By Sheriden Rhodes
Rooms at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai have been inspired by Hawaii's diverse influences.
THE PLACE
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
THE LOCATION
When billionaires pay $US1 million just to get married here (Bill Gates), and one in particular loves it so much he buys the entire island (Larry Ellison), you know there must be something special about Lanai. Oracle founder Ellison bought Hawaii's sixth largest island in 2012 (well, 98 per cent of it), including the existing Four Seasons resort.
Also known as "Pineapple Island", the roughly comma-shaped island's topography varies dramatically from clear blue oceans, sweeping white sand beaches to lush verdant forests and its strange lunar-like landscape, which you fly over when you land on Lanai. Unlike much of Hawaii, Lanai is completely untouristy, with no traffic lights, few paved roads and a population of just 3000.
THE SPACE
A floor to ceiling refurbishment was unveiled in February following an eight-month closure and a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, reported to be around the $US75 million mark. There are now 217 vast guestrooms including 51 suites, an immersive spa and wellness program, luxury boutiques featuring Missoni and Jimmy Choo, a complimentary Kids for All Seasons program and an 18-hole ocean-hugging Jack Nicklaus Signature Manele Golf Course.
The impressive lobby with its priceless koa outrigger canoe overlooks the grotto-style pools complete with whirlpools, waterfalls and private cabanas. A meandering pathway leads to Hulopoe Bay where you can grab a sun lounge under a shady tree. Attendants will bring you ice water, towels and fit you out with snorkel gear. There's curated artwork from Polynesia, Micronesia and Hawaii, including a late 19th century wasekaseka sperm whale tooth necklace. The resort even employs an aviarist, Bruno Amby, to care for four tropical rescue birds, including a blue and gold macaw.
THE ROOM
Inspired by Hawaii's diverse influences, interiors feature teak and zebra wood walls, artisan-produced Nepalese lokta wallpaper, and floors of mahogany laid with hand-woven woollen rugs. There are also platinum bezel TVs in addition to a concealed TV in the mirror of each of the sprawling bathrooms.
The entire resort, is high tech. Guests use flexible wristband keys to enter their rooms (no more losing keys, plus you can wear it in the water). Both sides of the enormous king size bed offer multiple outlets and USB ports, while an iPad Air enables guests to order room service, housekeeping, set an alarm that sounds like the ocean, and access more than 3000 newspapers. I especially liked the flat panel control that offers intuitive lighting, temperature and privacy settings. The view from my lanai, however, across the Pacific, framed by bougainvillea, beats all the high tech wizardry hands down.
THE FOOD
There are several incredible eateries. Nobu Lanai has debuted with a teppanyaki grill station and a sushi bar. The vast teak deck with glass fire pits is a terrific place to enjoy sundowners while overlooking the pools and ocean (whales are often sighted here). Chef Matsuhisa's new-style Japanese menu is infused with a Hawaiian twist. Try the Nobu-style sashimi tacos teamed with a pear infused vodka martini.
The signature One Forty meanwhile serves up fabulous breakfasts and fairly decent coffee (for the US) on the outdoor patio, morphing into a steak and seafood restaurant at night with a focus on local produce, Hawaiian raised beef and pork, and local seafood. A fun thing to do is take a poke cooking class, where the resort's junior sous chef shows you how to prepare ono (meaning good fish) poke and spicy ahi poke served with matching wines (cost is $US200 per person).
By the pool, Malibu Farm serves up a mean kale Caesar salad.
STEPPING OUT
Be sure to take a private yoga class with Becca Coren, snorkel or surf in Hulopoe Bay, explore Lanai's rugged interior with a guided Polaris UTV, horseback or off road tour. Alternatively hike the Fisherman's and Koloiki Trail, or make the short walk from the resort to Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock).
THE VERDICT
It ain't cheap, but this is an impeccable resort located on a beautiful laidback island fronting a fantastic beach. Service is warm, professional and the staff were among the happiest I'd seen working at a resort anywhere.
It can't be faulted.
ESSENTIALS
Rooms start from $US1075 per night. Guests need to either fly from Honolulu International Airport or take a 45-minute ferry ride from Maui. See fourseasons.com/lanai
HIGHLIGHT
A tie between exchanging alohas with Haouli, a greater sulfur crested cockatoo, each morning, and the high tech Toto Washlet toilets in every guestroom. An intuitive toilet with self-opening seat that automatically turns on a UV light.
LOWLIGHT
The high prices for food could be a deterrent, particularly when you're paying so much for your room per night.
Sheriden Rhodes was a guest of Hawai'i Tourism Oceania.
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