By: ERIN MICHELLE NEWBERG
Located at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Sensei Porcupine Creek may be the most exclusive, 22-room oasis of renewal and wellness you never heard of.
The genesis of Sensei Porcupine Creek, founded by the tech magnate and Silicon Valley billionaire Larry Ellison and Dr. David Agus, a world-leading physician and The New York Times best-selling author, was as tragic as it gets. Brought together by the loss of a close friend, the men resolved to build a resort motivated by their shared goal: to help people live longer, healthier lives.
The Sensei Way, is a highly personalized, evidence-based, three-pronged approach to wellness that invokes the tenets of movement, nourishment, and rest, is the guiding principle at the core of the experiences at the resort. For those with limited time, a three-night program is a popular option; a five-night stay incorporates a wearable device for monitoring health biomarkers. For a comprehensive reset, guests can embark on a sabbatical lasting a minimum of 30 days. The five-night program also offers a dedicated tennis or golf option. The golf experience ensures players never encounter others during their tee times, and to maximize time well spent, lunches are delivered by GPS golf carts to the specific hole played. The tennis courts mirror the quality of those found at another Ellison property, the nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden, renowned as the venue for the BNP Paribas Open. The property also boasts two plexipave surface courts and one Har-Tru (clay) court.
Once titled Rancho Mirage Estate (AKA the former residence of Larry Ellison) this remarkably secluded sanctuary spread across 230 acres has become the preferred “hush” retreat for the ultra-high-net-worth crowd, who are focused on longevity and wellness. The 22 rooms, split into Estate Rooms, Casitas with patios and heated spas, and two- and four-bedroom Villas with full kitchens, are crafted with expert finesse and sophistication. All units share cohesive design elements featuring light woods, modern aesthetics, luxurious teak Ofuro tubs for deep soaking, and abundant natural light. The overall sense of serenity is further enhanced by strategically placed waterfalls throughout the property and ponds adorned with either lily pads or graceful swimming koi.
The culinary philosophy at Sensei Porcupine Creek revolves around the concept of balance and nourishment. Every meal, where the culinary expertise of acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa complements the nourishing menu crafted in collaboration with Dr. Agus, delights the palate and contributes to overall well-being. Drawing inspiration from the principles of traditional Japanese cuisine and incorporating locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, each dish is a masterpiece crafted with precision and care, Sensei Porcupine Creek also offers immersive culinary experiences designed to educate and inspire. Guests can participate in hands-on cooking classes led by master chefs.
Sensei Porcupine Creek proudly showcases a world-class collection of sculptures and artworks within the lush estate grounds. The property boasts acclaimed pieces by artists such as Robert Indiana, Keith Haring, Jaume Plensa, David Ellis, Nancy Lorenz, Valeria Nascimento, Visarute Angkatavanich, Lita Albuquerque, and others. This impressive array also integrates the talents of local California artists like Audra Weaser, Cari Guerin, and Katlin Evans, along with a diverse selection of Japanese pieces by artists such as Yoshimoto Nara, Shiryu Morita, Kokuta Suda, Kazuhito Takadoi, and Mikio Watanabe. This amalgamation pays homage to the estate’s Japanese-inspired design while embracing its California roots.
Located just 30 minutes from Palm Springs Airport, Sensei Porcupine Creek is the second property in the Sensei portfolio. This heritage estate joins Sensei La-na‘i, a Four Seasons Resort, its sister property on the island of La-na‘i, another one of Ellison’s holdings. | sensei.com
