Larry Ellison, who is listed by Forbes as the third-wealthiest man in America and as the fifth-wealthiest person in the world — and the richest Jewish businessman with a fortune of $56.2 billion — bought 98% of the Hawaiian island Lanai back in 2012 for $300 million.
Now 97% of the island’s hotel rooms are out of commission as part of Ellison’s grand plan to make Lanai “the first economically viable 100% green community.”
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The 201-room Four Seasons in Manele bay will close temporarily on June 1st for at least three months. The 102-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai the Lodge at Koele, will reopen in the fourth quarter of 2015.
With just 11 rooms, the historic Hotel Lanai, the only other hotel on the island, is about to be the only lodging game in town. Ellison bought that hotel last year.
Lori Holland, Director of Public Relations for Four Season Resorts Lanai, speaking about the improvements, told Road Warrior Voices:
“A number of enhancements have already been unveiled including new restaurants, redesigned guest rooms and suites, high-end retail stores, a renovated clubhouse and spa, native Hawaiian landscaping, the addition of a luxury transfer fleet and an exclusive airport lounge in Honolulu, paving the way for the resort to offer the highest standards of hospitality, highly personalized service and innovative enhancements to guests who appreciate only the very best.”
