An Escape Like No Other: Sensei Porcupine Creek

Nestled in the heart of the desert in Rancho Mirage, California, Sensei Porcupine Creek is a topical oasis. The minute you drive through the large wooden gates set below the backdrop of the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains, you are instantly transported into a lush paradise. This hidden gem, which opened its doors at the end of 2022, is Sensei's second location and first standalone property. Once the private estate of Larry Ellison, it now stands as an exclusive wellness retreat, where luxury, serenity, and personalized service converge. The experience feels more like staying in Ellison’s grand estate—intimate, luxurious, and spell-binding—rather than a hotel. After a long weekend here, I can honestly say that Sensei Porcupine Creek is the closest I’ve ever come to Utopia. 

ARRIVAL AND AMBIANCE:

As the gates open, and you leave the real world behind you, it is instantly apparent that every detail has been meticulously curated to create a sense of peaceful seclusion–and as you pass Ellison’s personal collection of art with large colorful ascending numbers every 15 feet by Robert Indiana,  the scene only becomes more intriguing. Though the grounds were once invite-only, the property still maintains its air of intimacy and prestige, with only 22 rooms – a mix of estate rooms within the main house and standalone villas, like the one we stayed in (Villa #3), are thoughtfully scattered across a landscape teeming with diverse flora. At one point, I was so inspired by the vibrant greenery that I began taking photos with the hope of sharing them with my landscaper back home. 

Upon entering, you are greeted by the soothing sounds of nature and the sight of stunning landscaping that mirrors the aesthetic of Sensei’s Hawaiian property on Lanai. It's as if a slice of Lanai has been transported to the California desert, creating an effortless fusion of tropical tranquility and desert beauty.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The rooms at Sensei Porcupine Creek are the epitome of understated luxury. Each space is designed with impeccable attention to detail, from the perfect room lighting that adjusts to the time of day (and is also operable through a smart device by the bed), to the heavenly shampoo and conditioner from Uni, snacks curated in a drawer to your liking ahead of arrival— like our favorite Olipop sodas (I wouldn’t be surprised if they saw I was a small investor in the brand and placed them just for me)— the most comfortable bed, soothing shower pressure, Toto heated seat toilets, a portable stereo system with a lamp that can be taken outside for night walks, Saito Wood trash cans (never thought I would take a picture of a trash can), fresh tropical fruit–all were incredibly understated and intentional touches to make each stay as comfortable and rejuvenating as possible. 

I filled out a pre-arrival questionnaire a few days before arrival, and one of the questions asked about my favorite snack. To my delight, bars of dark chocolate from Sol Cacao were delivered to my room pre-arrival, along with a handwritten note from their manager and a curated itinerary, which had interwoven my interests from the questionnaire. Every personalized detail was a testament to the thoughtful luxury that permeates every aspect of the estate. 

EXCLUSIVE AND INTIMATE

One of the most appealing aspects of Sensei Porcupine Creek is its exclusivity. The property is accessible only to guests, ensuring a private and serene environment. The absence of children under 16 further enhances the peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for adults seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I took my husband for Father’s Day weekend–a treat for us both(!)–and rest assured, it was the perfect best Father’s Day weekend treat we had both ever indulged in.

Despite its grandeur, the estate feels remarkably intimate. Guests are free to explore and enjoy the property as if it were their own, from the art garden and golf course to the various relaxation areas. The sense of freedom and privacy is unparalleled, making it easy to forget you’re staying at a hotel and not a private estate.

WELLNESS AND ACTIVITIES

Sensei Porcupine Creek is not just about luxury; it’s about transformation. I left armed with new knowledge, books I’m excited to read (Dr. David Agus’ “A Short Guide to a Long Life” is also complementary in every room), podcasts I listened to on the way home (Dr. Huberman and Levels co-founder Casey Means), and feel so much more in touch with my wellbeing and areas I’m looking forward to optimizing. The wellness programs here are designed to rejuvenate the body and mind, offering a variety of rotating classes that cater to different aspects of health and well-being. From mindset refresh sessions to yoga goals and sleep improvement strategies, each program is tailored to help guests achieve their personal wellness objectives.

Guests can choose an introductory two night package, but I personally would opt for the three or  five-night packages to maximize your R&R. Nonetheless, each package includes a dedicated guide who provides personalized attention and support throughout your stay. Even if your schedule doesn’t allow for a full guided experience, a session with a wellness expert can offer a glimpse into the holistic approach that defines the Sensei philosophy. Below are the ones I tried.

PRIVATE GOLF LESSONS

We opted to take a private golf lesson during our stay, which turned out to be a masterclass in precision and patience. With just my husband, our instructor, and me on the course, we spent 45 minutes hitting balls and refining our swings under expert guidance. Our coach’s tips were not just insightful but effective in boosting our confidence with each shot. 

To top it off, we challenged ourselves on the steepest hole on the course. Its dramatic elevation changes made every swing an adventure. That 15th hole is 217 yards of exhilaration and intimidation, an epic drop-shot par 3 that plummets 220 feet off the tee to a wildly sloping green. It's the climax of a memorable round that's one of the most exclusive and expensive in golf.

PERSONAL TRAINING

After catching a glimpse of the gym's sleek, state-of-the-art facilities, I couldn't wait for the personal training session in my schedule. It was a completely private experience—just me and the trainer, with the whole gym to ourselves. The session was tailored specifically to my goals, offering personalized exercises that pushed my limits in the best way possible. I left feeling invigorated, but will admit that the soreness lingered for the rest of my trip.

MY WELLNESS SESSIONS

The true value of a stay at Sensei Porcupine Creek lies in its ability to refresh both body and mind through their wellness sessions. These experiences are designed not only to relax and rejuvenate but also to impart practical knowledge and habits that guests can incorporate into their daily lives. Whether it’s techniques for improving sleep, strategies for achieving personal goals, or methods for maintaining a balanced mindset, the lessons learned here have a lasting impact.

The personalized nature of the wellness programs imparts focused knowledge and tools for when the vacation bliss inevitably ends, tailoring individual needs to each guest. It’s a holistic approach that goes beyond the typical spa experience, offering a path to long-term well-being.

MINDSET 1:1 WITH BIOMARKERS:

I met with Per Erez, a yoga teacher with 34+ years of teaching under his belt, with certifications including C-IAYT, CHSE, RSME/Ta. His presence is calm and assuring, and his voice resounds with wisdom.  We chatted in the beginning about my goals, after which he customized three types of mediation for me, monitoring my HRV through a device clipped onto my ear (just like an earring). Per used this biofeedback to dial in my respiratory cycles, capacity for visualization, and emotional attunement qualities. I learned that these facets can enhance not only my meditative practices but also my mindset, especially for stress management. 

During my experience, I found that heart breathing, or visualizing my chest expanding and contracting with my favorite color, was most effective in giving me the best HRV (range in inhalation and exhalation and consistency)–a tool I will take with me for the rest of my life (and will think of Per!) I’ve been wearing an Oura ring over the past three years, so having this type of feedback validated as far as what gets me into the “zone” fastest was invaluable.

MASSAGE

The custom massage I booked was absolutely heavenly, offering an incredibly private and serene experience. From the moment I lay down, the therapist's expert hands worked their magic, easing stress and soothing my muscles. Although the setting lacked a full spa with amenities like a sauna or steam room, the personal and attentive service more than made up for it. I walked out feeling noticeably less stressed than when I arrived.

YOGA PRACTICES 

My yoga session, also led by Per, was a serene escape that perfectly complemented the rest of my active schedule. The class was more of a yin and restorative style, focusing on deep stretches and relaxation rather than intense poses. It felt like a gentle reset for both body and mind, leaving me in a state of calm and balance. The tranquil setting and Per's soothing guidance made it a rejuvenating highlight of my trip, providing the perfect counterbalance to the physical demands of my workouts.

DINING AT NOBU

Sensei Porcupine Creek boasts the world’s only private Nobu restaurant, an exclusive dining experience reserved solely for guests. The dining room and adjacent sushi bar offer the same exquisite menu, with dishes that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. Every bite at Sensei’s Nobu is designed to be savored and if it weren’t so beautiful, you’d want to eat with your eyes closed. 

The experience is further elevated by the impeccable service, with staff on call to cater to your every need, making you feel like the esteemed guest in a grand home. The sushi bar, open for dinner, provides an intimate setting where you can watch the skilled chefs at work, turning fresh, high-quality ingredients into edible art. We chatted with our sushi chef the entire omakase dinner, where one bite kept being more exquisite than the last. The hotel never feels busy–only one other familiar-faced guest was sitting next to us–Devi Brown, who just so happened to be good friends with my husband’s friend. Great company, great food— a memorable dinner indeed.

I ate Nobu’s incredible food for 3 days, yet left feeling sad about not trying every dish on the menu.  Dinner here is more than a meal; it's a dance where food is the music, each bite a perfectly orchestrated note that delights and surprises. (This was actually a line that one of our servers delivered.) The staff are incredibly poetic, thoughtful, and deeply educated on every aspect of Sensei’s holistic well-being philosophy.

CONCLUSIONS

Sensei Porcupine Creek is more than just a luxury hotel; it’s the getaway that reminds you how to indulge wholesomely, while realigning with yourself. Where else can you engage in daily wellness programs and exquisitely feast on Nobu at night?   Here, you will find a place where the lines between hotel and home blur, and where the focus is entirely on you.

As fall approaches and the desire for a restorative getaway grows, this is the perfect place to retreat, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you’re looking for that “treat yourself” stay or a comprehensive wellness retreat, Sensei Porcupine Creek will not disappoint on the luxury and mindfulness front. I’m already eyeing my calendar to see when I can go back–it could not come sooner.