To keep the body in good health is a duty otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. Buddha
Larry Ellison Ups the Spa Game in Lanai! Four Seasons and Sensei Retreats have formed a new partnership, a wellness company founded by Ellison and renowned oncologist and author David Angus. The Sensei philosophy is one that believes you meet your body where it’s at – that wellness is a journey and what you need now may be different than what you need in two years. For example, the Guides try to focus on developing routines and actions that are doable beyond your stay – this is not a ‘bootcamp’ – and the ability of the guides to connect with the practitioners and utilize the technology as they learn more about each guest really allows for a very tailored approach – maybe that manifests in a change in programming or simply a different way of looking at an aspect of one’s health – how the elements of rest, nourish and move are connected in ways one might not even consider!
Welcome to an ultra-all-inclusive wellness enclave on the secluded Hawaiian island of Lanai. Unmatched hospitality, reputable experts, natural beauty, luxury and choice combine to offer a completely customized experience. When Larry Ellison purchased the Island of Lanai in 2012 he had dreams of transforming the island and its old properties into a tropical haven, he has recently achieved both dreams. The authentic and charming Four Seasons Resort Lanai has wowed many of our clients and as of last fall, the new adults only wellness retreat opened. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort is set in the interior of Lanai, surrounded by towering banyan and pine trees. I’m certain a heaping dose of tailored wellness would be welcome to all of us!
Always included is round-trip airfare from Honolulu on Lanai Air as well as private wellness consultations, spa treatments, unlimited fitness classes, yoga and meditation, dining by Nobu, and enriching island activities in pursuit of movement, nourishment and rest – all in a beautiful and luxurious Four Seasons setting.
A new partnership with Sensei Retreats introduces a new concept in fully customizable, science-based programming for mind and body, including meals by Sensei by Nobu. Experience an ultra-all-inclusive wellness enclave on the secluded Hawaiian island of Lanai. Unmatched hospitality, reputable experts, luxury and choice combine to offer a completely customized experience and help you discover your greatest well-being.
An evidence-led approach to wellbeing focusses on three practices – movement, nourishment, and rest – which are connected and enriched by one another, helping guests get familiar and maintain a conversation with body and mind. These three practices are the basis for programming and integrating elements from all categories lead to a balance that is at the heart of the Sensei philosophy, as well as helping guests discover new patterns and experiences they can implement in their everyday lives on a consistent and ongoing basis.
From private spa hale to world-class cuisine, guest will enjoy a luxury of limitless choices including body treatments; personal training; group classes and lectures in yoga, meditation, fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, Hawaiian culture, art and enrichment, meditation and cultural immersion; and enriching activities on land and sea; all while experiencing the beauty of the secluded island of Lanai.
Customized programming by a Sensei Guide, each customized itinerary is prepared in advance in consultation with a dedicated Sensei Guide. Throughout, the experience is optimized utilizing technology – such as thermal body mapping and sleep analysis – along with coordinated input from the Sensei Guide and a team of on-site wellness practitioners to uncover opportunities for growth and enjoyment and adapt the program to individual guest needs.
At departure, guests leave with a review of learnings and suggestions to continue on a path of wellness once at home, including the option to check in with one’s Sensei Guide. This is a life enhancing program, not a one time visit spa and move on back into the rat race lifestyle!
Don’t Miss Experiences: Two essential experiences at the Koele retreat are private guided sessions and Sensei featured experiences at the Spa. Guests have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Sensei Guides, many of whom have Masters degrees in their fields of practice, for guided sessions in topics such as nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, stress management and yoga. Every session is fully personalized according to each guest’s intentions with offerings from a private cooking lesson to a personal Vinyasa class focused on building core strength or refining a challenging pose. The sessions complement the 10 to 16 daily scheduled classes and lectures led by trained wellness staff and visiting experts. Three Sensei Featured Experiences showcase the key components of the philosophy, offered in the 1,000 square foot private hale. Private spa hale are designed as individual sanctuaries, with treatment areas, indoor/outdoor showers, infrared saunas, Japanese ofuro bathtubs, private plunge pools and lounge areas; two hale also include watsu pools.
“Move” is a two-hour treatment focused on the importance of mobility and movement, and features a segment on land or in a private pool where water shiatsu includes floating, rocking, cradling and stretching with the help of a trained therapist. “Rest” takes the art of unwinding to a new level, beginning with a soothing, skin-nourishing bath and continuing through breath work, face and scalp stimulation, and finally, a transformative full body massage. “Nourish” takes advantage of the Koele Retreat’s tropical location outdoors among bamboo and banyan, with massage oils and body wrap using local oils and extracts.
Dining at Sensei by Nobu Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has long been at the forefront of innovative cuisine grounded in Japanese sensibilities and clean ingredients. Guests of Sensei Lanai, will enjoy a wellness menu created by Chef Nobu and his team in close collaboration with Sensei’s nutritionists. On the Sensei by Nobu menu are such Nobu favorites as the world-renowned black cod with miso, as well as a new selection inspired by the bounty of the steps-away Sensei Farm Lanai, and the neighboring islands and waters of Hawaii.
A look at a program: for example, one’s day might begin with a simple yet carefully prepared breakfast bowl featuring seasonal fruits and berries, or a traditional Japanese breakfast of baked fish, omelette, miso soup and condiments. The lunch menu might include a fresh gazpacho with hydroponically farmed tomatoes, avocado and grilled shrimp from Kauai, while dinner choices range from fresh seafood and locally-raised meats to vegetarian options prepared in Chef Nobu’s signature style. Additional options also include the Koele Garden Bar, and private hale, poolside or 24/7 in-room dining is also available.
An island’s worth of recreational opportunities With 90,000 acres of nearly untouched wilderness ranging from pristine beaches to mountains, red lava cliffs and lush rainforests, Lanai is a playground for lovers of all things outdoors. Fresh air in pristine surroundings, sign me up, please!
At the Hotel’s sister property, the beachfront Four Seasons Resort Lanai, guests can avail of a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course as well as diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing and other ocean-based water sports.
Beyond the two properties, Lanai City is a charming village within walking distance from Koele, highlighted by boutiques and galleries showcasing the creativity of island residents. Also near the Hotel, Lanai Ranch at Koele offers horseback riding, there’s the Lanai Archery and Shooting Range, and the Adventure Park has ziplines and rope challenge courses.
Sensei Guides can also arrange excursions further afield on foot or in a 4×4 off road vehicle, with tips on where to find the prettiest views, the secret beaches and the best spots for a picnic.
All the Details: retreat packages at the adults-only Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort include accommodations in 96 light-filled rooms and suites opening onto private balconies or lanai, newly decorated by Todd-Avery Lenahan of TAL-Studio, who also conceived the overall design of the Hotel.
Also included are flights from and to Honolulu aboard Lanai Air, and ground transportation to the Hotel as well as shuttles to Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Lanai City. The minimum stay is three nights while seven-night vacations are highly recommended to maximize the experience.
Truly an antidote to this current Covid-19 quarantine. Please be well and safe, we are here to help you design and curate the perfect Wellness Program when you emerge from your cocoon!
https://www.fourseasons.com/sensei/
Begin the Wellness Journey Now.
