After years of being closed, Lanai’s former The Lodge at Koele is back. But the Four Seasons Koele re-opens as a Sensei Retreat with a new focus on wellness.
I’ve never stayed at a Four Seasons resort, nor have I ever been to Lanai. But, under former owner David Murdoch, the island became home to two Four Seasons resorts; the Manelei Bay and Lodge at Koele. And, owing to its forest-like, higher elevation surroundings, the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele had a unique-for-Hawaii hunting lodge/plantation house look and feel. But that’s no longer the case because, after years of being used as construction housing followed by its own reinvention project, the Four Seasons Koele is back.
The New Four Seasons Koele
Under its new owner, Larry Ellison, what is now the Four Seasons Koele, a Sensei Retreat has a renewed focus on wellness. In fact, the newly re-imagined resort offers all-inclusive wellness experiences for its guests. And, as you can imagine, the new Four Seasons Koele no longer has its rustic vibe. Instead, it has a very, uh, minimalist look vibe now. Take a look.
Old Lobby – Courtesy Oyster.com 
New Lobby – Courtesy Four Seasons
Old Room – Courtesy Oyster.com 
New Room – Courtesy Four Seasons
Honestly, the new look is worlds better than the border-line tacky look the property previously had. But, seriously, the new guestrooms are my kind of thing. They look too sterile, in my opinion.
Prices, in-case you’re wondering, range from about $4,400/night for a double-occupancy base room and up. Mind you, the price includes all your wellness programs and dining, though there’s a three-night minimum. Food on the property is also sourced as locally as possible, with some being grown at the resort’s own Sensei Farm. And the menus are developed by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
Four Seasons Koele Re-Opens as a Sensei Retreat, Final Thoughts
Honestly, the concept of this resort doesn’t appeal to me. I’m not into yoga and whatnot. And, even the price is astronomical, in my opinion. But, hey, I’m not the target market of this resort. I can’t even afford to stay at Four Seasons hotels. Period. But, if you’ve got deep pockets and the whole wellness retreat appeals to you, then I say check it out. And be sure to book your connecting flight on Lanai’s own private plane service too if you can.
