Words by Ashley Bowling | Photos by Will Bowling & Sensei Lana’i

A Wellness Resort, Appealing to the Senses

Touching down on Lana’i’s red soil is unlike any other Hawaiian island, due to its lack of population, yes. But there’s something even more enchanting that can’t quite fit into words and must be experienced to fully comprehend. Upon encountering the people who live here, or even the guests who visit, you begin to sense a familiar theme—one of gratitude and content. The story line is reminiscent of the Garden of Eden’s peaceful contentment. How can one place evoke such a state of serenity and delight, gratitude and wellness within the soul?

Sensei Lana’i a Four Seasons Resort is a place where wellness begins but not where it ends. The grounds of Sensei Lana’i are full of peaceful moments encompassing a modern day journey reminiscent of Eden. Exiting the ultra-plush state rooms directly into gardens filled with sleepy Banyon trees dripping with vines feels a bit like waking up in a hazy dream. Melodies of songbirds fill the air in harmony with flowing streams that meander into a large wrap-around lagoon-like pool which adjoins private garden alcoves and several hot tubs. Tucked within the 24-acres of immaculate grounds of flora are 10 private hot springs, or onsens. Appealing to the senses once again, the sounds of rushing water through the Japanese gardens connect one private onsen to another via a series of waterfalls hidden within camouflaged foliage too thick to see through, while secluded pools bound by smooth black rocks entice couples to soak in tranquility day or night.

Captivating enough on its own to evoke a sense of well-being, Sensei Lana’i is driven by a mission to promote wellness by developing a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t end once guests check out. Their innovative programs incorporate the most up-to-date research to teach guests how to cultivate a lifestyle that’s proactive rather than reactive.

A Guided Wellness Experience with trained experts is included in the stay. Personalized health assessments include nutrition, fitness, and mindset— measuring biomarkers, lifestyle habits, current health goals, strength, and flexibility. Even breathwork, heart rate, and hydration levels are monitored, then recommendations are made for primal optimization to influence heart rate through focused breath and guided imagery. All individual data is collected and packaged for an easy-to-understand take-home wellness roadmap.

To add to the sense of well-being, complimentary small group classes and guided activities are included with practices such as Yin Yoga, designed to melt the body into deep stretches creating space in the joints and spine, and Forest Bathing, a Japanese tradition which connects with nature’s energy, stimulating the senses through cloud-filled forest hikes.

The senses are heightened once more at Sensei’s self-contained spas called hales (ha-lay). Inside our own personal sanctuary, these teak and glass Japanese-structures scattered throughout the sacred grounds of the resort’s highlands embody serenity. First order is to select from a series of scented oils designed to highlight the island’s various landscapes. My chosen scent, Root Oil, encapsulates the majesty of the forest floor and strengthens desire while grounding the mind with bold notes of vetiver and sandalwood, softened by citrus. The chosen touch, a hot stone massage where my body was soothed by smooth basalt stones applied in slow, long strokes for an hour and half, stimulating circulation while creating a state of profound relaxation.

After each spa treatment, guests are invited to stay a while. The 1,000-square-foot huts are full of surprises and accompanied by a tray of hot tea and local produce. Inside, a rare perk beckons with its steamy waters. A deep wooden Japanese tub, called an ofuro, rests between natural wood tones and shoji screens. Its purpose is not for bathing but rather to cleanse the body and unwind the mind. The ofuro was filled prior to our arrival as was the large steam shower set to the perfect sultry temp upon the treatment’s end.

Exiting the large sliding glass doors into a private oasis, two onsens are on deck. One is a cool plunge pool, a perfect contrast to the heat generated inside from the infrared sauna, steam shower, and ofuro tub, and the other a hot pool for dipping encapsulated by leafy refuge. A small path leads to a rainwater shower where being one with nature seems to take on a whole new meaning. Awaiting nearby are the spa’s signature scents to cleanse the body and a bottle of Root Oil to take home—a fragrant aroma to stamp the utterly relaxing moments into memory.

Replenishing the soul is not the only way Sensei appeals to the body. At the resort’s main restaurant, Sensei by Nobu, Japanese dishes are carefully crafted and nutritionally optimized. Every dish is perfectly balanced with fresh produce from the resort’s hydroponic farm, local fish and seafood, and lean meats—including indigenous venison. Famished souls can opt for the omakase tasting menu, while the Açaí Sour cocktail, Yellowtail Jalapeño small bite, and hot pot main course should not be skipped. Sensei by Nobu takes in the view of the resort’s immaculate grounds and hints at the illusion of floating on the koi pond below. The idyllic gardens are strewn between reflection ponds which behold the reflection of Marc Quinn’s oversized red orchid blossom sculpture named Burning Desire—one of the many sculptures scattered across the property.

Beyond the surface, these spiritual uplands of Lāna’i are surrounded by undulating mountains with low-slung clouds that set the stage for Sensei Lana’i’s philosophy to nourish. The landscapes of the Kō’ele highlands are dense and mystifying, only accentuated by Sensei Lana’i’s deep mission to provide a sense of wellness and gratitude to each guest who steps foot on her fertile soil. From sanctuary-like accommodations to menus crafted by world-renowned Japanese chef Nobu to customized wellness plans to luxurious spa experiences to flawless service, Sensei Lana’i offers an untouchable practice in pause, impeccably designed on a personal level to leave guests dreaming of the day they get to return to Eden.