
Island activities include the Koloiki Ridge Trail, which is a 5-mile hike that starts at the resort. The 2-3 hour walk takes you through dense forests until you reach the peak, where you have a spectacular panorama of the Maunalei Valley and the Maui and Molokai islands.
Sensei by Nobu
The resort's restaurant was named after Nobu Matsuhisa, the Japanese celebrity chef who worked with Four Seasons to develop something exceptional. The restaurant's signature dishes are made of ingredients that grow on the resort's farm, so everything is crispy fresh.
The glass pavilion of Sensei by Nobu is by the pond filled with colorful Nishikigoi (Koi) fish. It's one of the many reminders of Japanese aesthetics at the resort.
The classy restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can start with a Japanese breakfast that includes pickles (tsukemono), a braised dish (nimono), grilled fish, egg, and rice.
Sensei Lanai's whitewashed suites exude sophisticated luxury and elegance.
There are daily yoga classes at Sensei's shala run by experienced teachers who ooze positive energy and personalize the asanas for you.
Walking through the spa's magical garden - especially under the starlight and through the cozy lights of the resort - sets you in a particular mood.
The hotel's Onsen garden takes inspiration from Japan, where soaking in a hot tub is a beloved tradition. Around the hale (house in Hawaiian), you will find outdoor hot pools - where the aqua therapy takes place, while inside, there are infrared saunas.
There are ten Ofuro (Japanese for "honored bath") soaking bathtubs to prepare your body for a good night's sleep.
Manele Golf Course
The 3-hole cliffside golf course belonging to Four Seasons is built on lava outcroppings, and it's one of the most spectacular places you can play this elite sport.
Shipwreck Beach
Hawaii's Lanai Island is famous for its crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and the Shipwreck Beach, where the rusty WWII Navy fuel barge (YOGN-42) sticks out of the ocean. Its nickname is Pineapple Island, as it was formerly an island-wide pineapple farm.
The season to spot the majestic koholā (humpback whales) is mid-December to mid-May. So, wintertime and early spring are the best chance to see the world's biggest mammals.
