The environment at Four Seasons Sensei is slightly inferior to the Four Seasons Lanai at the foot of the mountain. It has a more Japanese style, focusing on wellness and healing. There are fewer hot spring pools on the mountain—about ten small ones—spread across the hillside with streams running through, creating a decent atmosphere. However, the large central pool seems like a waste of space that could have been used for more recreational areas or additional hot spring pools. Personally, I think they could offer a greater variety of hot spring types. The service is also rather average, not particularly warm or attentive. Overall, it’s worth visiting once for the experience, but not ideal for a long stay or vacation—it feels a bit monotonous and boring.
The lounge chairs by the pool don’t have any thick cushions—they’re just ordinary metal ones and quite uncomfortable. Some areas around the artificial lakes are dirty, and the forest trails are covered with goose droppings. At night, the lighting in the garden is dim, and there are many human-shaped statues, which make the atmosphere feel a bit eerie.
When I went to the activity and experience inquiry area at the front desk today to ask about the SPA, the receptionist recommended a bath experience to the two of us (both Asian) and showed us a very awkward and low-quality video. The hotel itself already has several private garden hot spring pools (free of charge) fed by natural hot springs. However, she emphasized how “unique” the bathing experience she was recommending was, priced at $225 per person (excluding tax and service charge).
The bath she recommended is located in a Japanese-style building, with an indoor tub and a slightly larger outdoor pool compared to the free ones, available for 60 minutes of use.
In my opinion, the person promoting this product was not properly trained.
1. First, for Asians, bathing culture is very familiar — every Asian country has its own bathing traditions.
2. Second, the cost-performance ratio is extremely poor — $225 for a 60-minute bath for one person in a private but unimpressive setting. In many major countries in Asia, there are far better and larger bathhouses with much more reasonable prices.
3. Third, my intention was to experience different SPA cultures; if there are no suitable options, staff should not push sales aggressively — they should ask if the customer is open to other experiences.
4. Fourth, the service was highly unprofessional — the staff was serving us while simultaneously arranging things for other guests.
This will forever be the greatest hotel stay in have ever experienced and I will no longer compare quality unless I have first compared it with this hotel. They have thought of ever single detail and its amazing seeing an operation so beautifully executed from the second you arrive. This hotel and its people made me fall in love with the island and I cant wait to return for more.
The staff made the stay worth while. From Yssa to Shiva to Renan and all the names we couldn't remember, this place was made by the people. Breakfast at Nobu was catered so well to our vegetarian needs. The rooms were of a quality I have never experienced. The activities and self care offered here are a cut above the rest but what made this place elite were the grounds. The level of detail and expense placed on the wonderful plant-life immense you in another world. Its beyond comprehensible what they have achieved with the horticulture alone. It transports you to another world and we were able to immerse ourselves in relaxation.
Id definitely recommend some things while staying here including Hale time, massages, clay shooting, and so much more. Just take the dive and book a stay here and you wont be disappointed!
Did not know what exactly to expect as I had not been to the grounds since it was the old Koele Lodge. I was initially kind of hesitant to book due to the change but wanted to surprise my Significant Other (SO) with a Treat - and what a treat it was!!! The change to Sensei is incredible. I do miss some of the rustic charm of the old Koele Lodge but as both a Special Treat and a relaxation spot, Sensei is incredible. I liked the very relaxed vibe - not having to put on something dressy and/or uncomfortable just to explore the resort. The atmosphere is serene and the gardens & pools/ponds are beyond outstanding - definitely a place to relax & unwind. People comfortably cruising in workout wear and Sensei Robes casually meandering the grounds. Me in my comfortable "slippahs" (flip flops) & shorts. A definite plus for this local boy. A dip in one of the many semi-private Onsen to help melt the stress away really helps too!!! My SO also did a massage in one of the private Hale's and a Yoga Class with cultural education as a part of that activity which really made her birthday special. On the opposite extreme, the dress up to go to dinner at Nobu's was there for my SO to show off her new evening dress. It was almost like having a private restaurant since reservations were limited to resort guests. And you can't go wrong with a Nobu's menu. The special birthday desert - Banana Lilikoi in a white chocolate covering and made to look like tiny bananas (spots & all) and a "Happy Birthday" chocolate - really made her evening.
The staff is definitely what made our stay memorable. Service with a smile and taking care of our every need (and making sure we were satisfied with every request and outcome) all with the small island hospitality. My SO literally told me "I want to stay here forever!!!" The resort is pricey but worth every penny. If you can overlook (and afford) the initial sticker shock and manage to make a reservation, I would highly recommend it.
Everything about the Four Seasons was perfect — from the moment we were greeted to the moment we headed home. Every detail was flawless.
The place is peaceful and rejuvenating; it helped me forget all my worries during vacation. If you ever feel tired of the city and want to escape from work, this is the perfect getaway.
They surprised us with a birthday card and cake, even helped us with laundry and shoe cleaning — they truly have everything you could possibly need.
With such amazing service, it didn’t feel expensive at all — it was absolutely worth it.
I would love to come back again to relax and recharge.
Thank you to all the wonderful staff for making our stay unforgettable. 🌿✨
Absolutely the most beautiful hotel we have ever stayed at — nestled in a lush, paradise-like garden on the fascinating island of Lanai. The entire property is breathtakingly designed, luxurious yet serene, with an interior style that reflects impeccable taste — elegant, calming, and perfectly in harmony with nature.
All of the staff were simply wonderful — warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. A special thank you to Bowen (apologies if the name is spelled incorrectly), who was incredibly friendly and shared so many interesting stories about the island during our drive.
The hotel also features a dreamy pool and several soothing jacuzzis, ideal for pure relaxation. A true culinary highlight was the Nobu Sensei restaurant, where we enjoyed an unforgettable Omakase menu — each course a masterpiece of flavor and presentation.
We also truly appreciated the complimentary flight to Lanai, which made the entire experience feel even more exclusive and seamless.
We will definitely return! We enjoyed every moment in this little piece of paradise so unbelievably much.
Warm greetings from Switzerland! 🇨🇭