Destinations: Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Leave No Stories Left Untold

Posted on by Ellise Pierce

Travel is a promise of stories waiting to unfold. It takes us out of our everyday and invites us to reconnect with our innermost selves and the world around us. No matter what type of traveller you are, exploring the tapestry of sights, sounds and flavours found throughout the Middle East and Africa will leave you with incredible new stories to tell. From curated wellness experiences and immersive excursions that showcase an area’s rich culture and traditions to adventures that take you outside the ordinary, these distinctive properties offer a range of dynamic experiences as unique as the destinations themselves, delivered with the legendary service and attention to excellence Four Seasons is known for. Not sure where to start? Here are some of the expertly curated experiences you’ll find throughout this incredible region.

Journey into the untold

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Underwater image of woman wearing long-sleeve white bathing suit and snorkeling gear swimming through the water

The waters surrounding Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island are home to some of the best diving sites in the Seychelles, including coral outcroppings flourishing with marine life.

Blue-walled exterior of Yves Saint Laurent's Moroccan villa

Walk in the footsteps of Yves Saint Laurent on a private tour of the Moroccan home he shared with Pierre Bergé, the Majorelle Garden and Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, followed by a bespoke meal back at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech.

Natural immersion

These experiences tap into the beauty of the natural world and open up a fresh perspective on an area’s history and culture.

Explore above and below the water in the Seychelles

Whether you want to try your hand at surfing, reeling in a Yellowfin Tuna or are curious to see the vibrant underwater world up close, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island invites you to immerse yourself in tropical wonders. The experts at the Resort’s Castaway Centre can craft a custom itinerary filled with all kinds of water adventures suited to your preferences, seamlessly mixing thrilling excursions with tranquil moments of awe.

Wander through Yves Saint Laurent’s blue gardens in Marrakech

Lose yourself in the labyrinthine, palm-covered passageways at Jardin Majorelle, the garden adjoining fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s former home. The garden is a mélange of rare tropical and flowering plants as well as ancient, storeys-high cactuses. The terra cotta buildings, all painted in the same electric blue by the previous owner, bring the landscape to life – appropriate for the city that Saint Laurent said introduced him to colour. A private tour of the home he shared with Pierre Bergé and a guided visit to the adjacent Musée Yves Saint Laurent follows, then a tailor-made, YSL-inspired dinner back at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech.


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Explore the dunes and dine at a traditional Bedouin camp on the Royal Safari Private Experience available at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre.

Escape to the desert for a day in Dubai

Watch the sandy desert unfold before you from the back seat of a vintage 1950 Range Rover, driven by your private guide at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the UAE’s first national park. After a thrilling hour-long desert safari, your next ride – a camel – is already saddled and waiting for you. Afterwards, you’ll take in a falconry show and a four-course dinner at an authentic Bedouin camp to round out the incredible Royal Safari Private Experience, available exclusively at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre.

Explore the beauty of the natural world

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The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay provides a romantic setting for wellness offerings such as the Couple’s Escape treatment and the Night Spa.

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A mountaintop meditation session starts your unforgettable day in Pella, a historic village located two hours from Four Seasons Hotel Amman.

One-of-a-kind wellness and self-discovery

Rejuvenate your body and mind with experiences designed to promote relaxation, self-reflection, and spiritual or personal growth.

Have the spa all to yourself in Bahrain Bay

The middle of the night always brings an air of mystery. The Night Spa package at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay kicks off an hour before midnight with a 60-minute massage next to the Spa’s elegant tile-bottom pool. Sparkling wine and chocolates follow, along with having the space all to yourself for a full hour. If romance is on your mind, this is just one of two different couple’s packages that help set the stage for love. Your other option? The Couple’s Escape treatment starts with an aromatic steam and full-body scrub and ends with an aromatherapy massage, after which bubbles are served.

Nourish body and soul in Pella

Pass rolling hills and scenic valleys as you make your way north from Four Seasons Hotel Amman en route to the historic village of Pella. A welcome ceremony followed by a mountaintop meditation session with a shepherd and his sheep immediately connects you with the unique energy of this spiritually charged archaeological site that has been continuously inhabited for 6,000 years. Enjoy lunch at the Marsam, learn about dream weaving from a local artisan, practice some art therapy techniques and then reflect on it all during a private yoga session at sunset.

Find a new kind of balance

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Two people walk around the exterior of National Museum of Qatar

See the best of the city on the curated Heart of Doha tour from Four Seasons Hotel Doha.

Felucca boat sails down the Nile River

A ride in a traditional felucca down the Nile River is the perfect way to end your day in Cairo. The team at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza can arrange for a private sail.

Exclusive opportunities for cultural engagement

Experience some of the world’s most iconic cultural sights through private, individually curated moments you’ll never forget.

Observe ancient and modern worlds in Qatar’s capital

Experience all that Doha has to offer with a curated day of the city’s top sights, a roundup of nature, shopping and art all curated by the experts at Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Your morning begins with a leisurely drive along the Corniche with your private guide and a stop to admire the ultramarine waters at Katara Beach, often called the prettiest beach in Qatar. Pick up a handwoven rug at the Souk Waqif, the city’s bustling marketplace that sells everything from spices to strands of pearls, then wind down your day learning about the area’s rich heritage and culture at the Museum of Islamic Art and the futuristic, Jean Nouvel–designed National Museum of Qatar.

Dine beside the world’s most famous monuments in Cairo

As the sun sets over the Great Sphinx and the majestic Pyramids of Giza, the first course of dinner arrives in your private tent. Both the view and customized dinner are spectacular, even more so after spending the day with your private tour guide learning about the history of these 7,000-year-old monuments, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After dessert, a traditional Tanoura dance show makes for another sweet treat. For an even deeper appreciation of Egyptian heritage, have the Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza arrange for  personalized itinerary for you to to explore the markets, grand palaces and cultural centres of the city, culminating with a mesmerizing felucca ride down the Nile River at sunset.


Exterior of Alexandria National Museum

Let Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria arrange for behind-the-scenes access to some of the cities most intriguing museums.

Marvel at royal gems in Alexandria

The riches of the Muhammad Ali dynasty are on glittering display as you take a private evening tour through the grand halls of the Royal Jewellery Museum, filled with the priceless jewellery of Egypt’s royal family. As you make your way through the newly restored, 19th-century royal palace, your expert guide reveals the stories behind magnificent these royal artefacts. This extraordinary experience is available only at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano.

Get to know new cultures

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The Desert Thrills Safari at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach offers a desert adventure like no other.

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Journey to the edge of the world on this unique excursion curated by Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.

Unlimited adventure

Get to know your more daring side with activities that take you beyond the ordinary.

A desert safari for thrill-seekers in Dubai

The Desert Thrills Safari from Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach starts with some invigorating dune bashing, an always unpredictable SUV ride across constantly shifting dunes with plenty of stops, starts and slides. After that, you’ll hop into a dune buggy for a different kind of tour across the landscape. Sandboarding and a camel ride follow, and to wrap it all up, you’ll enjoy a curated international dinner served in a traditional Bedouin tent.

Walk to the edge of the world in Riyadh

Set off from Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre on an afternoon drive through the Arabian Desert and make your way to one of Saudi Arabia’s most magnificent natural wonders: the Edge of the World. This 1,131-metre (3,710-foot) cliff juts out of the desert floor and offers an unparalleled vantage point. Gaze out onto the endless horizon, spotting samar and acacia trees dotting the valley as well as towering mountains carved by time. As the sun begins to set, the whole landscape is drenched in shades of gold, orange and pink. A simple dinner filled with local flavours follows as you take in the magic of the desert at night.

Extraordinary adventures await

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Three people stand over a grill seasoning vegetables

Join a chef for the Creole Cooking Class at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita and learn how to make some of the island’s signature dishes.

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Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca invites you to go behind the scenes of Pâtisserie Bennis Habous on a private tour to see how their famous cornes de gazelles are made.

Culinary explorations

There’s no better way to get the true flavour of a place than through its cuisine. These experiences serve culture and history by taking you into the kitchens and restaurants that reflect its taste.

Learn how to cook Creole-style cuisine in Mauritius

Snip some fresh herbs growing in the Cotomili herb garden at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita and then step into the kitchen with a chef for a Creole Cooking Class to learn how to make some of the island’s signature, bold dishes such as rougaille: a classic, tomato-based comfort food that’s usually made with dried fish and herbs such as garlic, ginger, curry and chili. After you’ve created your own Creole dish, savour it with a glass of wine, expertly paired to make those flavours sing. You can also opt for a chef-prepared picnic on the Resort’s grounds, served after a short hike tailored for you by the fitness team.

Tour the city’s top bakery in Casablanca

Taste the famous cornes de gazelles at Pâtisserie Bennis Habous tucked away in the Quartier Habous, and learn how this four-generation family bakery has made a name for itself in Casablanca and beyond. Your private tour, arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca, will take you behind the scenes and into the kitchen to see how these traditional Moroccan cookies, made from almonds and orange water, are shaped by hand. Afterwards, enjoy your cookies with a glass of sweet mint tea on the terrace of the nearby Cafe Imperial.

Indulge in new flavours

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Scuba diver swims through a coral reef

Help the coral reef in Petite Anse bay grow stronger during this hands-on educational experience at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles.

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Learn the art of basket weaving and Hadab making followed by a session on stone masonry in Umm Qais, a historic village located north of Amman.

Make a positive impact

Make a positive impact by giving back to communities in your destination. Through experiences aiming at education and preservation, you’ll work with those dedicated to keeping their traditions and ecosystem alive.

Help restore coral reefs in the Seychelles

Alongside marine education and conservation specialists from WiseOceans at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, you’ll learn about a coral reef’s importance as part of the ocean’s ecosystem. Then you attach your own rescued coral fragment to a steel frame just off the shore of Petite Anse Bay. As the fragment grows bigger and stronger, you’ll receive updates on its progress.

Work alongside locals to conserve their culture in Umm Qais

Join locals for a day in the hilltop town of Umm Qais – located just a couple hours from Four Seasons Hotel Amman – in their efforts to conserve hallmarks of their ancient culture. You’ll weave your own basket and make hadabs with the older women still making the traditional Jordanian headdress by hand, and create “seed bombs” of wild za’atar, and learn about its ecological and medicinal significance. With each activity, you’ll work alongside those who are keeping their traditions alive for future generations.

Give back to the community

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Design Meets Innovation in Bahrain Bay

Posted on by Jennifer Murphy

How do you create a space that feels like home but still has an undeniable sense of place? To start, you marry local architecture and heritage with beautiful modern interiors, says Nicolas Roux, founder of celebrated London design firm Rive Gauche. Here, Roux shares how he and his team created a design narrative at Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain Bay that tells a story about both local culture and contemporary living.

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Q: Craftmanship, best-in-class materials and luxurious finishes are hallmarks of your projects. How did you use them here to create a sense of place?

A: The design truly pays homage to the exquisite craftsmanship that you find in the traditional Bahraini architecture. The ceiling, for example, was crafted from fibre plaster using a century-old technique to create very intricate details and motifs. And we brought a focus to the amazing local pearl resources famed across Bahrain by using mother-of-pearl inlay throughout the design in a variety of ways. We also used a lot of beautiful marble across the floors, walls and architraves, and a Guatemala green verde stone to reference the deeper colours from the spice markets.

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Q: Bahrain has such a rich architectural heritage. How did you incorporate elements of that into the design?

A: We brought the region’s existing architectural motifs into the interior details very subtly. For instance, if you come into the main entrance and look up at the ceiling, you’ll see a bespoke cornice which we reinterpreted with more traditional detailing. We also focused heavily on volume and space. Over-scaled doors and large, thick architraves, just like the traditional palaces in Bahrain and across the Middle East, remind residents where they are at every turn. Those references create another dimension to the interior and bring depth and meaning.

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Q: How did the landscape influence the interiors?

A: The desert and milky sky of the region informed the neutral and warm base palette, which we then combined with the deep, rich blue of the sea and the red, ochre and green colours of spices from the market.

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Q: This property has an oasis-like setting right on the water. How did you bring the outdoors into the design?

A: The Residences are surrounded by water, and you can arrive by boat to the jetty and enter through the lavish landscape. When we looked at the design and arrival experience of the residents, we wanted huge double-height windows across the breadth of the property so we could bring the outside in and give the full effect of being connected with nature. We wanted to incorporate a very green landscape providing a luxurious background for the residences, which would feel safe, restorative and connect back to nature.

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Q: What were some considerations when designing the public spaces?

A: All of the common areas, which are solely dedicated to the residents, become almost an extension of their private residence. Downstairs in the residents’ public space, you have various areas: a multifunctional room for events, a cinema for parties, a lobby room for meetings, and a gym with double-height windows offering views out onto a green landscape. There’s a lot of flexibility as to how residents can use the spaces. It’s almost a combination of family home and a five-star hotel.

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Q: You often speak about the importance of creating emotion in a residence. Can you give an example or two of how you did that at Four Seasons?

A: It’s important that owners feel relaxed, that this is a space where they can feel at home. We created a big, open living area, which is not typical of homes in the Middle East. The design itself is very calm and soft, and we used bright pops of colour to evoke happiness. Overall, it’s a calming, grand, luxurious space. As you walk through into the residence, the tones become warmer. We also used a lot of natural handmade plaster with a number of layers, texture and patterns, so as you walk through and get close to the walls and touch the furniture, those textures create an experience and an emotion.

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Set in a private waterfront enclave in the heart of the capital city, Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain Bay features an exclusive collection of 112 bespoke residences, including 98 spacious apartments, eight duplexes and six penthouses, all surrounded by sweeping views of Bahrain Bay, the iconic Bahrain World Trade Center and the Manama skyline. Along with access to residents-only spaces such as manicured gardens, a sunlit infinity-edge pool, a well-appointed fitness centre, an intimate residents’ lounge and a private cinema, owners will also have the full spectrum of services and amenities from the neighbouring Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay within easy reach.

Want to take a closer look? This virtual tour offers an exclusive peek inside.

See what it’s like to live with Four Seasons

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World Class

Posted on by Heather Greenwood Davis

During a recent trip, my sons gingerly made their way through the rice paddies at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai as a guide pointed out the long grasses in the waters around their boots, the sounds of the resident buffalo in the distance carrying across the still air. As we walked, our guide explained how the animals and the farmers work together, and how much land is required to create a bag of rice we’d purchase without a thought at a supermarket back home. Later, we sampled the product: In a cooking class, the executive chef showed the boys how to make mango sticky rice and other tasty Thai dishes. We headed home with recipes, a new appreciation for a dinner staple, and knowledge of another culture and way of life.

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Our visit to Thailand was just one stop on our family’s trip around the world. Without class curricula, we let the journey school our sons. We learned new languages at playgrounds and restaurants, explored conservation efforts in wild spaces, tested our math skills while figuring out currencies, and practised reading with signs at museum exhibits.

Over the past year, terms like “remote schooling” have become a part of many families’ vocabularies. But for us and other avid family travellers, learning has always been a part of the adventure. Every trip we’ve taken has taught us, kids and adults, something new. As we look forward to future journeys together, here are some of the exciting opportunities offered by Four Seasons to help us learn about – and from – local destinations and people.

WILD OCEAN ENCOUNTERS

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Who needs a biology classroom – or a playground – when your family can explore the incredible marine life that surrounds Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México? As part of its “Schoolcations” program, marine learning activities for kids include an expert-guided whale-watching tour, a sea foraging excursion and the chance to assist with the release of olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings.

At Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, families (including kids as young as 9) can keep an eye out for sea turtles and other marine life – including migrating humpback whales, in season – during a private outrigger canoe paddle. Championship-level guides teach you the basics and show how this ancient tradition continues to play a role in Hawaiian culture.

In a new partnership with WiseOceans, and with a new Resort marine biologist and educator, Louise Sabadel, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is now more certain than ever to appeal to conservationists of all ages. Snorkelling the calm lagoon and reef is an easy way for multiple generations to discover local underwater life together.

STAYING FIT AND FOCUSED

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Healthy bodies and healthy minds go hand in hand, so learning a new skill that strengthens physical and mental muscles is good for the whole family. At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, kids as young as 4 can learn the traditional art of Thai kick-boxing (muay thai) from a professional boxer. Every member of the family will enjoy gazing out over the gulf from a hilltop ring, practising this sport that promotes flexibility, strength and coordination.

On the flip side, sometimes it’s important to concentrate on quiet minds and calm spirits. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, kids age 6 and older can develop both. Board a dhoni boat together and sail over to the Island Spa, where children can relax with treatments all their own, including oil blending, nourishing seaweeds, or yoga on land or sea. “Kids are never too young to learn the importance of self-care or the role of nature in our well-being,” says Spa Assistant Manager Angelica De Leon. “Our children’s treatments all include an educational aspect.”

And it’s easy to turn a sport your child already loves into a teachable moment. At Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, sign your student up for a one-hour golf lesson with PGA professional Rod Cook, the Resort’s Director of Instruction, to learn different golf skill sets like chipping, putting and driving. Afterwards, explore the science behind the sport: Director of Golf Maintenance Stephen Tucker will explain the winning formula of water, fertilizer and care that goes into keeping the course in prime condition.

ARTS, CRAFTS AND CULTURE

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From a fairly young age, many kids have had some exposure to ancient Greek mythology and culture. In Athens, a visit to local museums will show them how important pottery remains are to the archaeological record and our modern understanding of the era. Bring the stories to life and engage kids’ hands-on creativity with pottery lessons at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.

Prefer your art in 2D? Learn about Italian artists and the techniques used in their work when you try your hand at reproducing pieces by legends like Raphael and Caravaggio. The exclusive collaboration between Four Seasons Hotel Milano and the Pinacoteca di Brera museum includes a sketchbook, colouring kit and private tour options. “The children who participate are captured by the colours, by the thousands of stories that the paintings tell,” says Pinacoteca di Brera Deputy Manager Alessandra Quarto. “They are totally fascinated; they sit on the floor and listen, observe, draw.”

Or make art that takes to the sky: At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Nevis, on-site kite experts will help kids build their own creations to soar high and challenge others. Kites play a cultural role in both destinations; spring brings kite competitions in Nevis, and summer in Bali is the time to watch locals battling it out in the skies with kites up to 5 metres wide.

Inspire any budding chefs in your family with a hands-on French culinary experience ­– starting with a drive to Versailles to see the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, kitchen garden—with the Hotel’s Michelin-starred Chef Simone Zanoni. Or book a family lesson in Vietnamese cuisine at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An. The skills kids learn here from an expert chef, such as rolling rice paper, can add spice to mealtimes back home.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE

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For kids, history books can be boring. Interactive activities bring the facts more vividly to life in experiences the adults can share. Pay a lantern-lit evening visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, exclusively arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, where you’ll learn about the first U.S. president and explore spaces that aren’t open to the general public. “Mount Vernon looks like it was frozen in time during Washington’s life—it is truly living history,” says Concierge Supervisor Michael Chase. “No tour is duplicated from one family to the next; the guide tailors to the ages and curiosities of the children.”

At Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, a local expert will guide you on a walking tour along the Pearling Trail in the old city of Muharraq, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a glimpse into its history and its pearling traditions. Pair it with a family snorkelling or diving trip to search for fresh wild pearls.

If the legend of El Dorado has caught your children’s interest, a visit to Bogotá’s Museo del Oro is in order, and a helicopter tour over Lake Guatavita, arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, can add a sense of place to the fabled city of gold. The lake was a sacred site for the indigenous Muisca civilization, where chiefs threw offerings including gold to the gods; the story grew into the myth of El Dorado.

For the ultimate adventure, the Four Seasons Private Jet may be just the ticket: The first family-friendly journey, African Wonders (December 28, 2021, to January 9, 2022), includes stops in seven countries and a visit to one of the world’s most compelling historical sites, Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, with expert guides and special access. It’s just the type of experience to inspire your children’s love of learning, and your favourite family memories, for years to come.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your adventures take you next?

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A New Season in Napa: Fall Fashion
Inspired by Wine Country

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

California’s Napa Valley is ideally suited for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes: The region offers a sunny, warm climate; good drainage; and volcanic soils that add an earthy, rich complexity to its wines. At the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, where the vineyard is protected by the Palisades mountains and oak-covered hills, world-class winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and his team at the on-site Elusa Winery have carefully designed and planted it to intensify the grapes’ flavour. Take part in the winemaking process, from harvesting grapes to blending and ageing the wine, or learn about Calistoga’s unique terroir during a tasting session – the Resort provides the most complete grape-to-glass experience in Napa.

“The moment guests step foot on the property, they are welcomed into an extraordinary wine country oasis,” says General Manager Mehdi Eftekari. “Awe-inspiring views of the vineyards and Palisades Mountains are an idyllic backdrop to enriching experiences at TRUSS Restaurant + Bar and Elusa Winery. In guests’ suites, the vines are mere inches from their terraces and balconies.”


The dramatic scenery of North America’s wine capital – and the Resort, set to open later this year – also provide an idyllic background for the season’s most stylish new fashions. The looks pair perfectly with the Resort’s natural colour palette, rich textures and easy elegance.

Explore Napa Valley with Four Seasons

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The Resort spreads across 22.5 acres (9 hectares), offering dramatic scenery and viticultural discovery at every turn. It’s a natural hideaway for relaxation and indulgence, framed by picturesque forests and majestic mountains.

Left to right: On Julia: Genny top and skirt; Alexander McQueen boots. On Miki: Reem Acra dress. On Breanna: Valentino gown, Sethi Couture earrings.

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Make the most of Napa’s idyllic setting with a swim in the Resort’s two outdoor pools – the adults-only pool overlooks the vineyard, while the Resort Pool features shallow splashing areas that are perfect for families. Or celebrate the sunshine with elevated Napa cuisine at the modern TRUSS Restaurant + Bar or Cal-Mexican favourites at open-air Campo Poolside.

Left image, left to right: On Julia: Stella McCartney dress and boots; JYE ring (index finger); Sethi Couture ring (middle finger); Guess bag. On Miki: Gucci cardigan, jumpsuit and sandals; Wolford undergarments; Alexander McQueen clutch; Fabergé necklace and rings. On Breanna: Alyson Eastman dress; Chelsea Paris shoes; Tiffany & Co. necklace; Grace Lee ring (index finger); Katkim rings (ring fingers); Vhernier pink gold and jade bracelet; Sethi Couture bangles (near hand); JYE bangle (near sleeve). Right image: On Breanna: Reem Acra dress; JYE earrings.

Taste the Flavours of Napa

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Elusa winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown is celebrated for his non-interventionalist approach, letting the vineyard’s character shine. It’s a style that has paid off: Renowned wine critic Robert Parker Jr. has awarded him 23 perfect 100-point scores for his Cabernet Sauvignon projects over the past decade.

Left to right: On Breanna: Chloé coat, skirt, top and boots; Adeam earrings and ring. On Miki: Chloé poncho; Partow dress; Michael Kors Collection skirt; JYE ring (right hand); Vhernier ring (left hand). On Julia: Chloé jumper and skirt; Brunello Cucinelli boots; Sethi Couture necklaces, rings and earrings.

Savour Napa Valley wines

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Spa Talisa celebrates Napa’s rich vineyard heritage with treatments incorporating grape seeds – long recognized for their potent antioxidants and skin-pleasing polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Try an exfoliating scrub of sugar and grape seeds to give your skin a soft, luminous glow. “Spa Talisa is rooted in Calistoga’s 150-year history as a wellness destination,” says Eftekari. “Guests can enjoy holistic treatments and private patios, or head to the steam decks for a locally-inspired steam experience.”

On Breanna: Gucci jacket, vest and trousers; Tory Burch ring.

Relax at Spa Talisa

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Century-old olive trees dot the Resort, adding character to the rustic yet elegant ambience indoors and out. Acres of vineyards, farmhouse-chic villas and romantic private terraces: It’s California wine country at its finest.

Left image: On Breanna: Brunello Cucinelli dress and cardigan; Katkim earring; Sethi Couture band (left hand) and stacked rings (right hand); Tiffany & Co. ring (middle finger). Right image, left to right: On Breanna: Dolce & Gabbana jacket, skirt and earrings; Akris top; Dior sunglasses. On Julia: Prada dress, top and stole; Tory Burch necklace; Katkim earring and rings (index and middle fingers); Grace Lee ring (index finger); Aaron Basha ring (right hand) and beaded bracelet; Vhernier gold and carnelian bracelet; Dior pearl necklace worn as bracelet; Stella McCartney sunglasses. On Miki: Altuzarra dress; Tory Burch top; Dior scarf; Max Mara head scarf; Dolce & Gabbana earrings; Alexander McQueen sunglasses.

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The Resort’s Vineyard Barn – with lofty beamed ceilings and prime views of the vines – is a coveted venue for weddings and events. Say “I do” in the vineyard, or gather with friends and family for a dinner party in The Cork Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the winery.

Left image: On Miki: Chanel coat, boots and earrings; Grace Lee ring (index finger); Sethi Couture rings (middle finger). Right image: On Julia: Harry Winston earrings, necklace, brooch, ring and cuff; Marina Moscone pajama shirt.

Photographer: Eric Ray Davidson

Stylist: Julie Matos

Assistant Stylists: Alyson Eastman and Johanna Houska

Makeup: Karina Moore

Hair: James Harris Jr.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will you explore next?

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Reconnect With the World:
How Travel Can Transform Your Outlook

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

Human brains are hard-wired to connect. It’s how we learn about the world around us and how we learn about ourselves. And in the series of moments that make up our lives, it’s moments of genuine personal connection that shine the brightest. This is never more true than when we travel.

For Jessica Nabongo, writer, entrepreneur and the first Black woman to visit every country in the world, making those connections is one of the most important and cherished parts of her journey not only throughout the globe, but through life.

“One question I ask people a lot is, what makes you happy?” Nabongo says. “Whether I’m talking to royalty or if I’m talking to someone who has nearly nothing living in a village, the messages remain very, very similar. It’s all about our personal relationships.”

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The daughter of Ugandan immigrants, Nabongo has been travelling internationally since she was 4 years old. In 2008, she left her corporate job and moved to Japan to teach English. She ended up living abroad for seven years, with stints in London, Benin and Rome, before returning to her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. But in 2017, with 60 countries already under her belt, Nabongo decided that she would set out to visit every single country in the world and share it all on Instagram under the handle @jessicanabongo. Two years and 136 countries later, she accomplished her record-breaking feat.

 


Recently, she connected with Florence, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and centre of the art and culture of the Italian Renaissance, during a visit with Alicia Miller Corbett – editor of Four Seasons Magazine – to record a podcast sharing more about her personal journey and perspective on connection.

At Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, centuries of history lie within reach in the Hotel’s expansive private garden – the largest in the city. Originally planted in the 15th century and filled with statues, fountains and a small Ionic temple, the garden retains its ancient beauty and charm. After a stroll under centuries-old trees and a Michelin-starred dinner garnished with views of iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Nabongo could maintain the Renaissance mood in her guest room, where frescoes and original architecture bridge the gap between their time and ours.

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Explore With Your Heart

Deep in the Tuscan countryside, Giotto, a curly-haired Lagotto Romagnolo, goes sniffing through the woods in search of the elusive truffle. His owner, Luca, is close by. About an hour’s drive from Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, this truffle-hunting expedition offers Nabongo a rare glimpse into the rural heart of the region, both through the bucolic scenery and, later, through the cuisine. “To learn so much about the history of truffles, and to learn about it through [Luca’s] clear passion for it, it was such an amazing experience,” she says.

Explore Florence with Four Seasons

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Extending an exploration beyond the major cities is one of the best ways to get know a new country. And for Nabongo, experiencing a destination is much more than a change in geography. “I think even beyond going outside the main cities, it’s about how you explore any place you visit,” she says. “My passport into a country – my entry point – is always the people.”

What happens if you don’t speak the language? No problem, says Nabongo. Her philosophy? “I speak with my heart and not with my mind.”

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Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Whether you’re worried about travelling alone, visiting certain countries or even sampling the street food, Nabongo always encourages people to leave their fears at home. “I would say that my travel philosophy is to travel without fear. And to travel with positive energy,” she says. “I always say positive energy coats my stomach, because I’ve never had food poisoning!”

It’s true that one of the easiest ways to connect with a new culture – and with new people – is to sit down for a meal. In Florence, it could be a four-course gourmet meal designed by the Hotel’s Michelin-starred chef and served on the famed Ponte Vecchio – an experience available exclusively to Hotel guests – or standing in line with the locals for an order of trippa or lampredotto at one of the city’s ubiquitous food stands. Either way, being open to new foods and new people doesn’t just satisfy your body, it satisfies your soul.

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“I’m constantly living outside of my comfort zone. I think my comfort zone is discomfort,” Nabongo says, laughing. “Even beyond travel, my life philosophy is to live fearlessly – and live a life without limits.” By documenting and writing about her travels, she hopes that her journey and everything she shares can help inspire people to move past their limits, whatever they may be. “Because for me, I feel like I’ve created the life that I want to live,” she says. “And I feel that the reason I was able to do that is because I realized everything that I need is already inside of me.”

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Redefine Your Idea of Home

Connections, expected or unexpected, can help inform how we interact with the world. And that can ripple out beyond us. A friendly encounter at a restaurant may inspire you to recommend it to a friend who’s visiting the same city. A conversation with a tour guide or fellow traveller might change your itinerary for the better. Or a new dish or drink is shared with you and you in turn share it with your family back home.

Nabongo can think of many of these moments that have impacted her throughout her travels, particularly when it comes to hospitality. “I think that hospitality comes from the experiences that I’ve had because so many strangers around the world have welcomed me into their home and cooked me meals,” she says. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve made sure to sort of perfect how I’m welcoming people in my home. And honestly, it’s also redefined my definition of home. For me, now, home is in people. Yes, I physically live in Detroit, but I have homes in London, Accra, Dakar, Bangkok, Rome – I can think of so many places that I have homes because my people are there.”

To feel at home in the world. What more could a traveller – or a human, for that matter – ask?

Four Seasons Experiences That Can Inspire You to Connect

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At Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, you’re in the heart of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserve. Set out with a Maasai guide for an intimate look at the animals who call Africa’s stunning savannah home.

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See the wonders of the universe like never before at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. Join a world-renowned scientist for an astronomy lesson in the Hotel’s park – one of the top places for celestial observations in the French Riviera.

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Explore new flavours and take home a delicious souvenir during a cooking class at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. Shop for fresh ingredients in local markets with a Resort chef, then learn to prepare them during a hands-on lesson in traditional Thai cuisine.

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Tequila might be Mexico’s most popular drink, but mezcal is a close second. Set out from Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City for a day trip to Oaxaca to visit local distillers to see how this agave-based spirit is made, then try your hand at making your own.

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