Destinations: Africa & The Middle East
Explore Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts destinations in the Middle East and Africa.
10 Beach Restaurants Perfecting the Art of Sea-to-Table Dining
Something physiological happens when bare feet touch sand, when eyes rest on water and when lungs breathe sea air. Nineteenth-century doctors knew it well enough and routinely prescribed beach trips; contemporary medicine has, more or less, followed suit. A study released in 2012 revealed that stress levels decrease and overall well-being improves the closer we get to the coast. Sunburns and jellyfish stings aside, beaches bring out the best in us.
When we’re at our best, we want to eat the best. Fortunately, the world’s most beautiful beaches are culturally and ecologically diverse, with thriving culinary scenes based on sustainably sourced seafood.
In Nevis, for example, Executive Sous-Chef Kai Autenrieth, a diving enthusiast, dots his menu with lionfish, a delicious but invasive and predatory species that wreaks havoc on the local reef system. In Casablanca, Executive Chef Thierry Papillier works directly with local fishermen who bring in fresh catch daily.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the most exceptional beach restaurants and dining experiences at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world. From the romantic to the cultural to the family-friendly, these culinary adventures capture and elevate the joyful spirit of a day at the beach.
Club Dauphin on the French Riviera
Here you’ll enjoy “the best view on the Côte d’Azur,” according to Johann Burgos, the club’s director, along with a menu of fresh salads, grilled fish and lobster.
It’s perfectly acceptable to spend the entire day soaking in the sun at Club Dauphin, a poolside restaurant perched on the Mediterranean cliffs at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel.
But after lunch, you could retire to one of Club Dauphin’s luxury cabanas, or call on famed swim instructor Pierre Gruneberg for a private lesson. (Gruneberg’s past students include Somerset Maugham, Elton John and the children of Paul McCartney.) Cooler months bring opportunities for dolphin and whale watching, while warmer weather calls for poolside parties and evening firework shows.
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
Fish House in Oahu
Fresh island catch is the focus at Fish House – expect gigantic seafood towers and Hawaiian-style lobster- and clambakes.
A line-to-table menu and a casual, family-style atmosphere make Fish House at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina a destination for seaside dining. “Our seafood comes straight from the ocean into the kitchen,” says Executive Chef Martin Knaubert.
There’s no other restaurant this close to the water. – Executive Chef Martin Knaubert
Dine with your toes in the sand and sample fish prepared on the outdoor wood-fired grill, or join friends for sunset cocktails on the beach before venturing indoors for an intimate dinner. Wherever you sit, the ocean view is magnificent.
Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina
Private island dining in Bora Bora
After a canoe ride to your private island, spend a magical evening over a freshly prepared meal.
A romantic occasion is made magical when you board a canoe and cruise to your own private island, or motu, during the Private Island Dinner Experience at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
Surrounded by lagoon waters and views of Mount Otemanu, you’ll enjoy Champagne, canapés and a customised menu of fresh fish and local produce. Island flowers, local musicians and a telescope for stargazing create an authentically Polynesian setting for an unforgettable evening.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Bleu in Casablanca
Bleu’s oysters are some of Morocco’s finest, sourced from the Dakhla coastline in the southeastern region of the country.
Lunch and dinner are complemented by ocean views at Bleu, a modern Mediterranean brasserie at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca. Overlooking the Atlantic coastline and the grand El Hank lighthouse, the restaurant celebrates local seafood with a menu of fresh fish handpicked daily by Executive Chef Thierry Papillier, who visits the seaside fish markets himself.
Gather around the outdoor firepit on the restaurant’s terrace to watch the sunset before dining on Dakhla oysters, sea bass tartare or sea bream sashimi – all specialties of Bleu’s raw bar. If you prefer your fish cooked, look to Papillier’s menu of grilled fish options, which changes regularly but always adds well-paired, locally sourced vegetables.
Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
Bambou in Mauritius
Influenced by Indian, Asian, European and African cultures, the small island in the Indian Ocean is a vibrant culinary destination, and Bambou celebrates every flavour with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Taste the diverse cuisine of Mauritius at Bambou, a beachfront restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. The restaurant’s Zilwa Night is a highlight. Zilwa means “of the island,” says Executive Chef Nicolas Vienne.
“This evening is the best opportunity to sample some of the most popular local food found across Mauritius.”
— Executive Chef Nicolas Vienne
On these nights, he recommends the heart-of-palm salad with smoked marlin and the chicken-and-prawn curry. In addition to live cooking stations, where chefs and diners share culinary techniques, the evening showcases local entertainment.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
Beach tent dining in Sharm El Sheikh
Enjoy a delicious meal under the stars and next to the Red Sea while traditional music plays in the background.
Step onto the sandy shore of the Red Sea for a traditional Bedouin Dinner at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh. Though Bedouins traditionally dwell in deserts, their culture inspired this seaside dining experience, which features authentic Egyptian cuisine and entertainment.
Start with sweet hibiscus tea before visiting the bread-making station. Hot and cold meze and Arabian sweets offer tastes of the region’s rich flavours, while belly dancers, musicians, fire performers and oceanside camel rides create a cultural experience even young travellers can enjoy.
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Dining on the water in the Maldives
While it’s not beachfront dining, the views are unbeatable.
In preparation for the Mid-Ocean Dinner at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, you’ll sail from the island shore of Landaa to a floating platform in a quiet lagoon. Surrounded by water, sip Champagne and savour locally caught reef fish such as tuna, barramundi, grouper and jackfish.
“[This] takes romantic dining to a whole new level.”
— Public Relations Director Juliana Ang
As for the ambience, there’s nothing in the world quite like it. The experience “takes romantic dining to a whole new level,” says Public Relations Director Juliana Ang. Dining on the water has inspired many proposals of marriage, she says. One groom popped the question in a message in a bottle, which was delivered by ocean waves. “How did we do it? It’s a trade secret,” says Ang. “But let’s just say we had to get wet. Very wet!”
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Sunrise breakfast in Bali
Try the house specialty: the organic strawberry and homemade granola parfait, which features strawberries grown in the mountains of Bali.
In Bali, the Sunrise Gazebo Breakfast is a romantic start to the day. Meet in the beachfront gazebo at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay as the sun rises, sip Champagne, and dine on local, seasonal dishes customised for you by the Chef.
The romantic breakfast is a favourite offering of Executive Chef Pasquo King, who enjoys the serenity of the early morning hours.
“Often in the mornings you can see the silhouette of central Bali’s sacred Mount Agung in the distance.”
— Executive Chef Pasquo King
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
A private cove in Koh Samui
Candles and tiki torches, Thai music, and an exquisite meal make for a memorable dining experience in Koh Samui.
Once in a blue moon, you find a destination so peaceful, so beautiful and so romantic that you want to make it yours, if only for a night. The Private Cove at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is that place; and during the Once in a Blue Moon Dinner, it’s all yours.
On a beach set beneath a lantern-lit tree and the starry sky, taste exquisite Thai dishes, each paired with wine.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Underwater dining in Nevis
“Lassoing the lobster is the biggest excitement for guests,” says Executive Sous-Chef Kai Autenrieth, who frequently accompanies divers during the underwater expedition. Photography courtesy National Geographic/Alamy
Dinner begins underwater during the Dive and Dine Extraordinary Experience at Four Seasons Resort Nevis. Accompanied by a chef and dive master, venture below the surface of the Caribbean Sea, where you’ll swim with reef fish, sea turtles, rays and gentle nurse sharks. The object of your quest is the Caribbean spiny lobster, which you’ll catch the local way – using a handmade lasso.
“Seafood deserves the freshest ingredients.”
— Executive Chef Kai Autenrieth
Back on shore, shed your wetsuit and sip cocktails in a private cabana while Autenrieth prepares your catch beach-side using herbs from the Resort’s garden. “Seafood deserves the freshest ingredients,” he says. “I never have a menu planned; it always depends on what we catch – besides the lobster, of course.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis
13 of the Best Rooftop Bars in the World
When the weather is warm, rooftop bars and restaurants become playgrounds for city dwellers. Nights are hot, sunsets are radiant and drinks always taste better when sipped in the sky. But to make our list of the best rooftop bars in the world, these 13 hot spots had to offer more than dreamy views.
Paris: Les Ombres
Recommended by the Concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, this rooftop restaurant occupies the top floor of the Jean Nouvel–designed Musée du quai Branly in the 7th district, and is an easy jaunt from the Hotel. Take a tour of the museum’s exhibitions, or skip the culture and proceed directly to the celebrated menu of French classics. A restaurant for travellers and locals alike, Les Ombres boasts unmatched views of the Eiffel Tower from the terrace. Plan your experience around sunset to watch the Tower’s lights begin to glitter as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Singapore: 1-Altitude Gallery and Bar
1-Altitude Gallery and Bar is the grande dame of rooftop bars – the world’s highest al fresco bar sits atop the triangular One Raffles Place building almost 1,000 feet (304 metres) above Singapore’s business district. The 360-degree views look out onto the Singapore River, Marina Bay and twinkling cityscape, but with a sunken dance floor, small-plates bar menu and creative cocktail list, 1-Altitude is far more than just a viewing platform. DJs The Funkman and Leonard T man the decks most nights, so plan for drinks plus dancing.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Dubai: Mercury Lounge
On the rooftop of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Mercury Lounge offers more than its head-turning views of the Arabian Gulf, city skyline and Burj Khalifa. In-house attractions include a Champagne bar, shisha lounge, resident DJ and traditional majlis seating areas for the city’s glitterati. Happy hour kicks things off early, and the small-plates menu – with caviar, oysters and truffle duck parfait, naturally – sustains the crowds until the wee hours. The dress code is smart casual, but in Dubai that means your highest heels or sharpest button-downs.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
New York City: The Skylark
Concierge David Harney at Four Seasons Hotel New York says The Skylark is an after-work favourite for a ritzy Midtown crew. Views are of movie-set New York, from the Empire State Building to the Chrysler Building and out to the Hudson River. Lauded New York mixologist Johnny Swet is behind signature cocktails like the spicy Jalapeto and the Skylark, an other-era concoction with gin, Saint- Germain and brandied cherry. This sky-high spot is only open to the public only during the week, so don’t wait until the weekend to visit.
Four Seasons Hotel New York
Hong Kong: SEVVA
In a city with a thriving rooftop bar scene, the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong recommends SEVVA, a crowd-pleaser with 360-degree city views atop the Prince’s Building in Central. Pronounced “savour,” the bar caters to imbibers both at night and during the day. Daytime patrons can enjoy afternoon tea and sweets, while night owls can expect a lively DJ and the occasional saxophonist.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Miami: Juvia
Hanging out on top of a parking garage might not sound like the most glamorous of nights, but this Miami rooftop hot spot does things differently. Recommended by the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, Juvia is the creation of acclaimed architects Herzog & de Meuron. In the kitchen, alums of Nobu, Boulud and Ducasse dish up Peruvian, French and Japanese favourites with a 305 twist. The Miami Beach views make the perfect backdrop to an evening of libations.
Four Seasons Hotel Miami
Mumbai: AER
The jewel in the sparkling crown of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, AER towers 34 storeys above the bustling Worli district and is one of few rooftop bars to be open year round. The sleek, modern décor takes its cues from the city’s superfuture skyline, on full display thanks to the knockout 360-degree views. Visit at sunset for one of the best views in Mumbai – and to secure your seat – or come during the late-night hours to gaze at the stars.
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Istanbul: A’YA Rooftop Lounge
At A’YA Rooftop Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, the city’s signature sights are on display. Admire the Hagia Sophia’s giant buttress, the Blue Mosque’s distinctive six minarets and the brilliant blue Bosphorus over a bottle of local wine. Ask the staff to treat you to a raki balik experience, a favourite way for locals to imbibe a bottle of their national drink (an aniseed liqueur) paired with seafood. A calm oasis in the middle of a hectic tourist area, this is not the spot to party until dawn. Go for a low-key evening spent appreciating Istanbul’s grandest treasures and the sounds of Old Town below.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Los Angeles: Perch
To be in with LA’s hip and handsome crowd, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Concierge Barbara Reyes recommends Perch. Located in Downtown LA, the 16th-floor rooftop bar has unmatched panoramic views of the buzzing neighbourhood plus classic Parisian cocktails, live jazz nights, ornate fireplaces and an oyster-shucking cart. On a hot day, try the Spicy Concombre, a combination of Greenalls Gin, St-Germain, lime juice, cucumber and jalapeño – refreshing with a touch of heat.
Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Beirut: The Roof
A 26th-floor gem atop Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, The Roof is the highest open-air lounge in the city and packs a punch with seasonal outdoor seating for 200, nightly live DJ sets and an Asian-inspired tapas menu. Not to mention that the bar offers pick-a-vista views of Beirut’s downtown, surrounding mountains, a nearby marina and the Mediterranean Sea. Expect to share a banquette with the city’s brightest, who know to book in advance for a seat at the window, dress way up and dance until the lights go on at 2:00 am.
Four Seasons Hotel Beirut
Bangkok: ZENSE
With a heart-of-the-action location atop the CentralWorld shopping mall, ZENSE is a prime perch for admiring the neon lights of downtown Bangkok. The look is artfully futuristic, with high-design canopies over tables, vertical gardens and mood lighting across the mezzanine bar and outdoor dining areas. Better for sundowners than for a late-night party, the cocktail menu serves all the classics, plus fruity seasonal cocktails.
Forest Restaurant and Bar on the Roof is a seasonal pop-up on the top floor of Selfridge’s, one of London’s best-loved department stores. The rooftop restaurant is transformed each year, and the current urban forest features branches and fairy lights. Décor echoes the forager-focused menu, and there’s a secret garden with two “sheds” for cosy drinks or a group celebration. Book in advance to score a table during the popular afternoon tea service, and order a round of Rhubinis – a quintessentially English concoction with homemade rhubarb and sparkling local wine.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Doha: Nobu Doha
In a tri-level, 26,000-square-foot (2,415-square-metre) space resembling an oyster shell, Nobu at Four Seasons Hotel Doha is the world’s largest Nobu restaurant. Perched in the middle of the bay, the rooftop terrace has just 38 highly coveted seats. Claim your spot when the bar’s doors open at 6:00 pm, and settle in with an order of the 28 Punch – a decadent mocktail with fresh ginger and acai black. Sip on your drink and admire views of the Arabian Gulf and the yachts docked at the Four Seasons Marina next door. For a sweet treat to round out the night, try the raved-about caramelised vanilla cake.
Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Around the World With Tory Burch
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.
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
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.
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
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 . . .”
“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
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.
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.
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
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.
“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
Created in partnership with Tory Burch
The Best Places for Brunch
Around the Globe
Brunch is an integral aspect of any culinary journey. – Layne Nguyen, General Manager at Nobu Doha
There are few better ways to toast a week’s end than with brunch. The meal that falls somewhere between breakfast and lunch is a time for celebration, community and little agenda beyond filling plate after plate with global delicacies like Peking duck, beef Wellington and eggs Benedict – plus copious tipples of Champagne. Whether you’re travelling to an exotic port city or hunkering down in a cultural capital, book a table at one of the best places for brunch with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Los Angeles: Sunday Brunch at Culina, Modern Italian
Locals consider Culina, Modern Italian’s Sunday dining affair the most extravagant in the City of Angels, thanks to its multiple dining stations (including omelettes and fresh, custom juices) and a fondue fountain that overflows with some 40 pounds of chocolate every single week. The restaurant is also a magnet for celebs, and though we can’t mention the boldfaced names of many regular diners, you’ll surely recognise their faces.
Recently added to the menu: pizza from the restaurant’s new al fresco pizza oven, set on the patio underneath California skies. Don’t miss ordering Chef Luca Moriconi’s favourite: Pizza with Burrata e Speck. “I love the fact that the tomatoes are locally sourced and the burrata is from Puglia,” he says. “The smoky flavour from the Speck completes the flavour profile for an amazing pizza!” To go off-campus for your next bite, head to Bianca Bakery, where Moriconi brings his own family. “It is a new Italian-Argentinian place where you can enjoy great bread, pastries, pasta and mimosas,” he says.
See what else is on the menu at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills >
Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Washington, DC: Sunday Brunch at Seasons
On sunny spring days, political players and denizens desiring a gossip session reserve seats on the outdoor terrace at Seasons for views of Rock Creek Parkway’s joggers and cherry-blossom-seeking travellers. It’s a favourite for special occasions like Mother’s Day, but every weekend is packed – and delicious – thanks to Chef Andrew Court’s expansive menu. Locals stop by regularly to try the international station with rotating themes, which might include anything from sushi to paella. Currently on offer? The charms of a Hawaiian luau, such as pineapple fried rice with spicy shrimp, chef-carved kalua pork with passion fruit sauce, and Hawaiian barbecue chicken.
When he’s grabbing his own brunch, Court often beelines to the cheekily named Dirty Habit in D.C.’s Penn Quarter. “I used to go to the original Dirty Habit in San Francisco when I was living there, so it’s become a tradition,” he says. “I’ll generally order the house-made yogurt and granola, then the BBQ Burrito or the Healthy Bowl – it depends on how much exercise I can get in on Sunday morning!”
See what else is on the menu at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC >
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Amaranto Restaurant is inarguably chic: Polished black marble and dark red booths create an intimate environment. The mouthwatering menu is an Anglophile’s delight, featuring Gloucestershire beef, Kent berries and Shetland smoked salmon. Those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t leave without trying the lemon ricotta pancakes with Yorkshire rhubarb compote – an ideal way to kick-start another day in the city.
For another brunch experience in London, Ivan Arena, Bar Manager at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, recommends Granger & Co: “My go-to order is the Sweet Corn Fritter dish, followed by something sweet from the bakery menu. They also do a very good Bloody Mary, which is always important to me!”
See what else is on the menu at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane >
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
The 2,400-square-metre Nobu outpost in Doha is one of Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s largest restaurants, and the menu is worthy of its grand space on the Marina, where nearly every seat overlooks the Arabian Gulf. While a Sunday or Saturday brunch is customary in much of the world, catch it here on Friday, the first day of the Arabic weekend. It’s well worthy of a splurge, thanks to dishes like lobster quinoa risotto and Wagyu rib-eye.
“Not only are guests treated to incredible cuisine with a wonderful tasting-style menu,” says Layne Nguyen, General Manager at Nobu Doha, “but the Friday brunch allows for an ideal ambience to gather with family and friends and reconnect over a magnificent meal, matched by a stylish setting.”
If you’re ready for another local gem, Andrew Bozoki, Head Chef of Nobu, recommends brunching at Baladna Farm Restaurant in northern Qatar. “I love the lamb thareed there, and the fact that I can visit their milk factory with my family,” he says. “It’s the place to savour delicious Arabic-style food alongside the freshest possible dairy products.”
Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Bahrain Bay: Friday Brunch at CUT by Wolfgang Puck
Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck brings his cutting-edge experience to the meat-centric CUT restaurant in the capital city of Manama – a brunch spot beloved by diplomats and members of the royal family. When it comes to the à la carte menu, start with Puck’s famous pretzel bread, then move on to more filling fare, served family style: creamy burrata bruschetta, steak skewers with a kick of chimichurri sauce, and homemade pasta. Try the filet mignon au poivre – a USDA prime hunk of marbled steak drizzled in black peppercorn and mustard sauce.
Another favourite, suggested by Fabio Marques, Director of CUT by Wolfgang Puck: NOMAD Urban Eatery. “It’s a great spot for brunch, with an elegant and sophisticated Greek design,” he says. “The friendly staff and quality food make for a pleasant and relaxed dining experience.”
See what else is on the menu at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay >
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Macau: Wellness Menu at Windows
Healthy living is the order of the day at Windows, an intimate fireside lounge helmed by Executive Sous-Chef Benjamin Lim. Dishes on the all-day menu would delight any wellness enthusiast, including meat-free Impossible burgers served with tahini and grilled eggplant; turmeric bliss kombucha; and a vitamin- and antioxidant-stocked juice blend with guava, orange, blueberry and raspberry – an excellent way to prepare for a day of exploring Macau’s ancient temples.
When Lim himself ventures into Macau for brunch, he often selects Shun Hin, where his go-to dish is braised black mushrooms and assorted vegetables in fish broth. “Macau is a place where I have been immersed in the Chinese culture, especially the food culture,” he says. “Dim sum with tea starts as breakfast and is served until lunchtime, and can be savoury or sweet – a wonderful way to enjoy the moment with your family.”
See what else is on the menu at Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip®
Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip®
Singapore: Champagne Brunch at One-Ninety: Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood
Newly reborn as a botanically rich Provençal and Asian brasserie, One-Ninety is practically tailor-made for Instagram, thanks to abundant flowers and lush, tropical plantings that dangle from columns and adorn the bar. Restaurant Chef Kamarl John, who formerly worked with Michelin-garnering chef David Myers, begins each brunch with artisan sourdough bread made from flour milled in Hokkaido, Japan, and served with seaweed butter. His inventive Sunday brunch menu features abundant dishes such as chilli crab omelettes with mantou buns and coriander, and laksa rice noodles with cockles, scallops and quail eggs. Guests love the option of adding free-flowing bubbly – Taittinger Brut champagne or Ruffino Prosecco – and the sustainably sourced seafood tower with Maine lobster, king crab, bluefin tuna, fresh prawns and Hokkaido scallops.
To sit down for brunch, he often heads to Five Oars Coffee Roasters. “The restaurant always reminds me of a trendy, informal brunch spot in London, and they serve really great food,” John says. “My must-orders are the Five Oars Breakfast and their craft beers and ales.”
See what else is on the menu at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore >
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Technically it isn’t brunch, but since it’s so special for families visiting Four Seasons Resort Orlando Walt Disney World® Resort, we couldn’t resist including it. On Thursday, Saturday and select Tuesday mornings, Goofy and his pals arrive to entertain picky eaters of all ages at the Resort’s Ravello restaurant.
Ask for a table on the patio overlooking the lake and fountains. Though your kids may be too distracted by Minnie Mouse to realise that the jams are homemade and the bread freshly baked, after their professional photos you can all enjoy house-cured meats followed by the Nutella-filled bomboloni on the dessert table.
When he’s seeking out a magical brunch for himself in Orlando, Executive Sous-Chef Ryan Schelling heads to DoveCote downtown. “The brioche French toast is fantastic, and the steak and eggs are a great way to start a Sunday,” he says. “I love the chicken liver pâté, which keeps me going back. After seeing the dishes you didn’t order, you’ll want to return to try it all.”
See what else is on the menu at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort >
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
