At Tech Tycoon Larry Ellison’s New Sensei Resort, Wellness Becomes a Science

Nestled in the Santa Rosa mountains of Southern California, overlooking a lush green golf course, the city of Rancho Mirage unfolds beneath me. The setting sun casts a pink and purple hue over the Colorado Desert, while the air remains still, interrupted only by the crunch of pebbles beneath my feet. For the first time in years, I feel no pain in my right foot.

I’ve arrived at Sensei Porcupine Creek, a new wellness retreat founded by physician and author Dr. David Agus and Silicon Valley mogul Larry Ellison. The 230-acre estate was once Ellison’s private property, and the resort opened in November 2022 as Sensei’s second location, following the Sensei Lānaʻi, a Four Seasons Resort on Lānaʻi, which Ellison owns 98 percent of. At Porcupine Creek, the Sensei brand takes the spotlight, offering guests a highly personalized, science-driven approach to wellness, supported by certified professionals in nutrition, relaxation, and physical therapy.

My experience at Sensei Porcupine Creek marked my first venture into the wellness retreat world, leaving me uncertain about what to expect—what does wellness truly entail? Here, at least, wellness embodies the synergy between physical and mental health; one cannot exist without the other. After a hiking mishap years ago, I sustained an injury that hindered my ability to walk long distances for weeks. I stubbornly pushed through, but now, a persistent ache in my foot and hip flares up when I’m on my feet too long. With Sensei’s dedicated team of experts, guides, and physical therapists, perhaps I can find solutions for this long-standing issue—and ideally emerge feeling more balanced, rested, and centered.

Prearrival

At Sensei, the journey to healing commences before guests even step foot on the property. During my visit, I took part in the Guided Wellness Experience, a three-night package that encompasses lodging, two spa treatments, and two consultations with Sensei specialists focused on areas like mindset, yoga, fitness, or nutrition. A couple of weeks prior to my arrival, I received a survey asking about my habits and dietary preferences, as well as my focus for the retreat—whether it be nourishment, movement, or relaxation. Following that, Sensei contacted me to discuss my selections and establish the goals for my stay. While I had a specific aim (alleviating my ankle pain), many guests arrive with broader aspirations such as enhancing mindfulness, nutrition, or even improving their golf game. The pre-trip questionnaires are designed to fine-tune these personalized plans, and with a dedicated team of experts, Sensei is equipped to cater to all needs.

Checking in

As I drive through the wooden gates, I am greeted by a beautifully landscaped setting adorned with sculptures by renowned artists like Keith Haring and Robert Indiana—many sourced from Ellison’s personal collection—surrounded by palm trees and vibrant bougainvilleas. In homage to the original Sensei in Hawai‘i, tiki torches light the area surrounding the main estate and pool. However, unlike Sensei Lānaʻi, which offers 96 guest rooms, Sensei Porcupine Creek hosts only 22 suites, ensuring an exceptionally private experience. Among these, ten are spacious hotel-style rooms within the estate house, along with four standalone one-bedroom casitas and eight villas that feature multiple bedrooms. All accommodations boast large walk-in closets, Toto washlets, and plush beds with fluffy duvets that invite guests to linger a bit longer. Completing the luxurious offerings are an 18-hole golf course, three tennis courts (two hard and one clay), and a spa, all of which are exclusive to Sensei guests.

On my first day, I meet Dr. Tegan Reeves, a PhD in psychology who serves as my primary guide for any inquiries during my stay. After discussing my goals from the pre-trip consultation—specifically, my desire to alleviate pain in my right foot—she has me step onto a SECA body composition analysis machine. This device measures body fat, muscle mass, weight, and hydration levels. Although Reeves reassures me that weight is not a focal point at Sensei, the results reveal some insights into my foot issue: the muscles on the right side of my body are heavier and more developed than those on the left. Could this muscle imbalance be contributing to my discomfort? She promptly notes this for the physical therapist to provide additional guidance.

While Sensei Porcupine Creek embraces a science-based approach to wellness, it is not a place where guests must adhere to a calorie-restricted diet or abstain from alcohol and coffee. Instead, it encourages indulgence. Guests can enjoy not just one, but two Nobu restaurants on-site: the Sushi Bar and Sensei by Nobu, which features a menu crafted by Nobu Matsuhisa and Dr. Agus, focusing on health and wellness. Some classic Nobu dishes, such as the renowned black miso cod, are available. If dining out isn’t appealing on any particular night, room service allows you to enjoy these delights in the comfort of your suite.

I spend my day unwinding at Sensei’s spa, adorned with Mediterranean tiles, where I enjoy my first Thai massage (they really stretch you in all directions, don't they?). Following this, it’s time to meet the resort’s physical therapist for a foam rolling session. Even foam rolling is approached scientifically at Sensei, and I've become a firm believer in its benefits. Physical therapist Nick Russo explains that fascia, a network of connective tissue, holds our muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs together. Over time, fascia can become stiff, and foam rolling can effectively release these tight spots. Russo suggests that my stiff fascia, along with the overuse of the right side of my body, may be causing my foot pain. At the end of the session, he provides me with a lacrosse ball to regularly massage the soles of my feet to help ease the fascia tension.

With my fascia now more relaxed, I embark on a winding hike along Sensei’s private trail that meanders through the Santa Rosa mountains, intersected by paths made by bighorn sheep. After years spent in the overwhelming crowds of L.A., it’s a breath of fresh air to have this outdoor sanctuary all to myself. Without the usual discomfort in my foot, I can truly appreciate the surroundings: the tranquil air, the delicate desert blooms pushing through the sandy earth, and the sheer solitude of the trail. Feeling present, pain-free, and equipped with a lacrosse ball to maintain my comfort, the link between mental and physical wellness is as evident as the clear Rancho Mirage sky before me, aglow with the fading sunlight.

Getting There

Sensei Porcupine Creek is situated in Rancho Mirage, just a 20-minute drive from Palm Springs Airport. However, many travelers heading to the Greater Palm Springs area typically fly into Los Angeles International Airport, which is about a two-and-a-half hour drive away, depending on traffic conditions.