Destinations: Africa & The Middle East

Explore Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts destinations in the Middle East and Africa.

9 Family Vacations Recommended by Moms

Posted on by FourSeasonsMagazine.com

If the idea of taking your kids on vacation sounds daunting, consider that you have only a handful of holidays before your little ones become adults and start planning their own grand getaways. Make the most of family vacations by visiting destinations that will rejuvenate your love of travel, provide your family time to relax together and help you unplug from routine as you introduce your tiny travellers to the wider world.

We asked six savvy mothers to nominate destinations for the best family vacations based on real-world experiences with their kids. Here, these sojourning matriarchs offer insider tips and top picks for family-friendly holidays from Orlando to Hong Kong and kid-approved resorts from Hualalai to Sharm El Sheikh.

A hassle-free escape in Hualalai
Nominated by Amie O’Shaughnessy of Ciao Bambino


Hawaii Helicopter Tour

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Hawaii during a helicopter tour of the Big Island. Children will love watching an active volcano spill lava into the ocean, or weaving through jungle-filled valleys.

Photography courtesy Thinkstock

For a carefree vacation, I love Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu, where kids and parents alike can have the holiday of their dreams. Because the Resort is only 15 minutes from the airport, as soon as you arrive, you’re there—it’s logistic nirvana—and the programming at the Resort is so extensive you don’t have to ever leave the grounds. If you do venture out, try the full-island Hualalai helicopter tour—our son loved watching bubbling lava flow into the ocean. Hupuna State Park is nearby, with long sandy beaches and water that’s ideal for body-boarding.

At the end of the day, we found ourselves happily lingering on the grounds of the Resort. Our son enjoyed watching turtles nest along the beach, and playing near the shops as the sun set. He learned to snorkel without leaving the property and spent Kid’s Night Out watching movies on the lawn while my husband and I enjoyed date night. We learned hula and lei-making as a family at the Kaupulehu Cultural Center—the perfect way to expose our child to a new culture and spend quality time together.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

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Activities galore in Hong Kong
Nominated by Katie Dillon of La Jolla Mom


Four Seasons Hong Kong Pool

A family vacation in thriving Hong Kong combines thrilling visits to theme parks for the kids with cultural learning experiences, plus time to relax at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and take in the iconic skyline from the outdoor pool.

Photography courtesy Katie Dillon

Hong Kong is a surprisingly easy family travel destination. Public transportation is efficient, the airport is easy to navigate, and everything a family needs can be purchased within steps of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. While much of Hong Kong is a bustling city, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, enjoy the beach or spend time on the sea, so you can choose a pleasant mix of urban and outdoor activities for an active family. Two of the most popular family destinations are Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, where kids can be kids and parents can score major cool points. If you prefer to skip the packed parks, head up to Big Buddha on a glass-bottom cable car, or take a ride on the new waterfront observation wheel at twilight to watch the city sparkle.

While many parents worry about the food options in Hong Kong, this shouldn’t dissuade those with even the pickiest of eaters. Kids love the petite dim sum, and if all else fails, pizza and burgers are available all over the city. We used many of the Hotel’s family amenities, including the outdoor pool deck, where complimentary popsicles and treats are passed around periodically. If the siren call of the watering holes at Lan Kwai Fong beckons, book a nanny through the Concierge. Otherwise, stay back in your Harbour View Room and watch the Symphony of Lights laser show over the water. Word to those still strollering: The city’s uneven pavement and unavoidable stairs make pushing your tiny tots a tiny hassle.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

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A resort hideaway in Sharm El Sheikh
Nominated by: Heather Greenwood Davis of Globetrotting Mama


Beaches of Sharm El Sheikh

Egypt’s most underrated attraction might be the stunning white-sand beaches of Sharm El Sheikh, which disappear into the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.

Photography courtesy the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

You don’t often hear the words “Egypt” and “children” spoken together in the travel sphere. Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is an exception. From the moment we arrived at the Resort, we all felt at home. We spent most of our time at the property, which is large but well contained. Rooms feel like mini-cottages (with plunge pools in some!), and it only took a few hours for all of us to get to know the lay of the land.

Whether at the pool or on the beach, we enjoyed great views and attentive service, and the restaurants excelled at offering something for every palate. Mealtimes included options our children were familiar with as well as the chance to try new things, like the delicious Merguez sausage and hummus.

And the Resort’s Kids for All Seasons Club is small, but it makes up for its size with fun cultural activities, like learning to write your own name in hieroglyphics. The kids had to be pried away each day, and the talent show at the end of our stay had us all laughing. An unexpected perk of being at a Resort where there are many international travellers was that we made lasting friendships with other families.

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

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Food and fun in Austin
Nominated by: Heather Greenwood Davis of Globetrotting Mama


Barbeque taco from Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ food truck in Austin, Texas

Make a trip to South Congress to try Austin’s amazing food trucks, so everyone in the family can try something they want—from freshly made doughnuts to Tex-Mex tacos.

Photography courtesy Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Nominated by: Lori Lange of Recipe Girl

Austin is a terrific destination for active families. By far, the highlight of our trip was kayaking on Lady Bird Lake behind Four Seasons Hotel Austin. We loved cruising along together, and it was really cool to go under the bridge and hear the bats squeaking. If your children are a bit older, the Segway tour of Texas’ state capital is a great way to enjoy the city while keeping your child occupied and interested. (Be sure to check age restrictions.) And because the Hotel has so many amenities and fun things for the kids to do—they took part in the treasure hunt, played in the pool and watched bats at dusk—we were able to relax and soak in the sun.

Austin can be explored by your taste buds as well. One of the best ways to do this with kids is to try the food trucks of nearby South Congress. Children have fun running between options and trying unfamiliar cuisine, and you might even get them to fall in love with something new. The city also offers delicious tacos: Try the breakfast tacos at El Primo, or chow down at lunchtime on a Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ taco (both are food trucks), followed by one of Austin’s famous doughnuts. A personal favourite is Gourdough’s Donuts, where you can make a whole meal with variations on the tasty treats.

Four Seasons Hotel Austin

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Interactive exploration in Lisbon


Algarve, Portugal

Renting a car is a great way to get out of Lisbon’s crowds and explore the Algarve, one of Portugal’s stunning natural wonders and a fun place for the kids to run along the sandy beaches or swim in the gentle surf.

Photography courtesy Chris Ford

Upon arrival, we did a motorcycle and sidecar tour of Lisbon, which offered a fun, interactive way to see the city and to get a sense of the history and soul of the place. Next, we explored on foot. Keep in mind the amount of walking you’ll do in the city: There are plenty of hills to climb and cobblestone walks to hike down, but if you stay at Four Seasons Hotel Lisbon a massage at the luxurious Spa will quickly loosen tired muscles after a long day on your feet.

The Hotel offers a great breakfast buffet, the perfect, hassle-free way to start each morning before exploring the city anew. Mix it up with trolley or taxi rides when the kids get tired, or rent a car. We explored coastal Algarve by car, taking in the deep turquoise waters with twisted rocks jutting out peacefully towards Africa, as well as exploring the nearby towns at Europe’s end. Car rentals offer the opportunity to get out of Lisbon and into the history and culture of Portugal’s more rural areas. And if all else fails, our kids loved to play in the warm sand or run laughing through the gentle surf on one of Portugal’s beautiful beaches.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

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A museum haven in Washington, DC
Nominated by: Liz Borod of Travelogged


Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

A full day of exploration in Washington, DC—from introducing your child to the wonders of the world at a Smithsonian museum to taking in historical monuments—is best ended by relaxing in the comfort of your room at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC.

Washington, DC, is like an educational version of Disney World because there are so many great attractions and things to see and do with kids. Visiting the Smithsonian Museums is a must: Our 3-year-old enjoyed the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, and it was fun for us as parents to revisit those old favourites, too.

But the real highlight was the impressive Newseum, which looks at recent history through the lens of the media. Of course, after all of that museum-hopping, a trip or two around on the carousel at the National Mall is a perfect reward for good behaviour. After a busy day of sight-seeing, we were happy to go back and relax in our room at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, which is located in my favourite neighbourhood—Georgetown. Full of well-preserved Federalist architecture, Georgetown also has the best shopping and dining in the city. We managed to find time to stroll around the cobblestone streets, but my son had more fun back in the Hotel, enjoying the kid-friendly amenities.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

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A cultural introduction in Florence
Nominated by Amie O’Shaughnessy of Ciao Bambino


Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Park

Home to the largest private garden in Florence, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers an oasis in an otherwise crowded city: Admire architecture in the morning, and then spend the afternoon watching your children play outdoors back at the Hotel.

Florence is a busy metropolis, and the crowds and noise can be overwhelming. Luckily, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze has the largest private garden in the city—one of our favourite secluded hideaways, especially in summer. The oasis offers a pool; the vast garden itself, where the kids run; and a slice of calm and quiet without compromising proximity to Florence’s top sites.

From the Hotel, everything is walkable. My son loved climbing to the top of the Duomo and counting the 463 steps of the dark, ancient stairwell. The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Florence that are worth the climb, and gave our family one of our all-time favourite travel memories.

Although Florence is a city of Renaissance art and architecture, visiting with children offers the opportunity to see more of the parks, eat more delicious gelato and chow down on pizzas while experiencing the city’s attractions in an active, fun way. My son loved playing in the Santa Croce Piazza while we enjoyed superb people-watching in the shadow of the magnificent façade.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

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Endless excitement in Orlando
Nominated by: Colleen Padilla of Classy Mommy


Fun in Orlando

Orlando is not exactly a stranger to family fun. Earn a stream of smiles from your little ones at a theme park, or soak up the sun at the Resort pool, designed to be fun for both the young and the young at heart.

Orlando is a place worth visiting over and over again so that you can experience the many attractions while still allowing time to relax poolside at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort. Easy transfers from the airport to the Resort make travelling to this destination logistical bliss with children.

My best advice for experiencing Orlando and Walt Disney World® Resort is not to try to do it all in one visit. You’ll exhaust yourself and the kids will be cranky. Instead, prioritise a few activities each day so that you feel accomplished rather than overwhelmed. And because the Resort has a private luxury bus to take your group to and from the Disney Theme Parks, you can schedule half-day visits to ensure there’s time left over to enjoy the Resort pool.

If you’re tired of lines, take your tots to the Resort’s Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals, where you can get pictures with all the characters they love as well as score a nutritious meal. Once you’ve experienced everything there is to see and do at Walt Disney World®—Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, to name only a few of the must-see attractions—retreat back to Four Seasons and enjoy Explorer Island, a 5-acre (2-hectare) family playground. Complete with fountain-equipped splash zone, lakefront family pool, meandering lazy river for tubing, gaming arena, and courts for beach volleyball and basketball, Explorer Island has something for everyone.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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Something for everyone in Los Angeles
Nominated by: Katie Dillon of La Jolla Mom


Natural History Museum of Los Angles

Encourage your child’s love of learning with a visit to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, where the Dinosaur Hall’s massive fossils will impress children of all ages.

Photography courtesy the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

LA has ample attractions to make for a lively family vacation: With Disneyland only an hour away, the La Brea Tar Pits not far afield, and some of the world’s prettiest beaches and Santa Monica Pier nearby, there is no shortage of ways to entertain children of all ages. For an all-out family vacation, hit the Los Angeles Zoo, Universal Studios and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, where your kids can learn as well as play. For more of a local perspective, try the American Girl Place at The Grove for lunch in the café before doing a bit of shopping on Rodeo and Robertson. The LACMA children’s gallery offers interactive art and a fun way to get creative with your children.

LA has the widest range of cultural activities in Southern California, and I’m always a fan of widening my daughter’s scope of interest and knowledge by exposing her to new things. Food in LA is easy for the young, who never seem to tire of the city’s creative kid’s menus. Or dine in at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: The menu at Culina presents a vast number of choices, but if your child can’t find anything appealing, the Hotel can make something to suit his or her palate.

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

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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.

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

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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.

 

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

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Trending Now: Modern Salons from London to Dubai

Posted on by Toby White

Exchanging ideas at Salon London

A modern iteration of the traditional literary salon, Salon London organises monthly gatherings showcasing experts in the worlds of science, the arts and psychology.

Photograpy courtesy Helen Abraham

In the fall of 2003, California teacher Toby Brothers moved to Paris for her husband’s job. For her, the romance of the move, the thoughts of idling away days along the Seine, were soon overshadowed by the realities of integrating herself into a new culture, learning a new language and settling into a new city. One evening, a chance encounter at a cocktail party led to an in-depth discussion of her passion for teaching and a favourite book—Beloved, by Toni Morrison—prompting a new idea. What do you do, as a literature teacher, to embrace your new environment in one of the world’s most cultured cities? Why, you set up a literary salon. This is Paris, after all.

Hotbeds of creativity and progressive ideas, salons are synonymous with the French Enlightenment. The salonnières most associated with the early days are women such as the colourful Madame Geoffrin, who ran arguably Paris’ most famous salon in the mid-18th century, hosting writers and artists. Women led many of the early salons in Europe, creating an important outlet for voices that otherwise might not have been heard. And women are often the catalysts in the current movement.

Today salons have had a renaissance, perhaps as a pushback against the decline of face-to-face human contact in our digital age. From poetry brunches to multimedia presentations in art galleries to scientific discussions in converted warehouses, these gatherings point to the universal need for personal interaction and mental exercise. They allow people to come together to increase their knowledge and hone their tastes through conversation and the exchange of ideas. Their mission is to allow debate, to stoke passion and to inspire.

“Part of my inspiration was Natalie Clifford Barney,” Brothers tells me, “another American expat who ran what was dubbed ‘the liveliest salon in Paris’ in the first half of the 1900s.” Brothers set up her own salon in Paris before moving again, this time to London. Now, her London Literary Salon is based in her living room, where patrons tackle such weighty authors as Joyce, Proust and Faulkner.

Salons are for the free exchange of any type of stories or ideas.

So, I tell myself, a salon is basically a book club. But I quickly learn that I’m oversimplifying: “We use the literature as a launch pad for deeper discussion,” Brothers explains. “It’s a means to an end rather than the end in itself. The literature is a road map to the bigger questions.”

My first lesson is learned: Salons are for the free exchange of any type of stories or ideas. Some salons marry a literary theme with a broader sense of culture or art. Inspired by an invitation to read from her then-in-progress novel at a SoHo art gallery, New York–based writer Vica Miller set up a multimedia salon in 2009. Her idea was to emulate the salons of 1920s Paris salonnière Gertrude Stein, with writers reading from new work amid contemporary art. “The multimedia component is important to me, as I love such synergies,” Miller says. “People connect on a different level because hearing a good story read aloud against a backdrop of amazing art is a transcendent experience.”

Other salons are completely removed from literature. I recently attended an event at Shoreditch House, a members’ club in a converted warehouse, organised by Salon London. The word “literary” doesn’t feature in its objectives of “Science, Art, Psychology.” Co-founder Helen Bagnall says, “People come from all disciplines and want community and intelligent entertainment.” So what’s up for discussion?

“In some ways, we’re what television should deliver,” Bagnall says. “If a salon works, the audience will hear something they’ve never heard before, pick up a new skill, and go away wanting to find out more.”

By the time the salon starts, some 50 people fill the room, with stools taken from the bar next door and standing room only. The Shoreditch House library seems more like a Lothario’s living room: huge velvet sofas, deep leather armchairs and faded Persian rugs. A zinc-topped table to one side forms the centrepiece of a makeshift but elaborate bar. David Nutt, a professor of neuropsychopharmacology, speaks on what medicines do to the brain. The subject: “The Truth About Drugs.” In the spirit of the salon, he sits, speaking in a conversational manner, inviting comments and questions. While it wasn’t a subject I would have expected for a salon, it was an insightful, witty, often challenging and thoroughly engaging affair, imbued with human interaction, laughter and the frisson of participation. I left energised, enlightened and intellectually stimulated. And I’d learned another lesson: Salons aren’t just a lot of people attending a reading or lecture. Even though modern salons may not be held in private sitting rooms and may be guided by a lecturer, the key is casual interaction and the exchange and growth of ideas.

London salons have become the vogue in recent years, and not simply for emerging writers. At the top of the list, playwright and journalist Damian Barr leads monthly events where established authors read from upcoming works and pitch ideas. The gatherings have gained such repute that they are now attended by the glitterati as well as the literati. Past sessions have featured the likes of David Nicholls, John Waters and Bret Easton Ellis. Barr has taken his literary salon abroad, too, holding events destinations like Istanbul. Which leads me to my next realisation: Modern salons aren’t held only in Paris, London or New York. (In fact, salons first developed in the Middle East.)

 

The trendy thing to do after iftar, the breaking of the fast, is to head out to various cafés for literary salons and open-mic reading nights.

The movement is gathering fresh momentum globally. Salons in the 21st century cross borders, languages and even the digital wall. In Dubai, amid a thriving arts and culture scene in the UAE, American expat, blogger and writer Danna Lorch has observed bibliophiles setting up their own discussion groups through Twitter and local literary festivals. “During Ramadan,” Lorch says, “the trendy thing to do after iftar, the breaking of the fast, is to head out to various cafés for literary salons and open-mic reading nights.” Here, the salon culture leans more towards poetry. It’s a tradition in the Middle East that dates back to the Middle Ages, with its recent incumbents led, in part, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his son, published poets who write in both English and Arabic.

Punch and The Poeticians, both run by poets, lead the new salon wave in Dubai. Punch is a short way of saying “poetry bunch.” Lebanese poet Zeina Hashem Beck organises the monthly event at BookMunch, a Dubai literary café. The Poeticians, founded in 2007 and also active in Amman and Beirut, is “an elastic entity welcoming anyone willing to share bits of their linguistic light with us in English, Arabic or French.” Both groups rely on Facebook for communication. So my next lesson, and perhaps the most surprising, is that yes, salons are about personal, often face-to-face, communication, but they aren’t forums for Luddites. Even if they develop as a reaction against the impersonal qualities of digital culture, today’s salons don’t distance themselves from the digital arena, but embrace it. Digital tools are encouraging salons to form and to grow: connecting people, distributing content, even offering salon events as podcasts.

Of all the salons around the world today, perhaps the Sunday Salon is the ultimate example of how salons are proliferating and reinventing themselves. Started in New York in 2002 by Alaskan Nita Noveno, the salon runs monthly events at Jimmy’s No. 43, a bar and restaurant in the East Village. Like many other salons, it was designed to encourage new writing and allow emerging writers to find an audience. It wasn’t long, though, before a counterpart group was set up in Chicago—and another in Nairobi. Thanks to Noveno’s use of the internet to encourage others to create similar groups, Salon Nairobi emerged in 2007 out of a partnership between Noveno and June Wanjiru Wainaina, founder of Kwani? Readings. Salon Nairobi has grown into quite the literary machine, publishing and distributing content, running festivals, offering tutelage, and making global connections.

This leads me to the most important thing I’ve learned about modern salons: In contrast to the aristocratic leanings of earlier salons, today’s groups depend on the principle of equality—of all opinions being valuable and up for discussion rather than attack. This latter point is something that’s often a lot easier to adhere to in face-to-face conversation; think of how much more tempting it is to dismiss an idea in, say, an online comments forum.

Literary salons have emerged for all manner of skill levels. Many offer a nurturing environment that novice writers may not find elsewhere. New York’s Pen Parentis, for writers who are parents, takes place in a hotel bar—with literary ambitions fuelled, presumably, by a much-needed cocktail. The Franklin Park reading series, held at the eponymous Brooklyn beer garden, features “emerging and established fiction writers, memoirists, poets and story-tellers,” highlighting “local talent and authors from around the world.” Lit at Lark showcases local authors in Brooklyn’s Lark café.

The environment may have changed, but the reasons for salons remain the same. “People get inspired,” says multimedia salon founder Miller. “Afterwards, writers have told me, they’ve gone back to their own writing desks to finish manuscripts in progress. Many have said they felt enchanted by the nurturing and creative atmosphere. New friendships are forged as people connect and have conversations on a deeper level, and a couple of writers secured an agent and a publishing deal after reading at the salon.”

The salonnière Madame Geoffrin would be proud.

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Our Travel Intentions for 2025

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

This year, meet the anticipation of a new beginning with moments of appreciation. The meditative sound of crystal singing bowls at The Heart of The Earth Spa in Hoi An, putting your mind at ease. The way each dish of the seven-course tasting menu at Michelin-starred Auro takes you on a sensory journey through the current season in Napa Valley. The smile on the face of your favourite person as you learn to flamenco dance together in Madrid. When you travel with intention, every moment becomes quietly, sublimely extraordinary. At Four Seasons, wellness, connection and meaningful moments are what we’re looking forward to in 2025. Come set your own travel intentions with us.

Spa pavilion set along a topical lagoon

Travel to The Heart of The Earth Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam to attune with the natural world.

Massage therapist massages person laying face down on a table set next to large doors that open out onto a tropical lagoon

Whether you book a healing massage, a personalized wellness session or a private yoga class, your time at The Heart of The Earth Spa will a lasting impression.

Two people practice yoga on a raised outdoor platform with sail shades overhead and surrounded by a tropical landscape

Explore different styles of yoga through a variety of complimentary classes or bespoke yoga sessions.

Wellness: A focus on yourself

Travelling with intention starts from within. That means slowing down and staying present. That could be achieved through daily mindfulness exercises or a meditation practice that keeps you centred while you’re on vacation – or perhaps through travelling to a place where you know your well-being will be nurtured in a caring, intentional way.

With its overwater treatment pavilions set atop a lotus-filled lagoon, The Heart of The Earth Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam is a serene wellness retreat inspired by the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh – the Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk known as the father of the mindfulness movement, who believed that we are not separate from the Earth, but rather one with it. Here, you can attune yourself to the rhythms of nature through yoga, meditation rituals, healing massages and body treatments, sessions with visiting practitioners, and personalized wellness journeys. For a profound experience that will move body and soul, book the Spa’s signature Nam Hai Earth Song ritual, which includes a sound bath using eight synchronized, quartz-crystal alchemy bowls tuned to 432 Hz, the healing frequency of the Earth itself. Once you’ve realigned with yourself and the world around you, set out to explore the sacred sites, natural beauty and vibrant culture of Hoi An with one of the Resort’s immersive experiences.

Practise mindfulness in Hoi An

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Two people walk along a narrow wooden dock that leads from the beach to an over-water pavilion

AyurMa, the wellness retreat at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, is built on the four pillars of Ayurveda, yoga therapy, wellness and planetary well-being.

Four people sit in the round on a beach, two holding instruments and the other two singing

At AyurMa, a strong reverence for nature can be felt throughout each experience.

Four round islands punctuate a bright blue ocean

The Resort is located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, creating plenty of opportunities for exploration.

For many, connecting with the natural world is the easiest path to reconnecting with the self. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, the wonder of nature quite literally surrounds you. Set on a secluded island within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Indian Ocean, the Resort offers more than just a beautiful destination – it’s a place where innovation, conservation and wellness meet. Pay a visit to AyurMa, the Resort’s pioneering wellness haven centred on the four pillars of Ayurveda, yoga therapy, wellness and planetary well-being. “From Ayurvedic herbs to our daily rituals, we celebrate the Earth’s ability to heal us and our capability to heal her in return,” says Dr. Arun K. Tomson, Director of AyurMa. This reverence for nature can also be felt throughout the Resort, whether you’re exploring the lagoon after dark, helping the resident marine biologists at the Marine Discover Centre, or swimming with dolphins and manta rays in the crystal-clear waters of the Baa Atoll.

Feel connected in the Maldives

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Two marble statues stand in a plaza surrounded by a light-blue building

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is located in central Madrid and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and art galleries.

Two people walk along a street with a historic red building in the background

Embark on a historical walking tour and get to know the history of this beloved city, from it’s ninth-century walls to the ornate buildings of Habsburg Madrid.

Two people smile as they share a dessert at a table at a rooftop restaurant

A meal at the Hotel’s Dani Brasserie is complemented by some of the best rooftop views in the city.

Connection: A focus on new cultures and authentic experiences

Immersing yourself in the culture of a destination does two things: It provides the joy of novelty and experiences that may be new to us, and it reminds us that there is a variety of infinitely beautiful ways to spend our days. More and more, the desire for authentic, experiential travel is at the top of the list of our vacation must-haves.

In Madrid, you’ll find history, art, food and festivals fueling the city’s cosmopolitan flair. Located in the historic Centro Canalejas building just a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid puts you in the heart of Spain’s charismatic capital. Explore the shops at neighbouring Galería Canalejas and other nearby boutiques to see where fashionable Madrileños find their fits, join an expert guide on a historical walking tour, or dive deep into the culture of flamenco as you get to know the history of Spanish classical guitars and take in a flamenco show at a traditional tablao. Socializing with friends and family is also a huge part of day-to-day life in Madrid, so finish your day with dinner at the Hotel’s Dani Brasserie, a lively, welcoming restaurant featuring Michelin-distinguished Chef Dani García’s Andalusian dishes in a stylish rooftop setting.

Savour a taste of Spain in Madrid

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Exterior of National Museum of Qatar

The striking design of the National Museum of Qatar is just one of the things you’ll see on the guided Heart of Doha City Tour available only through Four Seasons Hotel Doha.

Person rising camel in the desert next to a row of black monoliths looks back over her shoulder and smiles

Set out on an adventure through the desert on the exhilarating Desert & Sea Safari half- or full-day experience.

Living room with a light-beige, L-shaped sofa and round wooden coffee table in the centre, next to glass sliding doors that open up to a balcony overlooking the water

If you’re travelling with family and friends, Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar offers spacious, fully equipped apartments along the water’s edge.

Seeing a city transform in real time is a fascinating experience. Doha, the burgeoning capital of Qatar, is rapidly coming into its modern iteration while still sitting confidently with its historic past. So where do you start? When you stay at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, you can embark on a full- or half-day Heart of Doha City Tour to see the famous Doha Corniche, the Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, all under the knowledgeable care of an expert guide. Prefer to fully immerse yourself in the art and culture of the region? The Hotel’s Cultural Wonders Museum Tour is for you. And for a truly unforgettable experience, the full-day Desert & Sea Safari will take you on an adventure through the dunes to where the desert meets the sea. If you’re travelling with a larger group, the spacious apartments at Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar offer full kitchens and optional extra rooms on the stunning human-made island, along with additional experiences you’ll only find through Four Seasons.

Explore the city, desert and sea in Doha

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Two wine glasses and a charcuterie plate sit on the centre of a small round bistro table set in the middle of a vineyard

From wine tastings to private dinners, the seasonal experiences at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley and the on-site Elusa Winery will keep you grounded in the moment.

A person wearing a white spa robe sits sipping a cup of tea while looking out the window next to a row of daybeds set along a stone wall

The Resort’s Spa Talisa offers a relaxing place to enjoy a little time for yourself in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Interior restaurant dining room filled with square wooden tables for four, a pitched wooden ceiling, and a wall of windows and glass doors leading out to a covered terrace

Set against the stunning backdrop of the sprawling Palisades Mountains, Auro offers a picture-perfect setting for Wine Country fine dining.

Meaningful moments: Focus on time together

Our fast-paced lives often leave us wanting to spend more quality time with the ones we love. By travelling with intention, that feeling of genuine connection tends to naturally take centre stage. Stronger connections are also formed when you experience new things together, which is why Four Seasons puts so much care into making sure the moments you have both on and off property are meaningful and memorable, no matter where you decide to travel.

When you first arrive at Elusa Winery, the on-site vineyard at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, you get the sense that everything is moving at exactly the right pace. The grapes, after all, will not be rushed. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, travelling with friends or on a multigenerational trip, this feeling of being fully in the present, in lockstep with the seasons, can be felt throughout your stay. From wine dinners and cocktail classes to vineyard picnics and relaxing spa treatments, it’s easy to find intentional ways to spend time together in Napa Valley. For an unforgettable evening, try the seven-course tasting menu at Auro, Calistoga’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and experience hyper-seasonal bounty with Chef Rogelio Garcia’s signature touch.

Taste the season in Napa Valley

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Outdoor hotel pool surrounded by cabanas and lounge chairs

Unwind together at the legendary Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, a serene seaside haven located just outside Miami.

A parent runs around a palm-fringed yard with three young children

The family-friendly hotel has plenty of activities for kids of all ages.

Two people ride down a palm-tree lined street in a black Moke

Get behind the wheel of one of the Hotel’s complimentary electric Mokes to cruise the streets in vintage style.

Sometimes, a little rest and relaxation are all you need to reconnect. At Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, spend your days lounging in one of the legendary poolside cabanas, the very same ones Winston Churchill used to spend time in to paint and unwind. With two pools and a quiet stretch of beach just a few steps away, this family-friendly hotel could be exactly what you need. Go for a ride together in one of the complimentary electric Mokes to take in the scenery or ride your bicycle in search of the perfect picnic spot, courtesy of an insider tip from the Concierge. Get the best of both worlds with a yacht and city tour of nearby Miami or see the coastline from the sky on a private helicopter tour before returning to the Hotel for a sunset beach picnic curated by the talented culinary team. Each moment, no matter how small, is an opportunity to create joyful memories. And Four Seasons will help make sure you don’t miss a single one.

Unwind together in Surfside

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Two umbrellas on beach with turquoise water

Winter Vacation Ideas: Go With the Snow

Posted on by Kelly Bastone

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

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

Natural splendour

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

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

Explore the beauty of Geneva

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

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

Go wild in Jackson Hole

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Dog sledding in Vali

Childlike delight

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

Find fun for all ages in Vail

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

Plan your adventure in Whistler

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

Winter’s thrills

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

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

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

Seek out new slopes in Marrakech

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Four Seasons Hotel Bergues Geneva, Switzerland