The wellness-focused company, co-founded by billionaire Oracle chairman Larry Ellison and physician Dr David Agus, has outlined plans to launch a new ultra-luxury scheme in California.

This ambitious Sensei property involves the conversion of a 230-acre private estate into a retreat for immersive wellbeing programmes.

Immersive wellness in California

Following on from the success of Sensei Lāna’i, A Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii, the business has now signalled its intention to open a second location – and first standalone property – in Rancho Mirage, California. Sensei Porcupine Creek will provide innovative wellness programmes in a breath-taking setting against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa mountains when it opens in early 2022.

Interestingly, this will be the first time that the company has operated both the wellness facilities and hotel together.

The ultra-luxury retreat will feature several guestrooms in the former estate house, along with a number of private villas, and similar spa, nutrition, movement and sports programmes to those offered at its sister retreat in Hawaii. Curated packages will be based on the ‘Sensei Way’ of integrating health science into three wellness principles: move, nourish and rest.

“Sensei is a trusted source for immersive wellbeing, given we have best-in-class practitioners and our approach is rooted in science and research and backed by technology,” said Kevin Kelly, CEO of Sensei. “The guest’s stay is further enhanced by unmatched settings grounding people in a lush natural environment that becomes as much a part of the experience as the wellness programmes themselves.

“Our first retreat is located in Ko’ele, the spiritual uplands of Lāna’i. 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.”

A science-led wellbeing retreat

The brand espouses an evidence-led approach to wellness based on the latest research, with the intention of guiding guests towards pursuing healthier lifestyles. Sensei’s scientific ethos is led by Dr David Agus and supported by a team of practitioners and ‘Sensei Guides’.

At Sensei Porcupine Creek, these guides will work with pre-arrival specialists and sports performance coaches to tailor each guest’s itinerary, working towards helping them achieve their personal goals. The retreat’s programmes will include a curated selection of spa treatments, meditation sessions and nutrition consultancies, as well as daily hikes, yoga classes, golf and tennis.

At its second location, Sensei will also continue its partnership with Nobu to offer innovative wellness cuisine in a unique dining setting.

Sensei was established by Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of software giant Oracle, and Dr Agus, the bestselling author and regular CBS News contributor. The pair, who joined forces following the loss of a close friend, are motivated by a shared mission to help people live longer and healthier lives.

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