Lana’i, Hawaii: Manele Bay

Ah, Spa!

The Spa at Manele Bay offers more than just authentic Hawaiian treatments and expert therapists in a setting of tranquil luxury. For a unique experience, observe the traditional ritual that precedes your ki pola ho’olu, or cooling ti-leaf wrap. Twenty-four hours before your treatment, your therapist will carefully select six live ti leaves from the Resort’s extensive Hawaiian Garden, and then ask the land for permission to pick them. A meditation ritual follows, before the leaves are washed and cleaned by hand. Then you enjoy this calming, aromatic wrap, which begins with lavender-infused aloe vera gel, followed by an overlay of the fresh ti-leaves. Your body is wrapped to improve hydration while pressure points are stimulated on your face and scalp.

Extraordinary Restaurants

Under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Fabrice Huet, the restaurants at Manele Bay and Koele—such as Hulopo`e Court  and Dining Room—showcase the freshest quality local ingredients whenever possible—and the finest imported ingredients when it’s not. Chef Huet buys produce from local farmers and fisherman to guarantee the freshest quality produce, picked in its prime. Vegetables come from Bennie’s Farm on Lana‘i and the daily ocean catches, which typically include opakapaka and Pacific Snapper, are purchased from local fisherman.

Swimming and Snorkelling

Simply do not miss Hulopo`e Bay. Just steps from the Resort at Manele Bay, a crescent beach of perfectly sugary-white, soft sand surrounds this protected marine reserve teeming with underwater life. Begin or end your day with a dip and discover Lana‘i’s magical underwater world, including a healthy and colourful coral reef, and equally colourful reef fish, alongside playful spinner dolphins and green turtles. To add to your enjoyment of a spot named one of the world’s 10 best snorkelling choices, complimentary use of snorkelling equipment even includes prescription masks.

New Sports

Vacations are the perfect chance to try something new, and Lana‘i offers plenty of options. Experience a sport once reserved only for the Ali‘i (Hawaiian chiefs), with a half-day private surfing lesson from champion surfer Nick Palumbo, a Lana‘i resident. Even rank beginners can learn on longboards, and half-day lessons in the hot sport of the moment, stand-up paddleboarding, are also available. Then take off on a 4×4 safari adventure to a secluded surf spot, with a stop at historic Keomoku Village. For something completely different, try sporting clays, often called “golf with a gun,” the most challenging of all clay shooting sports. The Lodge at Koele operates Lana‘i Pine Sporting Clays & Archery, with target stands carved from the tropical jungle, one of the most beautiful in the world. As the name suggests, you can also try archery, and highly qualified instructors are available for both.