Sensei Lanai: A Wellness Retreat Worthy Of The Four Seasons Name

It’s what people envision when booking a Four Seasons property: impeccable service, luxury accommodations, world-class cuisine, and a top-rated spa. Add to that a focus on wellbeing, mindfulness and heartfelt intention and you’ve got the new Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort.

Here, ten reasons to book a trip at this property.

1.  Onsen

So, I’m a bath person. I’ve always been and one of my favorite things about staying in a nice hotel is taking a long hot soak before bed. So, I was a bit disappointed not to find a bathtub in my room. Until I discovered the Onsen garden. This beautiful tucked-away area has ten heated soaking tubs. For those not familiar (and I was not before visiting the Sensei) onsen means “hot springs” and soaking in one is a common tradition in Japan. I took several onsen soaks both during the day and at night. Truth be told, walking through the beautifully lit-up gardens at night, under the stars, in my bathrobe and slippers before relaxing in my own private onsen was one of my favorite parts of the trip. So, it turns out not having a bath was a blessing…I discovered a whole new way of relaxing.

2.  Adults only

I love kids, I really do. I have two tween boys and I love traveling with them. However, I also love my alone time. My quiet time. And while kids are wonderful, it’s also nice to have a wellness retreat that focuses purely on the needs of adults.

3. The food

I was at Sensei for four nights. I ate at Sensei by Nobu every day and still did not get sick of the menu. The food is so fresh, so healthy and such normal portions (not huge) that I always felt satiated without feeling stuffed. The Koele Garden Bar and room service are two other dining options (and sometimes the perfect night consisted of soaking in an onsen then ordering room service and pretty much staying in my robe the whole night). At Sensei by Nobu, my favorite menu items include the miso soup (made with farm vegetables, tofu and mushroom), the kohlrabi salad, the wagyu beef tobanyaki (which diners cook themselves over a little grill) and the shrimp tacos. Other favorites include the Kona kampachi and whitefish tempura. Simple yet delicious.

4. Forest bathing

One of the things I love about Sensei is that they offer so many classes—some of which, like forest bathing, are a little out of the ordinary. Nico, our guide, had us take off our shoes and walk through the grass and dirt barefoot. At first, I was a little reluctant (I didn’t want dirty, wet feet), but turns out Nico was right…it felt like being a kid again. The 90-minute meditative walk was so calming and restorative, that I wanted to take it every day. Part of being at Sensei is trying new things and stepping out of your comfort level.

5. Yoga

Every wellness retreat offers yoga, but not every one is taught by a woman who is 8 months pregnant. Our instructor oozed positive energy. I can go either way with yoga, sometimes I like it, sometimes not so much. It really depends on the teacher. Yoga at Sensei was one of my favorite classes, but really it was about the instructor, which brings me to number 6.

6. The staff

Whether I was learning little tricks from my 1:1 fitness instructor (incorporate “movement snacks” throughout the day—like getting up and walking for 15 minutes) or bonding with the guide who led our nature hike (we talked about our shared nutrition challenges), the staff at Sensei is top-notch. Caring, thoughtful and judgment-free.

7. The grounds

The property is simply stunning. Set within the island’s 90,000 acres, Sensei Lanai is located in Koele in the forest. The weather is cool, and the landscape is lush. Plants, trees and flowers are beautifully manicured throughout the property. Often, I would just take walks in the evening (on my way to the onsen) or just to clear my head. There’s a stunning sculpture garden with works by world-renowned artists and as well as many little “secret” paths through the flora and fauna.

8. The spa

Not only are the spa treatments really impressive, but the “hale” experience is included in each treatment. The hale (which can also be booked on its own), is a wonderfully unique spa experience. The hale is Hawaiian for home and the 1,000 square foot spa hales are private sanctuaries with onsens, infrared saunas, steam rooms, and indoor and outdoor showers. The treatment menu incorporates many unique options including the Thermal Body Mapping, in which a machine creates a visual map of the body showing where tension and blood flood reside in the muscles (so the therapist can work those areas). The aqua therapy is another unique treatment—you literally get a treatment while in the pool. The low-impact rhymical movements aim to open and align your body.

9. Choose your own adventure

It’s all about personalization. People can choose from a fully curated Optimal Wellbeing Program or an a la carte experience. The Optimal Wellbeing Program focuses on health, science, data and research to create an action plan that follows three simple paths for everyday living—move, nourish, and rest. Through one on ones with instructors, an individual plan is devised to incorporate these findings after leaving Sensei.

10. Plenty of choices

A yoga pavilion, a gym, movement studios, and a hiking trail that starts right on the property are just a few of the many options at the resort. There are 12 daily well-being classes that range from yoga to meditation techniques; from resistance training to core work. There are also plenty of island activities including golfing, horseback riding, archery, snorkeling, and sunset cruises.