Destinations: Africa & The Middle East

How do you like to winter? Do you dream of oceanfront views and pristine beaches? Or do you yearn for crisp mountain air and fresh powdery snow? The best winter vacations can be either. From snowshoe treks to an igloo in the French Alps, to ice caving in British Columbia, your winter getaway can be as snowy as it gets. Or you can opt for the opposite and head for the sun-kissed shores of Maui or Mauritius, where the only thing on your to-do list is to hit the beach.

Here’s our lineup of some of the best places to visit in winter for sun and snow.

Spend an enchanted evening in a cosy igloo nestled within a fir forest. This winter, Four Seasons Hotel Megève has partnered with an igloo construction specialist to offer adventurous travellers the immersive Tasting Journey in an Igloo. First, an experienced mountain guide leads you on a snowshoe trek through the elevated terrain of Megève in the heart of the Alps. Once you arrive, step into an authentic candlelit igloo and feel yourself start to warm as you sip mulled wine. Savour an exquisite charcuterie that includes a selection of local cheeses and a curated assortment of handmade sweet treats.

Your return journey promises to be just as spectacular, as the sun sets behind the horizon, shining its final rays of the day over the snowy landscape. Later in the evening, be sure to cast your gaze upwards to marvel at the star-studded night sky.

If you’re looking for a secluded alpine evening, the Hotel offers A Night Above the Clouds, an exclusive package promising mountain-top privacy in a chic setting. You can combine a two-night stay at either property with a one-night experience in Megève’s most exclusive accommodations: Suite Idéal. The sophisticated suite blends traditional alpine architecture with contemporary flair. Envision wooden motifs, exposed ceiling beams and walls adorned with works of art carefully selected by Baroness Ariane de Rothschild. But the pièce de résistance is the sweeping view of snow-capped mountains.

On the night of your stay, Suite Idéal guests will depart from the Hotel to enjoy a 15-minute cable car ride to the exclusive suite, which is located at 1,850 metres (6,070 feet) above sea level – right above Idéal 1850 restaurant. A chilled bottle of champagne awaits your arrival. Raise a glass as you watch the sun set over Mont Blanc. A memorable dinner for two in the suite’s private dining room features local Savoyard specialties paired with carefully curated French wines. After dinner, be sure to step onto the expansive terrace and head to the telescope for a panoramic stargazing experience.

Come morning, breakfast is served as the sun rises over Mont Blanc and the Aravis mountain range. Suite Idéal’s premier location on the summit allows you the rare privilege of being the very first to hit the freshly blanketed ski slopes. The resident personal attendant is on hand to guide you as you embark on the journey of your choice, whether you’re an expert skier or prefer a more leisurely snowshoe trek across pine-shaded forests. Both properties also offer a range of activities from dogsledding and snowmobiling to helicopter and hot-air balloon rides.

You may come to Vail for the legendary skiing, but the experiences off the slopes at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail will have you eager to take off the skis.

Warm up with the quintessential alpine après-ski experience with an order of the Resort’s famous Haute Chocolate for two at The Remedy Bar. The decadent, show-stopping drink is served year-round and has become a guest favourite. Made with two types of Valrhona chocolate, steamed milk, house-made marshmallows, hand-crafted chocolate lattice and chocolate shavings, the demand for it is so great that there is a Haus Chocolatier whose sole responsibility is to create this dreamy concoction.

After a day on the slopes, soothe your muscles at the newly renovated Spa, which offers a redesigned sanctuary of wellness and tranquillity. It encompasses 13 enhanced treatment rooms, modernized locker rooms and shower areas, and rejuvenated hot tub and relaxation spaces. But the transformation extends beyond its physical spaces. The Spa offers a comprehensive wellness program centred around the core pillars of rest, recovery, sleep, slowing down and meditation, with services that prioritize results-driven therapies and holistic well-being.

Come nightfall, indulge in an al fresco swim under the stars in the year-round heated pool and take a dip into one of the Resort’s outdoor hot tubs. Or reconnect with family and friends at the grand outdoor fireplace, where roasting s’mores is a must.

Elegant cocktails, ice caves, nighttime hikes and multisensory dining experiences await you at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler.

For the adventurous, the Heli Ice Cave Explore experience takes you on a journey through the Ice Age. Conquer the terrain of the ice cap and observe its ice caves, volcanic peaks and wildlife. Your guide will lead you through a labyrinth of chambers of aqua blue magnificence where you will enjoy an artisan lunch.

The Love is in the Air Helicopter Tour transports couples around the spectacular Coast Mountains, showcasing panoramic views, expansive glaciers and the mighty peaks that dot the landscape. If weather permits, you might stop for a mountain-top rendezvous with a signature cup of Four Seasons hot cocoa and s’mores as you soak in 360-degree views of British Columbia’s wilderness.

There are more opportunities to explore the wilderness with a nighttime hike or snowshoeing around Lost Lake, guided by knowledgeable staff. The excursion concludes with a mug of our signature mulled wine.

Come evening, embark on a different kind of adventure at Sidecut Steakhouse. The five-course multisensory chef’s tasting menu experience blends classical tradition with modern innovation in meticulously crafted dishes made with exclusive ingredients such as Hokkaido scallops, A5 Olive-Fed Wagyu, Alaskan king crab and foie gras.

Finish your night with a glass of single malt Scotch whisky in The Library by The Macallan, an intimate pop-up bar. With an open fireplace and elegant cocktail seating, this warm and inviting atmosphere is where taste and sophistication converge.

Get your adrenaline going at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. Dash into the mountainside First Chair Grab & Go market for a quick power snack, then be the first to hit the fresh powdery slopes. Get there via an improved high-speed quad, making its debut for the 2024–2025 ski season. Travelling at 1,000 feet per minute, the trip lasts just over four minutes. There are few other places in America where skiers can gain 1,600 vertical feet so quickly. As a bonus, lift designers also made the updated chairs heavier and more comfortable so that they are less likely to be blown around.

Looking to take a break from the slopes without sacrificing any time away from the great outdoors? A Day with the Wolves Experience immerses you in the beauty and grandeur of Yellowstone National Park. Search for elusive gray wolves in their natural habitat – one of the few places in the world where you can consistently see wolves in the wild – along with moose, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bald eagles and golden eagles. Expert naturalists will guide your epic day-long adventure.

Recap your day over a handcrafted cocktail or mocktail in the newly opened and elegantly designed 80 Proof. This hidden private bar, reminiscent of Prohibition-era speakeasies, offers a menu of light bites and an extensive beverage selection. It’s the perfect way to wind down after an adrenaline-filled day.

Summer never ends in Palm Beach. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach offers sun-drenched poolside days, boundless blue skies and acres of private beachfront activities year round. After a beach volleyball match or a paddleboard outing, cool off in one of two outdoor pools offering serene views of the Atlantic Ocean.

You choose your own adventure: whether you want to explore Florida’s wildlife on a private Everglades airboat tour, lounge by the pool in a cabana or relax by the sea on an oceanfront beach bed, the summer vibe stays strong.

When you’re ready to tour the town, the Resort has a fleet of fully electric vehicles, including two Mokes, plus Porsche and Mercedes electric house cars with whisper-quiet engines and eco-friendly designs, offering a unique and sustainable way to explore the island.

If you’re a food lover, you’ll want to plan to visit during the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival in December. The annual event draws people from across the country and showcases renowned chefs and top wines.

From acquatic adventures to beachside games and culinary delights, an unforgettable blend of excitement and relaxation awaits the whole family in Palm Beach.

Allow yourself to feel completely at ease at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, an open-air beachfront resort where you can experience the true spirit of aloha. Inhale the fragrance of plumeria as you dip into the adults-only infinity pool or set out to explore the island with a customized itinerary designed just for you.

Start your day with a private morning Waves & Wellness excursion aboard a luxury Trilogy catamaran. Your customizable options include a refreshing swim or snorkel with vibrant marine life. When the sail concludes on Wailea Bay, you can exchange the catamaran for stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). An instructor will guide you through a SUP yoga class to help you improve your balance and focus. At the end of the class, paddle your way back to the Resort’s beach, where a refreshing beverage awaits. This experience is even more special between December and May, when the migration of humpback whales makes its way around Maui.

To gain more local insights and delve more deeply into authentic island culture, embark on A Wayfinder’s Journey, a Hawaiian navigator–led cultural and culinary voyage that delivers an immersive experience on a private Trilogy catamaran. Hosted by Maui native and distinguished navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka, she offers insight into how her ancestors used the stars, swells and other natural elements to find their course as they sailed the open sea. This voyage also includes an onboard multi-course menu inspired by canoe plants, such as taro, breadfruit and sweet potato, which have been cultivated by Polynesians for millennia. The masterfully prepared and artfully presented meal is also paired with unique wines curated by the Resort’s wine director. The three-hour excursion, which begins at sunset and continues under the stars, can accommodate up to six guests.

Are your favourite winter vacation ideas filled with plenty of rest and relaxation? If you don’t feel like venturing out, the Resort’s Complete Suites and Club Floor rooms offer elevated amenities and services including daily in-suite breakfast, complimentary Pelaton bikes and a dedicated Guest Experience or Club Concierge team to make sure you have everything you need.

Mauritius is an island nation on the Indian Ocean known for its beaches, lagoons, reefs, rainforests and waterfalls. It’s also where you’ll find a rare opportunity to snorkel with seahorses.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is set alongside Mauritius’ most pristine and largest lagoons. The Resort plays a major role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem within the surrounding mangroves and reef. Rick-Ernest Bonnier, the Resort’s Ocean Environment Manager, is currently developing a seahorse conservation project, while monitoring a small seahorse population living among other species of fish and coral. Seahorses are a unique species found in shallow tropical waters and are at high risk of extinction. He’ll guide you on a snorkelling adventure where you can observe and learn about them in their natural habitat.

On land, enjoy a family picnic or cooking class surrounded by sugar canes. If you’re feeling more laid-back, chefs can prepare a picnic for your enjoyment as you relax with a glass of champagne or freshly pressed juice beneath the swaying trees.

You can also delve into the melting pot of Mauritius’ diverse cultures through its flavourful Creole cuisine. Learn how to cook under the guidance of Resort chefs, who share family recipes handed down for generations. Tailor a menu to your tastes using locally sourced herbs and spices and savour the fruits of your labour afterwards.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mexico at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, where the hospitality makes you feel like a beloved guest in a friend’s home.

Spend the day floating serenely in the revitalized lazy river with cocktails in hand and surrounded by lush Mexican landscapes. The new Drift Bar blends nostalgic flavours with sophisticated twists, including a delightful list of whimsical cocktails inspired by childhood classics. There’s a daily Rescue Hour at 4:00 pm, when waiters deliver molecular Jello shots to floating guests. Or enjoy the six-seat swim-up bar, where you’ll find artisan cocktails and an elevated kids’ menu with Mexican-style hot dogs, popcorn shrimp and ice cream sundaes.

For the ultimate family vacation experience, discover Casa Tesoro, a new seven-suite private villa just steps above a secluded, sandy-beach cove. The fully staffed retreat spans more than 5,000 square metres (50,000 square feet) and can accommodate up to 18 guests – perfect for extended families or groups of friends. It offers casual elegance with all the luxuries and services of the five-star Resort, combined with the relaxed comforts of home. Revel in the panoramic Pacific Ocean views from this cliffside modern estate and bask in the warm glow of utter relaxation. Everything you need is right there.

Celebrating something special this year? Punta Mita’s newest event space, The Deck, offers a breathtaking spot for group gatherings. Located on the world-renowned Pacifico Golf Course, it also offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is adaptable for various outdoor events. From low-key golf tournaments to corporate team-building activities to casual cocktail receptions, the Deck offers memorable experiences for any occasion.

Whether you land at Punta Mita needing laid-back pool-time with cocktails, a private oceanside escape or an unforgettable location for a special occasion, Four Seasons will make sure your mission is accomplished.