When I started planning my big 4-0 milestone birthday, I asked myself, where do I want to wake up and be 40? In my best (reasonable) fantasy, I'd wake up (looking younger than 40) in a luxurious king size bed at the newly renovated Four Seasons Resort Lanai on my favorite outer island. That was easy. Now, who would I want with me? Although they stress me out and cause me to drink wine, I couldn't imagine a birthday without my children...and husband. ;)
So off we went for a celebratory stay at the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort Lanai which overlooks the protected marine preserve of Hulopo'e Bay and Maui, Molokai and Kahoolawe islands. The resort is home to over 200 guest rooms including 45 beautifully designed suites, signature restaurants, spa and wellness program, and the 18-hole ocean view golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Follow along on our amazing trip in the pictures below!
We were greeted with smiles, leis, and refreshing pineapple juice as soon as we stepped off the shuttle.
The open air lobby entrance is simple and modern with Hawaiian styling, yet rich in colors, sleek furnishings, and endless mahogany wood flooring.
The lower lobby gives a panoramic view of the ocean and pristine beach and the koa wood outrigger canoe serves as a centerpiece between the resort's two signature restaurants: Nobu and One Forty.
On the walk to our room we saw ample places to sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful and lush gardens.
We stopped to say Aloha to Keokeo, one of the resort's rescue birds.
Located on opposite ends of the resort, the koi ponds offer a beautiful setting to enjoy some quiet and tranquility.
The kids had a great time feeding the koi each day.
The guestrooms are set within intimate two story buildings with views of the garden or ocean. The open air walkways are surrounded by fragrant plumeria trees, ginger, and heliconia.
Exquisite ocean inspired details are found throughout the resort.
The elegant mahogany ceilings and floors that ran throughout the halls were very impressive.
When we stepped into our spacious and beautiful Ohana Suite, the sight of it literally took my breath away. The one bedroom suite features artisan-produced Nepalese Lokta wallpapers with wood framing and Honduran mahogany floors, laid with wool hand-woven area rugs. Being in the room immediately put me in resort vacation mode.
The large refreshment center is stocked with Dean and DeLuca goodies as well as a Nespresso coffeemaker complete with espresso cups. It was awesome to have a nice cup of espresso whenever we wished and everything was restocked during the twice daily housekeeping service.
The Four Seasons signature bed was easily the most dreamy bed I have ever slept in. And it sure was easy to fall asleep in the peaceful room with all the convenient controls for lighting, room temperature, and service. You can even download an app to control the 75-inch platinum bezel LED TV and stream content from your phone.
The kids were delighted with their special amenities which included robes and slippers in their sizes as well as the cutest stuffed animals they toted everywhere.
Not one, but two dream bathrooms await you in the one bedroom suites, including a Japanese wooden soaking tub in the master bath.
The carved stone vanity has double sinks and an in-mirror television! My husband was in heaven!
I can't express how convenient it was to have two full bathrooms to use for our family of four, especially after pool and beach time. While the kids took calming baths, it was a delight to step onto the stone floor in the double wide rain shower.
During our stay we also enjoyed time out on the spacious lanai. My kids loved viewing the ocean and tracking birds with the binoculars and we all took some time to enjoy the beautiful ocean view.
Our family spent hours each day of our stay at the resort's central pool that is complete with a whirlpool and waterfall. My 5 year old especially loved how the pool's depth was between 3-4 feet allowing him to easily navigate his way around the pool. Our family also enjoyed the private cabanas and the many pool amenities! Both the central pool and the adults-only retreat are available to guests 24 hours a day.
At the foot of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai is the beautiful white sand Hulopoe Beach where guests can soak up the sun, play in the sand, and go snorkeling and swimming! Just around the corner of the beach, you will find tidepools with exotic sea creatures and Puu Pehe or better known as Sweetheart Rock - one of Lanai's most iconic landmarks.
Our three night stay at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai started with lazy mornings for my sleepyhead daughter who we learned is quite suited for the resort life. She practically lived in her soft robe while we were in the room. Ordering in room dining service was her preference and it was a snap to do using the room's provided iPad Air. Besides breakfast in bed, you can also find a lovely poi donut at Kope or have a filling breakfast at One Forty.
When we weren't enjoying our amazing Ohana suite, the kids had the best time at the complimentary Kids For All Seasons Program while the adults got in some exercise with gorgeous views either at the fitness center or on a self guided hike. We also enjoyed dining at Malibu Farm and Views at Manele Golf.
Lanai is a magical place; private, untouched and unique with a tight community rich in culture. What I love about the island is that I naturally slow down when I am there. I take the time to relax, to breathe, to feel and to see what is around me and it makes me consciously appreciate my family. I love being in the moment and seeing the kids happy. We play and we reconnect. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai gave my family an amazing experience and really allowed us to enjoy the island. I happily woke up on my birthday with my favorite people around me and in the best place (literally and figuratively) in my life.
Thank you to the Four Seasons Resort Lanai for a unforgettable and fabulous family vacation!
Disclosure: Complimentary one night stay and media rate was provided. All gratuities and other expenses were paid on my own. All opinions are entirely my own.
