What’s it like to stay on billionaire Larry Ellison’s US$300m Hawaiian island where Bill Gates got married
Four Seasons Lanai in Hawaii, owned by tech billionaire Larry Ellison, CEO and founder of Oracle, is one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. In 2012, the New York native bought the entire 88,000-acre, 140-square-mile island for US$300 million.
The acquisition included two Four Seasons retreats, through which the billionaire is realising his ambition of building an economically viable, 100 per cent green community. One of them is Four Seasons Resort Lanai, which has been frequented by the super rich and famous: Jessica Alba, Will Smith and Cindy Crawford, to name a few. Bill and Melinda Gates got married on the resort’s cliffside golf course, next to the 12th hole.
How to get there
The A-listers love it for many reasons. The property is located on a private and scenic spot of Lanai, a well-preserved hideaway, and a 40-minute flight from Honolulu International Airport.
Four Seasons partners with Lanai Air to offer the well-heeled a six-person charter from Honolulu, before users board a luxurious Tesla X at Lanai airport for a scenic 40-minute commute to the resort (Ellison also owns 3 million Tesla shares worth about US$1 billion). Hotel staff take care of all luggage. It also has a pickup car, whisking guests from Lanai airport to the resort.
The resort
Formerly known as Manele Bay Hotel, the property was closed for an eight-month, multimillion-dollar renovation. Ellison enlisted architect Todd-Avery Lenahan, founder and principal of TAL Studio, to build his new luxury retreat. The result is an ultra-modern, stylish and upscale estate in an understated way.
The lower lobby contains a 19th-century Koa Hawaiian outrigger canoe.
The two-level lobby is spacious. On the lower floor, magnificent French doors lead to panoramic views of the picturesque outdoor terrain, while the residential-style design creates intimacy.
The interior is a mix of contemporary style and Hawaiian tradition. Polynesian artworks such as a 19th-century Koa Hawaiian outrigger canoe in the lower lobby take centre stage, along with hundreds of original artworks.
Four Seasons Lanai
The beautifully curated landscape includes five botanical gardens with native Hawaiian plants and koi ponds. A lagoon-style central pool with waterfalls is completed by a nearby adults-only sanctuary surrounded by colourful plants and lava rock grottos reminiscent of the island’s cliffs.
The three-bedroom Ali’i at Four Seasons Lanai, which costs US$21,000 a night, is Hawaii’s most expensive room
Everything in the guest room feels refined, thanks to the renovated floors and bathroom fixtures. Plush bedding and Aina amenities by Lather that use locally sourced kukui nut oil underscore the feeling of luxury. The three-bedroom penthouse Ali’i, which costs US$21,000 a night, is Hawaii’s most expensive abode.
DINING
The resort’s nine restaurants remove the need to go elsewhere for meals. Breakfast comprises of a raft of savouries – remember to try the Portuguese sausage that is sure to spice up your morning – as well as healthy detox juices and berry smoothies. Try different interpretations of Hawaiian classic poke bowl at the Sports Bar & Grill, and add a tropical touch with co*cktails served in a pineapple and the local beer, Aloha.
Restaurant Malibu Farm is a perfect for healthy bites as it serves organic and vegetarian plates, with most ingredients sourced locally from its own garden.
Nobu at Four Seasons Lanai
Sushi at Nobu
One of my personal favourites is Nobu Lanai, the outpost by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Here, the freshest Hawaiian ingredients can be found in sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki, with sensational results.
While the food is refined, the redesigned space is anything but pretentious, allowing one to enjoy a formal sit-down dinner or chill at the bar. It nods to Japanese architecture by using minimalist lines, rich timbers and sophisticated detailing. The open layout offers a cosy, laid-back setting by bringing the outdoor scenery and breeze indoors.
Fun adventures
Four Seasons Lanai’s yoga studio
Take advantage of the holistic wellness programmes. The new yoga studio is a spacious wooden room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a soothing view formed by vibrant blossoms and deep-blue water. Go for an indoor session – hatha, vinyasa and aerial yoga – and mind-calming mediation, or head to the beach for a sunrise or sunset session.
Complete the relaxation with a nourishing Kypris-powered facial and its signature honey sugar scrub with fresh active pineapple. For the rest of the day, you will want to sit by the pool and sip whatever is brought to your sunbed.
Hiking trail to Sweatheart Rock
For the hard core, stroll down to the beach through the floral pathway. Continue the journey by hiking along the coastline to see the local landmark Sweetheart Rock, which is known as Puu Pehe by Hawaiians. To see the whole of Ellison’s private island, hop on a horse or two wheels for an outdoor ride, or opt for a 4x4 off-riding – and you will understand why the tycoon splurged on this land.
The golf course
Golf-lovers from around the world travel here for the remarkable Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course that perches above 600-metre-high cliffs. Built on lava outcroppings, the course is recognised as Hawaii’s top-notch playground, with each hole boasting magnificent vistas of Maui and Kahoolawe. If you are lucky, you might spot whales from the fairways. For lunch, stay on the green and try the mahi-mahi fish and chips at the cliff-side restaurant Views.
From the spectacular views and classy design to amazing food and over-the-top service, everything at this secluded retreat meets that standards of the super-rich – and is difficult not to fall in love with.
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