You know how there are certain things that are your favorite, until you remember your next favorite, and then your other favorite? I have that problem with destinations and hotels. I have a LOT of favorites. My favorite of the moment depends on which one I happen to be thinking about. When we visited The Lodge at Koele, my husband and I both agreed it was our favorite.
First let me tell you – this is NOT a typical Hawaiian resort. It’s not on the beach, there’s only one fairly small, quiet pool, and the landscaping makes you think more of a mountain lodge or old fashioned family resort than a tropical island paradise. And maybe that’s why we love it so much.
The Lodge is located on the island of Lanai, just outside of Lanai City (I always want to put City in quotes when I type that. With just over 3,000 citizens, it barely qualifies as a village.) The drive leading up to the resort is lined with tall Cook Island pine trees and the large front porch invites you to grab a comfy chair and enjoy the sunset. The pine covered mountain behind the resort adds to the impression that you’re arriving at a mountain retreat.
Before we go any further, let me address The Lodge’s lack of beach. There are two Four Seasons resorts on the island of Lanai: The Lodge at Koele, and Manele Bay. Manele Bay is located on a beautiful beach. The Lodge at Koele is inland. BUT guests of The Lodge are welcome to use all of the amenities at Menele Bay. (Including the attention of the amazing staff.) A shuttle is provided that transports guests between the two properties and the “city”. This means that if you want to spend the day at the beach, you load your beach supplies in the provided beach bag and hop on the shuttle. But don’t over pack – you’re a Four Seasons guest – the resort at Manele Bay will provide sunscreen, towels, snorkel equipment, cold water… Almost anything you’ll need for a day at the beach. Children 5 and up are welcome, free of charge, at the Keiki Camp at Menele Bay. If you’d like to stay for dinner, you’re welcome to use the spa facilities to shower and change, and when you’re ready to return back “home”, just grab the next shuttle.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what you’ll be doing at The Lodge at Koele. First and foremost, this is a place for relaxing. It’s very quiet, calm and serene. There’s no schedule and nothing you have to rush to. I quite literally felt my self relax as soon as I arrived. It’s just… quiet. There are only 102 rooms so even when every room is full, it’s not crowded. The activities are spread throughout the resort so no one area is full of people. Of course when you’re on vacation at a Four Seasons resort you’ll be relaxed. This resort, though, takes it to another level.
So, what is there to do at this mountain retreat? Croquet! When’s the last time you did that? There are 3 courts and equipment available for your use. Or maybe lawn bowling’s your thing. (aka – bocce ball) You can do that, too. There is a small, quiet pool, an orchid house to wander through, a hammock to nap in, and mountain trails to hike. A pond full of Koi to feed and bikes to rent if you’d like to go exploring. (Something I wasn’t aware of when I stayed but will definitely be taking advantage of when I return.) You can go horseback riding or take advantage of “one of the most challenging sporting clay sites in the world”.
I used the fitness center while my husband earned the right to say he golfed on Lanai. The Challenge at Koele is the Lodge’s “proper” golf course designed by golf legend Greg Norman and Ted Robinson. Judging by the number of golf bags lined up in front of the resort, it’s a very popular course. My husband enjoys golf but isn’t good enough, in his mind, to justify the hassle and expense involved in golfing at The Challenge. BUT he hated the thought of going to Lanai and not golfing there. The Lodge at Koele provided the perfect compromise – an 18 hole, par-51 executive putting course. Putters, golf balls and score cards are provided by the resort. Hassle free bragging rights.
What I love about the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele on Lanai:
- It’s the best of both worlds – complete tranquility and a slower pace at the lodge and fun in the sun at Menele Bay.
- Location – it’s close to the “city” – you can walk there
- There is a LOT to do -croquet, bocce ball, horseback riding, hiking, golfing, swimming, bike riding, explore town, go to the beach, archery, skeet shooting, sleep in a hammock…
What you should know:
- If you want any sort of night life beyond watching the sun set with a drink in your hand on the back porch – don’t stay here.
- The beach is about 20 minutes away
- A second floor room will get you a Lanai (balcony) a ground floor room will get you a walk out balcony. We can’t guarantee you’ll get your preference but make sure you let us know which you’d like and we’ll do our best to make sure you get it.
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