My last visit to Sensei was a few years ago, at the wellness retreat’s Lānaʻi location. There, I learned the “Sensei Way” three path focus of move, nourish, and rest, and as a result, was able to successfully integrate positive change into my daily routine. But, old habits die hard, and over time, insomnia, inertia, and dietary vices slowly crept back into my life. A needed reset led me not across the Pacific, but to the brand’s Rancho Mirage outpost—Sensei Porcupine Creek—to get back on track.
It can never be said that Larry Ellison does not share his good fortune. The spectacular 230 acre Sensei Porcupine Creek property (and its pristine golf course) was once Ellison’s private estate, enjoyed only by his personal guest list of professional athletes, celebrities, and dignitaries. With Sensei, Ellison has invited the public into his former inner sanctum—one that continues to be filled with important artworks from his personal collection. Monumental sculptures by Keith Haring, Jaume Plensa, Robert Indiana, and Yoshitomo Naro are on full, whimsical display; for art lovers, these pieces are alone worth a Sensei visit.
Ellison, technology pioneer and co-founder of Oracle, founded Sensei with world-leading physician and scientist Dr. David Agus. The two innovators were brought together by the loss of a close friend and became motivated by a shared purpose: to help people live longer, healthier lives. The Lānaʻi location was the duo’s first deep dive into creating an ultra-luxury, wellbeing experience, and boy, did they deliver. With this second outpost, the Sensei brand becomes more than a luxury wellness retreat; it’s a way of life—one that is whispered to eventually be replicated worldwide, and that’s a wonderful thing. The Sensei Way is too rich and fulfilling to be isolated to just two locations.
This, my second Sensei journey, began as usual with a comprehensive, pre-arrival questionnaire that gauged my health issues, my habits, and my goals. This was followed by a Zoom call with a specialist who planned my personalized itinerary which included one-on-one strength-training within the fitness pavilion, a guided desert peak hike, aqua yoga, mindfulness sessions within the dedicated yoga pavilion, a decadent spa treatment, and plenty of rest and relaxation time, which I opted to spend on a cushy, chaise lounge by the central swimming pool that is surrounded by secluded, terraced alcoves.
Sensei offers seven different wellbeing packages, ranging from two-night introductory programs to 30-day or longer sabbaticals. Dedicated golf and tennis sports performance programs are also offered, and if you’re a player of either sport, Sensei features the best venues for each. For instance, Sensei’s tennis courts were modeled after those at the nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden (another Ellison holding), host to the annual BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament.
But honestly, Sensei’s setting alone, steeped in lush tropical flora and fauna that seemingly creates its own captivating ecosystem, is enough to initiate positive, personal change. There exists here a natural and powerful sense of serenity, aided by a caring, kind, and intuitive staff (each of whom is highly trained in their field) that stands ready to meet every request.
The tranquil and intimate setting features a small number of guest rooms in the former estate house, as well as spacious casitas and private villas clustered throughout the property. My luxurious, Japanese-influenced estate room of a neutral palette featured a private patio, the soundtrack of which was a gentle waterfall just beyond. Sumptuous bedding, electronic Conrad shades, a mini bar stocked with gratis healthy snacks, and a spa-like bathroom were further enhanced by nightly turndown service and the offering of chocolate nibbles. And the lighting; nearly magical in its ability to flatter, the soft and clearly well-thought-out illumination can’t help but play a pivotal role in guest confidence, as it did for me.
Nutrition came in the form of Sensei by Nobu, the exclusive-to-resort-guest restaurant, at which repeat breakfast, lunch, and dinner visits were anticipatory and not at all routine. A collaboration between world-renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Dr. Agus, the concept marries Nobu’s acclaimed and innovative cuisine with Sensei’s evidence-led approach to nutrition. The ever-changing menu is crafted with fresh ingredients that stay true to how nature delivers them, with each meal designed to ignite the senses and provide optimal benefits. Guests can opt to dine in the outdoor gardens, casual Sushi Bar, or the elegant dining room. (In-room dining is also offered.) The cuisine is creative, delicious, and well portioned. Cheesecake Factory this is not, though there are a few decadent offerings such as a lobster roll with wasabi shiso aioli or house-made sriracha butter and lemon zest. But the small portion eliminates regret. A morning standout is the Breakfast Bao: Bao bun, eggs, bacon, sautéed greens, and house-made yellow sriracha. And for dinner, omakase at the Sushi Bar is a must. Note: Nobu fans will be pleased to find brand classics on the menu such as black cod miso, and at the elegant bar, the Nobu Sidecar with Japanese Whisky, Yuzu, and Torres Magdala.
While guests are more than invited to explore the Rancho Mirage and Greater Palm Springs area, there is really no reason to leave the Sensei property, which is tucked away, incognito, in a neighborhood of classic Palm Springs, mid-century modern homes. It’s a desert oasis like no other, and if you’re like me, you’ll want to spend every minute possible within this posh sanctuary.
Sensei is about wellness and renewal. It’s about personal growth. And it’s most definitely about rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. It’s not as if I did not already know that increased exercise, less screen time, and smaller pours of wine might result in better health and better sleep. It simply helps to be reminded. And when that reminder is delivered by a Sensei experience, the impression is deep, soulful, and more than memorable.
Sensei Coachella Valley Hiking Retreat: January 16 – 20, 2025
From famed national parks to historically significant ancestral lands, Sensei invites guests to explore awe-inspiring terrain on its first Coachella Valley hiking retreat, designed for intermediate and advanced hikers. Over four nights during a holiday weekend, venture through two trails in Indian Canyons, above Joshua Tree National Park and into the Colorado Desert for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Under the direction of Sensei Guides and with cultural insight from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, fuel a passion for nature while gaining unique perspective on this bucket list locale. Off-trail, relax and prepare for the days ahead with restorative spa treatments, private wellbeing 1:1s, and curated activities with like-minded adventure and wellness enthusiasts.
Photos courtesy of Sensei Porcupine Creek, unless otherwise noted