Rest, Retreat and Regenerate
Author:Lindsey ShookScience and technology are the driving forces behind Sensei Porcupine Creek
Nestled on a 230-acre private estate in Rancho Mirage, Sensei Porcupine Creek is the perfect desert destination to enjoy museum-quality art installations, world-class wellness programming and overall luxurious hospitality. Founded by technology powerhouse Larry Ellison and world-leading physician and scientist Dr. David Agus, the Sensei concept began with a mission to inspire longer, healthier lives through knowledge, purpose and intention. “Sensei brings a unique perspective to the wellness industry, as we seek to cut through the noise,” says Sensei Porcupine Creek’s general manager Julie Oliff. “We steer clear of the latest trends and rather explore health and well-being through science and technology—as well as empowering guests to learn how to truly understand their health data to better serve them in the future. While science and data may not sound buzz-worthy, it’s what we find our guests want and need to help move the needle. We then couple these principles with ultra-luxury offerings and best-in-class service at our retreats.”
Design and architecture play a key role in the Sensei mission. Reflective of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains, the retreat features Estate House rooms flooded with natural light, Casitas with private outdoor heated spas and expansive villas that serve as home-away-from-home sanctuaries. Every space is carefully designed to create a warm, elevated and distraction-free environment—ideal for focusing on personal growth and restoration. “The spaces are neither clinical or sterile, but rather beautiful oases that bring nature into all corners,” Oliff notes. “A calming design creates an environment where guests can hone in on themselves without the distractions of home or the outside world.”
The expansive, lush grounds—once closed to the public—are now a haven for reflection, connection and discovery, offering guided hikes, outdoor yoga, sculpture gardens, meditation pavilions and spaces designed to bring the outdoors in. “We have offerings such as museum-worthy art—with pieces from Keith Haring and Robert Indiana—garden spaces that allow guests to connect with nature, showstopping food from Sensei by Nobu, and other offerings that help create a 360-degree experience that uplift the entire visit above the typical resort setting,” she says.
Sensei Porcupine Creek’s wellness programs are based on data-driven research, combining wearable technology, expert guidance and one-on-one coaching. Signature packages like the Optimal Wellbeing Program integrate personal health data from Whoop bands to shape individualized wellness paths, from sleep optimization to movement coaching. Guests can explore a curated daily schedule or opt for complete flexibility in how they design their retreat.
In a rare and exclusive collaboration, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Dr. Agus merge culinary innovation with nutritional science at Sensei by Nobu, the retreat’s signature restaurant. Available only to guests, the dining experience balances indulgence with intention, offering signature Nobu dishes alongside nutrient-rich options and a dedicated Nourish menu.
Unlike other wellness destinations that follow fleeting trends, Sensei Porcupine Creek is built on timeless principles of preventive health, scientific integrity and personalized care. The retreat’s calming design, science- based wellness and ultra-luxurious setting sets it apart as one of the most thoughtfully curated wellness retreats in the country.