Four Seasons The Lodge At Koele

"Great relaxing experience; leave the kids behind"

The Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is amazing. From the moment you arrive on Lanai, you begin to gain an understanding of the history and community on the island. Your arrival on Lanai begins by being met either at the airport or at the dock by the hotel van - your by name greeting and bag service lets you know right away you aren't staying at a Holiday Inn.

The rooms are done in a Hawaiian Plantation Decor, the center room is donned with over-sized chairs, a fireplace, several tables and the front desk just waiting for your request. Your stay begins with a tour around the hotel concluding with the arrival in your room. At that point you are advised of your restaurant selection for dinner(or prompted to make one if you didn't do so in advance) and left to your own devices for the remainder of the afternoon. The Lodge offers a variety of very grown-up activities - golf, spa, croquet, strolling through the orchid garden, hikes, and some shooting and archery activities in the high mountains.

A note to adults: a quick gander through the hotel information book quickly reveals a dress code for golf and the various dining choices, but at this point you most likely don't have the appropriate attire with you. Recommend you consult with the hotel or review the website in advance.

And now, the best part of the stay...the evening. When you arrive, you will notice the lack of televisions. So after dinner concludes, you go for a late night swim, stroll through the gardens, and what next? Head to the front desk and you can sign out board games. You will also notice the lobby is now full of lodge goers in their PJ's and bathrobes, casually lounging in front of the fireplace playing games or reading books.

Can't decide between the Lodge or Manele Bay? I suggest you stay at the Lodge and visit Manele Bay during the day. There are three hotels on Lanai and a free shuttle is provided to move visitors between the three. Manele Bay is right on the water, your more typical and modern Beach Resort.  The third hotel is Hotel Lanai, closer to town, Country Inn style with the option to rent a cabin.

So why two stars for a five star resort? Five stars for adults without kids - two stars for adults with kids. The hotels are intended to be serene and spa like. A kid cannon balling into the swimming pool, picking the pretty flowers from the orchid garden, or jumping on a 100 year old bed just doesn't seem like the making for a calm, worry free trip for mom and dad.