Sensei Lanai, Four Seasons Resort, Koele | Photo Courtesy of Tanveer Badal Photography

Hawaii’s Luxurious Mountainside Retreat

Photos Courtesy of Robb Aaron Gordon

Improving our health and wellbeing is a worthy goal many of us have, but then, life can have a way of putting that goal on a back burner. But what if you could indulge in a luxurious vacation and gain valuable expert insights into improving your health and wellbeing at the same time? I discovered that you can, at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, where indulgence is an art and rejuvenation is a way of life.

Set in the mountains of one of Hawaii’s most secluded islands, the adults-only Sensei Lanai is surrounded by lush greenery and the calming sounds of nature, providing a tranquil haven where guests can relax and rejuvenate their minds and bodies. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of Lanai’s stunning landscape and the resort’s tropical gardens. You’ll quickly notice—and appreciate—how Sensei Lanai’s architecture seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. Throughout the resort’s interior and grounds, you’ll also find an exquisite collection of fine art and sculptures which are sure to captivate your eyes, heart and soul.

Photos Courtesy of Robb Aaron Gordon

The amenities at Sensei Lanai are also exquisite, from a temperature-controlled swimming pool surrounded by luxurious greenery to cutting-edge fitness facilities that offer personalized training sessions and include a 24-hour exercise pavilion and lakeside yoga platforms. The tranquil Onsen garden features ten heated Japanese soaking tubs, providing a serene atmosphere for guests to unwind and connect with nature. You’ll find the accommodations to be as luxurious as you’d expect at a Four Seasons resort. They include guest rooms and suites with plush, beautifully appointed furnishings.

The Spa Hales (hale is the Hawaiian word for house) at Sensei Lanai are Japanese-inspired private retreats that offer a full menu of serene and holistic wellness experiences. The bespoke treatments are curated by expert therapists and practitioners who draw inspiration from global healing traditions. The hales are more than just a place for massages and facials; they are a hub for ancient healing practices and modern therapeutic techniques. It’s no surprise that many guests consider the Hale at Sensei to be their favorite 1,000 square feet on Earth.

Photos Courtesy of Robb Aaron Gordon

Photos Courtesy of Robb Aaron Gordon

Another highlight of the Sensei Lanai experience is Nobu restaurant, where world-renowned chefs curate culinary experiences that are a symphony of flavors and nourish the body. The dishes are made using locally sourced, organic ingredients, ensuring a holistic approach.

One of the most unique offerings at Sensei Lanai is its Rest and Recovery Program, a five-night structured program custom tailored for each guest. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a respite where they can slow down and learn techniques to better manage stress, improve sleep and establish healthy habits for renewed energy going forward. As a participant in this program, I found it to be invaluable. My Rest and Recovery experience began before I even left home when the resort sent me a WHOOP 4.0 wearable fitness tracker and health monitor to track my key metrics such as heart rate variability, resting heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep staging with industry-leading accuracy. Once I arrived, my one-on-one sessions with my Sensei Guides helped me establish restorative sleep habits, use all five of my senses to nourish my body in the most healthful way and learn to manage everyday stress, among other wellness goals. And the two 90-minute restorative spa treatments included in the program were pure bliss. This cutting-edge program can be reserved for either one or two people. I personally plan to continue using the valuable guidance I received from it for the rest of my life.

Photo Courtesy of Tanveer Badal Photography

Sensei Lanai’s wellness offerings are so soothing, relaxing and rejuvenating, you could be forgiven if you never want to leave the spa. But if you do, you must experience the Lanai Adventure Park right on the property. From ziplining and aerial obstacle courses to memory and agility challenges, you will be encouraged to safely push the envelope and get the most out of your abilities while enjoying an adrenaline-pumping experience. The instructors are first-rate at safely providing you with fun and challenging experiences. A tailored session at the park is included when you participate in the Rest and Recovery Program.

And if you are a golfer, a visit to Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort is a must. It is an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus and is known not just for its scenic beauty but also its tough layout. It was built on lava outcroppings and three of the holes are set upon cliffs which essentially turn the vast Pacific Ocean into a water hazard. The views alone make it worth it, and if you’re like my partner who is an experienced golfer, then you will thoroughly enjoy this spectacular, challenging course. It is among the top-rated public golf courses in Hawaii and those seeking a challenge such as hitting drives over cliffs and deep ravines should not miss out on this experience.

My favorite day at Sensei Lanai began with a with a leisurely yet challenging seven-mile walk through the forest. The guide was knowledgeable and well informed on the different plants and trees along the beautiful path, which led to the most breathtaking ocean and neighboring island views. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can take an E-bike ride along the same path, which will take you to the edge of the island mountaintops with stunning ocean views.

Photo Courtesy of Tanveer Badal Photography

The transformative offerings at Sensei Lanai are carefully aligned with the fundamental paths of the Sensei Way—Move, Nourish and Rest. If you visit this magical place, you’ll gain valuable insights about your health and wellness that you’ll be able to use every single day. It’s a place where you can rejuvenate the senses, reconnect with your inner self, and emerge revitalized to face the world with renewed vigor. I know I did.