Refreshing this post from 2010 with updated information and more images and video.
In 2012/2013, the resort implemented many enhancements — see new upgrades to Four Seasons Resorts Lanai at Manele Bay.
Since we’ve been home, we’ve lost count of the number of times that we’ve daydreamed about being back at the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay. In fact, we’re still aiming to get back there again this year.
So, why did we look forward to returning? This resort is absolutely gorgeous and we’re in love with Lanai! In fact, there’s more to love about this private island than meets the eye. We’ve been all over Hawaii, and we’d have to rank this resort in the top 5 resorts in Hawaii. This resort offers a beautiful ocean side setting.
The resort’s location on Lanai’s remote, south shore makes the resort very special. It feels secluded and swank. The resort is perched on a bit of a cliff over looking the marine preserve of Hulopoe Bay where pods of spinner dolphins frequently visit and one of Lanai’s more famous landmarks, Puupehe (sweetheart rock). The scenery will not disappoint.
We were still impressed with the generous size of the rooms and all the special little amenities the resort offers. You don’t even need to bring sunscreen because they provide it for you. One of our favorite amenities is that when you go to the beach, the staff set up beach chairs, umbrella and table for you. After you’re settled in and enjoying the sounds of the ocean, they deliver fresh cut slices of pineapple, Evian spritzes, chilled towels, and ice water. How’s that for service?
On our recent visit, we had a bit more time to explore the resort’s services. The spa was outstanding. Andy and I enjoyed an ocean side, sunset couples massage that still makes me swoon when I think about it. I still rank Grand Wailea’s spa (on Maui) number one in all of Hawaii, but this Four Seasons Spa at Manele Bay is easily number two.
We loved using the fitness room. To give you an idea of how much we liked it – Andy and I don’t normally work out in resort fitness centers when we’re on vacation. From this fitness room, you have a fantastic view of the Hulopoe Bay that makes you want to add minutes to your elliptical or treadmill workout while you sip on the free energy drinks and dab your brow with a chilled towel.
We noticed a big improvement in the friendliness of the staff and the service levels compared to our first visit in 2007. To be fair, during our first visit, Four Seasons had just taken over management of this property and I think the kinks were still being worked out. We have absolutely no complaints this time. Everyone was so friendly and where possible tried to remember our names.
Tips, tricks, and what to know when you go:
To get more of an idea of this resort, check out our video tour of Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay.
Also, for good measure, enjoy this video of 60 seconds of tranquility from this resort.
As a matter of transparency and disclosure, we paid for our stay at this resort, however, the spa treatment was provided by the resort free of charge.
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If I had that kind of scenery to look at I would work out too! Gorgeous!
Janet - I might even be a size 3, if I could work out there every day. :)
Wow!! If only we'd had a couple more days last week, we'd have ferried on over to Lanai from Maui...and draped ourselves around that pool. Pineapple slices, anyone?
I love your painting, by the way -- how nice to have such a restful piece of Hawaii at home! (Though, really, I picture your home as pretty much blanketed in fabulous Hawaii souvenirs...)
Melanie - I hope you get a chance to experience this resort. Next time, right?
Andy has quite a few Hawaii prints and some of his favorite Hawaii photos on canvas in his office, but other than that and our new oil painting, we really don't have that many Hawaii reminders in our home. It's kind of odd that we don't have more, I suppose.
Hawaii is magical and Lanaii is even more so. No visit to Hawaii is complete without a few days of pampering at the Four Seasons. I highly recommend it to all my guests.
George - ah, you KNOW. Lanai is a wonderful place to relax and pamper.