Sensei Porcupine Creek: A Real Life Mirage in Rancho Mirage

After a three-day wellness program visit to Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage, California, I can honestly say that the bar for health retreats was set incredibly high. I’ve visited many stellar “health retreats/spas” over the years (Rancho La Puerta is a favorite that comes to mind), and this one is right up there in the stratosphere. Owner Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle and the fifth richest human on the planet (according to Forbes magazine), really got it right, as he has done elsewhere.

To begin with, the team of folks who work here are beyond stellar. You will be coddled – and then some. Even the warm toilet seats (in your room/villa as well as in public bathrooms), go up and down automatically. 

“God forbid my seat doesn’t go up when I go home,” quipped a lovely OC woman who was decamped in a villa for several weeks. 

Programs are cutting edge and the amazing food, a collaboration between Nobu and Sensei co-founder Dr. David Agus, features Nobu favorites along with “special to Sensei dishes” on the breakfast, lunch, and dinner “nourish” menus. The restaurants are for hotel guests only, unlike Nobu in Indian Wells. 

Sensei is pronounced “sen-say” –  which is a name for a teacher/master but that commands respect. What was once Larry Ellison’s house is now maybe not a home, but home to high paying guests willing to shell out $2k a night+++ for divine food, massages, facials, classes, other add-ons, hotel taxes, etc. You won’t have to mingle with the riff raff – and guests of guests are rarely allowed on property. 

First impression? Disneyland for lucky adults who care about fitness, relaxation, and damn good food. The impression stayed with me throughout my three-day “Guided Wellness Experience.”

Alice in Wonderland

Upon arrival, the guard at Sensei Porcupine Creek’s gated entrance suggested I roll down my windows, drive slowly, and drink in the views. Upon first impression, the 230-acre resort set in the desert is surprisingly verdant. There’s greenery everywhere, as well as waterfalls and creeks. Plants even drip off casita room rooftops! 

Just 22 dreamy rooms and villas and no crowds are the norm. From the fascinating conversation about “Mindset” with the thoughtful and inquisitive Trevor, age 30 – to chit chat with my fav restaurant staffers Sarah (who offered menu suggestions) and amazing waiter, Jerry – this solo traveler felt most comfortable, and very much “at home.”

Welcome to Sensei

A delish welcome drink, property tour (it’s easier to conquer than initially appears) and my first exercise class – which turned out to be a one-on-one since there were two no-shows, was an interesting and gentle stretch and roll with one of my guides, Austin, to get the driving kinks out of my bod. Austin was also my guide the following morning, as well as on my departure for a delve and review into the “who, what, and whys” of my well-being persona (exercise, rest, nourish is the Sensei mantra) – all part of the three-day program. Trevor, my “Mindset guide,” and I shared an enlightening and creative hour together discussing innovative approaches as to how to enjoy exercise. 

Noshing at Nobu at Sensei

If you love Nobu restaurants (there are over 50 throughout the world now thanks to Robert De Niro teaming up with Matsuhisa Nobu (I covered Nobu Malibu Ryoken and restaurant in my last column, see Feb 15-22 issue of MJ), you will be rolling in sushi and Japanese cuisine heaven. 

There are two restaurants onsite – the Sensei by Nobu dining room (indoor and outdoor seating) and the cozy sushi bar. Both are in the main building, called the Estate House, and flank the living room. 

I had originally planned to have my first supper in the dining room, but thought I’d have a better chance of meeting other guests if I ate at the sushi bar. I found myself sitting next to a congenial couple on a repeat love fest who shared tips with this newbie.

I devoured a few pieces of sushi, the Nobu huge green salad with sesame miso dressing topped with crispy shitake mushrooms, a divine nori taco – caviar and guacamole (yes, you read that correctly) and two little miso cod lettuce cups that were just the perfect amount to leave room for the molten Valrhona chocolate lava treat with sorbet served in a lovely lacquer box. 

The second dinner was yet another tasty salad, grilled salmon and a mix of mushrooms, asparagus, and grilled onions. The black bass was a work of art. I felt so healthy I splurged on the amazing date cake served with crème fraiche sorbet: calories be damned!

“Best meal I’ve had in 22 years living here in the desert,” said my friend, the Contessa, AFTER she was properly vetted and passed the litmus test and joined me for a fantastic Nobu dinner.

Lunch the day I arrived was served in a lacquered bento box; nutty tasting roasted buckwheat “soba cha” tea is my new addiction. A jidori egg hot pot breakfast dish – soufflé-like eggs cooked in a pot and topped with a dollop of caviar and sour cream – was the cat’s pajamas.

Spa/Play/Love anyone?

If you like spa treatments, exercise and meditation, these indulgences are offered in droves. Wall yoga (LOVED this – where do we have this in our town?), fascia warmups, and sound baths? You betcha. Want to play golf or tennis? Yup. Explore the property in a golf cart? Go for it. Borrow a Tesla to tool around the desert? Just show your auto insurance. 

The living room is an especially congenial setting when everyone is dressed alike while waiting to be called for spa treatments.

“Where’d you get your outfit?” teased one gentleman guest, wearing his identical-to-mine, awesome and roomy kimono-style natural linen robe that can be purchased ($400) at the gift shop. I soooooo long for one of these.

I indulged in an amazing massage by jet-setting, chatty Topher (who works here, and in Aspen) and an equally fantastic 90-minute facial – that went by way too fast.

Silent Slumber

My tranquil and spacious room had a private outdoor jacuzzi, set amidst the sounds of a nearby manmade waterfall. 

There was so much more to this delightful escape, but if I told you everything, there’d be nothing left to surprise you. So save up your pennies from heaven and discover for yourself how heavenly the Sensei experience is. It’s truly worth every hard-earned (or inherited) penny… and then some.  

For more information on the luxurious Sensei Porcupine Creek. 42765 Dunes View Rd, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Call (855) 961-0077 or visit https://sensei.com/retreats/porcupine-creek/

Hot tip: If you’re a desert rat, check for the occasional “local’s special” rates from time to time.