3.14.2015

Four Seasons Manele Bay — WOW beach vacation


the beach at Manele Bay, photo by David Ourisman (c) 2015, all rights reserved
I'm enjoying my third trip to Lanai. My first trip, in October, 2008, was spent at the Lodge at Koele. I was intrigued by this resort 1500 feet above sea level and built to resemble a Hawaiian pineapple plantation. My second trip, in January, 2010, was my first stay at FS Manele Bay, a resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with a short walk down to a beautiful crescent beach.

Third time's the charm? I'm back in Lanai for the third time, the occasion for this visit being an opportunity to experience the new room product at Four Seasons Manele Bay. As many of my readers know, Larry Ellison purchased the entire island of Lanai in June, 2012. The CEO of Oracle, Mr. Ellison is the fifth wealthiest individual in the world with seemingly bottomless pockets. 

Larry Ellison's goal for Manele Bay? To develop it into the best resort in the world. Toward that end, he informed the resort's management to spend whatever it takes to get to that goal. Half of the rooms have now been renovated, and Four Seasons has invited a number of travel consultants to experience the new room product. 

In a word, WOW! I'll let these two pictures do the talking. What impresses me most is how the interior designers have brought together different textures and materials, creating a warm, elegant, and contemporary feel. The bed is crafted of ivory colored leather, with Rosewood flooring, Zebrawood paneling, and teak trim used in the room. Behind the bed is a wall covered with handmade Nepalese paper.


Do you ever watch TV when you go on vacation? On the wall opposite the bed is a 75" flat screen specially designed for the resort to have practically no bevel, mounted on a wall covered with grass wall paper. The room features state-of-the-art technology with plenty of conveniently placed power receptacles, USB and ethernet ports by both desks ... and a fully automatic Toto toilet in the bathroom that lifts its lid in greeting when you enter the WC and does all sorts of other wonderful things for you that you never knew you couldn't do without.



Looking for a luxury beach vacation in Hawaii? Consider the quiet island of Lanai. While there's not much in the way of shopping and nightlife, this is the place to come to unwind, relax, and enjoy time on a great beach. And to receive added value, book through a Four Seasons preferred partner travel consultant to receive a daily buffet breakfast for two guests daily (normal price is $45 per person), a $100 F&B credit, and room upgrade if available. The resort is currently offering a double upgrade at time of booking and an additional $150 daily resort credit with a four night stay.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. As affiliates of Brownell Travel, we can provide our clients with Virtuoso amenities and amenities from other Brownell preferred hotel partners including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and more. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

No comments: