Four Seasons Lodge at Koele: Lanai

A mountain lodge may seem counterintuitive when planning a trip to Hawaii but Four Season Lodge at Koele is one of the most serene and luxurious resorts in the world. Situated in the center of Hawaii’s smallest, mostly desert-like island, the hotel resembles a colonial estate, complete with wrap-around decks, white rocking chairs, an orchid house, and wild turkeys roaming the grounds around its private lake. The aptly name “Dining Room” run by Chef Kevin Erving has an inspired menu not to be rivaled on the islands, and the resorts central location (conveniently next to the one place in town to rent a car) allows for easy day jaunts down to the coast or out into the Garden of the Gods park. Pricey to be sure but when visiting Lanai there is little to do but relax so you might as well do it in style.