Sensei to open second wellness retreat in Californian desert
– Kevin Kelly
Sensei, the wellness brand owned by tech billionaire Larry Ellison will open its second retreat called Sensei Porcupine Creek in early 2022.
As the brand’s first standalone retreat, the destination will encompass a 230-acre private estate, nestled against the Santa Rosa mountains in Rancho Mirage, California.
The tranquil setting will feature 22 hotel rooms in the former estate house as well as private villas clustered throughout which will blur the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors to reconnect guests with nature.
Sensei Porcupine Creek will feature a diagnostic centre, spa gardens, yoga and fitness pavilions, swimming pool, golf course and tennis facilities.
Sensei will also continue its collaboration with Nobu to provide healthy and innovative cuisine at Porcupine Creek.
The destination will offer similar spa, nutrition, movement and other wellness and sports programmes found at its sister facility, Sensei Lāna’i, A Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii.
“Our first retreat is located in Ko’ele, the spiritual uplands of Lāna’i,” explained Kevin Kelly, CEO of Sensei, “Now, with Sensei Porcupine Creek, we have the opportunity to offer our programming in a stunning luxury setting that takes advantage of its majestic desert location, which has long been a destination for health and wellness seekers.”
The location will provide curated packages based on the Sensei Way, which distills health science into three simple paths for everyday living: Move, Nourish and Rest.
The Sensei Way is led by science, marshalled by Sensei co-founder and director of University of South Carolina’s Institute for Transformative Medicine, Dr David Agus, and supported by a trained team of Sensei Guides and practitioners who hold advanced degrees in their respective fields.
Sensei Guides will continue to be the stewards of Sensei Porcupine Creek’s offerings, where they’ll work with prearrival specialists and sports performance coaches to curate itineraries based on individuals’ goals by incorporating tailored activities including spa treatments, yoga classes, meditation, daily hikes, nutrition consultations, golf, tennis and much more.
Sensei’s first retreat location was born from a collaboration with Four Seasons. Set within the secluded Hawaiian island’s 90,000 acres, Sensei Lāna’i was founded by Ellison and Agus with the goal of helping people live longer, healthier lives.
Sensei Porcupine Creek will be the company’s first foray into operating both the wellness facilities and the hotel.
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