Recommend August 2014 - (Page 22)

Lanai, Hawaii Clockwise from this photo: Picturesque setting at Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele; family-friendly fun at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay; and laid-back luxury setting at The Lodge. donna ray Proof that big things come in small packages, 141-sq.-mile Lanai has evolved from producing 75 percent of the world's pineapple to seducing lovers of off-the-beaten-path adventures. Rather than trendy nightclubs, ritzy retail and high-rise hotels, your clients will discover a slower paced retreat reﬂecting the spirit of old Hawaii. Since purchasing 98 percent of the island in 2012, Oracle CEO, Larry Ellison, has targeted sustainability. By acquiring interisland carrier Island Air in 2013, he added a metaphorical airlift bow to his Lanai vacation package that includes two Four Seasons Resorts. At Honolulu International Airport's commuter terminal, the exclusive Four Seasons Lounge pampers with VIP perks via a concierge providing transportation from the main terminal and check-in for Lanai accommodations. During Recommend's recent visit, we were privy to WiFi, snacks and charging stations while waiting for the quick 25-minute ﬂight. "The Lounge allows us to offer a sophisticated, yet relaxing setting for our guests prior to stepping foot on the island," says Tom Roelens, general manager of Four Seasons Resorts Lanai. "They can ease into their vacation in a convenient, intuitive and state-of-the-art manner." where to stay A mere nine miles apart, the island's distinctive Four Seasons properties cast contrasting demeanors. One is sleepy and charming while the other adds sunshine and splash. Luxury 22 august 2014 22-23 LanaiiOnsite.indd 22 touches, signature experiences and personal connections are common threads. We head to the cooler highlands and the 101-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele. Approaching along a pine-lined road etching through horse-sprinkled pastures, it's obvious this isn't your typical Hawaii resort. As Roelens says, "It's like stepping into a family home and being engaged into a sense of place." Our Koele Deluxe room is well appointed with a Signature Sleep by Four Seasons bed trimmed with pineapple-carved ﬁnials, a writing desk, window seat, refrigerated private bar and lanai (balcony) for soaking in garden views. The spacious bath is spruced with a vanity and deep-soaking tub/shower. Techie touches include complimentary WiFi, iPod docking station, and a 40-inch, ﬂat-screen TV with DVD. Beaming as The Lodge's social hub, The Great Hall features bookend ﬁreplaces, and photography depicting Koele's ranching and agricultural eras. Guests gather for afternoon tea, Hookipa Cultural Sessions and pre-dinner libations. The culinary scene is garnished with the bistro-style Terrace, and elegant Dining Room showcasing farm- and ocean-to-table cuisine. Lanai's rural roots also play out at Lanai Pine Sporting Clays & Archery Range favored by novices and avid hunters hoping to bag mouﬂon sheep and axis deer. Other diversions include horseback riding, guided four-wheel UTV treks, croquet, lawn bowling, executive putting course, pool and ﬁtness center. recommend.com 7/24/14 10:44 AM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend August 2014

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Desk Chic & New
Tour Talk FAMs to Latin America & Beyond
Uniworld’s S.S. Catherine
The Dish on Las Vegas
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Lanai, Hawaii
CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA
Double the Charm in Cancun
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Tour Operators Do the Talking
The Beat Goes on for Thai Tourism
A Love Affair with Puerto Rico & Four Grand Personalities
Punta Cana’s Melia Caribe Tropical—The Level
Sandals LaSource Resort & Spa, Grenada
On the Tracks in France
Antwerp Sparkles Like a Diamond
Southern Africa

Recommend August 2014