Originally Posted by
Goodmorning2U
Lanai is in a position to become a much better hotel than Maui. It has space, unlike Maui, to build a new gym center (and more rooms to support a better diversity of options), a new spa, and it doesn't share its beach with very crowded hotels on either side (like the FS Maui). I don't think the layout of the FS Lanai will be able to compete with the excellent low to the ground very close to the water layout of Hualalai but I do feel it has an advantage in that the beach is sandier and more along the lines of what visitors think when they are dreaming about the perfect Hawaiian vacation.
This property also has good potential for FS to offer an upgraded club option. There aren't many dining options on the island (and guests don't come here for off property restaurants) and people looking to stay on property might appreciate the added convenience of a club. It would also provide some needed competition with the FS Maui club (which as others have mentioned costs around $300 extra per day).
What hasn't worked for this property as a business is an emphasis on high volume low cost conventions. The new owner should consider investing the capital necessary to attract the large number of hnw spenders who could make this as successful ala Maui and Hualalai. It will be interesting to see what stage of development (or not) these two properties will be in when Four Seasons eventually goes public again.
One thing to consider - Lana'i is different than other islands with luxury properties. Unless you're willing to take the shuttle into town and find restaurants (there *are* good restaurants in town) or other things to do, you're pretty much stuck on the property which leaves you with the pool, beach and spa (unless you want to play golf or horseback ride at the sister property) - either way, you're pretty much a captive of the resort, and thus the resort defines your experience on the island.
What Manele Bay needs are dining options, a world-class spa, a more diverse variety of beach/water sports activities and a special activity or event designed to engage the visitor - perhaps a weekly 'local-style' luau where Lana'i residents come to the resort to spend the afternoon and evening teaching traditional crafts, hula, cooking, language, ukulele lessons, etc etc, culminating in a luau-style dinner for everyone and a hula performance from a local halau....something that makes the visit special or different.
We are eagerly awaiting Ellison's plans for these properties and hope he is willing to put in the needed investment.