Hawaii: A plush Four Seasons opens on Larry Ellison’s private island -- and you can visit

Luxury lodging has returned to Lanai -- the little-visited island owned by billionaire Larry Ellison -- with this month’s reopening of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

Formerly known as Four Seasons at Manele Bay, the upscale resort was shuttered eight months ago for a reported $75-million renovation that includes a new pool complex (Four Seasons won’t confirm that figure).

The 217 rooms have been upgraded with 75-inch LED televisions, iPad Air tablets and electronic room keys integrated into wristbands.

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For the Record
Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m.: An earlier version of this post misspelled photographer Barbara Kraft’s last name as Krart.
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The interior makeover includes the installation of teak and zebra wood walls, and mahogany floors boasting hand-woven rugs. Outside, lush gardens flourish beside streams and pools.

There’s also an ocean-hugging, 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

The property is owned by Ellison, the head of Oracle who bought the entire island of Lanai in 2012. One of Hawaii’s less-visited islands, Lanai’s interior is notable for its red dirt and desert-like landscape, which provides various adventure pursuits.

The Four Seasons Resort Lanai opened Feb. 1 following a traditional Hawaiian blessing attended by Ellison, Four Seasons executives and local government leaders.

The property is currently offering an introductory Stay Longer–Fourth Night Free promotion. Using the offer, I found four-night stays available in early March starting at $3,827, including taxes.

Ellison’s second Four Seasons property on Lanai, the Lodge at Koele, is expected to undergo renovations in the coming months. A spokeswoman said a reopening is anticipated later this year.

Info: Four Seasons Resort Lanai, (808) 565-2000

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