Did you catch our part one post yesterday about Lana’i? We covered the beautiful beach side property of the Four Seasons Manele Bay. And today we’re heading north to the central highlands of the island, to the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele. Luxury resorts are a bit like children to me (only kidding), I don’t have favorites, but this property would certainly be one if I did.
Typically when someone says Hawaii, I think beaches, whale watching, hiking, waterfalls, and luaus. Never before did I think of dude ranch, English countryside, or lunar surface-like sand dunes. But yes, high above the beaches of Lana’i you’ll find a place unlike any other, with all of the above. Perfectly manicured lawns (complete with croquet, archery and lawn bowling), wild turkeys running about at any given time, a huge wrap-around porch welcoming you into a ski lodge-like lobby, this resort has a little bit of the best of everything…all sewn together seamlessly. Out back, you’ll find an orchid house (great cocktail hour setting for wedding guests!), two gazebo like structures, one in the traditional sense, the other – a beautiful Asian-inspired structure (both overlooking the resort’s large pond), and so much more. If you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t until you’ve stayed at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele.
But what is there for you and your guests to do away from the beach in Hawaii? Hum. Well, let’s start with nature walks, horseback riding, tennis, lawn bowling, croquet, spa, sun and pool, 4×4 sand dune riding adventures, oh, and spectacular golf too. I wandered up to the course one morning and came upon the perfect wedding ceremony site, a hole overlooking a secluded valley, separated from all other parts of the world. A setting so unique, how golfers manage not to get distracted is beyond me.
With so many idyllic options, activities, and, really, styles to choose from, your wedding can be as unique or diverse as you’d like it to be. Opt for a hotel buyout and perhaps your reception site will be encased by the massive lobby fireplaces as you sip after dinner drinks and tell stories. If you prefer the outdoors, golf, grass, or patio options are abundant! (I’ve even heard of a rehearsal dinner in the horse stables just at the end of the drive).
This isn’t your typical Hawaiian destination wedding, but then again, nothing about Lana’i is typical. And don’t forget, you can always catch a ride with Four Seasons down to the sister property on the beach. Perhaps host an opening night lu’au on the beach and wed high above in the highlands the next day. Or keep this best kept secret to yourselves and honeymoon here without friends and family. A place of privacy, quiet time, nature, and indulgence – it doesn’t get much better than this for two people in love.
I like the idea of starting one’s honeymoon at Manele Bay and then finishing up the trip at the Lodge at Koele. Best of both worlds. (And save the best for last).
Traveler Tip: Pack a bit warmer if this is your final destination. It can get 10 to 2o degrees cooler at the lodge than the bay. All the more reason to snuggle up to your new spouse!
