MAN_1267_opt.jpg
Hawaii seduces travelers with luaus and leis, hula dancers and ukuleles, multicolored sand beaches and near perfect weather.
But, after making the trek to the island chain, you'll want to venture beyond the tourist traps of Waikiki on Oahu to better connect with the Hawaii of yesterday. One of the best spots to do that is Lanai, a 25-minute flight from Honolulu.
Lanai is the sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands and once produced 75 percent of the world's pineapples. In 2012, tech billionaire Larry Ellison purchased the unspoiled and unhurried island for a reported $300 million.
Looking to create the most incredible resort in the world, Ellison renovated the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and reopened it in 2016. He spared no expense for the mega-makeover, which incorporated a blend of midcentury modern designs, traditional Hawaiian materials and Polynesian artwork. The Oracle founder was involved in every element of the project, demanding perfection. He made designer Todd-Avery Lenahan and his team redo the lobby four times until the ocean views were framed just right. (The lobby is now home to two highly acclaimed restaurants: Nobu Lanai and One Forty.)
Since then, travelers, organizations and industry leaders have heaped praise on the 213-room resort. The Four Seasons made Condé Nast Traveler's 2018 Gold List, which represents the editors' favorite hotels in the world. AAA consistently gives the luxurious vacation spot its coveted Five Diamond Award, and Travel + Leisure has the Four Seasons on its Best lists for most romantic, for places to travel and for best beaches in Hawaii.
New wood floors and fixtures were added, along with handmade parchment wall coverings, Toto Washlet-equipped bathrooms and large French doors opening onto decks. Each room has a 75-inch platinum bezel TV hanging on teak and zebra wood walls. Bathrooms are equipped with a TV hidden in the mirror.
A fourth of the rooms became suites, and the Alii (Royal) Suite is the top of the line. Complete with a media room, a large private lanai and a walk-in steam shower for two, it rests atop the adults-only section of the grotto-style pools with hot tubs and waterfalls. The suite's lanai delivers a panoramic view of Hulopo'e Bay.
Guests enter rooms using flexible wristband keys. An iPad Air, provided in every room, can be used to order room service or housekeeping. Lighting can be adjusted to sunset, nightlight or relax using flat-panel controls.
MAN_1150_opt.jpg
Hotel staff make sure everyone receives VIP treatment. For example, one couple raved about being picked up by a Mercedes-Maybach and escorted to the marina for a private sunset cruise. And those looking for extra pampering can book a heavenly massage or facial at the Hwanawana Spa.
On Lanai, you'll find a diverse landscape stretching across 90,000 acres and a wealth of activities, many organized by the Four Seasons. You could, for example, trot down quiet trails on horseback along with your own personal wrangler. Or, you could explore the island's history and culture in a Jeep from the resort's private fleet. If golf's more your thing, you could schedule a tee time on a course with ocean views from every hole. Prefer being out on the water? Hop aboard the Four Seasons' 50-foot catamaran for a snorkeling adventure or a sunset sail.
Other adventures include helicopter tours, the shooting range, watching whales or spinner dolphins splash around in Hulopo'e Bay or taking a naturalist UTV trip for a look at the flora and fauna of the island's interior.
The Four Seasons continues to take advantage of its unique island location to draw upper- echelon clientele. A-listers and others who value their privacy appreciate the lack of paparazzi. Jessica Alba, Will Smith and Cindy Crawford have all vacationed at this slice of paradise, and Bill and Melinda Gates were married at the 12th hole of the resort's impressive golf course. O
Four Seasons Resort Lanai is located at 1 Manele Bay Road, Lanai City, Hawaii. For information, call 800-321-4666 or visit fourseasons.com/lanai.