Destinations: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Where Are Best Beach Vacations In the World?

Posted on by Lenise Willis

Whether you prefer an aquatic adventure, the most colourful sunset or the tranquillity that comes from serene crystal waters, the world is full of opportunities to revel in paradise.

In seeking the best beach vacations in the world, we’ve compared your favourite stretches of sand, as displayed on social media, with our own beloved picks, from Bora Bora to Vietnam. These 12 beaches, selected from six regions around the world, are ideal for your next tropical getaway.

Best Beaches in the Pacific Islands

Amid away-from-it-all volcanic islands, the beaches of Indonesia and French Polynesia boast sapphire waters surrounded by emerald mountains.

Traveller’s Pick: Bora Bora

 

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On Instagram, Bora Bora is repeatedly deemed a favourite escape, even called the land of “50 shades of blue.” In addition to the seemingly endless waters, guests can soak in the sight of Mount Otemanu. The recently enhanced overwater bungalow suites at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora take the beach vacation to the next level, offering 360-degree views and complete immersion in the aquatic life.

Editor’s Pick: Bali at Jimbaran Bay


Sundara, Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Sundara, lauded as the best beach club in Bali, sets this escape apart from the rest. Enjoy live music, sundown cocktails and fresh Jimbaran seafood while you lounge beachside.

The lure of the exotic leads us to another one of our favourite tropical escapes: the beach of Jimbaran Bay. With volcanic mountains visible in the distance, soft white sand and year-round warm temperatures characterize the Bali beach.

After relaxing in the sun, get active with catamaran spilling, stand-up paddle boarding and surfing Bali’s famous breaks. Linger for Jimbaran’s magical sunsets with a drink at Sundara beach club and fresh seafood at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

Best Beaches in Latin America

Though typically known for its vivid rain forests, South America and Central America can also claim some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Traveller’s Pick: Costa Rica

 

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No setting sun is more gorgeous than one dozily sinking behind the ocean, which is why Costa Rica is one of your favourite beaches at day’s end. With warm gulf waters, pristine white sands and tropical trees swaying inland, the Gulf of Papagayo is a premier setting for beach photos – day and night.

Editor’s Pick: Punta Mita


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The Marieta Islands just off the coast of Mexico have hidden beaches perfect for a secluded escape.

With nearby golf courses and opportunities for surfing, Punta Mita is one of our favourite beaches for those who want to do more than just relax.

For a day excursion, visit Islas Marietas National Park, just a few miles west of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and relax on one of the world’s most unusual beaches. The islands, formed by volcanic activity, are rich in natural wildlife. From December to March, marvel at the power and grace of humpback whales during their migration through the bay.

Best African Beaches

Home to some of the best lesser-known snorkelling and diving spots, the islands off Africa are excellent options for your next beach getaway.

Traveller’s Pick: Seychelles

Just off the coast of East Africa lie Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, home to numerous beaches and nature reserves. Nature is awe-inspiring here. You may even catch a glimpse of a rare giant Aldabra tortoise.

“Nothing can beat Seychelles sunsets,” says traveller Tania Gae Mllitello. Besides the beautiful close of the day, she also loves the relaxed atmosphere and the great surfing waves. “On a Sunday afternoon you can go there and find many Seychellois and tourists together catching waves or having a picnic by the beach.

Editor’s Pick: Mauritius


Hidden enclave by ocean

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and basking in nearly year-round sunshine, Mauritius is an island paradise.

The island of Mauritius, blissfully stranded in the Indian Ocean, beckons travellers who seek the serenity of being one with nature. At Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita guests can enjoy three private beaches, with their choice of a beach sofa, palm tree hammock or sun lounger on Ile aux Cerfs, the Resort’s exclusive private island.

Sail the turquoise sea, marvel at giant tortoises on the beach, play golf on a championship course, or just gaze at the glinting water outlined by the Bambou Mountains in the distance.

Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

With some of the world’s most varied coral reefs and year-round tropical climate, the “East Indies” offer travellers some of the most picturesque scenes for their beach vacation.

Traveller’s Pick: The Maldives

Guests seeking stillness and tranquillity often turn to the beaches of the Maldives, a nation made up of more than 1,000 coral islands known for their blue lagoons and underwater scenery. Katharina Horstmann claims the Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru as her favourite beach because “it reveals the perfect beauty of nature.”

“For me, [true happiness] is when I walk alone on the beach through the coral sand, while the shallow turquoise water tickles my toes.”

For the ultimate in peaceful seclusion, escape to Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll.

Editor’s Pick: Hoi An, Vietnam


Beach at Hoi An, Vietnam

Enjoy direct access to Ha My Beach from your suite at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Lying in Vietnam’s cultural heartland, the tranquil kilometre-long stretch of beach in Hoi An has been deemed one of the world’s best beaches, and it’s also a relaxing perch from which to explore the country’s rich history.

In between bouts of lazing in the sun, take an excursion to any of the three UNESCO heritage sites nearby: Hue’s imperial city, the temple sanctuary of My Son and Hoi An’s enchanting lantern-lit streets.

Best Beaches in the United States

Whether you’re looking to ride a gnarly wave, sail the Atlantic or escape to the peaceful exotic, the United States of America has a beach for you.

Traveller’s Pick: Lanai, Hawaii

Though Lanai begs to be photographed for its Hawaiian sunsets, swaying palms and sweeping views of the Pacific, its starry night sky is what moved Mark Edward Harris to share the beauty of what has been long celebrated by guests as a favourite American beach destination.

Spend the day playing in the white sands of the secluded “Shipwreck Beach,” accessible only by 4×4 jeep, and snorkelling in the waters of Hulopoe Bay, a protected marine preserve. Then hike to Pu’uPehe (Sweetheart Rock), 20 minutes from Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and stare into the glittering nighttime.

Editor’s Pick: Palm Beach, Florida


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Make Palm Beach, Florida your perch to enjoy natural views and beach tranquillity.

With 47 miles of pristine golden beaches, Palm Beach, Florida, has a setting for everyone – from romantically private stretches of sand to family-friendly beaches with playgrounds, nature centres and beach parks that offer snorkelling, windsailing, fishing or paddleboarding. Catch a gleeful glimpse of a loggerhead turtle, or relax in a cabana with the complimentary service of personal beach staff at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.

Best Caribbean Getaways

Southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, the tropical Caribbean is home to more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. How do you choose the best?

Traveller’s Pick: Nevis

 

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Called a “hidden gem” by guests, Nevis offers lovely beaches that are almost never crowded. “We spent every evening on this beach watching the beautiful sun set into the ocean,” says Anna Ng, who selected Nevis as her favourite beach getaway. “You truly feel like you’re on a quiet, remote island away from the rest of the world.”

On the north side of the island is a sweet spot, Lovers Beach, virtually hidden from the road. Its secluded location ensures guests optimal privacy. Locals agree that the best beaches on the island are on the northern and western shores. A more popular spot is Pinney’s Beach, running for about three miles near Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

Editor’s Pick: Anguilla


Anguilla hammock

Relax in your choice of a hammock or beach lounger while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere in Anguilla.

From hidden coves to long stretches of powdery sand, Anguilla is home to 33 breathtaking beaches. And with no cruise ships or casinos allowed, you’re promised a relaxing scene for unwinding. Bask in the low-key spirit of the British Overseas Territory while locals share their passion for boat racing, Caribbean music – and food.

Its impeccable scenery combined with a coastal dining scene like no other, Anguilla easily makes it to the top of our list of best beach vacations in the world. Its silky sand is highlighted by more than 100 restaurants, from rustic to luxurious, several of them right on the water. Enjoy a rum punch, a local lobster delicacy and the everlasting allure of the sea at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.

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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.

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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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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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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.

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Get pampered like a celebrity in Beverly Hills

Pretty Woman Spa experience at Spa at Beverly Wilshire, <span style='font-size: .8em;'>Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel</span>

Whether you’re a movie buff or just in need of some me time, look no further than the Spa at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, 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.

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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.

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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.

 

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

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