Travel.Food.Wine.Family.Life
Sunrise of Hulopo’e Bay.
Leave only footprints.
Sweetheart Rock.
The island is a pot of gold.
Could be Mars.
Shipwreck Beach.
Though the pineapples are all gone.
Off-roadin’.
Reflecting Pond at the Lodge at Koele.
I spy Maui (or Molokai).
Lanai City.
Sunset.
What’s your signature scent? Is there a perfume that you use daily that you love and believe it was made especially for you? How about having an experience of a lifetime and actually creating your own scent, mixed and blended professionally before your eyes? The Four Seasons in Lanai can make that very dream come true!
One of the signature spa treatments at The Spa at the Four Seasons resorts in Lanai is the Custom Demi-Blending Perfume experience. You can create your own custom scent with Ajne Rare and Precious, with over 200 scents that are sophisticated, intoxicating and indigenous to Hawaii, the fragrance blends will meld with your body’s chemistry. This treatment includes a scent analysis and prêt-à-porter fragrance consultation performed by the Spa’s mélangeur, an aromatherapy and blending expert. The fragrances are 100 percent natural and are designed to interact with your body chemistry and also have a holistic component, which are known to have a healing and balancing effect on the mind and the human body.
In my mind I have scents that I love. One of my favorites is plumeria and star jasmine. Both of those flowers were in my bridal bouquet nearly 16 years ago and each time I spot a flower I need to run up and take in the scent. As far as scents that I don’t care to have lingering on my body all day, those that are spicy such as a cinnamon scent. Sure they are fabulous in the kitchen, baking and cooking, but on my body, I don’t care for them. Also, the spicy scents do remind me of something a male would wear, I enjoy it on a man, but don’t want that particular scent on me.
Katie, the mélangeur,was sweet, beautiful and attentive while asking me about my favorite scents. We discussed floral, spicy, citrus, woody scents and how they made me feel, or what they made me think of. I related spicy and citrus and vanilla scents to mainly foods that I’d prefer eating than wearing. Woody and spicy scents remind me of men’s cologne and deodorants, I was determined to love a floral scent! We also discussed my state of mind, do I deal with stress and anxiety, all questions sought out to find my Chakra, my balance. Placing the oils and scents on strips for my testing, I would stop and cleanse my nose with a bowl of coffee beans ever so often so I can appreciate each and every scent.
Ranking the scents, I was shocked to find that I was not enjoying the floral scents individually, they were almost too strong and shot right to my head. I was moving more toward the earthy scents that I believed were more masculine. I focused on finding a scent that like many, have a link to a memory, a feeling, a thought, a personality, I wanted this scent to say “made in Lanai, for Jen!” Katie happily blended and the science behind it all was fascinating to hear about and watch.
My final recipe that Katie blended for me was a blend that was both for my body, my mind, my senses, and frankly for my sensuality:
Ambrette Seed– Aphrodisiac , mild adrenal stimulant
Myrrh– One of the oldest oils used in perfumes- Antiviral,moderates the thyroid.
Vanilla– Aphrodisiac
Juniper– Slimming, detoxifying
Pink Grapefruit– Uplifting, energizing,
Litsea– Calming/ Anti-inflammatory
If I describe the scent on my body I think of musk, I think of an old box of powder that my grandmother owned. Though, I also think of a sensual romantic feeling I get when I can a whiff of my signature scent. It grows and changes over the day to be soft and subtle, but so very complementary to my senses and to those around me. I never wanted to stand out and say, “can you smell what I’m wearing?” that has never been my style, so I love that The Mom Jen perfume is definitely present, but not showy, like my personality.
I love seeing that beautiful vial on my bathroom counter. It reminds me of the special experience, the island of Lanai, our lovely trip, and that it is something I created. An experience of a lifetime, I would recommend this to every woman (and man), and as a special treat for a bridal party, or a mom/daughter experience.
Thanks to the Lanai Visitors Bureau and the Four Seasons Manele Bay for the wonderful opportunity. All opinions are 100% my own.
E Komo Mai means “welcome” in Hawaiian, and oh how I felt welcome as I entered the Spa at Manele Bay in Lanai. The signature experiences reflect authentic Hawaiian ritual, ingredients and aloha at The Spa, the mood is relaxed, soft music plays, aromas of body oils fill your nostrils and a feeling of calms comes over your body upon entering. As a mom my family always comes first, my needs are last and though I am not full of regret, I still don’t get a good pampering often enough. Moms need a recharging and I highly recommend the Rejuvenating Pedicure at The Spa at the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay, ask for Mimi!
After browsing the spa’s shop, you enter the “locker room” and I only call it that because I did have a locker for my things, but it’s by far different than a men’s locker room. It smells good, it’s warm, I’m treated to a robe and sandals, though I opt for my flip flops to protect my impending pedicure. I approach the sink and find a sweet smelling deodorant and apply it even though I’m already covered. The frizz in my hair could use some of the hair gel, and a gently comb it up with the given products. I step on the scale and smile, I stroll through and notice the sauna and steam rooms for my use if desired. I really need to do this more!
Coffee in hand I head back to the waiting room where Mimi greets me happily and leads me back to the room for my treatment. I’m pleasantly surprised to find I have no internet/phone access, DARN, I’ll have to disconnect minus snapping some necessary photos. You will appreciate not having to answer the phone or the desire to text once you sit in the amazing massaging chair and the controller is left for you.
After choosing a pink color for my toes, Mimi asks to make sure I’m utmost comfortable in my chair, the warmth is right in the room, and if I’d like some infused water to compliment my coffee. She also has me remove my rings for cleaning, just an added bonus I loved and honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve done short of the shower!
I relax in the chair as the warm waters bubble at my feet. She begins filing, sloughing, and massaging my feet and calves and I close my eyes and can picture the bay just outside. We have amazing conversation about her time on the island, how she got here, and the love a mother has for her children. She is so sweet, kind, and genuinely cares about my words and I again feel that strong sense of ohana of the island of Lanai exudes.
With three different balms including a cooling mint cream, I was massaged on my feet and lower legs and then wrapped in moist warm towels. A paraffin wax treatment, steam heated in the room adding to the ambiance, was then applied as booties over my feet. The entire time I thought I want to enjoy the rest of the day with my feet up, I can’t walk on these royally treated tootsies!
A hot stone treatment with essential oils was the finally and boy you must have this done on your entire body. I fantasized about those stones and was truly amazing how incredible they felt pulling the knots out of my cramped legs. Lubed up the stones feel like powerful hands and not at all like something you walk on almost daily in your life, it was an incredibly luxurious transforming experience!
The polish was last but certainly not least. It’s been 2 weeks and one day since the polish was applied and my toes looks just as beautiful and hardly grown out. My daughter was shocked and said yesterday, “did you get your toes done within the past few days?” The shine is there as well as the memory of the amazing pampered experience. Moms this is not your every day salon treatment, this was luxurious and priced so incredibly right for the time (80 minutes), the experience, and results. I made a promise before I left that I would do this more than once a lifetime!
My experience was hosted by the Lanai Visitor’s Bureau, my gratuity and all my honest opinions are my own.
During our stay at the Four Seasons Manele Bay in Lana’i we had the opportunity to enjoy the restaurants on site. As mentioned in a previous post, there is a shuttle from the resort that leads to Lana’i City as well as the Lodge at Koele for other dining options while you enjoy the island, but dining on site while you stay at Manele Bay is nothing short of delicious!
Executive Chef Kevin Erving and Pastry Chef Rabii Saber provide an array of dining options, offering dishes from the classic to the daring, always using the freshest quality local and imported ingredients. Equally as important, the wine program at Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i at Manele Bay offers over 250 labels, with a heavy emphasis on wines from Italy (Piedmonte, Tuscany, and the Tre-Venezie regions), California and France.
Fresco
Our first night on the island, which happened to be my birthday was at Fresco. An outdoor dining area, Fresco specializes in contemporary Italian cuisine. Located next to the pool, the feel was very casual and relaxing for us as we had flown over 8 hours and adjusted to the two hour time change. We were seated in the low light tables, that during the day both oversee the pool and Hulopo’e Bay. The soft murmur of our neighbors and the gentle clicking of glass at the nearby bar combined with the cool evening air was romantic. We started our meal with Pinot Grigio and shared a butternut squash soup pureed with a dollup of sour cream. The soup was sweet and creamy and the warmth contrasted nicely with the cool night. For dinner, my husband had ravioli and I enjoyed a Caprese dish with Maui heirloom tomatoes, Lani basil and burrata, a colorful rainbow plate. The burrata was creamy and tangy, slightly different from the mozzarella I’m used to in the dish. How we wanted to have dessert, but it had been a long day!
During the day, the Pool Bar servers will stroll the chaise lounge chairs to take your drink and pupus orders poolside and the MaiTai is top of my list. Served in plastic cups for safety around the pool, fresh water, juice, and sodas are also delivered to you as needed. 
Hulopo’e Court
For breakfast one morning we enjoyed Hulopo’e Court overlooking the pool and the ocean waters of Hulopo’e Bay. Another casual dining area, the open morning air was refreshing and the views from our seat spectacular. Offered was the Manele Bay Buffet featuring fresh tropical fruit, pastries from their island bakery, pancakes and an omelet breakfast station made to order, eggs benedict, sausage, bacon, rice, potatoes and so much more! Due to time and making our excursion, we opted for side orders of eggs, bacon, and my husband’s favorite on the Hawaiian islands, Portuguese sausage. Orders came quickly and the coffee was incredible, I think just the atmosphere alone makes everything taste better!
Hale Ahe Ahe Lounge
A fun, social spot to relax, we enjoyed an afternoon in this bar/pub style lounge. With games of foosball, pool, shuffleboard, and a big screen to watch sports, you can enjoy drinks or appetizers or both. My husband ordered a teriyaki burger with pineapple while I devoured Kalua pork sliders with avocado and sweet potato fries, both incredibly scrumptious. While we ate and watched the rain come down (all seats have a view) we enjoyed local musicians and a lovely hula dancer, something as close to a luau we witnessed on the island. Following our meal we competed in a few rounds of pool that my husband won each time.
Dining can be something you come to the resort to experience all on it’s own. The flavors and colors of each meal heighten your senses a higher notch and I feel can be found across all the lovely islands of Hawaii. Each option at Manele Bay, not to mention, in-room dining, the Challenge at Manele Clubhouse, offers stunning island views and happy, friendly, accommodating staff.
Two of our 4 meals were hosted, gratuities were our own. All opinions are our honest opinions.
We recently returned from an amazing trip to Lana’i, Hawaii, for 4 nights we stayed at the Four Seasons Manele Bay to kick off our trip, here’s a bit of a background on the island itself.
James Dole purchased the entire island of Lana`i (140 square miles) in 1922 for $1.1 million with the intent of turning it into a pineapple plantation. The crop flourished and Dole started to can the then-exotic island fruit to the mainland. The crops grew and the plantation expanded operations ultimately making Lana`i the producer of ¾ of the world’s pineapple at one point. As the business grew, more and more people arrived on Lana`i to work the prospering pineapple fields. In order to accommodate these workers, Dole built a plantation camp in the flatlands. This plantation camp is now known as Lana`i City. The island thrived, the city was abuzz and Lana`i became known as “The Pineapple Island.”
Things, however, took a turn in the late 1980’s. The pineapple business was no longer the once flourishing profit-maker it had been, and the plantation closed, many workers left for other islands and the town became a sleepy little village once again. Lana`i is now home to just 3,000 residents, and has adopted the now suitable nickname of “The Private Island.”
Mr. David Murdock purchased 98% of the island in 2000, with a vision of reviving the island and training and employing the remaining residents (mainly former plantation workers) in the field of hospitality. In building the two resorts, Four Seasons Resort Lana`i at Manele Bay and Four Seasons Resort Lana`i, The Lodge at Koele, along with their two championship golf courses, Mr. Murdock has contributed greatly to the residents of Lana`i as well as the elite travelers of the world.
Heading down the road to the Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i at Manele Bay is dramatic with the Cook pine trees lining the way. The hotel (one of 2 Four Seasons Resorts on the island, one of 3 total places to stay) offers 236 luxurious guest rooms and suites are lovely, comfortable and each has it’s very special view that puts you in island-mode almost immediately. Most rooms overlook the Hulopo‘e Bay and the Pacific Ocean, while some overlook the Resort’s lushly landscaped gardens. The scene early morning, in the afternoon, and evening from the balcony was spectacular and we could have sat there and gazed at the never-ending horizon our entire trip.
Early our first morning while I showered, my husband walked below our room to snap photographs. He hear a “slapping” noise in the water, and with the zoom of his camera captured whales! They were so close and they were sending us wishes for a good morning, a definite good luck charm we feel.
Décor reflects a tropical theme in warm golden tones, enhanced by rich cherry and rattan furnishings. A custom two-poster headboard features a hand-carved pineapple motif, the welcoming symbol of Lana‘i.
The room was adorned with art created by local painters, including Mike Carroll who is an resident artist maintains a gallery in Lana’i City.
Though our days at the resort were marked with cooler temperatures and some rain, there was one gorgeous afternoon that we spent by the pool. The warm waters were a pleasant feeling, and with two hot tubs (one specifically adults only) and add a delicious MaiTai from the waiters servicing the area, we had our fill of hydration with our relaxation. Because we sent our electronics to protective covering, the sudden rain downpour occurred while we were hot-tubbing and it was the most romantic moment. Since we were already wet, we stayed put and enjoyed the surreal moment.
We were treated as VIP’s our entire stay, we received messages about the cancellation of our SNUBA excursion to our room via the concierge, we were handed moist warm towels upon entering and exiting the lobby, at the hotel restaurants we were checked on often to make sure our experience was top quality. 
For the kids, there is Kids for all Seasons Program that offers a full range of organized indoor and outdoor activities for children aged 5 to 12 years. Intended to encourage children to appreciate Lana’i’s unique environment, the programm teaches children about Hawaii. They learn about petroglyphs, the spirit of aloha and how the Hawaiian islands were formed. They can even build their own erupting volcano, go hunting for lizards or watch a keiki (child) hula show. For teens like we have, the Surf Shack Teen Center has cyber area features Xbox 360 and Wii consoles with a variety of games to amuse all ages, while an entertainment area comes complete with state-of-the-art sound system, 46-inch (116-centimetre) LCD television and lounge area. Teen programs such as beach parties and fishing expeditions are organized on a seasonal basis, introducing participants to various aspects of life in Hawaii.
It was a gorgeous resort, nice to be so close to a beautiful beach that offers all the amenities for ocean play and relaxation just steps from the resort. A rental car is not necessary when the hotel shuttle runs every half hour all day and has stops in Lana’i City and at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele. As I tweeted our stay or posted photos on Facebook, I was delighted by readers and followers chiming in on their stays at Manele Bay and how much they adored it. Our stay was two days short, next time we’ll plan on staying at least a week and will bring the kids!
Our stay was compensated, tips and some food was paid by us, all opinions are our own!
