Wellness and Escape Just a Short Drive Away
It’s rare to find a place that combines activity, wellness, relaxation, and reflection quite like Sensei Porcupine Creek. Located just a four-hour drive from Arizona’s East Valley or a breezy 25-minute ride from Palm Springs Airport, this luxury wellness retreat feels like stepping out of reality and into a dream. As the desert gives way to lush gardens and dramatic mountain views, you realize you're not just escaping town. You're upgrading your entire state of mind.
Beyond a Resort Stay
Between the scent of blooming jasmine and the iconic Robert Indiana sculptures scattered across the property, it felt like I had wandered onto the set of White Lotus, with less drama and better intentions. From the moment you arrive, it's clear that Sensei isn’t just about pretty views—though it certainly has those. Everything here is designed to help you realign and reset.
A Storied Retreat Reimagined
Originally developed in 2004 by billionaire Tim Blixseth, the 230-acre estate includes a private 19-hole golf course that remains one of its most unique features. In 2011, Oracle founder Larry Ellison acquired the property as a personal retreat. A meaningful shift followed the passing of a mutual friend shared by Ellison and renowned physician Dr. David Agus, inspiring a deep exploration into health, longevity, and purpose. The result is Sensei Porcupine Creek, which officially opened in 2022 as a luxurious, science-backed wellness haven.
Wellness That Walks the Walk
Unlike many wellness resorts that throw around buzzwords, Sensei lives and breathes its philosophy. You won’t find day guests or casual overnighters here. Every stay includes a minimum two-night wellness package grounded in the Sensei Way, which focuses on three pillars: Move, Nourish, and Rest. As mindset guide Per Erez puts it, “We’re all human beings in process, and these three pillars are the dovetail to your experience.”
Visitors are typically a mix of wellness aficionados, golf lovers, and other resort sport enthusiasts. Even when fully booked, the property feels serene and never crowded. Whether you're here for a couples escape, a girls trip, or a golf-and-spa weekend with friends, your journey is fully personalized and supported by top-tier experts. What is truly remarkable is the way your preferences are remembered throughout your entire experience. Mention one thing in passing, such as your favorite tea, a dietary note, or how you like your yoga mat set up, and somehow, everyone seems to know. It’s hospitality at its most intuitive.
Movement with Experts
Mornings might begin with yoga beneath the San Jacinto Mountains, while afternoons could include a private strength-training session or guided meditation in a garden pavilion. Every movement experience is led by world-class instructors, many of whom train elite athletes and celebrities—who themselves are often guests at the resort. The combination of environment, energy, and expertise turns each session into something meaningful and memorable. A tailored yoga session with Michelle Ostermyer was the best I’ve ever experienced; her deep knowledge of movement and physiology was unmistakable. Mindfulness and meditation coaching from the incredible Amy Kuschel helped unlock a new level of self-awareness and peace.
Spa Serenity Like No Other
This isn’t your average spa escape. At Sensei Porcupine Creek, every treatment begins with a personal consultation and unfolds into a fully customized experience. I chose the signature Cocoon Experience, which left me feeling deeply relaxed and almost reborn. The therapists are among the best in the world, and it shows in every thoughtful, therapeutic touch. It’s no surprise the resort earned a coveted spot on Vogue’s 2024 list of the 100 Best Spas Worldwide. After one visit, you’ll understand exactly why.
An Exclusive Golf Experience
Previously reserved for presidents, foreign dignitaries, and Hollywood insiders, the golf course remains breathtaking and extremely exclusive. Even now, a busy day on the course might mean a single foursome. Access is only available to guests staying as part of a wellness package. Rates are $950 during peak season and $650 in the off-season—making it one of the most coveted tee times in the country.
Where You Stay Matters
Sensei Porcupine Creek offers three types of accommodations: Estate Rooms, Casitas, and Villas. The Estate Rooms feature soaring ceilings and large windows that connect you to the desert landscape, all within walking distance of the resort’s amenities. Casitas offer private patios with heated spas tucked around a quiet courtyard for added privacy. The Villas, ranging from two to four bedrooms, are spacious standalone homes with full kitchens, fireplaces, and stunning mountain and golf course views. Luxurious bedding, spa-like wooden bathtubs, and heated Japanese shower toilets in every washroom make the stay truly exceptional.
Culinary Wellness to Remember
When world-renowned Nobu meets wellness, the result is nothing short of unforgettable. At Nobu by Sensei—yes, that Nobu—every meal is a celebration of flavor, balance, and artistry. With a rotating seasonal menu, locally sourced ingredients, and stunning presentation, dining here feels both indulgent and deeply intentional. One of the highlights of my stay was a lively, intimate dinner with Head Sushi Chef Masuno and Chef Bradford. Their creativity, warmth, and storytelling turned every bite into an experience I’ll never forget.