My Husband and I had the pleasure of splitting our time between the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele and the Four Seasons at Manele Bay on the island Lana’i. We first arrived at The Lodge, and my initial sentiment was of the gorgeous grounds that had a mystical feel about it and crisp clean air. It is set in the central highlands of the Island amidst Norfolk and Cook Island pines and I found the refined atmosphere to be uniquely charming. The plantation style hotel includes lovely hard wood floors throughout and wicker furniture lined porch. Four Seasons has officially become the new management of the hotel. To get the hotel up to Four Seasons Resort status, a renovation took place in 2006, and included updating the room and decor, pool area, the addition of a state-of-the-art center and a wellness spa center on the way for a completion date in 2007.

There are plenty of activities to for the entire family to enjoy. We played on the hotels 18-hole putting green complete with sand traps and water hazards accompanied by some wild turkeys and enjoyed one of the three croquet fields as well lawn bowling. The Stables at Koele offer a wonderful experience as well as the hiking and do not miss the Lanai Pine Sporting Clays and Archery Range, sporting clays, archery and air rifle for an exhilarating experience. We also played golf both at the Manele called The Challenge the Lodge called The Experience and thought both courses were excellent. The Lodge course is probably a little tougher, but both were a challenge. The staff was excellent and attentive for all activities.

The Lodge currently has three restaurants on property; a café located in the pro shop overlooking the famed 18-hole golf course The Experience at Koele Lodge, The Dining Room where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and lastly, the Formal Dining Room with an innovative menu and polished service being the best dining experience on the entire island. Frankly, the only dining experience I give high honors and recommend.

There is a shuttle that runs between the two resorts as well as Lanai City on the half hour. We opted not to use the shuttle to Manele Bay during our stay at the The Lodge in order to be surprised when we checked in four days later. The 15-minute shuttle drive between the two resorts was gorgeous. As we traversed down to sea level, we left the lodge behind us with its tropical, cumulous clouds, and cool breezes and traded it for noticeably warmer, HOT if you will, (on average 10-15 degrees), cloudless, almost desert like landscape, red lava cliffs which provide a dramatic contrast to the blue green waters of the sea below.

The check in was smooth and the view was mesmerizing. They were in the final phases of construction and most of the noise was found by the pool/café area as they were expanding the poolside restaurant. The pool was small and only one for all guests as opposed to other four seasons where they have a separate quiet and kids pool. The walk to the beach, Hulopo’e Bay, was some distance, serving refreshments only and public camping nearby. Guestrooms were all on par with “Four Seasons” refreshed with tropical island accents and eastern influences. They have also add a new fitness centre and movement studio offering yoga, pilates, spinning , as well as a full-service spa with 11 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room featuring traditional Hawaiian restorative treatments. Unfortunately, we were disappointed with all of the restaurants at the Manele. The level of service and knowledge of the menu including the wine list was amateur at best.

We hope this island stays true to the classical Hawaii that it is even with the influence of Four Seasons. We found the resort not up to Four Seasons quality as of yet, but anticipate it will be in the next year. While we enjoyed the diversity of the two hotels, our favorite was The Lodge for its serenity and authentic beauty. After the renovation is complete, we anticipate Lanai will be on our yearly travel calendar.

Insider Tip: for a truly unique Hawaiian experience, we hear, Four Seasons is going to offer a special package for all resorts between the three islands of Hawaii. You will be able to get a taste of Hualalai, on the big island, Four Seasons Maui as well as the The lodge and Manele Bay on Lanai.

Flight information
Non-stop flights are not available from most major cities. Connecting flights are available on Hawaiian Airlines via Honolulu and Aloha Air through Maui. You can also catch a 45-minute ferry ride from Lahaina, Maui.

Transportation
The resorts offer unlimited shuttle service to and from The Lodge of Koele and Manele Bay, on the hour during the week and on the ½ hour during the weekend.