Lanai, Hawaii: Four Seasons The Lodge at Koele Review

Located 1,600 feet above sea level in the upcountry of Lana‘i, Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i, The Lodge at Koele averages between 10-15 degrees cooler than Manele Bay. The towering Cook Island pines define the fresh upcountry air and line the expansive gardens of The Lodge. For a minute you feel like you’re in a mountain resort in the Sierras, not just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean and Hulopo’e Bay.  Already in 2012, The Lodge at Koele has received the following awards:

Forbes
Resort – Four Star Lodging
Dining Room – Four Star Lodging

Travel + Leisure
T+L 500 – World’s Best Hotels

U.S. News & World Report
Top 10 Resorts in the United States

When entering the Lodge the Great Hall is warm and inviting, wood burning fireplaces and an afternoon tea add to the highlands mystique, which seems to offer an endless supply of calm, peace and activity. People are gathered by the fireplace, you have views of the lush grounds just beyond the restaurant, local artisans are showing their wares, and the feeling of Aloha is apparent everywhere there’s a smile.

Accommodations
Our room was spacious, beautifully clean, and comfortable. With a fridge and microwave at the entry, and a sitting room separate from the sleeping area, these rooms are great for couples or a family, especially with the two televisions! All the windows oversee the property and a great view of the pool outside on our patio.  Three chairs and a table give you one more beautiful space to enjoy during your stay, that is also private and peaceful.  iPhone users will appreciate the iHome alarm clocks that can be used as a charger as well as enjoying your personal music via your electronics.  The bed was supremely comfortable, and as my husband fell ill on our trip, he appreciated the provided robes for added warmth along with the bed where he spent a majority of the time.

Dining
Our first afternoon we enjoyed a quick lunch prior to an excursion at Terrace, the hotel restaurant.  The servers offer house or bottled water and are always close by visually to attend to all your needs.  Sharing their hot dog, you’ll find that the added bacon is quite a surprise, but for us a pleasant one.  I loved their asparagus soup, creamy yet light and the vegetables were sweet and fresh, I left feeling I had a healthy lunch!  The view during the day is delightful overlooking the Reflecting Pond and the pristine gardens.

Our dinner was hearty and comforting as we enjoyed meals we’ve made at home with a twist.  My meatloaf was made with sausage and beef wrapped in bacon (again!) served with mashed potatoes.   The flavors of the spices in the sausage stood out to make the meat anything but ordinary.  The overall serving portion was huge, leftovers or even sharing is possible.  My husband enjoyed the skirt steak cooked perfectly and it just melted in your mouth, the sweet braised carrots were paired perfectly.  That night we were greeted by Shane, the Manager in Training and he made sure our night was enjoyable.  We learned he’s fresh out of college and that he’s done his share of travel in his young life, very personable, we felt this customer service was top notch.  On a business lunch the following day, I enjoyed the club sandwich and a salad, again generous portions and quite delicious.  Chef de Cuisine Junior Ulep visited our table and again the attention to the guests are premium.  Prior to leaving the lodge, I did enjoy a late dessert around the fireplace, strawberry shortcake with key lime sorbet.  The sorbet was tart and amazing, so fresh and pleasing to the palate, the strawberries were sweet, it was so delicious.  The portion was small, I could have eaten two!

Activities
Like the Manele Bay, the Lodge had a trophy room with pool tables and shuffleboard.  Enjoying the atmosphere of the resort, my husband and I enjoyed playing a few rounds of both games.  Inside the trophy room you also have access to the internet, printing, and enjoying a big screen television.  While my husband fought his fever, I did get out to the pool late one afternoon.  Enclosed by shrubs, the pool area has plentiful seating, two hot tubs, and is adjacent to a workout room.  I jumped into the hot tub and controlled the bubbles by a timed button for about 20 minutes.  Though my husband was under the weather, we did get a nice walk about the gardens for photos before we left the lodge.  The Orchid House was so beautiful and I would love to have taken a book into the area and just relaxed around all the floral beauty.  The wild turkeys wander about the property quietly and remind us of a neighboring town at home where the chickens do the same.  The pond, waterfall, bridge, mini-golf course, walking trail, and lush lawn around the property is just so clean and fresh, we felt like one with nature. Like Manele Bay, the quiet calm of the resorts surround you with peace and the ability to relax.

Family Friendly
I toured a room on site that was set up with a family in mind.  Imagine going on vacation with an infant or toddler, now imagine all the gear that you have to pack and tow, it can be overwhelming.  Staying at the Lodge or Manele Bay has you covered!  Leave behind the port-a-cribs, strollers, high chairs and more that can just load you down and be an added cost on the airplane.  The Lodge provides parents all the necessary goods you need for baby to use during your stay at no additional cost!  A crib, high chair, stroller, bottle warmer, baby monitor, diaper genie, step stool, baby bath, and much more is available to you so that you can bring your family, have the resort experience you want and deserve, without worry!

I loved the children’s robes and stuffed animal on the bed, immediately kids can feel they are appreciated and welcome at the resort.  The note with the horse tells a child, “be my friend” while you are here, giving them a responsibility and a bigger purpose to their visit, it’s genuinely sweet.

I’d like to thank the staff at the Lodge.  As mentioned, my husband fell very ill during our trip and not only did he just ask for a referral for a doctor, the staff arranged his appointment for him along with a call when the shuttle arrived to remind him as he was sleeping.  Illness doesn’t discriminate on vacation and we are just thankful for the extra special care the resort during our trying time.

Our stay and some meals were hosted.  Some meals, all gratuities and experience is our honest opinion.