When world-leading physician, Dr David Agus, and billionaire co-founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison, decided to set up Sensei, the goal was simple: to help people live longer, healthier lives using a data-driven approach to wellbeing. This dream came to fruition with their very first retreat, Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort.
Situated on the pristine Hawaiian island of Lanai with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Hulopoe Bay marine sanctuary, it’s difficult to think of a better setting for embarking on a transformative wellness journey.
“For the first Sensei retreat, we partnered with Four Seasons to create an experience that delivers the highest standards in hospitality as we focused on building out our wellbeing program and furthering our evidence-led approach,” says Meaghan Carlson, director of brand and marketing at Sensei. “Together we are proud to offer best-in-class hospitality service coupled with our deep commitment to enhancing guest’s healthy lifestyle practices.”
Guests can choose from an array of activities including relaxing spa treatments / ©Robb Aaron Gordon
At the heart of the retreat is the Sensei Way, a philosophy developed by Dr Agus with the help of scientists and physicians from across the world. Preventative health science, data and research are distilled into three simple paths that can be incorporated into everyday life.
“Movement is how we interact with our environment, nourishment is what fuels us and rest is how we recover and grow,” explains director of wellness research at Sensei, Dr Vishal Patel. “Each path is connected and enriched by the others, forming a virtuous cycle that requires intention, balance and consistency, and that, if cultivated, can lead to a happier, healthier, longer life.”
During their stay at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, guests are able to put this philosophy into practice with the support of the Sensei guides – a group of highly trained, cross-disciplinary practitioners.
Guests can opt for a structured program tailored to specific goals or design their own itinerary. Whichever they choose, there is an array of activities available including fitness classes, guided hikes, relaxing spa treatments, lectures, art classes, and private wellness consultations.
The Sensei by Nobu restaurant / ©Robb Aaron Gordon
Sensei’s nutritional philosophy is brought to life through a collaboration with the world-renowned Japanese eatery, Nobu. Famed head chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Dr Agus have created a nutrient-rich menu that makes full use of fresh ingredients from the sustainable Sensei Farm located on the island.
Ultimately, the idea is to use the retreat as an opportunity to learn valuable lessons that can be implemented into daily life on returning home, to make real, lasting changes to personal health and wellness.
Such has been the resort’s success that Sensei is set to open its first standalone retreat – Porcupine Creek – in the foothills of California’s Santa Rosa Mountains next year.
fourseasons.com/sensei
