Destinations: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Spring Cocktails With a Twist

Posted on by Alexandra Sheehan

One of the greatest rewards of travel – or reminiscing about a journey – is the engagement of the senses: New sights, sounds, smells and tastes come together to portray a destination in its fullness.

Wander along the beach in Punta Mita and listen to the waves lapping at the shore as you smell – and taste – the salty breeze blowing through your hair. Take a hike in the crisp mountain air of Jackson Hole and feel delicate snowflakes melt on your face, or the delicious steam of hot cocoa after a day on the slopes.

These are the types of flavours, scents and experiences that inspire Four Seasons mixologists. Add seasonal harvests from local gardens – think flowers, herbs and even mushrooms – and the result is spring cocktails that capture the spirit of global destinations.

Here’s a taste.

Lisbon: LX Purple Bloom


Recipe card for LX Purple Bloom cocktail

Every spring, Lisbon’s first jacaranda blossom serves as a sign that a new season has arrived; next, the city streets are lined with beautiful purple, violet and lavender. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon celebrates the occasion with a jacaranda-themed cocktail.

In the months where the city flourishes into lavender, it seems only fitting that the cocktails at the Ritz Bar follow suit.

It was the violet view of the city from the terrace at the Ritz Bar that inspired the LX Purple Bloom, a refreshing mix of Portuguese Gin Nao, St-Germain liqueur, Pêra Rocha purée, grapefruit juice and a spritz of rose water.


Scottsdale: Tip of the Cap


Recipe card for Tip of the Cap

April showers bring not only flowers but also mushrooms to the Scottsdale area. In a surprising twist on the change of seasons, chefs at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North delicately infuse this local harvest with citrus and herbs to achieve a fresh, earthy taste.

Fruit and floral notes are predominant in springtime cocktail menus, but the rich umami aspect that mushrooms bring [is often] bypassed.

A variation on the traditional dirty martini, Tip of the Cap replaces olive brine with a porcini “tea” made of local mushrooms, herbs and lemon. That tea is combined with Stoli Elit vodka in a Sercial Madeira–rinsed rocks glass and garnished with a pickled porcini mushroom, a twist of lemon and a sprig of thyme.

Doha: Rose Gold Julab


Recipe card for Rose Gold Julab cocktail

Vast desert landscapes and a bustling, cosmopolitan city greet visitors to Doha. Tradition is not lost here; a thriving coffee house culture makes for unique opportunities to learn more about Qatar and the Middle East. It’s not uncommon to see locals adding rose water to their caffeinated beverages, lemonade or milk.

Rose water has a very distinctive flavour. It’s aromatic, which makes it refreshing in the hot sun.

At Four Seasons Hotel Doha, rose water is an essential ingredient in the Rose Gold Julab. Mixed with a simple syrup and vodka, served over crushed ice with mint leaves and rose petals, it makes a fine treat.

Seychelles: Hibiscus Shower


Recipe card for Hibiscus shower cocktail

Quintessentially tropical hibiscus flowers brighten your stroll around the grounds at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. They’re a beautiful addition to the scenery – and they’re full of fresh, citrusy flavour.

In our tropical environment, we often have rain showers which make these beautiful flowers bloom.

The Resort’s Kannel Bar makes the most of that citrus flavour – and the abundance of blossoms. The flowers in its Hibiscus Shower cocktails are handpicked from the property grounds. Hibiscus iced tea, Cointreau, local Takamaka coco rum and pineapple juice combine for an unbeatable chilled drink.

Chiang Mai: Siam Honey Breeze


Recipe card for Siam Honey Breeze cocktail

In Northern Thailand, spring comes with plenty of rainfall. It can be seen in the lush green blankets of vegetation on the surrounding mountains, and tasted in the sweetness of Thai honey.

Thai honey is at its most delicate and delicious in April and May.

Thai honey isn’t the only local ingredient at its peak in spring. At Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, mixologists merge camomile-flower tea – brewed using fresh blossoms from the Mon Jam district – with local honey and Thai rum, lemon and ginger ale to create the Siam Honey Breeze, an original cocktail with a fresh perspective.

Editor’s note: While some of these spring cocktails may no longer be listed on the menu, most can be made upon special request.

Souvenirs That Will Change Your Life

Posted on by FourSeasonsMagazine.com

For the traveller, destinations are far more than the sights they see or the mementos picked up along the way. The places they visit offer new perspectives and unforgettable experiences with the power to enrich their lives long after they return home.

This November, embrace your inner traveller and embark on a Cultural Escape aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet. During this 19-day journey, you’ll travel to six destinations across three continents, including Dubai, the Seychelles, the Serengeti, Florence and London. Follow a customised itinerary and experience the art, history, landscapes, food, traditions and people of each unique destination.

The difference between a tourist and a traveller lies in the way they perceive their destination. For the tourist, their destination is a place, an endpoint on an itinerary that offers access to a checklist of attractions and souvenirs.

At the end of this incredible journey, you’ll carry home with you new passions, tastes, lessons and perspectives forged from intimate interactions with local cultures—which only Four Seasons can deliver. Here, we highlight some of our favourite souvenirs.

Spiritual serenity in Seychelles

Seychelles yoga

Take home a new feeling of tranquility and sense of spirituality after a yoga practise in Seychelles.

In the Seychelles, all paths lead to beauty. The African nation comprises 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, and it’s a favourite destination for romance, outdoor adventures, wildlife sightings and relaxation.

From your base at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, located on the archipelago’s main island of Mahé, you can dive, snorkel, hike through nature preserves and shop local markets. Yet it’s difficult to find a better way to soak in the spirit of this beautiful setting than through a yoga session.

At sunset, accompany an expert yogi on a short hike through the forest to a mountaintop overlooking the ocean. Your yogi will guide you through peaceful meditation and yoga, teaching you breathing and relaxation techniques to the sights and sounds of nature. You can also practise a hatha flow out on the open water during a one-on-one paddleboard yoga session. It’s a great way to lose yourself in the tranquility of the sea.

What you’ll take home: Once you’re back in the real world, summon your new meditation techniques, pranayama breathing exercises and Technicolor memories as a reminder to slow down, find peace and live mindfully. “At its core, yoga means union of mind, body and soul,” says Arun Dev, one of the Resort’s yogis. “Union of ego and the spirit, union of the mundane and the divine.” Embrace that unity to find solace in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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A rekindled love for Mother Nature in the Serengeti

Maasai Serengeti

Appreciation for nature is deeply rooted in the Maasai people. Learn why it is so important to have a profound respect for the wildlife during your stay in the Serengeti.
Photography courtesy Robb Aaron Gordon

Most who travel to Africa’s fertile plains seek views of the Big Five: lions, leopards, Cape buffalo, elephants and rhinos. If, after your game drive or hot-air balloon safari, you still crave a deeper understanding of the Serengeti and its wildlife, look no further than the Maasai.

The semi-nomadic Maasai tribe inhabits the Great Rift Valley region of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Members are known for their athleticism, craftsmanship and superior knowledge of and respect for the landscape and its animals.

During your stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, accompany a Maasai warrior on a walking safari to learn how to identify animal tracks, plants and insects, or venture out with your guide for a full-day visit to a Maasai village. In the evenings, the Resort’s Maasai guides congregate for traditional dance ceremonies.

What you’ll take home: The Maasai are known for masterful beadwork, particularly ornate and colourful necklaces. You can buy one of the locally made varieties, but your true souvenir is a newfound appreciation of nature inspired by the Maasai people. Before formal religion was introduced to East Africa, nature played a large role in the Maasai faith. Plants and animals hold a cultural significance for the Maasai, and many plants are still used in traditional medicines. Learn about the importance of living alongside and preserving nature, as well as the Maasai’s high respect for local wildlife.

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Tuscan flavours in Florence

Florence food

At Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, and throughout Italy, food is meant to be savoured and prepared only with the finest ingredients.

In Italy, food is more than just fuel for the body. Italians take pride in preparing cuisine, using the finest and freshest ingredients to produce dishes that rival works of art. In homes and restaurants from Florence to Palermo, mealtimes are never rushed. Instead, they are savoured moments for tasting and enjoying every flavour together.

During your three-day stay in the city, you’ll gain exclusive access to exhibitions and artisan studios, and travel to the vineyards of the Chianti wine region. But gourmands shouldn’t miss the full-day culinary excursion at Villa Monteoriolo, a 15th-century estate that has been producing olive oil for more than 200 years.

Using the estate’s homemade olive oil and locally sourced ingredients, an expert chef will teach you Tuscan cooking techniques and guide you through the preparation of a multi-course dinner, which you’ll enjoy in the villa’s intimate dining room.

What you’ll take home: Tuscany’s climate and soil produces a low-acidity olive oil that is one of the freshest and most flavourful in the world. Pick up a bottle at Villa Monteoriolo so you can practise your new Italian cooking skills for loved ones at home, using only the most authentic ingredients.

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Evolved coffee rituals in Dubai

Arabic coffee in Dubai

In Dubai, coffee is more than a caffeine fix—it is an art and a symbol of joy, carefully tasted and enjoyed.
Photography courtesy Bateel International L.L.C.

Though this seaside metropolis is decidedly modern, with its steel-and-glass skyscrapers and over-the-top attractions, Dubai’s multicultural population imbues it with charm and character.

Throughout the city, you’ll find cafés serving Arabic coffee, a blend of coffee beans and spices such as cardamom, cloves, ginger, rosewater and saffron. The coffee is often served with dates rather than sugary confections, and it’s poured from a dallah, an ornate pot made of brass, steel, silver or gold.

The drink is traditionally prepared to welcome guests, and it plays a distinct role in your most exhilarating adventure while in Dubai: a journey by 4×4 into the desert for a royal dinner under the stars. You’ll be welcomed by a traditional Arabic coffee service before you go sandboarding, watch a falconry demonstration and feast on an elegantly prepared dinner.

What you’ll take home: Arabic coffee, dallahs and finjaans—the small round coffee cups that accompany the traditional service—can be found at Dubai’s souks and luxury shopping centres. Even if you don’t purchase a set for yourself, take home the spirit of community inspired by the Arabic coffee ritual. Bring the symbol of hospitality to life for guests in your home for years to come, sharing your understanding of coffee-drinking etiquette with every sip.

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

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Trip details

Four Seasons Private Jet

Throughout the journey, travel aboard the Four Seasons Jet, a retrofitted Boeing 757 that is spaciously configured with only 52 seats – leaving ample room for you and the souvenirs you pick up along the way.
Photography courtesy Robb Aaron Gordon

Your cultural escape through Europe, Africa and the Middle East begins and ends at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. From London, you’ll travel aboard the custom-designed Four Seasons Jet and enjoy Four Seasons accommodations and renowned service at every step of the journey. The trip begins on November 4, 2016.

Discover more about the Cultural Escape itinerary and begin your journey >

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Ponte Santa Trinita

Safari Holidays: 7 Days in the Serengeti and the Seychelles

Posted on by Syeda Ali

There’s something mystical about being in the Serengeti, surrounded by a striking silence that’s interrupted only by the wind whistling through your hair, or the roar of a lion in the distance. A short distance away, another untamed paradise awaits. Leave the vast calm of the Serengeti for an island adventure in the Seychelles, a remote archipelago blessed with pristine beaches and lush jungles—the perfect location to complete your holiday in Africa.

A few days on safari followed by an indulgent stay on the beach is the classic African holiday pairing. Experience these two distinct facets of the continent through the seven-day Safari Unplugged itinerary, set in two of the most picturesque Four Seasons retreats. Follow a stint at the luxurious Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Serengeti National Park with some pampering on the beach at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: From otherworldly Tanzanian sunrises to kaleidoscopic Indian Ocean sunsets, a Serengeti-and-Seychelles sojourn showcases Eastern Africa at her best.

Day one: Stalking the Big Five in the Serengeti


Serengeti Big Five - Elephants

On African safari, the big five are the must-see animals. Lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo abound in Serengeti National Park.

The drive from the airstrip to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is an adventure in itself: “The 45-minute transfer through the park can sometimes turn into a two-hour game drive. It’s not uncommon to see three or four of the Big Five [lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino] before guests have even reached the lodge,” says Oliver Dreike, manager of the Lodge Discovery Centre. “If migration is under way, it might take even longer—lines and lines of wildebeest cross the road, creating natural roadblocks along the way.”

Once at the Lodge, soothe your weary bones at the Spa, where the signature Kifaa massage incorporates Tanzanian baobab oil to help you re-energise. If there’s still time before your afternoon game drive, go for a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the watering hole—you might even see a few animals from the pool.

Then embark on a thrilling quest to track wildlife in their natural environment. While the famed plains of the Serengeti are aglow in the late-afternoon sun, your skilled guide will point out animals you didn’t even realise were lurking nearby and share personal experiences that will give you a new-found appreciation for the natural realm.

End your evening with a buffet dinner at the Boma Grill, an open-air firepit where you’ll feast on grilled meats and fish or a Zanzibar lobster curry.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

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Day two: Exploration on the savannah

Watching the first rays of daylight trickle across the African wilderness as you thrash through the bush on a quest for a wildlife sighting is one of the most meditative experiences you’ll ever have. For a comprehensive vantage point, begin the day with a hot-air balloon safari at dawn.

Once back on solid ground, enjoy breakfast on the savannah before returning to the Lodge, where a visit to the Discovery Centre, the place to learn about the Maasai people and the surrounding wildlife and history, is a must. Stretch your legs with an afternoon guided walking safari to get a closer perspective on the animals than you did in the morning, then end the day with a sunset meditation experience at the Spa.

Day three: Follow the migration


Four Seasons Serengeti Bush Dining

Dining in the Serengeti is a first-class affair during the Bush Dining experience.

Get up bright and early the next morning for an all-day game drive that will take you farther afield than you’ve travelled thus far. Staff will pack you a picnic lunch before you set out in your Land Cruiser at first light.

The direction of the drive depends on the migratory patterns of the season—you might head south, to the expansive Serengeti plains where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth each February; or west, to watch them try to cross the crocodile-populated Grumeti River in April or May; or north to the border with Kenya’s Masai Mara region for the legendary Mara River crossings in August and September.

For your final evening in the Serengeti, the Lodge can arrange a romantic bush dinner under the stars.

Day four: Relaxation

Relax by the pool in the morning and enjoy lunch at Maji Bar and Terrace. Afterwards, embark on a final game drive en route to Seronera Airstrip for a short, scenic flight over the Tanzanian Plains to Arusha, where a relaxed evening amongst the picturesque coffee plantations awaits.

Day five: Paradise bound


Four Seasons Seychelles View from Ocean View suite

Retreat to an island paradise in the Seychelles, where turquoise waters rejuvenate the body after a few days in the bush.

After a few days in the wild, you’ll be ready to explore some of Mother Nature’s other creations: her finest ocean beaches. Catch sight of Africa’s highest mountain as you board a short flight to Nairobi from from Kilimanjaro Airport. Once in Nairobi, a connecting flight will take you to the Seychelles, arriving at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles by late afternoon.

Here, you’ll stay in one of 67 tree house–inspired villas on a hill verdant with mango, jackfruit and coconut trees—picture a dense jungle cascading down towards sugary white sands. Those sands and the azure waters beyond are, of course, the main event in the Seychelles. As delicious as the Resort’s plush villas (each with its own plunge pool), Spa and restaurants may be, the property’s finest features are the sweeping views that slope to the ocean.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

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Once you’ve checked in, head straight for the water. Try stand-up paddleboarding or surf lessons, book a diving course, or just go snorkelling. If you’re not ready to get wet just yet, try teeing off instead: At sunset, the Resort’s beach transforms into a driving range where you can sip a cocktail while sending specially designed, biodegradable balls full of fish food flying into the Indian Ocean.

Day six: R&R on the beach in the Seychelles


Relax on the beach in Seychelles

While your time in the bush was hallmarked by exploration, discovery and activity, the sojourn in the Seychelles is calming, reflective and introspective.

Start the morning with yoga on the beach or at the Spa, followed by a languid breakfast buffet at Zez Restaurant, which is perched on a stunning hillside to offer unobstructed vistas.

To ensure you take home a memorable keepsake, book a painting lesson with local artist Nigel Henri well in advance of your stay. Henri will guide you on a 15-minute hike to the top of a granite plateau, where he’ll help you create your own landscape painting of the ocean expanse below. You can save the canvas as a souvenir, and have postcards made to send home.

Options abound for the rest of the day: Loll by the beach or pool, or, if you’re up for a culinary adventure, try your hand at a Creole cooking class, where Chef Sherla Mathurin will show you how to make octopus salad, Creole fish curry and other local dishes.

Take in the sunset with a cocktail and canapés atop the Spa’s roof, and end your night with a romantic dinner on the beach.

Day seven: Memorable excursion to Mahé


Coco de Mer trees in the Jardin du Roi gardens on Mahé

Trade the baobab trees of the Serengeti for coco de mer trees in the Seychelles.

Spend your last full day on an excursion arranged by the Resort: Choose either a day-long tour of Mahé island in a BMW SUV, which includes a driving tour of the charming capital of Victoria, or a tour of St Anne Marine National Park.

End your stay with dinner back at the Resort’s Kannel, where globally inspired options include Thai beef salad, chicken biryani rice and Singapore-style chilli crab.

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Seychelles Hotel & Resort

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The 8 Most Glamorous Experiences From Four Seasons

Posted on by Lesley Murphy

A stay at Four Seasons can transport you to a luxurious home away from home for a few days—or, if you’re lucky, a few weeks. These hotels and resorts set a glamorous standard, offering extraordinary, over-the-top adventures around the world. Where else can you gain access to exclusive attractions, fly in a customised Boeing 757, sleep in arguably the world’s most comfortable bed and taste culinary excellence, one unforgettable vacation at a time?

Here are the 9 most glamorous experiences one can partake in at Four Seasons hotels and resorts from Florence to Mumbai. Travellers in search of unparalleled luxury and glamorous getaways, take note.

Toast to good taste from a hidden wine cellar in Paris


Four Seasons Paris wine cellar experience

Photography courtesy Lesley Murphy

As a recent guest at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, I was fortunate enough to join the ranks of an exclusive group of oenophiles who have travelled the 14 metres (46 feet) below ground to tour the Hotel’s legendary wine cellar. Over candlelit French canapés and a glass of Burgundy Pinot Noir, I took in the fascinating history of the George V cellar and sampled from a choice selection of the 50,000-bottle collection of rare wines, which includes a bottle of Terrantez from 1795 and a bottle of (drinkable!) port that dates back to 1900. With a set-up this romantic and picture perfect, it’s not surprising that the cellar sees its fair share of marriage proposals. See more from my glamorous stay in the City of Light, including a tour of the Hotel’s legendary penthouse, on The Road Les Traveled.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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Get pampered like a celebrity in Beverly Hills


Pretty Woman Spa experience at Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Whether you’re a movie buff or just in need of some me time, look no further than the Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the crowd-favourite romantic comedy Pretty Woman, which was filmed at the Hotel in 1990, and there’s no time like the present to live out the fairy tale of Julia Roberts’ character. Indulge with a mani, pedi and bubbly while watching the movie in a relaxing setting, or splurge for the Hotel’s red carpet–worthy treatment: a Sculpted Beauty Wrap, Diamond Luxury Lift Facial (using infused diamond-cut quartz), and sparkling Diamond Manicure and Pedicure.

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

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Indulge in a 24-carat gold facial in Mumbai


24-Carat Gold Anti-Aging Facial at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

At Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, all that glitters is gold—notably, the Hotel’s 24-Carat Gold Anti-Aging Facial. Gold has been used in skin care and healing for centuries, and even Cleopatra found it irresistible as she embraced its anti-inflammatory properties. Utilising the ancient Indian healing art of ayurveda, therapists massage the precious metal into the skin, reducing wrinkles and leaving you radiant and ready to take on the day. While the treatment comes at a price, the long-lasting after-effects are priceless.

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Arrive to your private snow hotel via helicopter in Whistler


Glamping in ice caves at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

If camping in the great outdoors armed with nothing but a tent and sleeping bag doesn’t suit your style, glamping just might. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler combines outdoor adventure with luxury amenities during its Glamping experience, which begins when a helicopter takes you to the region’s largest ice field. Explore ice caves via snowmobile before being whisked away to your very own snow hotel full of creature comforts—think pre-warmed duvets, thermal spa experiences and culinary creations from Four Seasons chefs. Wake up rested and ready to ski outside the box thanks to unprecedented access to Whistler Blackcomb’s epic terrain.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

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Shop exclusive designer collections in New York


Behind the Seams fashion experience at Four Seasons Hotel New York

Photography courtesy Thinkstock

Calling all fashionistas: Get ready to walk the walk and talk the talk of haute couture at Four Seasons Hotel New York. Every week might as well be Fashion Week in New York City, which boasts the greatest concentration of design talent in the world. Here to help guide you through it is Kathleen Beckett, former editor at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, with connections at more than 200 designer studios. Venture to pre-selected studios via limousine, get the exclusive behind-the-scenes look into designers’ latest collections, and learn what’s chic on the streets and runway-ready. If you’re lucky, you might even have a design made just for you.

Four Seasons Hotel New York

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Fly around the world by private jet


Unforgettable vacations on the Four Seasons Private Jet

Four Seasons has found a way to elevate luxury travel to extraordinary new heights with the Four Seasons Jet and a variety of international itineraries, which take travellers to the globe’s most exotic destinations. Reserve one of the 52 seats available on a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience and you’ll enjoy the journey at 30,000 feet just as much as the destination, thanks to the Jet’s luxurious accommodations (think lie-flat beds and international inflight Wi-Fi) and personalised service from the on-board Concierge and Four Seasons chef. Get inspired to take your own around-the-world expedition by following the Jet’s next 24-day tour to nine destinations, including Bora Bora and Istanbul.

Spend a lavish week at sea in the Maldives


Diving with sharks and manta rays on Four Seasons Explorer

Stretch your sea legs aboard the Four Seasons Explorer, the destination’s most luxurious live-aboard catamaran. If you’re in the mood for adventure, embark on a seven-night group research odyssey to observe the Maldives’ most exciting residents—manta rays and whale sharks—in action. Looking for a more private escape? Charter the Explorer so that you and your nearest and dearest can spread out among its well-appointed rooms, dining room, two bars, lounge, library and sun decks, and enjoy personalised itineraries.

Four Seasons Maldives Explorer (Island Cruise)

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Experience your dream vacation in the Seychelles


Four Seasons Seychelles four-bedroom residence villa

Whether you’re looking for adventure, privacy, tranquillity or a party, you can have it all at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. Available with your three-, four-, or five-bedroom villa, the “Residen-chelles” menu consists of four tailor-made escapes with family and friends in mind. Book the Dream Escape and learn how to surf in the private 88-foot (27-metre) pool, or opt for the Serenity Escape featuring personalised spa treatments and yoga activities. A Family Escape with the entire crew offers private BBQs, arts and crafts, salsa classes, or movie nights under the stars, while the Final Escape caters to group celebrations with spa parties, cooking classes and water volleyball. The best part: All packages are completely customisable to fully satisfy your vacation desires.

 

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Four Seasons Gift Cards: Give the Gift of Their Dreams

Posted on by Alexandra Sheehan

This holiday season, think outside the traditional gift box when choosing presents for friends, family and colleagues. With a Four Seasons Gift Card, everyone on your list is destined for the extraordinary.

Whether it’s a round of golf in a dream destination, a unique fitness class or a gourmet dinner in paradise, an unforgettable experience is theirs to choose – whenever and wherever they wish.

We explored the possibilities and gathered up some of the season’s most memorable and unusual gift ideas. Browse our wish list, then choose your amount and let them discover the gift of their dreams.

Golf with friends

Set up your favourite golfer for a round in paradise. The golf course at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is one of the best courses in Costa Rica and ranked among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest. Designed by Arnold Palmer, it begins atop one of Peninsula Papagayo’s highest plateaus, overlooking the waters of Bahía de Culebra.

At El Bajo, the signature par-4 sixth hole, golfers tee off from 200 feet (61 metres) above the green fairway below. A Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the golf course lies amid botanical gardens, scenic cliffs and an abundance of wildlife. Lucky golfers have been known to encounter a monkey or two.

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Dinner with a view


Private Island Dinner Experience, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

The Private Island Dinner Experience available through Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is one of the most intimate and romantic ways for a couple to enjoy the tropical destination.

Whatever the reason for a romantic getaway to Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, couples can mark the occasion with an unforgettable Polynesian dinner. During the Private Island Dinner Experience, guests take a canoe ride to a small white-sand island – known locally as a motu – for the perfect sunset view and a feast to remember.

The couple will sip Champagne while tasting expertly prepared dishes and fresh seafood. And for dessert? Choose a chocolate Polynesian pirogue or coconut and passion fruit sorbets. Whatever their personal tastes, the executive chef will cater to every need, with the option of adding wine pairings, a private singer or a professional photographer to capture the memories for years to come.

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Cooking classes with local flavour


Cooking school at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

For the aspiring chef in your life, a gift card can be used to attend a class at the open-air cooking facility at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, designed by award-winning Bensley Design Studios in Bangkok to unite architectural influences of northern Thailand with traditional design.

One of the best parts of travelling is the opportunity to taste food all over the world. At the Cooking School at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, gourmands can immerse themselves in the traditions of Thai cuisine through a variety of Lanna-style cooking classes, plus optional trips to the local market and even vegetable-carving lessons.

Novice and expert chefs can choose their class according to their tastes, whether they prefer to make kaow soi gai (Chiang Mai curry noodle soup with chicken) or tom yum goong (spicy soup with shrimp). After class, students will move to the open-air dining area of the pavilion to savour delectable dishes and spectacular views.

Buy a gift card to show friends and family the flavours of Thailand >

A meditative practice


Yoga at Four Seasons Residence Club San Diego Aviara

At Four Seasons Residence Club San Diego Aviara, active guests can choose from indoor or outdoor yoga classes, as well as other types of classes, at the two fitness centres: Meadows Fitness (open 24 hours) and Summits Fitness.

For the wellness enthusiast, a restorative yet challenging fitness activity often tops their wish list. At Four Seasons Residence Club San Diego Aviara, guests can partake in on-site yoga classes in an open-air pavilion that overlooks the pool. Waterproof cedar floors and adjustable wall screens allow for a safe and private practice.

There’s a class for every pace: vinyasa is typically centred on the flow and the breath, while hatha yoga is a more restorative practice and combining hatha and Pilates provides a strong core workout. Barre is another interesting workout, largely influenced by ballet, utilising a ballet bar for targeted strengthening exercises. Whatever the practice, there’s no better way to get energised for a day spent in the city or by the pool.

Buy a gift card to give the gift of rejuvenating wellness >

A delightful treat


Chocolate at Four Seasons Hotels Istanbul

Ghislain Gaille, the Executive Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus creates artisan chocolates by adding modern twists to his Grandfather’s legendary recipes. Visit the Hotel’s Chocolate Shop to taste test a bar that combines passion fruit, olive oil, ginger, cinnamon and fig with spices from Istanbul’s Spice Market.

Rather than guessing what treat best suits your friend or family member’s palate, let them choose their own. In the Chocolate Shop and Chocolate Showroom at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, travellers with a sweet tooth can taste and take home artisan chocolates and local specialties prepared by Chef Ghislain Gaille.

For a truly authentic dessert, recommend that they also taste a world-famous Turkish delight, a gelatin-like sweet treat that was first concocted in the 18th century, often flavoured with rosewater or citrus and covered with confectioner’s sugar. Today, the candies are available in many varieties, such as pistachio, coconut and cinnamon.

Buy a gift card for a taste of Istanbul’s sweet side >

Elegant nightcaps


Drinks at Four Seasons Hotel Casblanca, Bleu Bar

Have a friend visiting Morocco? Treat them to a drink at Bleu Bar at the new Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca. Here, guests can sit on the terrace amid ocean views or at the chic bar, where live entertainment can be enjoyed most weekends.

For the person on your list who enjoys a divine cocktail, the chic Bleu Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is the perfect oceanside spot. Suggest that they use the gift card to order A Tale of Two Cities, a cocktail for two made of caramel Casablanca tea with demerara sugar and lemon, served with violet-infused Earl Grey tea. Cocktails pair perfectly with a plate of fresh, world-renowned Dakhla oysters, from an ecologically protected area where oyster farmers do their work by hand. The new bar, inspired by the sea, is decorated with nautical touches, including seashell designs and curves reminiscent of the waves.

If they prefer afternoon tea to nightly drinks, mention the Hotel’s Mint, a lounge where they can enjoy gourmet French pastries on comfortable sofas amid traditional Moroccan décor.

Buy a gift card to give the gift of a seaside cocktail >

A meet and greet with modern artists


Songzhuang Artist Village tour

Located in the eastern suburbs of Beijing, Songzhuang Artist Village is a home of more than 2,000 top artists and their studios. Send your most creative friends there to attend an artist-led tour.

Photography China Photos / Stringer / Getty Images

Give friends and family with a passion for contemporary art the chance to meet China’s most talented artists, as well as see their work. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing offers guests the opportunity to Go Inside Beijing’s Creative Scene with an intimate look at these inspiring creators. During the experience, guests join China’s leading artists for a tour of Songzhuang Artist Village. After the tour, guests can share a gourmet lunch with the artists at their home or studio, or in the surrounding orchard and gardens.

Buy a gift card for an intimate cultural experience >

Aquatic adventures


Water sports at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

After venturesome travellers get their feet wet snorkelling in the waters outside Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, they’ll want to try surfing or stand-up paddling. The Introduction to Surfing class is complimentary, but guests can use a gift card to purchase more lessons or rent boards to take on the waves on their own.

If you’re shopping for a venturesome traveller, a water-sports rental at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles will give them a fun way to get active on the water. Guests can choose between a smooth stand-up paddleboard ride and a thrilling surf experience on the Indian Ocean, each of which provides an exciting and effective workout. Expert Tropicsurf instructors are available to offer paddleboard tutorials and teach beginning surfers the fundamentals, while students can progress at their own pace.

Buy a gift card so loved ones can make a splash in the Seychelles >

A great night’s sleep at home


Four Seasons Bed – Oahu Suite, Hawaii

The signature Four Seasons Bed (available for purchase with a gift card) is the centrepiece to any sleep sanctuary. While its patented GelTouch foam centre absorbs heat to keep you cool at night, pocketed coil motion separation provides optimal support.

Give any Four Seasons fan or frequent traveller the ultimate gift: the opportunity to take home the brand’s world-renowned sleep experience. The signature Four Seasons Bed, developed over 50 years in partnership with experts and guests and available for purchase with a gift card, features a choice of unique mattress toppers to deliver the ultimate in customised comfort. Recommend that they add signature Four Seasons linens and pillows for unparalleled luxury.

Buy a gift card to give the gift of a sounder sleep >

Courtney Guadagno also contributed to this article.

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