Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay

Description:

• The well-known luxury hotel chain Four Seasons took over management of this 236-unit oceanside resort after a $50-million makeover. Every Four Seasons resort is spectacular, but this one really stands out. Located on a sun-washed southern bluff overlooking Hulopoe Beach, one of Hawaii's best stretches of golden sand, this U-shaped hotel steps down the hillside to the pool and the beach, and then fans out in oceanfront wings separated by gardens with lush flora, man-made waterfalls, lotus ponds, and streams. On the other side, it's bordered by golf greens. The place is a real oasis against the dry Arizona-like heat of Lanai's south coast.

  Designed as a traditional luxury beachfront hotel, it features open, airy rooms, each with a breathtaking view of the big blue Pacific. Murals depicting scenes from Hawaiian history, sea charts, potted palms, soft camel-hued club chairs, and hand-woven kilim rugs fill the lobby. Redone in the clean, crisp style of an elegant Hawaiian resort, the oversize guest rooms have 40-inch flatscreen LCD TVs, huge marble bathrooms, and semiprivate lanais. This resort is much less formal than the Lodge at Koele up the hill and attracts more families. Speaking of families, in addition to the "Kids for All Seasons" child-care programs, the hotel features a teen center with video games, computers, a small pool table, and a 54-inch TV.

  The new spa facility offers a variety of massages, facials, wraps, and scrubs (don't miss the signature Ali'i banana-coconut scrub). In addition, the Four Seasons has added a 1,500-square-foot fitness center (with one of the best ocean views in the resort) that has the latest cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, free weights, and a wood-floored studio for classes (spinning, yoga, Pilates, and meditation).

  Facilities: 4 restaurants (Ihilani, Hulopoe Court, Ocean Grill, and the Challenge at Manele Clubhouse); bar w/breathtaking views; babysitting; children's program; concierge; fitness center w/classes; golf at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Challenge at Manele; Jacuzzi; massage; large outdoor pool; room service; complimentary snorkeling equipment; full spa

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010