Lovely Lānaʻi
By Leslie Andrea Westbrook
It doesn’t get much better than this: Land in Oahu where you are chauffeured by ground transport to a semi-private, six-passenger jet for a scenic short hop (included in your stay) to the lovely, historic island of Lānaʻi. What’s new? Uber chef Nancy Silverton oversees the newly launched “Osteria Mozza” restaurant, her first in the islands, at the family-friendly, Four Seasons Resort at the beach.
Or head to the upcountry sister location, for adult wellness retreats at Sensei Lanai, transformed by visionary Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Guests at the beachfront property can shuttle to Sensei for a peaceful, pondside Nobu Asian lunch and feed the koi. (The gardens are for registered guests only). Guests at the exclusive, adults-only Sensei are privy to private soaking tubs and yoga pavilions scattered among the eye-popping sculpture and lush foliage.
Can’t decide? Play by the sea for a few days (you can bring the kids) or linger at the three- or five-day wellness programs at Sensei.
What we love most? The aloha spirit at the beach resort and easy-peasy vibes from longtime staff members, many descendants of the island’s pineapple plantation workers, as well as the stunning fine art and historic Hawaiian objects collections.
fourseasons.com
Heavenly Hale Mohalu
A botanical paradise on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi
Want to feel like Hawaiian royalty? Do you appreciate amazing gardens? Hale Mohalu on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi is just the ticket for an island respite. Set on 24 incredibly lush acres, the home and gardens were designed by noted Marin County-based landscape designer Davis Dalbok, who has also created garden nirvanas for special Montecito clients.
Inspired by Ganna Walska’s Lotusland, orchids bloom everywhere, along with over 200 varieties of palm and fruit trees, including breadfruit, lilikoi (passion fruit), and the biggest avocado tree I’ve ever seen.
The three-bedroom, two-bath house sleeps eight; vintage and original island art thoughtfully mixes with Indonesian and Asian decorative objects. Other welcoming details make Hale Mohalu a spectacular home away from home for family or a perfect romantic retreat. A pièce de résistance is the 10-foot-long soaking hot tub off the front deck. The comfortable living room has satellite TV, stereo, and plenty of DVDs or just enjoy the sunsets or listen to the rain. Onsite property manager Michael is there to navigate if needed and will even, if you’re lucky, share fruit from the garden.
FOODIE TIP: Big Island your jam? Check out Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts’ upcoming Mauna Lani Culinary Classic over Labor Day weekend, with celebrity chefs from across the country (Nancy Silverton appears here as well) paired with Hawaiian chefs including Mattei’s Tavern chef Rhoda Magbitang who says aloha to the SY Valley to helm the kitchens at this Big Island resort. www.maunalani.com
Getting there: Six-hour flights from Burbank or LAX to Honolulu (Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, United, Southwest). Flying first class on United has better food and amenities than Hawaiian Airlines first class, but seats flatten for red-eye flights.
