Destinations: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

The Wisdom of Water

Posted on by Ann Abel

Bathing isn’t just about cleanliness. From the moment we’re born, it becomes a ritual that bonds parents and children. And most cultures have ways of extending this practice to more people – siblings, friends, even strangers.

Traditions of “taking the waters” go back as far as the Neolithic Age. The Great Bath, for example, built around 2500 BC in what is now Pakistan, was probably used for religious purposes of purification and cleanliness.

Today, Russians still unwind in banyas, Japanese soak in onsen baths, and Eastern Europeans embrace the healing powers of mineral-rich water. One reason is obvious: It feels good.

But studies have also shown that settling into a nice bath can have health benefits. Exposing the body to different water temperatures and pressures can block pain receptors. And waters with mineral content are believed to soften the appearance of certain skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.

If you’re unaccustomed to public bathing, the idea of exploring this wellness-focused, communal activity can be intimidating. But don’t let that stop you.

“Not sampling the local bathing culture would be like not trying the local cuisine.” – Melisse Gelula, co-founder of Well + Good.

As for proper behaviour, common sense and good manners should stand you in good stead. If the room is silent, be silent. If it’s sociable, join in.

Still, sceptics should know that private, luxurious alternatives exist. Thanks to hotel spas that balance authenticity with customer comfort, these are more prevalent than ever before.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional experience or one that’s personal and private, these three different bathing cultures will flood you with desire to dip in soothing H20.

European bathing: Taking the continental waters

The Brittany coast of France.

Soaking in the sea is a simple – and scenic – way to relieve irritated skin.

Photography courtesy kotangens / Getty Images

The spa at the Four Seasons Prague

Before you begin any treatment at the AVA Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Prague (like a traditional Czech-inspired bath), take a dip in the Vitality Pool.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

The Roman Empire is long gone, but European aristocrats have enjoyed the privilege of wallowing in the restorative waters of thermal springs and the sea for centuries. You too can do as the Romans did – in Paris, perhaps, or a little old spot near Prague.

The Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary has been a popular resort since medieval times. Guests enjoy à la carte thermal soaks or stays at “spa houses,” where prescribed treatments are given in various vitality pools, saunas, salt rooms and caldaria (hot baths).

The new AVA spa at Four Seasons Hotel Prague – a two-hour drive from Karlovy Vary – also centres on modern versions of historical practices, says Spa Manager Claudia Santos. The name AVA, she adds, is Celtic for “water.”

Here, guests may soak in a private bathtub – overlooking Prague Castle – in the spa’s Couple’s Suite. To fill that tub, they may choose either mineral-rich water like the “miracle mineral water” of Karlovy Vary, sulphurous water or water with high iron content.

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

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Plunging into a hot spring isn’t the only way to go, especially if you’re fond of salt water. Therapeutic sea bathing got its start in the late 16th century, when various nobles such as King Henry III began vacationing on the Bretagne coast in northern France. In the 1800s, Empress Eugenie brought her court to summer in Biarritz, where they would take their dips, at prescribed times, in accordance with medical mediation.

Almost as early, scientific studies began to document its effectiveness at everything from accelerating the elimination of toxins to replenishing depleted calcium and phosphorus in the bones. And nearly everyone feels better after a swim in the sea.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, channels this healing power by incorporating algae and other sea minerals into its body treatments. This way you can time your own tides.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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Mediterranean hammams: Marble and clay

Interior of the Hammam (Baths), Mosque Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco

One of the joys of any hammam is its architectural beauty. Discover remarkable designs yourself in Turkey and Morocco.

Photography courtesy roevin / Getty Image

The spa inside Four Seasons Istanbul Hotel.

Guests at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus can enjoy a private hammam alone or with friends and family.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

In the Roman Empire, public bathing was not just for rinsing off the grit but also for socializing and conducting business. Later, in the Ottoman Empire, this excellent idea gave rise to the hammam, where bathing rituals are used to celebrate major life events like weddings and births.

Today, hammams can be enormous and bustling. Almost always, they’re separated by gender. When trying out a traditional hammam, it’s best to bring your own supply of Moroccan black soap, an olive-based, spreadable soap that leaves skin unbelievably hydrated. But most locations sell samples, along with sandals and towels.

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

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Four Seasons Istanbul and Four Seasons Marrakech offer hammams that are completely private.

At the centre is a giant marble slab, where guests recline and acclimate to dry or steamy heat, depending on the hammam. Meanwhile, they can look forward to an intense, full body scrub, which leaves skin feeling baby-soft. Traditionally, guests complete the scrubs themselves, or with help from friends or family.

“The hammam ritual is a venerated Moroccan tradition which has endured for centuries,” says Ouafaa Aboudya, the spa manager at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech. The Resort’s spa offers a luxurious, private version of the hammam and its signature scrubs designed for those who desire a calmer, less social experience.

The Resort’s ritual is performed in a steamy marble room full of Arabian lanterns, carvings and mosaics: A therapist gives guests the traditional black soap treatment with a mildly exfoliating kessa glove before applying a full body wrap of ghassoul (a naturally cosmetic clay) and argan oil, along with amber oil, sugar and beeswax.

Guests at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus can enjoy a similar experience. Unlike the lively traditional hammams, this one is fully private. Guests can savour exclusive moments by themselves, with a partner or with several friends. Here, therapists apply the soap with a kessa glove and then treat guests to a plush foam massage.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

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Japanese onsen: Soaking in peace


Japanese onsen

Step into a Japanese onsen to reconnect quietly with the natural world.

Photograph courtesy Shutterstock

The Japanese have relished silent, meditative soaking in the abundant natural hot springs of their volcanic country for millennia. Dogo Onsen, for instance, is believed to be 3,000 years old.

The heat, the tranquillity and the scenery give rise to a sense of awe at the natural world. But onsen (a word for either a hot spring or an associated resort), have also served as important social levellers; historical texts describe springs as welcoming peasants, emperors and gods.

Traditionally, etiquette is quite strict – for instance, tattoos are still banned from many public onsen, due to their association with criminal behaviour in Japan.

“Many people do not have a good impression of tattoos,” explains Mami Kumoda, the Guest Experience Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi. “They can intimidate people. Visitors might be unable to relax, which unfortunately defeats the purpose of visiting an onsen.”

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

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Before entering a public onsen, guests are required to sit on one of its stools, rinse off and shampoo their hair. During this process, Kumoda says, it’s important to enjoy the moment quietly, without disturbing others. It’s also important to wash away all shampoo before entering any onsen’s waters.

“Onsen and their surroundings should remain as untouched as much as possible,” she says. “Hot spring water should only be from nature. Surroundings, minerals, temperature and colour all count toward the feeling of being one with nature at the onsen.”

Despite being indoors, the onsen at the Hotel feels as if it’s a part of the natural world. “Natural light floods a dimly lit area in both the men’s and women’s onsen,” she says. “Guests are able to escape here from the realities of their busy day-to-day lives. It allows anyone a moment to breathe and mediate. You won’t get distracted by anything here.”

Ultimately, the onsen at the Hotel enhances the age-old tradition of hadaka no tsukiai (socializing while naked). “It’s not easy to become open-minded in many situations,” Kumoda says. “The atmosphere of this particular onsen changes that.”

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Around the World With Tory Burch

Posted on by Natalie Bogan Morgan

It’s hard not to be bitten by the travel bug when you grow up hearing stories of your parents’ journeys around the world. As a child, Tory Burch was enthralled with the adventures of her parents, Buddy and Reva Robinson, who for six weeks every summer set off by steamer ship for Morocco, Italy, France, Greece and beyond.

They instilled in Burch a desire to travel, explore and learn.

My parents raised me with the knowledge that the world is a wonderful place. The more you learn, the more you want to know. – Tory Burch

The designer hopes she has passed that same curiosity on to her three boys – twins Henry and Nicholas, and Sawyer.

While the demands of her growing global company have her travelling mostly for work, she carves out time as often as she can to go off the beaten path. This is often where she and her team find inspiration for the collection, known for its bold and modern use of colour and print. Read on to see how Turkish Iznik tilework, Paris café culture and Indian mirrors have influenced Burch.

Made in Marrakech

Burch’s love affair with Morocco stems from her childhood. The designer grew up listening to her parents recount fond memories of exploring Marrakech. The pair honeymooned in the ancient city and then returned year after year, bringing art and antiques found in the souks back to the family’s Pennsylvania farmhouse.

Moroccan tiles

Today when travelling, Burch and her design team fill their phones with images like this one – a splash of Moroccan tile they were drawn to because of its vibrant colours and dancing patterns. Photography courtesy Noa Griffel

Later, as Burch studied art history and started working in fashion, her expectations for the city grew. “It’s said that Alfred Hitchcock [was inspired to create] The Birds after staying at La Mamounia and hearing the crows every morning,” she says. “Matisse was inspired by so many of the country’s vibrant colours, which all filtered into his own work.” And, of course, the country’s mark on fashion is eternal, having been a sanctuary for Yves Saint Laurent.

Happily, Burch was not disappointed. “On my first, and every trip since, the city lived up to my imagination,” she says.

“Everywhere you go, there’s a hotel, store or street with a story about how the city, the people and the culture have inspired someone to create something unforgettable.”

Morocco’s brilliant Majorelle blue, especially when set against crisp white, has influenced colour combinations in the designer’s own collections. “And in one resort collection a few years ago,” notes Burch, “we translated a straw hat I found in a Marrakech souk into a conversation print we used on tunics, dresses and swimsuits.”

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

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En vogue à Paris

It’s fair to say that Burch owes a bit of her success to the City of Lights. After all, it was in a Paris flea market that she discovered the green floral tunic that inspired the Tory Tunic, a staple that’s been in every collection since Burch’s first season. More than a decade later, she continues to visit the iconic city to explore new places, while stopping by her long-time favourites including the Deyrolle, a 185-year-old curiosities shop, and Café Marly, which overlooks the Louvre.

“Paris never ceases to inspire me.”

“Just walking through the streets or sitting at a café, you notice the incredible Parisian sense of style,” says Burch. “It’s in the city’s DNA.” Burch’s Fall/Winter 2016 collection is evidence of her love for the city, having taken a cue from the café scene in Éric Rohmer’s 1972 film L’amour l’après-midi, where stylish women passed by the restaurant, each flaunting a unique look.

Tory Burch Fall Winter 2016 Runway Look

The Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2016 collection took inspiration from Éric Rohmer’s 1972 French film L’amour l’après-midi, which translated into a celebration of classic seventies sportswear on a New York runway. Photography courtesy Tory Burch

“On the runway, that meant that every look was different, whether through print, length or silhouette,” she explains. “But they all had the same subtle nod to great, classic ’70s sportswear.”

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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All eyes on Istanbul

“Istanbul is one of those cities where you can stand in one place, whether inside or outside and take in an extraordinary, 360-degree view,” Burch says. The designer opened her first boutique in the Turkish city in 2013, having visited once before.

“It’s magical – from the sultans and pashas to the mix of old and modern architecture, it has such an incredible history and culture,” she says. The self-admitted history and art aficionado appreciates Istanbul’s past, preserved in the city’s streets and buildings, as it blends with the area’s new, vibrant art scene.

“You don’t have to know anything about architecture to appreciate [it],” she says. “If I could go back in time and learn from the Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman artisans . . .”

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

“My design team and I have spent hours in the Blue Mosque, studying patterns and colour combinations,” says Burch. Photography courtesy Noa Griffel

Through the years, as Burch and her team spent time at the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace, the colours and graphics in Turkish tile work, textiles and architecture found their way into the collections. The designer is especially drawn to the “colourful florals of Iznik tiles, layered textures of Azerbaijani rugs, hammered copper accessories and tassels” found in the historic spaces.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

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Colour collision in India

“When I’m in India, I’m a tourist in the best sense of the word,” Burch says. “I want to soak up every second.” During her time in south Asia, the designer often fills her days exploring area temples, museums and shops, forgoing sleep in favour of immersion in the local culture.

Tory Burch in India

Inspiration abounds in India, where Burch appreciates the melding of culture and history. Throughout the years, her collections have been inspired by classic Indian patterns, embellishments and techniques she finds throughout the country. Photography courtesy Tory Burch

On one such whirlwind vacation to Rajasthan in 2009, Burch took an elephant ride to the grand Amber Fort, where she and her fellow travellers got more than they bargained for. “At the top, there were several young men who we thought were selling beautiful woven baskets,” she says. “Turns out, they were snake charmers.”

“When I’m in India, I’m a tourist in the best sense of the word. I want to soak up every second.”

Burch’s love for the country is clear in her clothing designs, though it’s hard to pinpoint what she finds most inspiring – the pace of life, the landscape of mountains and jungle, or the artisan details tucked into India’s historic architecture. “Every trip to India offers something new,” she says.

A Tory Burch Design Inspired by India Icon

Burch snapped the photo at left during a trip to India, capturing an intricately carved sculpture dressed in flowers. The icon inspired the design at right, a red floral appliquéd tulle dress. Photography courtesy Tory Burch

Faithful followers of Burch’s designs will recognise the classic Indian patterns, embellishments and techniques appearing on the company’s tunics and totes throughout the years. For example, she says, “The mirror-work details in one season reflected the ornamented rooms in the Sheesh Mahal.”

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

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Celebrating the past in Ginza

Though she spent a whirlwind week in Japan when opening the first Tory Burch boutique in Ginza, the designer admits that her stay wasn’t nearly long enough. “We packed a lot into a short amount of time, but we barely scratched the surface,” she says.

During her 2010 excursion, the designer explored Tokyo-area markets and temples, including the Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple where smoke from incense burners is said to bring good luck. “It’s a popular and spiritual place for young couples to get married,” she says. “I remember vividly seeing one young bride in a stunning traditional kimono.”

A few seasons ago, Burch found inspiration in a blue woven samurai suit she saw during this trip to Japan, which made its way into a collection of armour-tinged knits and patterns.

Japanese Samurai Suit

“It reminded me of the suits of armour my father and grandparents collected on their travels,” explains Burch, who captured the intricate detail in this samurai suit during a trip to Tokyo. Photography courtesy Tory Burch

On her next visit, Burch hopes to day-trip around Japan’s countryside, learning more about local culture and enjoying the cuisine.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

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Created in partnership with Tory Burch

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floral art installation at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

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Love Brings Everyone Together: Luxury Villa Holidays Around the World

Posted on by Kelly Neubeiser

There’s nothing like celebrating holidays around the world. It’s a way to reconnect with family and friends somewhere new and surprising, or to continue to make lifelong memories together in a place you’ve visited and grown to love. And with every detail being taken care of by Four Seasons, what better gift to yourself and your loved ones than a luxury villa?

Take your holiday to new heights by checking into a Four Seasons luxury villa. Each awe-inspiring villa is an inviting blend of unrivalled amenities and design that offers memorable experiences across the globe. From views of rare wildlife from your infinity pool in the Serengeti to private beachfronts in the Maldives, these villas bring the gift of travel to your front door.

Paradise for Two in Bora Bora and Mauritius

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A stunning palette of blues and greens, Bora Bora is a lovers’ paradise where turquoise waters kiss white sand beaches and tropical lagoons beckon. Admire all that this intoxicating destination has to offer from the One-Bedroom Deluxe Fenua Beachfront Villa at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. On a secluded beach featuring stunning views of Mount Otemanu, this spacious villa is the ideal place for couples looking to reconnect and recharge.

Find shade under towering coconut trees at your private pool. Or, after exploring the area on helicopter rides and exciting water excursions, retreat to a heavenly king-sized bed. Polynesian-inspired décor sets the scene for your island escape, and an oversized tub is the perfect place for a quiet hour—alone or together.

Bora Bora isn’t the only island escape that makes a perfect trip for two. The renovated Sanctuary Pool Villas at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita offer seclusion in a romantic setting.

Admire the lush private gardens and spread out in the roomy outdoor living and dining area, with enough space for four. Relax in your private, heated plunge pool, or read a book outdoors in the serene setting of your poolside daybed. From the beachfront Sanctuary Beach Pool Villa, take a stroll on the sand and look for tropical marine life. Watch the sun rise over the lagoon from the Sanctuary Ocean Pool Villa.

When it’s time to venture out, enjoy easy access to the beach, the Resort’s pools and its on-site activities, such as waterskiing, snorkelling and cycling.

Be Charmed by Marrakech

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Boasting four bedrooms, four marble bathrooms, traditional handcrafted Moroccan furnishings, spacious living areas, a private garden and an expansive pool, the exquisite Royal Villa at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is the solution to a cultural holiday with friends. On a private compound, the villa offers plenty of space and comfort to host and entertain close friends for a world-class Moroccan getaway. Venture from the elegant villa to the Resort’s lush gardens to take in an unforgettable sunset over the Atlas Mountains.

Beyond the Resort, captivating Marrakech beckons with vibrant souks, centuries-old landmarks and authentic dining experiences. Witness snake charmers and acrobats in the Medina’s bustling Jemaa el Fna city square before returning to the Royal Villa for a private poolside dinner party.

The Hole-in-one Villa in Punta Mita

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For many, golfing is a way of life. Fairways are second homes, and terms like birdie and bogey have a place in everyday conversation. Gather your fellow golf enthusiasts and embark on a trip for the love of the game to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

Book your group stay in the Coral Beach Home, the hole-in-one of holiday villas. With access to the Resort’s world-class courses, the villa, designed with Mexico’s rich regional style in mind, provides all the comforts of home amid stunning views of the Riviera Nayarit.

After a gourmet breakfast at the villa, make your way to either of the Resort’s two Jack Nicklaus–designed courses, where you can master challenging holes set against panoramic Pacific views. Tee off on the Bahia Golf Course, with its rolling fairways and greens, or sink a putt on the world’s only natural island green on the 81-hectare (200-acre) Pacifico Golf Course. Afterwards, discuss swings and strokes while relaxing on the villa’s private beach or soak sore muscles in its an ocean-facing freeform pool.

Detox and Recharge (Yourself) in Hangzhou

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In need of a digital detox from overflowing inboxes and endless video calls? Travel to the calming shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, China, where you can recharge yourself rather than your devices for a change. Lined with ancient temples and pagodas, serene forests and seasonal blooms, the lake is an inspiring blend of natural beauty and Chinese culture – the perfect place to forget any digital woes.

The best place to enjoy Hangzhou’s most enchanting attraction is from the magnificent Presidential Villa at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. This exclusive hideaway is ideal for those needing a secluded retreat from the buzzing working world, whether it’s a large family or a group of friends or colleagues. A private main entrance leads to the three-floor, Jiangnan-style villa, where three spacious bedrooms, modern comforts and landscaped gardens create the landscape for a worry-free holiday.

Sip on drinks from the villa’s elegant private bar, then settle in for a movie in the massive theatre room. If cycling West Lake isn’t appealing, get active at the villa’s personal gym or swim laps in the indoor swimming pool. After whichever activity you choose, spend a quiet hour in the sauna or venture to the Hotel Spa for a signature treatment inspired by Chinese tradition.

Connect with Nature in the Serengeti 

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Families or friends with an insatiable desire for adventure should set out on a Tanzanian getaway to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Here, embark on one of the Lodge’s air- or land-based safari experiences and witness the myriad animals at home in sprawling Serengeti National Park.

After an exhilarating day in the bush, come home to the grand Presidential Villa and reminisce on the sightings of the day from the villa’s private infinity-edge pool; views of a standalone watering hole mean you’re likely to spot more animals as they come to quench their thirst.

With three bedrooms, a full kitchen and a private gym, the authentic, thatched-roof villa provides ample space for large families or groups of friends to sprawl out and admire the rolling savannah. An exciting home base for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the villa also features around-the-clock butler service, ensuring your travelling companions’ needs are met.

Good Times for All in Koh Samui and the Maldives

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The most memorable vacations are spent with family and loved ones. For an escape with younger kids, head to the Family Pool Villa at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Little ones will love splashing around in the private infinity pool, and separate sleeping areas for children ensure a peaceful stay for parents in this Thai paradise.

Explore the Resort’s beach together for a sun-filled afternoon, or try one of the Resort’s family-friendly activities, which include cooking classes and beach sports and games. Kid-friendly spa treatments or the exciting Muay Thai for Kids programme will entertain little ones as you enjoy some adult fun: Take a private cruise to explore the Gulf of Thailand or enjoy a romantic picnic for two on a secluded beach.

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If you’re travelling with older children, consider a teenager-proof holiday to the Maldives. Stationed in the Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Bungalow with Pool at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, you and your family are just steps from new discoveries sure to keep teens interested and engaged.

In addition to the bungalow’s separated living areas, private pool and exclusive beachfront, older kids will also love the Resort’s action-packed activities. After waking up to ocean views at the bungalow, come face to face with aquatic animals at the Marine Discovery Centre or free-dive with rare manta rays. At the Water Sports Centre, there’s plenty of fun to be had windsurfing, snorkelling or kayaking, but it’s the revolutionary X-Jetblades and Hydro foils that will get adrenaline pumping and hearts racing.

Take Time with Friends in Bali

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There’s always time in your demanding schedule for a getaway with friends, and Indonesia’s most beautiful island is an ideal destination for your next much-needed retreat. Replenish and relax with a stay at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, home to a wealth of wellness offerings and the glamorous Two-Bedroom Royal Villa.

Step into your own island fantasy and enjoy lush gardens and an expansive pool just steps from the sea, as well as unmatched views of Jimbaran Bay from your sun terrace. Catch up over dinner made in your kitchen by a private chef, lounge around the villa’s expansive open-air space and lose yourself in the allure of Bali.

Venture outside the villa for some morning fun with the Play Eat Love combination that starts with a tennis game on the Resort’s world-class hard court followed by breakfast in the Spa Garden and a full body massage to cool down. For a more low-key activity, opt for the Nourish Your Spirit afternoon tea package that starts with a two-hour spa treatment before an exquisite three-tiered afternoon tea. Either way, you and your friends will end the day feeling detoxified and rejuvenated.

Trade the spa rooms for the sands of Jimbaran Bay during a night out at Sundara, Bali’s most chic hangout, which boasts handcrafted cocktails, music and glowing fire pits.

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Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake

Winter Vacation Ideas: Go With the Snow

Posted on by Kelly Bastone

Wintry weather hits the reset button for nature and for us. The sight of snow blanketing the landscape wipes our mental slate clean and inspires feelings of peace and stillness. That’s what makes snow-covered places special. Visiting wintry destinations – especially during festive season, when everything sparkles just a bit brighter and time spent with friends and loved ones feels just a bit more momentous – we can marvel at nature’s beauty while bonding with family and challenging ourselves with new adventures. No matter what season it is back home, Four Seasons can help you experience the full glory of winter.

Birds sit in the water of Lake Geneva with view of French Alps in the background

Natural splendour

It’s soothing to watch snowflakes through the windowpane, but winter reserves its true majesty for those willing to venture out into it. Join Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva on a private helicopter tour around snow-blanketed Mont Blanc, the Alps’ crowning peak at 4,810 metres (15,781 feet). “You’ll feel tiny,” promises Assistant Chef Concierge Benjamin Gartner. “And you’ll see a great overview of the Alps, a huge chain of white mountains that seems to go on forever.” Guests sometimes land on the peak’s shoulder, where a winter wonderland—from the Alps to Lake Geneva—unfolds at their feet.

Geneva’s lake is indeed a beauty in winter. When la bise noire blows, residents turn up their collars and marvel at the ice sculptures created by this humid wind. On calm days, anglers like to try their hand at fishing on the lake. In winter, with one-tenth of the usual boat traffic, fish stay closer to the surface. That means it’s the ideal time to catch perch and other prizes, which Four Seasons chefs can clean and transform into delectable dishes.

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Collage of snowy mountain peaks (left) and wildlife (right) in Jackson Hole

At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, guests watch wildlife with cameras in hand. Led by Jason Williams and his team of guides with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, you can spot elk, wolves, bighorn sheep and moose. At the National Elk Refuge, the winter home of 11,000 elk, visitors in horse-drawn sleighs glide within 6 metres (20 feet) of the herds. After a day with wildlife, follow Resort Astronomer Ryan Hennessy back outside to stargaze. His telescope offers an awe-inspiring perspective on winter’s silent nights.

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Dog sledding in Vali

Childlike delight

Every child loves to hide out in a “fort.” Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole caters to kids’ cocooning instincts with a full-size igloo built just for them. Children can’t resist burrowing inside to hang out on chairs made of snow. When it’s time for a snack, kids (and adults) are invited to an outdoor firepit, perfect for roasting marshmallows and stacking up s’mores.   

Find fun for all ages in Vail

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Kids of all ages enjoy strapping on snowshoes and striding into the mountain wilderness around Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail or Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. A snowshoe adventure keeps everyone active and encourages up-close exploration. Another unforgettable way to get outside and play? Both resorts take families on dogsledding tours. Courtesy of an energetic team of well-cared-for huskies, you’ll be lulled by the sled’s gentle rocking while you soak in the surrounding silence. Whistler tours explore the pristine Soo Valley, and Vail excursions follow private trails through aspen and pine trees. The dogs find their bliss, too: Going for a daily run is exactly what these athletic pups crave.

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Collage of a man skiing down a slope (left) and a ski lift holding passangers (right)

Winter’s thrills

Traditional winter sports reign at Four Seasons in Vail, Whistler, Jackson Hole and Geneva, all located at or near major ski resorts. And each destination is continually working to add more memorable ways to savour the slopes in Four Seasons style.

At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, skiers and boarders refuel with slopeside gourmet meals, delivered to any on-mountain location they choose. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail lures adventurers with back-country skiing and snowboarding at Vail Pass: Hike to open bowls, low-angle glades and steeps that receive 400 inches of snowfall annually. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler eases the commute with helicopter rides to a back-country base camp equipped with snowmobiles, snowbikes, skis and snowboards.

Don’t forget that prime ski opportunities exist beyond the best-known resort areas; Four Seasons Resort Marrakech can arrange a day at the ski resort of Oukeïmeden, elevation 2,650 metres (8,694 feet), just an hour away.

Seek out new slopes in Marrakech

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Four Seasons Hotel Bergues Geneva, Switzerland

6 Ways to Drink Tea Around the World

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

Since it was first cultivated 5,000 years ago in China, tea has become one of the most popular beverages in the world—one with a rich history that spans continents and cultures. Today tea is revered for its pleasing taste and endless varieties, as well as its rejuvenating effects and health benefits.

Whether you prefer green, black, white or oolong—all types of tea that stem from the same plant, Camellia sinensis—tea is an excellent source of both disease-fighting flavonoids and antioxidants that help detoxify damaging free radicals in your body. Strong evidence links regular consumption of tea (two or more cups per day) with a reduced risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol and possibly even prevention of cancer, not to mention its soothing properties.

Not only can sitting down with a cup of tea be relaxing—and good for you—it is also a valued social tradition observed in cultures all over the world. In many places, the ritual of the tea service is as important as the beverage itself. Here are some memorable ways to savour tea at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world.

Longjing tea, which grows in the rich soils of Hangzhou in China’s Zhejiang Province, is used in multiple skin-nourishing treatments at the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake.

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Not only a delicious refreshment, mint tea is also an institution of Moroccan culture, still used today to welcome guests or help pass a leisurely afternoon.

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Floral notes of blooming Jasmine and earthy tones of Japanese sencha are only two of the flavourful blends featured on the global tea menu at Café Prato at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.

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Steeping single-origin whole-leaf teas in an innovative, single-use tea infuser, TeaVert is revolutionising the modern tea experience while preserving traditional practices.

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During an afternoon picnic at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, admire the surrounding landscape from the uniquely designed split-level terrace as you polish off a variety of classic tea treats.

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Request the Cocktail Afternoon Tea service at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore and enjoy a spread of pastries and sandwiches as you sip on a non-alcoholic cocktail infused with Darjeeling tea.

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Green tea in Hangzhou

Longjing, or “dragon well” tea, is the world-renowned green tea grown on the hillsides surrounding West Lake and throughout China’s Zhejiang Province. The bright emerald leaves are picked by hand, as they have been for centuries, and dried using a large metal wok in order to stop the fermentation process; this treatment gives the tea its distinct flavour. Enjoy a cup of longjing during the daily traditional tea service at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, or head to the Spa for a one-of-a-kind Dragon Well and Jade Spring Ritual. After a bath containing the extract of 60,000 tea leaves, enjoy a body scrub, wrap and massage that all utilise the tea’s restorative properties.

Mint tea in Marrakech

At the Maarifa Cultural Centre at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, take part in Morocco’s artistic and cultural offerings—including a mint tea ceremony. Throughout the country, the ritual is performed to welcome guests into one’s home; at the Centre, guests are taken through the elaborate ceremony, which involves steeping tea leaves and sugar in boiling water, then serving the tea with handfuls of fresh mint in small glasses. It’s a refreshing and hospitable way to enjoy Morocco’s beloved beverage.

Global offerings in Mumbai

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai pays homage to local and global tea flavours with a Tea Connoisseur’s Delight menu at the Hotel’s Café Prato. Guests choose from blends sourced from India, such as Kashmiri kahwa from the Himalayan foothills or southern India’s Blue Mountain nilgri. Japanese sencha, African rooibos and herbal infusions fill out the menu.

Sustainable tea in Seattle

Seattle may be known for its outstanding coffee, but discerning tea enthusiasts can now enjoy premium, single-origin whole-leaf tea at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. Partnering with TeaVert, a Seattle-based company that sources its tea leaves using sustainable cultivation practices, the Hotel is the first to introduce four of the company’s unique tea blends, now available in ART Restaurant. Each tea is presented with a handcrafted single-use tea infuser, made in the U.S. from a fully biodegradable, FSC-certified white birch raw veneer without the use of harmful chemicals.

Tea for two in London

Afternoon tea is a cultural institution in England, and Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is now offering a charming afternoon tea picnic—complete with a wicker basket filled with the proper British sandwiches, cakes and scones wrapped up in vintage tins, plus a half bottle of Bollinger Rosé Champagne. Each basket also includes a tea-brewing egg timer to ensure that the accompanying tea is served precisely to your liking. Enjoy your picnic on Amaranto Restaurant’s lovely landscaped terrace.

Afternoon tea with a twist

In a fun variation on tradition, One-Ninety Bar and Terraza by Javier de las Muelas at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore now offers a Cocktail Afternoon Tea Service, which joins the Classic and Champagne Afternoon Tea offerings on the menu. Choose your drink from the exclusive Diva Cocktail Collection, which features non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic-content beverages infused with ingredients like Darjeeling tea and ginger and named after powerhouse women such as Elizabeth Taylor. When they’re served in glass teapots, accompanied by an assortment of sweet and savoury bites, teatime has never looked (or tasted) better.

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