by Anna Nordberg, Sunset Special Projects Editor

It's been gray and rainy in the Bay Area, which makes me want to write about beaches—in particular, island beaches. And yes, I know the Four Seasons is to budget accommodation what a Krispy Kreme donut is to my pre-holiday diet, but for special occasions, I find there are few brands with more consistent service and quiet luxury.

For our own recent special occasion (an anniversary), my husband and I spent Labor Day at the Four Seasons Manele Bay, in Lanai, a tiny Hawaiian island within striking distance of Maui and Molokai. 

PHOTO:  Holupo'e beach at the Four Seasons Lanai, Manele Bay (Courtesy of the Four Seasons).

This was our first time to Hawaii, and many of our friends thought it odd that we skipped over Maui and Oahu to stay on a postage-stamp former pineapple plantation with no stoplights. But long sunny days with nothing to do is exactly why people go to Lanai.

The island, and the Four Seasons, didn't disappoint. We did exactly one activity the whole time we were there—surfing. The rest of the time we read on the beach or on the balcony of our room. And every time we went to the lunch cafe or ordered a glass of guava juice, we were greeted by name (I find it's hard to resist a hotel where everyone at least pretends to know who you are). 

PHOTO: The pool at the Four Seasons Lanai, Manele Bay (courtesy of the Four Seasons)

There are two Four Seasons on Lanai, the upland, plantation-style Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay property, where we stayed. Hotel connoisseurs give the slight edge to Koele, which is indeed stunning, with its lush gardens and understated English grandeur. But if I'm flying six hours to an island, I want to stay at the place that's a three-minute walk from the beach. Period.

PHOTO: An oceanview room at The Four Seasons Lanai, Manele Bay (Courtesy of the Four Seasons)

PHOTO: The Lodge at Koele (Courtesy of the Four Seasons)

While the Four Seasons has resisted the rate slashing of other luxury brands, even it has bowed to economic reality—a little. For the shoulder season (until Dec 18), the hotel is offering a promotional starting rate of $295, and if you book three nights at the regular rate (from $445), your fourth night is free. Not exactly a bargain, but then again, your 40th birthday or silver anniversary only comes once.

Book it: from $295 through Dec 18; fourseasons.com/manelebay

Plan your trip: Want to learn more about Hawaii? Here are our top picks for what to do on Kauai, Maui, and Oahu, and the Big Island. 

Talk to us: Have a favorite hotel in Hawaii? What luxury hotels do you think are worth the splurge?