Sensei Lanai - A Four Seasons Resort
Sensei means “teacher” in Japanese and if you are looking for a place to be the “student” and slow down and get away from the distractions to focus on your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, you will absolutely LOVE Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort.
Almost 20 years ago, I saw the most beautiful hotel I had ever seen, The Lodge at Koele on Lanai island. Since then, I’ve visited the small, peaceful, and friendly town of Lanai several times to go on hunting trips, but this time, I got to stay at a hotel…the same spot I had dreamt of years ago.
Only now it is the newly renovated Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort which made it my first Four Seasons experience as well! This 48 hour get-away did not disappoint! Let’s start at the top!
Booking - I booked my travel with a chocolate friend, Marissa Grad, @travelhappier who we made pink strawberry mochi truffles for for her wedding years ago at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Since then, she has been supporting us and I wanted to support her in her Virtuoso travel agency business. And this was a deal like I had never seen! This hotel that usually requires a minimum 5-night stay and spa and class packages included which is several thousands of dollars to start, was dropped to a 2-night minimum in the pandemic with hotel and airfare and transportation INCLUDED! This deal is only available if you book by end of November 2021 for a stay through April 2022! So 2 nights, airfare, car to and from hotel, plus free shuttle services + with her benefits of early check in and late check out (if available), $100 Nobu breakfast credit per day, and $100 resort credit or other sweet deals. So worth it and easy to do through Marissa who I asked questions to prior that she answered quickly and offered additional advice like what to wear, pack etc. DM her @travelhappier for details!
What To Pack - I’m used to packing for 24 hour staycations so this just required a bit more since it was 48 hours, but the only things additional I packed I would mention is a good jacket and sweats (it gets cold there), Yoga pants and workout wear (you’ll want to try and take the classes), and comfy casual resort wear (because everyone seems super chill there). Other things I am glad I packed as usual are a good book, a notebook and pen, my Bible, and Choco le`a goodies to share with the hotel staff. ;) Oh and take lots of cash to tip everyone because service is incredible and basically anything you need, apparently Four Seasons can get it for you!
The Standard Room - Was above my standard! The windows let in a lot of natural light and the white spacious room took my breath away! I had my first experience of a Nespresso machine (which I loved), the small stuff like a really good hair dryer, fancy automatic Japanese toilets, walk in shower, sweet smelling shampoo, conditioner, and soap, the most humangous TV ever (though I never turned it on), an in-room iPad with the convenience to order food right from the screen as well as other services, a private balcony (just don’t get locked out…take your key), a soft bed, hooks to hang your things, lots of drawers for storage, a very big desk with lamp and comfy chairs (the desk and chair is most important part to me) and bonus a charming little window seat! The room was very large and felt wide and spread out for two. What I really loved is there are only about 90 rooms in the hotel and two floors so there are no long waits for elevators and it feels very private and cozy.
The Vibe - Ultra chill. The most peaceful and quiet hotel I have ever stayed in. And you’ll quickly notice why…no kids allowed! :p It’s an adult only resort and it seems like people are so considerate of one another and whisper when they talk. I even caught myself whispering because I didn’t want to disturb the peace. Chairs are spaced far apart, you hear the rustling of wind, the birds chattering in the tress throughout, and the sound of running water almost everywhere. Very, very relaxing. It was so quiet it was odd and it felt almost wrong if you didn’t get off your device, looked around, and slowed down when given this kind of opportunity.
Free Amenities - Although this resort is known for their private spa hales, massages, and courses, I’m mentioning the other stuff that was included with the booking! A very large salt water pool, clean jacuzzis under the trees, the hugest gym ever and one of those Peloton bikes, an adorable miniature golf course, outdoor onsen baths hidden among the little waterfalls and greenery, a library with games and books, art sculptures throughout the property, free shuttle rides to the beach, the other Four Seasons Property, or the town, and a variety of classes of which I tried a yoga stretch and a meditation walk. The yoga stretch was incredible, clean, spaced out, and just right for beginners and a good stretch for advance students. The meditation was waaaay out of my comfort zone, but definitely something I’m glad I tried.
The Food - Nobu’s was unreal! Breakfast was my favorite + the $100 credit covered A LOT! Just look at the pics! I highly recommend…well, I think I must have tried almost everything and loved the healthy options! The restaurant is gorgeous and outdoor seating feels so tranquil. My only advice is don’t go starving because like everything else about the ambiance, they want you to take your time and eat slow, enjoy, and dine and it’s not in and out. But if you want that, consider poolside or bar service. There’s also a few places to check out in town, but suggest going early before everything seems to close around 2pm. It’s Lanai. :)
Other Activities - I walked from the hotel to town. In the past, I’ve gone for horseback rides and really enjoyed it. This time, I sat in the park and listened to a church service in the town as it was happening outside. I talked with the locals about the changes and caught up on Lanai life, and what everyone mentioned if you’ve been to Lanai before, is there’s a new Chinese restaurant now in Hotel Lanai. But my favorite, was a 5 minute walk above the mini golf course to the Lanai Adventure Park. We booked 2 hours at the Adventure Tower to do an obstacle course that was also out of my comfort zone for someone afraid of heights, but it was actually super fun, a great workout, and totally safe.
Transportation - Oddly one of the highlights of my trip, was the part I usually like the least, the transportation. As someone who gets airsick and carsick, I was very satisfied with my Lanai Air experience. We parked in a free secure lot for just $15? and it’s just a 5 minute walk from Lanai Air, though you can drop all of your bags there first. We got there early and relaxed in their private lobby and was served drinks and got to choose from a variety of snacks! Then like James Bond or someone who secretly walks into a large warehouse where a private jet is waiting to help you with your escape, you are escorted just a 3 minute walk to the airplane with the pilot and co-pilot waiting to greet you. Lanai Air has a six passenger plane with clean leather seats and it’s so simple. We board, buckle up, and take off for a scenic flight of 20-30 minutes. The take off, ride, and landing was smooth! (Praise the Lord!) Immediately after coming off the plane, a driver and Tesla were waiting for us and loading your bags for a seamless transition from the plane to the car on the runway and off to the hotel. A little catch up with the driver and then we are welcomed with a lei, escorted in to the front desk, and walked around the lobby where he gave an overview of the property. But the best was the same process back home with no wait time! We departed the hotel 30 minutes prior to take off. No lines, no waits, just from the hotel driven in the Tesla onto the runway, walked straight onto the plane and took off. We had a completely private plane back and I told the guy on the runway I felt like I was boarding “Airforce One” and had to take a picture on the steps. They were happy to and as we headed to take off, I was given a serious proper salute where I saluted back from the window, and “uncle” relaxed into a shaka, a laugh, and a smile! That’s Lanai right there!
Erin’s Experience - This stay was not only a dream of mine for many years, but it felt like I was in a dream! There was so many spaces I loved that I couldn’t make up my mind where was my favorite. Whether the private plane ride that I thought I’d never have in a lifetime that felt like another world to me, or the simplicity of a quiet library full of big fat books about home, architecture, art, nature, every topic imaginable, to the fresh food served just next to a koi pond with wild turkey walking around, to the wide lake and a chair that was meant just for me with the cool breeze coming down the mountains, to new experiences like Yoga, to the quick jump in the salt water pool, then onsen, then jacuzzi, then a nice shower in the room, to the simplest things like sitting in the room staring out the windows, or sitting on the oversized chair in front of the fireplace in the lobby, or the rocking chairs out front while listening to the rain fall, or simply to be beside my best friend….all of it was magical. Wonderful. Forty eight hours I’ll never forget.
Thank you Sensei, or teacher, for teaching this busy student how wonderful it feels to truly rest, relax, and dream.
