The Sensei Way
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort
The Sensei Way
by Brandi Brower
Sensei- a noun: a teacher or instructor usually of Japanese martial arts.
When I hear the word "Sensei," images are conjured in my mind of the 80's film, The Karate Kid. When the boy, Daniel, befriends an older man, his instructor, Mr. Miyagi, teaches him skills through work that will help him defend himself: "Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Breathe, in through the nose, out through the mouth. Wax on, wax off. Don't forget to breathe. Very important." I love this movie because the Sensei, Mr. Miyagi, gives sage wisdom and counsel that the young student can use throughout his life (and through several film sequels!) I will draw upon several "Miyagi-isms" to help outline my recent travel experience and Sensei journey.
Sensei Lana'i, A Four Seasons Resort, is an adults-only wellness enclave in the beautiful remote Hawaiian island of Lana'i. Reputable experts, extraordinary facilities, a breathtaking setting, and the infamous hospitality the lux brand is renowned for are a recipe for success. The Sensei Way philosophy focuses on three paths - move, nourish, and rest. Co-founders tech giant and billionaire Larry Ellison and best-selling author, scientist, and oncologist Dr. David Agus have created this zen habitat up against the hills of the Hawaiian island to offer a place to fuel your passions and connect with your intentions. Their wellness focus:
Movement is how we interact with our environment.
Nourishment is what fuels us.
Rest is how we recover.
Let the promise of greater wellness begin.
A questionnaire is sent to me electronically in preparation for my visit. My Sensei retreat will not be a traditional spa getaway for facials and massage treatments. The first clue was the questions asked about my wellness goals and what I hoped to accomplish during a follow-up call from a Sensei team member after seeing the results of my questionnaire. They are committed to the process of shepherding their sheep.
Mr. Miyagi: "Walk Left Side, Safe. Walk Right Side, Safe. Walk Middle, Sooner Or Later... Get Squish Just Like Grape!" When the teacher asked Daniel if he was ready to begin training, he responded, "I guess so." He needed the life lesson of committing fully to something. Mr. Miyagi followed up the illustration with "...same with karate. You karate 'yes,' or you karate 'no.' You karate 'guess so,' squish just like grape. Understand?" I had to say 'yes' to my Sensei journey in Lana'i; no lukewarm attitude allowed, but a total commitment to wellness.
My plane touches down in Honolulu, and I am whisked away by a greeter and driven in a private car over to the reception area of an air terminal for Lana'i Air. I relaxed in the lovely appointed lounge with a view of Diamond Head, served tea and Hawaiian shortbread cookies while the private plane was being prepared. Another couple joined me on the golf cart that took us to the awaiting jet. A quick 20-minute flight and we are flying over the secluded island of Lana'i with just over 3000 residents—a stark contrast from Oahu, which has nearly one million. Upon landing, Four Seasons team members told us our luggage would be waiting in our rooms. The cute couple is on a babymoon and heading for the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i; I'm heading in the opposite direction and climbing into the waiting Model X Tesla with its winged doors for the last leg of my trip. We pass Lana'i City, a little town with small shops, grocery stores, eating spots, and a few stop signs but no street lights. At 1600 feet above sea level, the short drive from the airport gives an unexpected mountain vibe as I see more decades-old Cook Island Pines than palm trees. Sensei Lana'i greeters meet me with smiles, a ceremonial tea, and a welcoming Kukui nut lei placed around my neck.
Immediately, I was amazed by the immense beauty of the grounds, ardent landscape design, and elite, grand sculptures. I'm so enthralled with the magical property that my heart dips a bit, knowing I can't stay here forever. It's like a Garden of Eden, with lagoons, walking trails, and lush green curated spaces, but instead of the Biblical tree of knowledge of good and evil, a massive Banyan tree! It's no accident that Colombian artist Fernando Botero's Adam and Eve, which stand under the tall, slender pines, are holding an apple in their bulbous hands, a reminder that, like paradise, this special place is abundant in life. So much color and energy that you could wander for days and still find corners and secrets in this unique garden. All intentional, a master plan to help guests begin their healing through their connection with nature.
What was once the rustic style, Lodge at Koele, is a completely redesigned and reimagined oasis that rests in the Upcountry against Koloidi Ridge, an estimated $75 million renovation. The four-year project resulted in a gorgeous grand country estate with a wrap-around porch, rocking chairs, white shutters, and a glass-fronted great hall. Checking in was enjoyable as I was invited to one of the stylish furniture groupings for the process. The two striking anchors of the great room are the floor-to-ceiling massive fireplaces at either end. The elegant lobby, decorated in neutral shades of tan, cream, and white tones, with wood beams, stylish lighting, accented by orchids, and impressive art, is a light-filled and perfect space; it oozes with absolute attention to every design element and detail.
On the walk to my guest room, one of just over 100 at the resort, we pass dramatic 3D art installations, mirror-polished stainless steel "Aphrodite" by Jeff Koons, two giant cherries, and several other modern pieces, and that's just the length of distance to my suite. Like the great hall aesthetic, the room palette has airy neutrals and cozy and calming materials—Four Seasons lux standard-issue pillows, beds, sheets, and comforters. White shutter blinds above a cute cushioned window seat add charm along with the door out to the garden veranda. Great natural light, desk, large flat screen tv, in-room tablet, marble accents, Japanese bidet, and two-person shower are nice extras. As serene as the room is, I've got wellness goals, and I'm not planning on spending much time here other than sleeping.
My introduction to the Sensei Way began with My Intention. This hour-long session was with one of my instructors, my mindset guide, Lydia. We sit across each other in comfortable chairs; a wall of screens is in front of me to project information and data. She asks me many questions about myself, my work/life balance, and why I'm on this journey. Through the mindset discussion, she shares the focus of the three paths that will help me get familiar with and maintain a conversation with my body and mind. We discuss my wellness goals from my pre-arrival questionnaire and how they can help facilitate actionable steps. I was asked to step on a bioelectrical impedance analysis machine, which uses technology to calculate various measurements of my body mass and water. (I'm not particularly eager to get on any scales, so this was a leap of faith) Lydia asked me to do a series of movements to assess mobility and balance. *Miyagi-ism: "You Trust The Quality Of What You Know, Not Quantity." I was stepping out of my comfort zone and trusting in the "quality" of this process for my greater good.
I'm impressed with my carefully curated itinerary—three full days of specific activities and training sessions, especially for me. But the list of classes, treatments, and experiences is numerous. My schedule barely scratches the surface of health and wellness opportunities at the stunning sanctuary; spa treatments, off-site excursion options, exercise facilities, a library, and a 9000-square-foot saltwater pool are available if you can make the time.
I change into some workout clothes for my Fitness 1:1 with biomarkers meeting. Keri is my Sensei for fitness, a former athletic trainer to Olympiads; she brings a wealth of knowledge. She explains what we will be doing in this session. Through a maximal effort cardiovascular assessment (V02 max) on a treadmill, the practitioner will discover the efficiency of my heart while wearing a mask and hitting milestones on the treadmill. Using technology and analyzing the science of my cardiovascular system, I can improve my heart rate baseline and understand my maximum effort potential.
In the afternoon, I walked to one of the movement studios to learn the fundamentals of the ancient Chinese tradition of Tai Chi. I received training from the lovely instructor Akiko teaching me the art of patience and flow as I tried to perfect my "stroke the tail of the bird." It was exciting to find my chi and feel the internal energy. With a concentration on grace and balance, this exercise form is slow and focused, teaching you to move more confidently.
Now that I've got my flow back, I stroll over to the yoga pavilion and on the deck of the large pond for an open sky meditation. This 30-minute guided meditation uses touch, sound, and sight; the facilitator helps the small group focus on each of those senses to connect with the surrounding nature—a great way to expand awareness of the beauty and relax.
That evening I experienced Sensei by Nobu. Famed global gastronomy founder Nobu Matsuhisa brings the Nobu style cuisine to the island of Lana'i, describing it, "...the cooking is still Japanese but with some ingredients and styles from Peru like cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and ceviche." With fresh and natural ingredients, the guilt-free restaurant fits perfectly in with the Asian influences of the resort and the nutritional goals of the patrons. The large dining room gives the feeling of an atrium in the glass pavilion with floor-to-ceiling sliders that open up to feel the fresh night air and hear the soft sounds of the outdoors. It sits upon a lighted reflecting pond with numerous large koi fish. The Roasted Lobster Salad ignited my taste buds; Sensei Farm Tomatoes, Smoked Vinaigrette, Tropical Fruits, as well as the main course of Japanese Wagyu Beef; Sensei Farm Vegetables, Nobu Sauce Trio, and finishing with a Coffee Hazelnut Millefuille; Gianduja Feuilletine, Candied Hazelnuts, Bitter Chocolate Sorbet.
Up with the sun and feeling invigorated, I met the guide Mike for the Koloiki Ridge hike. A moderate level 4.9 mile climb up through the lush forest to the summit overlooking a panoramic view of Maui and Moloka'i. The Sensei Way distills preventative health science data and research into three simple paths: move, nourish, and rest. I moved up to the top of a mountain, Nobu nourished me, and now it was time to rest with my first hale treatment. There are ten luxurious hales, Japanese-inspired oases of calm, each building a substantial 1,000 square feet of pure indulgence. They feature an ofuro bathtub, infrared sauna, steam, indoor and outdoor showers, oversize massage tables, private plunge pools, and cozy lounging areas. After each spa experience, you get 30 to 60 minutes to soak up the self-care amenities in the private, peaceful little houses—my spa experience is an exclusive Sensei-developed thermal body mapping technology and massage. My practitioner Fran operated the machine to scan my body. She showed me the results on the tablet, which revealed inflamed tissues that I didn't even know were in distress. A visual map of my body showed her asymmetries, muscle tightness, and possible areas of pain. She used the data to target those specific areas to customize my massage to release tension and improve circulation. You know it's an incredible 90-minute experience when you hug the masseuse after.
I'm concerned that I will undo all the great work Fran accomplished in my trouble areas during my aerial yoga class. I had never done a class like this before. But I embraced the journey and stripped my inhibitions while stretching my body, thanks to my Sensei Ariel. With swaths of silk hanging from the secured beams in the yoga pavilion, I'm led through a series of movements that improve flexibility, stability, and balance. After the savasana, I felt the physical and psychological benefits of the practice and vowed to find an aerial yoga class when I returned home.
My last morning starts with Mindset 1:1 with Biomarkers. I meet again with my Sensei Lydia, who teaches the science of heart rate variability (HRV) and how to measure and influence my personal HRV through focused breathwork and guided imagery. *Miagy-ism: "When You Feel Life Out Of Focus, Always Return To Basic Of Life." (Breathing) Scientific studies have shown how breathing affects a person's stress level. People can overcome stressful situations by calming the mind, focusing, and taking deep breaths while reducing blood pressure, hypertension, and other ailments. Lydia shared, "Resonance frequency is when the mind and body (breathing rhythms and heart rhythms) become synchronized. In stress and anxiety, there is no such rhythm - no input from the parasympathetic (rest/digest) branch of the nervous system. When you access this frequency through various tools, you train your nervous system, allowing you to be more focused, present, cognitively agile, and emotionally resilient."
Terry is my Sensei for a Functional Fascia class. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs, which until recent years has been ignored until new insights suggest it holds the key to tackling chronic pain and immune dysfunction. I'm guided through this private session, using various foam rolling tools and techniques to mobilize tissue, enhance somatic awareness, and explore recovery modalities for the whole body.
My favorite Sensei experience was the Aquatic Bodywork with my practitioner Liran. Watsu comes from the words "water" and "shiatsu," a Japanese word for finger pressure. While floating effortlessly in the perfect 96-degree warm water of the private outdoor hale pool, my therapist continuously supported and guided me through intuitive stretches combining massage, joint mobilization, and shiatsu elements.
The health advantages; include decreased physical pain, increased range of motion, improved healing and immune system response, and increased muscle relaxation and sleep patterns. The focus is on the physical benefits; however, there is a residual gift from this aquatic therapy, a profoundly emotional experience for some. People who have tried the Watsu therapy have likened it to a full mind, body, and spirit experience. It's a safe, womb-like environment where you are cradled like a child; in other moments, your body is free-flowing, and the water carries anxiety and stresses away. Some achieve higher awareness and fall into a deeply meditative state. After it was over, I told my practitioner that if everyone in the world could have this opportunity, I think it would be a better place. It was such a healing experience.
The Sensei journey ended with the My Plan session, a time to reflect on my experience at Sensei and collaborate with my guide Lydia to plan my most immediate and actionable next steps. Together we discussed my data metrics, expert analysis, and personal experiences to build my Guide to Growth. We discussed all that I learned during my time, my goals before my arrival, and how to take the knowledge I received back to the mainland and use it to achieve my goals. As we parted, Lydia shared, "Remember, all that you felt and discovered while here was created by you. It was in you before you arrived and is still in you after you have departed. We only guided." *Miagy-ism: "If Come From Inside You, Always Right One." Like Daniel's Sensei, Mr. Miagy, my guides taught me different skills through work that will help defend my body against imminent decay and offered sage counsel backed by science to help me throughout my life.
On my last night, I visited the onsen garden, a beautifully landscaped labyrinth of burbling streams, bridges, and footpaths with ten discreetly located private hot tubs sunk in the ground. With zero light pollution on the island, the stars were breathtaking as I relaxed in the warm water and felt like I was the only person on the planet. I reflected on my time at this special place, the lessons learned, my health plans, and what I wanted moving forward. I felt uniquely centered.
Kupuna Irene Kamāhuialanai Cockett Perry wrote this poem:
Mele ho’okipa no kō’ele
I waena o ka Pākīpika, aia o Hawai’i.
I wanna o Hawai'i, aia o Lāna'i.
Aia i ka mole o Lāna’i, o kō’ele.
E ho’okipa mai i kō’ele!
In the middle of the Pacific is Hawai'i.
In the center of Hawai'i is Lāna'i.
At the heart of Lāna'i is kō’ele.
Welcome to kō’ele!
Unsurprisingly, I have become more centered after my precious time at this remarkable place. This Four Seasons Resort is at the heart of Lana'i; this extraordinary Sensei retreat, this unique island, welcomed me, and I will be forever grateful for the gifts that were given.