Thursday, August 25, 2011

Hawaii Site Visit #3 - Four Seasons Manele Bay Lana'i





We started our Hawaii trip in Lana'i at the Four Seasons Manele Bay. Wow, what an amazing experience. It is an incredible place. The island is super small, so getting there in an adventure in itself, whether you are flying in from Oahu or Maui (small 8 seaters to 32 passenger jets). We took the 8 passenger flight in from Honolulu - arriving in Lana'i below... You can also take a 45 min. ferry from Lahaina on Maui. But, if you are looking for quiet, pristine, secluded, did I say quiet - out of the way place. This is it! From the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, at first I didn't know if I could handle the quiet, but after decompressing it was such a welcome breathe of fresh air, fresh mind, fresh everything! The main entrance to the Four Seasons Manele Bay was grand!
Our rooms was an oceanfront suite and took your breathe away. Jumping ahead a bit, but after returning from a 1.5 hour hike along the water/cliffs I sat down with my bottle of water and saw something jumping in the water... Yes, it seemed to be a show that I would see at Sea World. It must have been a pod of dolphins of 75 -100 just offshore playing and jumping for over 30 minutes. WOW! It was incredible to see so many and so close! This photo below is taken from inside the room, I loved that we could literally just walk out on the grass and then ocean...

The Four Seasons Manele Bay has 236 guest rooms, including 21 suites all with private lanais. The grounds outstanding - serene and peaceful. Island gardens and plumerias filled the air with sweetness. Directly below the main building the pool overlooked the private beach.

As for meetings and events - This would be great for a 350-500 group (using both facilities - Manele Bay and The Lodge)... There is ample outdoor space for receptions and special events... 51,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. In addition attendees have many ocean activities to choose from scuba, snorkeling, sailing, etc. to hiking, horseback riding and much more on their off time. There are two outstanding golf courses and a luxurious spa. There is also above the "main" building a great conference center/special event space. Below is the view from the terrace. Indoor main "ballroom" space. Plus, you the obvious - Weddings. This is a fabulous venue for a destination wedding. Private, intimate, and memorable! In addition, the its sister property, also a Four Seasons, The Lodge at Koele is nestled in the highlands. Don't forget to visit their websites... www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/ and www.fourseasons.com/koele/ You can also follow them on Twitter @FSLanai. A special thanks goes out to Jane for her amazing hospitality! Please contact her if you are interested in booking an event there at Jane.Howorth@fourseasons.com.

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