Africa & The Middle East Archives - Page 6 of 27

How to Make the Most of 72 Hours
in Iconic Cities

Posted on March 24, 2023October 10, 2024 by Tanvi Chheda

Whether you’re looking for some respite from the everyday hustle or are heading off for a special weekend away, figuring out how to maximize a quick stay in any city requires both planning and a healthy dose of spontaneity. Though every destination and traveller are different, Four Seasons Concierges are masters at helping you fill your itinerary with as many (or as few) experiences as you’d like.

Travelling for an event? Why not stay an extra day and explore the city or take the opportunity to tend to your self-care needs with some rest and relaxation. In advance of your trip, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the hotel team to learn about what’s available on-property during your stay. It’s also a good time to fill the Concierge in on your interests so they can arrange for after-hours tours, tickets to the latest theater show or concert, and even book you those hard-to-get restaurant reservations.

Sometimes, the quickest trips can be the most fun, especially with Four Seasons in your corner. Read on for some ideas on how to make the most of a 72-hour stay.

Explore the city like a local

One of the best ways to discover the most interesting things a city has to offer is by talking to locals. Luckily, the Concierge teams at Four Seasons are comprised of local insiders whose passion it is to uncover the best of their city and share it with their guests. Tip: Choose one specific thing to do each day and leave the rest of your schedule open – you never know what opportunity might present itself.

Dinner and drinks in New York

A master of reinvention, New York is always a good idea for a weekend getaway. Base yourself at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, where the sprawling and serene suites offer gorgeous views of Tribeca and downtown Manhattan. When you’re ready to venture out, apertivo bars, art galleries, jazz clubs and some of the hottest restaurants in the city are at your feet. Drop in at Bar Pisellino for the delicious Pistachio cocktail made with gin, cardamom, pistachio and lime, followed by dinner at Dante, a New York institution for Italian food and drinks since 1915, or Ito, a modern 16-seat omakase restaurant close to the Hotel. Tomorrow, borrow bikes and explore nearby neighborhoods, including SoHo, Chinatown and Dumbo across the East River. Or have the Concierge arrange a private sailing through New York Harbour, past Lady Liberty, and see the city that never sleeps from the water.

Spend the weekend in New York

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Two women in a courtyard looking up at two large marble sculptures

An artful weekend in Madrid

Lovers of art, shopping and soccer can easily fill a three-day stay in Madrid. The stunning Four Seasons Hotel Madrid – situated between the Puerta del Sol public square and Barrio del las Letras neighbourhood – puts you in the center of it all. The three-year-old property boasts a 1,500-piece art collection with paintings, sculptures and photographs by emerging Spanish artists such as Eduardo Pérez-Cabrero, Jose Cháfer and Sandra Val. For some retail therapy, the Hotel offers direct access to Galería Canalejas, a high-end shopping haven (think Valentino, Aquazzara and Jimmy Choo) worth stepping into just to see the Art Deco architecture alone. The Hotel and shopping complex sit within a collection of seven historic buildings dating back to 1887. Choose a new outfit before heading out for your own private flamenco lesson, arranged by the Concierge. Several must-visit cultural institutions sit within walking distance, too, including the Real Academia del Bellas Artes de San Fernando (located just across the street and home to a room dedicated to Goya paintings) and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional, along with the Prado Museum and Reina Sofia galleries. If soccer is more your thing, have the Concierge reserve you tickets or a private box to watch a Real Madrid game.

Explore the art of Madrid

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Effortlessly iconic in Paris

A room with a view of the Eiffel Tower? Oui. But that’s just the start at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris. Fitness buffs will enjoy the complimentary early morning jogging tour of Paris’ sights with a running guide leading the way. The five-mile route takes in the Eiffel Tower, Seine riverbank, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and Tuileries Gardens before returning to the Hotel. After the morning workout, you’ll be more than ready to take a private lunchtime culinary masterclass led by Chef Christian Le Squer at the property’s three-Michelin-starred Le Cinq restaurant. For something really special, the Concierge team can arrange a daytrip to Maison Belle Époque, the former house of the founders of Perrier-Jouët in Épernay, Champagne – just two hours from Paris. This country manor houses the largest private collection of French art nouveau in Europe, including etched glassware and works by Rodin and Toulouse Lautrec. Tour the home, enjoy lunch in the gardens and finish with a visit to a Champagne vineyard. Have some extra time? Ask the Concierge about a one-night stay at the Maison.

Plan a romantic trip to Paris

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A woman relaxing on a spa bed by a window

Indulge in on-property amenities

If your idea of a weekend well spent involves putting in as little effort as possible, we don’t blame you. In fact, we highly recommend taking at least one day – if not three – to fully embrace the joy of doing nothing. At Four Seasons, though, doing nothing can still be glamorous, given the depth of on-property amenities you’ll find at your disposal.

Make time for self-care in Dubai

From spa treatments and fitness classes to lounging in a private beach cabana, wellness takes many forms at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Head to The Pearl Spa for a rejuvenating day and let the experts help you organize a personal spa journey including massages, facials and signature experiences such as sound healing and workshops combining meditation and art. The Meditation in Colour experience begins with a guided meditation in the Hotel’s lush gardens followed by a painting session through local partner We Love Art. While Dubai is known for its dazzling luxury and modern skyscrapers, the Resort’s private stretch of beachfront along the Arabian Gulf offers a different side of the city. Spend the day relaxing on the gold-sand beach or cooling off with a dip in the freeform outdoor pool. Just the two of you? Have the Concierge arrange for a private meal on the moonlit beach, retreat to the comfort of your room or suite and wake up the next morning to a delicious breakfast in bed.

Relax in style in Dubai

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Epicurean delights in Tokyo

Much of Tokyo’s appeal is its frenetic energy and fast pace, but when you walk through the doors of Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, it’s a welcome sanctuary amid the urban delights. Located in the central Chiyoda district, the 190-room Hotel overlooks the Imperial Palace and offers idyllic views of Mount Fuji. The culinary highlights on property alone are enough to fill a long weekend, including the Michelin-starred est, which deftly highlights Japan’s bounty with French cooking techniques. The Hotel’s 39th floor rooftop bar VIRTÙ, helmed by renowned bartender Keith Motsi, is also not to be missed. Motsi recommends trying the Yuzu Nagi, made with Japanese gin, cognac, yuzu juice, yuzu liqueur, yuzu bitters and sugar or the Takara, made with Japanese whisky, vermouth rouge, Chartreuse Jaune, Denki Bran and orange bitters. For a drink of a different kind, have the Concierge arrange a private visit to tea master Shinya Sakurai’s tea shop, Sakurai Tea Experience, for a modern take on the traditional tea ceremony service.

Sip your way through Tokyo

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

How will you spend your 72 hours?

6 Luxury Hotels Designed With the Environment in Mind

Posted on February 24, 2023April 18, 2023 by Ellise Pierce

Look at the pattern of a fallen leaf. Or the organic silhouette of a towering ceiba tree. With beauty and intentionality, nature has long been an inspiration for impeccable design. From a tented resort in the seaside forests of Punta Mita, Mexico, to a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)–certified building in Boston, these six Four Seasons properties are practicing sustainability with style, leading the way in sustainable travel and luxury eco-design.

Watch the sun set over the Pacific with a private table at Risco Terrace at Naviva®, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, México.

Take a dip in your private plunge pool.

Relax in your tent’s open-concept living spaces and enjoy some of the best birdwatching in the area from the comfort of your couch or out on the sun deck.

Relax in a hammock on your private sun deck.

Sleep close to nature in Punta Mita

Nature meets nurture at Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, México, where on a private peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you’ll relax in one of 15 eco-luxury tents surrounded by 48 acres (20 hectares) of lush tropical forest. The tents have not only open-air living rooms, but also bedrooms that open to a private plunge pool and a sun deck outfitted with upholstered lounge chairs, an outdoor shower and a hammock. The lines between indoors and out are purposely blurred.

Through biophilic design – a mindful architectural approach that aims to connect people with nature – you’ll experience the natural world inside as well as out with the intentional use of textures and fabrics that mimic natural patterns. Other earth-friendly features at the Resort include rainwater capture; sun-powered hydro-panels to extract clean, pollutant-free drinking water from the air; and an unwavering commitment to community, with many of the property’s furnishings and components sourced from local artisans.

Sleep under the stars in Punta Mita

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Connect with the water at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

King’s Pond is a swimmable aquarium at the heart of the Resort.

Walk over ponds and waterways on your way to the Resort’s oceanfront restaurant, ‘Ulu Ocean Grill.

A tradition of sustainability in Hualalai

In keeping with the centuries-old way of life in Hawaii known as “mālama honua” (to care for our earth), Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has created a sustainability program to benefit the surrounding ecosystem as well as its employees and guests. Salt pools and electric vehicle charging stations are among its elements. So is a zero-waste water filtration system for the entire Resort that features on-site micro-bottling technology and reusable aluminum bottles. The emphasis is on convenience as well as conservation.

When you stay in Hualalai, sustainability is experiential. Here you can join in on periodic Resort-sponsored beach clean-ups. Or you can take a dip in the picturesque King’s Pond, a swimmable aquarium that’s home to more than 1,000 tropical fish and is overseen by a team of resident marine biologists. And there are plenty of opportunities to learn about ocean biodiversity, both at the on-site Kumu Kai Marine Center and from the Alaka‘i Nalu, or “leaders of the waves” – they love to share their expert knowledge of the ocean and Hawaiian culture through water sports and seafaring adventures.

Even the food and drink you enjoy in Hualalai are helping to make a difference. More than 75% of the ingredients are sourced from local farmers and fishermen, and the Resort’s Environmental Protection Agency–award-winning Lake Punawai is stocked with shrimp, amberjack and oysters that supply the on-site restaurants.

Take care of the ocean in Hawaii

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The LEED-certified Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston, rises high above the Back Bay neighbourhood.

Hop on a bicycle to explore the surrounding area.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer a range of Boston views.

Back Bay offers plenty of trails and walkways for a morning run.

Green building reaches new heights in Boston

From maintaining a fleet of bicycles for guests to pedal around downtown to sourcing renewable sources of energy, Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston, was always meant to enhance the lives and experiences of everyone who walks through its doors. Designed by legendary architect Henry Cobb and opened in 2019, the 61-storey Back Bay skyscraper is the third-tallest building in Boston. Its curved glass exterior transformed the city skyline, but its dedication to conservation and the betterment of the environment provides a valuable framework for what holistic green building can be.

Awarded the coveted Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for Building Design and Construction, the Hotel continues to strive towards even greater sustainability with programs in place to reduce or eliminate its carbon footprint entirely. The Hotel keeps its use of natural resources in check by leaving no detail to chance. It has implemented water-efficient landscaping, elimination of single-use plastics, a recycling program and energy-saving guest room controls.

Explore an icon in the making in Boston

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Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire sits on a serene 500 acres on the Dogmersfield estate.

The entire Hotel runs on 100% renewable electricity, more than half of which is produced on-site.

You’ll find plenty of fresh, flavourful plates at Café Santé.

Thinking outside the hotel in Hampshire

Another important aspect of sustainability is stewardship of the land and the surrounding community, an idea that Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire has taken to heart. From providing bug hotels as habitats for important pollinators to its efforts to preserve native skylarks, owls, deer, hares, bees and wildflowers on its 500-acre estate, the Hotel’s goal is to improve the quality of life for all who live there – no matter how small.

Take a moment to quietly connect with the local wildlife through educational birdwatching experiences led by expert guides. Or head to one of the Hotel restaurants, whose menus incorporate fruit from the estate’s own 220-tree orchard along with sustainably sourced coffee and humanely raised protein. It’s all part of a philosophy to keep the environmental impact as small and as local as possible. The Hotel also runs on a 100% renewable, carbon emissions-free electricity supply.

Get local in Hampshire

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Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti puts you in the heart of the savannah.

The Lodge’s One-Bedroom Villas open up onto elevated terraces where you can watch the wildlife roam.

Elephants are frequent visitors to the nearby watering hole.

Responsible tourism in the Serengeti

Being located on the edge of a watering hole in Serengeti National Park comes with an inherent responsibility. This is, after all, where the wildlife that call the savannah home roam free. With this in mind, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is committed to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism by doing all it can to conserve not only the Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros – but all those connected to this precious habitat.

This means proudly supporting local wildlife conservation efforts, including the Serengeti Rhino Conservation Project and the Serengeti De-Snaring Project, and helping to preserve the local Tanzanian community by sourcing nearly 75% of items at the Lodge from local suppliers. At the on-site Discovery Centre, you can learn about native wildlife and the history of the area and its people through a resident naturalist, local experts and Maasai guides. And with each wild game drive and walking safari, donations are made to community and wildlife projects around the Serengeti and to local non-profits that support those fleeing gender-based violence.

Help protect the Serengeti

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Learn how to make sustainable zero-waste cocktails at Telu at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

The Resort’s open-air lobby welcomes you with incredible views.

Gather ingredients from the Resort’s garden and learn how to use them in traditional Thai dishes at Jala Cooking Academy.

Connect with natural rhythms in Bali

With on-site honey-producing beehives and rainwater harvested for irrigation, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay invites you to experience sustainability as something that’s naturally part of life. Keeping it hyperlocal, you can drop a line with area fishermen in the morning, then cook your fresh catch at the Jala Cooking Academy later that day. Or imbibe in earth-friendly cocktails with the Sundara bar team at Telu, the Resort’s aromatic herb and cocktail garden and workshop space, and learn how to make sustainable zero-waste drinks.

At the heart of sustainability is balance and continuity, and that often means repurposing or reusing items in helpful ways. At the Resort, used cooking oil is recycled into biodiesel through a partnership with local non-profit Lengis Hijau. Food waste is donated to local farmers to use for animal feed, and all organic waste is composted. There’s even an innovative recycling program in place, created in partnership with ecoBali, that turns used Tetra Pak containers into cabinets and roofs.

Feel the harmony in Bali

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Four Seasons was founded on the principle of the Golden Rule – treat others the way you want to be treated. That’s been a guiding light for Four Seasons as a leader in hospitality, but it’s also a perspective that extends to the environment and communities that surround each hotel and resort. Learn more about global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts at Four Seasons.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will you go to next?

Wellness Is on the Menu

Posted on January 27, 2023February 1, 2023 by Colleen Mitchell

At its core, wellness has much to do with what we feed ourselves. That includes the things we watch, read, think about, surround ourselves with and, of course, what we eat. All of these play a role in our general well-being, but perhaps nothing as impactful as what’s on our plate.

When you’re travelling, eating a balanced meal can become an afterthought. Sticking to your health goals or making sure you have access to options that fit your needs (and wants) can be harder to do when you’re on the go or far from home. Add to that the fact that many vacation memories are formed during meals shared with family and friends, and it can be a challenge to find the right choices for everyone. But food shouldn’t be stressful – especially not when you’re on vacation.

Four Seasons knows how important it is to feel good about what you eat. From menus filled with vegan options to on-property farms and gardens to health-conscious cooking classes, you’ll find many ways to eat well with Four Seasons. Here are just a few examples:

Tamai Pool Bar is just one of the restaurants at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita where you can sample vegan chef Leslie Durso’s plant-based creations.

Durso’s mushroom tinga tacos make for a light and flavourful lunch.

Be on the look out for seasonal dishes like Durso’s jackfruit enchiladas with traditional mole and squash blossoms.

Enjoy fresh Mexican fare on the outdoor terrace at Dos Catrinas.

Plant-based menu options for vegans and non-vegans alike

“I believe the key to a long, healthy, joyful life begins with what you eat,” says plant-based chef and healthy-living educator Leslie Durso. “I create healthy dishes using recognizable foods in unexpected ways to support that.” It’s this philosophy that has led Durso to make Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita one of the most vegan-friendly resorts in the world.

For many vegans and vegetarians, travelling comes with the extra step of making sure there will be something in their destination that they can eat and enjoy. Since coming on as the culinary team’s resident vegan chef, Durso has created more than 250 unique, seasonal dishes at the Resort. The idea was to have plant-based options available across all 10 of the Resort’s restaurants and bars. It was also to make sure that the plant-based dishes feel right at home on the menu and can appeal to anyone – like coconut ceviche at Dos Catrinas and plant-based, Asian-style bowls at Tamai Pool Bar. Many of Durso’s dishes are also allergen-friendly, making each menu even more accessible to people with various health and dietary requirements.

The green gazpacho at Folia at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeriah Beach features avocado, tomato and radish sprouts.

Tables at Folia are surrounded by greenery.

Looking for comfort food? Matthew Kenney puts a plant-based spin on pizza and flatbreads at Folia.

At Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the sentiment is similar. “Eating healthy does not have to result in a compromise on pleasure,” says Vincent Chasseignaux, director of food and beverage. Folia, the Resort’s fully plant-based restaurant, offers guests the chance to try dishes such as watermelon poke or a wild mushroom pizza, filled with vibrant and sometimes unexpected flavours from celebrated chef Matthew Kenney. “Matthew Kenney is one of the world’s most successful chefs at making healthy, green cuisine that anyone can appreciate,” Chasseignaux says. The setting at Folia is just as green, with tables surrounded by blooms and lush leaves that perfectly complement Kenney’s plant-based creations.

The on-site herb and vegetable garden at Four Seasons Resort Hot An (The Nam Hai) grows more than 43 seasonal varieties.

Dishes served at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel often feature fresh, seasonal produce from the Hotel’s garden.

The permaculture vegetable garden serves as a source of inspiration for chefs at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.

Rim Thai Kitchen invites guests at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai to immerse themselves in Thai cuisine.

The fresher the better

One of the easiest ways to eat more nutritiously is to consume whole foods. Minimal processing – if any – is best, and the closer to the source you are the better. This focus on natural, fresh ingredients is also something chefs of all disciplines can agree on. In fact, a number of Four Seasons chefs take the idea of farm-to-table quite literally.

At Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, the kitchens are filled with ingredients sourced directly from the on-site permaculture vegetable garden, keeping menu options local, seasonal and incredibly fresh. The seafood served here is also sourced from local fishermen who supply the team with wild turbot and other fresh-caught delights found right off the Mediterranean coast.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) both have their own on-site herb and vegetable gardens that help provide produce and garnishes for their restaurants. This not only makes sure fresh ingredients are being utilized, it also allows each property to cultivate its own varieties, allowing guests to sample dishes created with ingredients grown the way they have been for centuries. These gardens also provide an immersive way for guests to experience local cuisine. Both resorts are home to cooking schools – Rim Thai Kitchen and the Nam Hai Cooking Academy, respectively – with classes that invite you to join a chef in their own garden to examine indigenous ingredients and embark on a hands-on, multisensory culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.

The menu items at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village are thoughtfully curated, such as Coin & Candor’s seasonal zucchini flowers served with kale, tomato, mache, purslane, avocado, toasted almonds and mango sorbet.

Interactive cooking classes at the Center for Health & Wellbeing teach health-conscious techniques to help make home cooking more balanced.

The open-air Sokasi Cooking Academy at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is set within fragrant herb and vegetable gardens beside the sacred Ayung River.

To get an authentic taste of Balinese cuisine, opt for a traditional megibung dinner featuring ancient Balinese recipes made using hard-to-find ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

Bringing it all back home

Having healthy dining options curated for you can be incredibly valuable. But learning how to cook these dishes for yourself can help nourish your body and your mind. The Center for Health & Wellbeing at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village takes a holistic approach to wellness through immersive, person-centered retreats. These often include personal consultations with nutritionists as well as cooking classes hosted in the Center’s dedicated Wellness Kitchen. The variety of interactive cooking classes are helpful regardless of how well you know your way around a kitchen, showing cooks of all skill levels how to put a spin on daily cooking with health-conscious techniques. Taking it one step further, you can also opt for a grocery store tour with a Registered Dietitian who will walk you through a local grocery store giving you tips on how to find and choose healthier products that are right for you.

Over at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, cooking classes are all the more intriguing thanks to the sublime riverside setting of the Resort’s Sokasi Cooking School. Here you can take a deep dive into Bali’s rich local culture while tapping into your inner chef. The plant-based cooking class highlighting healthy and light cuisine inspired by Ubud is bound to inspire at-home dinners for years to come.

Four Seasons has long made it their mission to give guests the best and highest-quality experience possible, no matter where they’re staying. That dedication to every guest’s well-being extends to each thoughtfully curated menu. Because if living well is the ultimate luxury, travelling well should be, too. Bon appetit!

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Eat balanced no matter where you are.

7 Ideas to Add to Your 2023 Travel Bucket List

Posted on December 21, 2022June 16, 2025 by Katie Dillon

Every traveller is different, and the reasons we travel are just as varied. But travel brings people together and strengthens relationships in a way that Zoom and FaceTime simply can’t. Whether you’re still daydreaming about where to visit or are about to enter the planning stages of your next big trip, one thing’s for certain: Sharing your bucket-list experiences with the people you love most will make them all the more memorable.

Maybe living the island life is calling your name this year for a relaxing family vacation. Or perhaps you’re thinking about where your next culinary escapade should be – like the one you and your friends had in Italy last summer. Either way, planning itineraries to suit a variety of needs is an art form Four Seasons has mastered. Here are seven destinations worthy of a spot on your short list, along with ideas for what to do when you get there that will make everyone in your group happy.

Punta Mita: Meet on the beach

A quiet fishing village in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita is famous for its tranquil coastline, snorkelling, dive sites, surfing and golf. At Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the Concierge team can design group itineraries with the perfect mix of relaxation, culture and activity.

Charter the Resort’s private yacht to discover the wonders found in and around the Bahia de Banderas.

A private beach dinner at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

Spend the day on the private Las Manzanillas Beach, then enjoy a family-style candlelit dinner.

A prime Bahia de Banderas location makes chartering the Resort’s private yacht an ideal group excursion. The 17-metre (55-foot) ship is available for snorkelling charters to the protected Marietas Islands, seasonal whale watching and sunset sails. You can even take the yacht’s WaveRunner for a ride once the boat is anchored.

Back at the Resort, the private Las Manzanillas Beach offers an idyllic setting for an intimate family-style dinner served at a candlelit table in the sand. The low light leads to fantastic stargazing as ocean breezes rustle through the manzanilla trees. And once you’re ready to settle in for the night, you can take a moonlit stroll along the beach back to the five-bedroom Coral Beach House. With its completely private location directly on the sand, multiple terraces, personal media room, breezy layout and infinity-edge pool, this hacienda-style house is one of Punta Mita’s finest. You’ll have access to everything the Resort has to offer in addition to upgrades such as private full-time attendants, golf carts for getting around, and meals cooked by Four Seasons chefs in your own gourmet kitchen.

Meet on the Beach in Punta Mita

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Vail: Gather in the great outdoors

A mountain resort is a great place to have fun boosting your adrenaline, whether it’s awash with snow or with wildflowers. And few do it better than Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail.

Exploring Vail’s rugged mountain landscape is a great way to connect with each other and with nature.

Gather around the fireplace in your Private Residence at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail and reminisce about the day’s adventures together.

Between December and April, enjoy an epic snowmobile tour with your group in Vail Valley through outfitter Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals. Great for beginner and intermediate riders, set out on a scenic groomed ride on a two-seat Trail Sled, or book a Powder Sled if you’re an advanced rider looking to carve your own path across the mountain’s steep and deep terrain. In summertime, white-water rafting is an exciting bonding experience, as groups work together to steer their raft safely over rapids.

Agreeing on where to eat can be a challenge for any large group, which is why pairing a restaurant with an adventure can appeal to the whole crowd. For an off-piste dining excursion, book a reservation at The 10th, an on-mountain restaurant located at MidVail atop Gondola One. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, The 10th offers updated classics in a modern alpine lodge. When the snow melts, groups can go on a one-hour horseback ride, led by an experienced wrangler, up to Beano’s Cabin. This log cabin is known for its farm-to-table fare with seasonal items ranging from a foie gras and black truffle tart to elk tomahawk.

After an adventure-packed day, the Resort’s Private Residences are ideal for relaxing together by the fireplace for warm evening chats or connecting over a meal on the outdoor terrace next to mountain views. Ranging from one to six bedrooms, these elegant alpine retreats offer plenty of space so you can all relax indoors after your great outdoor adventures.

Make mountaintop memories in Vail

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Hampshire: Escape to the English countryside

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a restored Georgian manor just an hour’s drive from London and 35 minutes from Heathrow Airport. Set on 500 acres of beautiful English countryside, this is where the hustle and bustle of daily life is happily traded in for a bit of quintessential English country living.

The stately Georgian Manor House that’s now home to Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire was originally built in 1728.

Spend an afternoon on the Basingstoke canal sipping champagne on the Hotel’s private canal boat.

Running right through the estate grounds is the beautiful Basingstoke Canal, where you can hop aboard the Hotel’s private canal boat for an afternoon champagne and canapé picnic complete with a stop at a local pub. Adventurous groups can tackle the on-property highwire and zip-line courses, ride horses, or learn the art of falconry during a Hawk Walk. The latter involves accompanying a Harris’ hawk around the estate under the guidance of an expert falconer as you learn all about the majestic creature.

Come dinnertime, connect with each other and nature during a barbecue supper in the historic Walled Garden, which has beautiful gates, dovecotes and some much-valued privacy. Enjoy a dinner specially prepared by Four Seasons chefs and a spot of croquet in the nearby orchard.

Three wings of rooms and suites furnished with English countryside décor adjoin the 18th-century Georgian Manor House at the centre of the Hotel. Groups can work with the Concierge to choose a wing that suits them best. Large suites in the East, South and West wings provide sweeping views over the Estate’s grassy fields, and the spacious Royal Suite on the ground floor of the West Wing features a balcony for appreciating sunsets over the countryside. But history enthusiasts might prefer staying in the restored Manor House itself. Built in 1728, it has seen many lives, and was even used to billet Dutch and Polish airmen during World War II.

Experience English country life in Hampshire

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Hangzhou: Experience an ancient culture together

“A voyage on West Lake offers more refreshment and delectation than any other experience on earth,” declared Marco Polo when he visited Hangzhou in the 13th century. Checking in to the intimate Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake – a serene oasis set right on the fabled lake – lets you fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and stunning beauty of this ancient city.

A private pool at Four Seasons Hangzhou Westlake

The Three-Bedroom Presidential Villa at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake features a private light-filled indoor pool.

Host a special dinner in one of Jin Sha’s private dining rooms overlooking the lagoon.

Bespoke group activities such as outdoor tai chi and guided birdwatching tours make the most of the Hotel’s magnificent gardens and lakeside location. Head off-property and go cycling together around West Lake, one of China’s best bike trails, or take a private tea plantation tour for quieter quality bonding time.

Planning your visit around a special milestone? Jin Sha restaurant’s 11 private dining rooms surround a picturesque garden lagoon and make for intimate settings to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions over Chef Wang Yong’s award-winning Zhejiang cuisine paired with wines suggested by the sommelier.

For a sanctuary within a sanctuary, the Hotel’s three-storey Jiang Nan–style Three-Bedroom Presidential Villa features its own entrance, a private landscaped garden, a grand indoor pool and plenty of space for everyone to spread out. If a big family reunion is on the calendar, you can also buy out the entire hotel (81 rooms) to enjoy dedicated attention by the whole Hotel staff.

Find serenity together in Hangzhou

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Mauritius: Embrace island life

It may be small in size, but Mauritius brims with things to do. A year-round tropical climate makes it the perfect destination to enjoy beautiful beaches, water sports and golf at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

Spend the day relaxing on a private stretch of beach on the nearby Ile aux Cerfs.

Enjoy a private plunge pool, full kitchen and stunning views of the nearby lagoon in a Five-Bedroom Royal Residence Villa.

One can’t miss activity: A sailing excursion to a secluded cove on Ile aux Cerfs, exclusively available to Four Seasons guests. Famous for its white-sand beaches and serene turquoise lagoon, this island is just a quick speedboat ride away from the Resort’s jetty. Once you arrive, beach attendants are on hand to help you find your perfect spot, while the Beach Bar and Grill serves up fresh-caught seafood brought in daily by local fishermen, shareable plates, local beers and refreshing cocktails and juices so you can play castaway all day long.

While we wouldn’t blame you for never wanting to leave the beach, the Resort’s Five-Bedroom Royal Residence Villa is quite the place to come home to. Set on a stunning peninsula with mesmerizing lagoon views, its infinity and plunge pools, full kitchen, and multiple communal areas make it the ultimate tropical oasis for comfort and seclusion.

Get on island time in Mauritius

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Chiang Mai: Indulge your taste buds

Travel and trying new foods go hand in hand. And digging in to a destination’s local cuisine is one of the best (and most delicious) ways to experience its culture first hand. Nestled among fields of vibrant green rice paddies, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is not only a tranquil haven for reconnecting with family and friends, it’s also an excellent place to experience Thai cuisine.

The exterior of the Private Resort at Four Seasons Chiang Mai

At Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, you and your group can stay in an expansive Private Residence, complete with a private pool and a dedicated personal host.

Immerse yourself in the unique flavours of Thai cuisine with the help of expert Four Seasons chefs.

At Rim Thai Kitchen – part restaurant, part cooking studio – you can learn the principles of Thai cuisine in a Thai teak house, then enjoy the fruits of your labour in the open-air pavilion overlooking a waterfall. Cooking class participants spend the morning investigating the Chef’s secret garden for ingredients and then return to the cooking school for a hands-on lesson in creating authentic Thai dishes.

Or leave it to the experts and let the Resort’s culinary team treat your group to a custom meal in the Orchid Nursery, a private dining space that mirrors the lush tropical landscape of Northern Thailand and sets an unforgettable stage for a private family brunch, afternoon tea or a themed reception amid a kaleidoscope of fragrant exotic orchids in bloom.

When you’ve had your fill, head back to you private residence to relax or spend some more quality time together. The Resort’s Private Residences offer spacious indoor-outdoor accommodations that families and groups of friends will love. Create lifelong memories with game night, yoga lessons on the pool deck, friendly cooking competitions, dinner, or a private performance for you and your group, all arranged by your full-time personal host.

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Sharm El Sheikh: Seek adventure by the Red Sea

Looking to visit somewhere truly unique this year? Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh makes it possible to explore the dry, exotic landscapes of the Sinai Desert and the magnificent underwater world on the same day. In fact, the Red Sea resort is situated right next to the world’s warmest sea.

Get a new perspective of the Red Sea shoreline with a ride along the beach atop a camel.

Four Seasons Sharm el Shiekh private chalet living room.

Stay in a Four-Bedroom Villa at the Resort and enjoy authentic Egyptian décor and private pool.

Be sure to pay a visit to the famous Ras Mohamed Protectorate, a naturally preserved dive site whose coral reefs are considered among the world’s best. Swim together alongside hawksbill turtles for an experience you’ll all bond over for years to come.

Then, at the end of the day, grab a seat beneath the stars for a private Bedouin-style feast on the Resort’s beach, complete with live entertainment, authentic Egyptian dishes and even a chance to take a nighttime camel ride along the shore.

Of the residential suites, the Four-Bedroom Villa offers the most space. Furnished in rich Middle Eastern style, that space includes a private pool, fully stocked kitchen and expansive terraces.

Dive deep in Sharm El Sheikh

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3 Luxury Real Estate Hot Spots to Keep on Your Radar

Posted on November 22, 2022April 8, 2026 by Andi Petrini

The way people think about their living spaces has changed tremendously over the last few years. The rise of remote work has enabled us to live our lives untethered from the office (at least physically), which has stirred up an idea that most people dream about only when on vacation: What if we lived here?

Because of this newfound flexibility, some of the most alluring vacation destinations have quickly become something else entirely – booming real estate markets. And luxury buyers are taking note. Coastal areas like Cabo San Lucas and Fort Lauderdale are high on everyone’s list, especially for retirees, but modern and amenity-rich cities such as Nashville and Dubai are also making plenty of waves during the Great Relocation.

Thinking of making the shift to full-time vacation mode? (Or at least living in a place that feels like it?) Here are three real estate hot spots to keep your eye on for when you’re ready to live the dream.

The expansive homes at Four Seasons Resort Cabo Del Sol draw inspiration from traditional Mexican haciendas.

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Your back patio at Four Seasons Private Residence Los Cabos at Costa Palmas offers the perfect place to enjoy dinner and drinks next to gorgeous sunset views.

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Cool off after spending the morning in the Los Cabos sun with a dip in your own private pool.

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Multiple shower heads, a glass-walled bathtub and an abundance of natural light make the residential bathrooms at Four Seasons Private Residence Los Cabos at Costa Palmas feel like personal spas.

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The pool patios at Costa Palmas were made for lounging.

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A waterfront lounge and private dining area is ideal for gathering friends and family together at Four Seasons Resort Cabo Del Sol.

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A relaxation haven in Los Cabos

With its unique and rugged coastal landscape and rich marine life, Mexico’s Baja peninsula is one of the country’s most visited vacation destinations. So, it makes sense that it’s also home to one of its hottest markets, particularly for buyers from the U.S. and Canada who are just a quick flight away. In Cabo San Lucas, the ocean is your inspiration and your playground. This booming resort town offers plenty to see and do on both land and sea, the ideal place for those looking for a dynamic yet easy-going atmosphere where you can really unwind.

Homeowners can embrace a quintessential Cabo lifestyle at Four Seasons Resort Cabo Del Sol, where you can play golf barefoot on your terms, explore the Golden Corridor or spend your lunch break at the private Cove Club. Take your calls on your residence’s private pool deck or in your open-concept living room framed by ocean views; then head out to paddleboard, snorkel, or relax on the white-sand beaches once the work is done.

For even more seclusion, a place on the East Cape may be just what you need. With fewer tourists and more swimmable beaches thanks to its perch on the Sea of Cortez, this once off-the-grid location has become one of the area’s most up-and-coming communities. At the centre of this new development is Four Seasons Private Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. Homes here are beachfront, marina-side or ocean view, with access to two miles of swimmable beach – a rare find in Cabo – as well as plenty of water sports and a front-row seat to what Jacques Cousteau dubbed the “aquarium of the world.” There’s “something for everyone or every family at Costa Palmas,” says Ricardo Medina, Senior Director of Marketing at Irongate, the real estate firm that owns Costa Palmas.

Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin sits just 20 minutes away from downtown.

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The kitchens at Four Seasons Private Residences Fort Lauderdale are delightfully bright and open.

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Owners at Four Seasons Private Residences Fort Lauderdale can relax by the residents-only pool.

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Lake Austin residents can pay a visit to The Orangerie, a wellness sanctuary that pays homage to Renaissance winter gardens and features a full-length indoor pool, private spaces for yoga and meditation, as well as a state-of-the-art Athletic Centre.

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The Surf Club’s private residential entrance welcomes you home.

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Take in panoramic views of the Nashville skyline from your home’s floor-to-ceiling windows at Four Seasons Private Residences Nashville.

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The (Southern) comforts of home

Florida has long welcomed international travelers and snowbirds from the north for temporary winter stays, but the pandemic has made the state an even more appealing work-from-home option for the long term.

If you’re curious about the Sunshine State, vibrant Miami is always an option worth considering. Resting along the Atlantic Ocean in nearby Surfside, The Surf Club residences provide privacy on the water along with panoramic ocean views from every home, ranging from one to six bedrooms in size. Owners here also have access to private beach cabanas and all the amenities at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, including three pools, lush gardens, the Spa and The Surf Club Restaurant helmed by renowned chef Thomas Keller. If Old Hollywood glamour is your style, this historic property could be just what you’re looking for.

A little farther up the coast, you can live the yacht life on shore at Four Seasons Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, with the same turquoise Atlantic Ocean view. Everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer is at your doorstep. The Intracoastal Waterway is to the west, the Atlantic to the east, Taylor Birch State Park to the north, and Las Olas Boulevard, with all of its shops and restaurants and entertainment, is just a quick drive south. If the sea constantly calls your name, the “Yachting Capital of the World” may be the perfect place to dock your boat.

Moving inland may mean sacrificing ocean views, but gaining exclusive access to lakes, rivers and vibrant city life is often well worth it. In Austin, Texas, you can easily enjoy the perks of a big city along with the open spaces and laid-back charm of country living. A residential paradise awaits on Lake Austin, with a marina and clubhouse, 145 acres of pristine nature and 3,070 feet of private waterfront. Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin is only 20 minutes away from downtown, letting you mix city life and country living with unbelievable ease. At the end of the workday, there are few greater luxuries than a massage, a dip in the thermal pools or taking the glass-walled funicular down the hill to your own private lakeside playground.

Another Southern U.S. city you may want to keep on your radar is Nashville, Tennessee. Dubbed a “supernova city” because of its astounding growth, Nashville’s cosmopolitan vibes include amazing music venues, cutting-edge restaurants, and world-class artisans, all in a very walkable city. With more and more millennial homebuyers looking to live in places where everything they want and need is within easy reach, living in a place like Nashville makes a lot of sense. Here you can wake up overlooking the skyline and go out for an authentic hot-chicken dinner at the end of the day. “[Our residents] love that they have Nashville at their doorstep and Four Seasons at their service,” says Marie-Laure Frere, Director of Sales for Four Seasons Private Residences Nashville, home to one of the most sought-after new addresses in the city, located in the upmarket SoBro neighbourhood.

Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain is redefining luxury waterfront living.

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Enjoy indoor-outdoor living at Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah, where residential interiors extend out to a private pool and landscaped outdoor oasis.

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Light-filled bedrooms open up to oversized balconies in Dubai, offering views of the Dubai Water Canal and downtown skyline.

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Take in some of the best views of Bahrain Bay from the owners-only waterfront pool.

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Host your own private movie screening at the residents-only movie theatre at Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah.

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The youngest residents at Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain will feel right at home in the children’s play room.

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A luxe lifestyle along the Arabian Gulf

Gleaming metropolises along the sea are trademarks of the Middle East’s Arabian Gulf. Business is certainly booming here, but places like Dubai and the up-and-coming island country of Bahrain are also catching the attention of cosmopolitan travelers all over the world, and for more than just a quick visit.

“Since the launch of our standalone residential offerings in 2019, we have been looking for strategic opportunities to expand the Four Seasons luxury lifestyle experience in markets where homeowners want and demand the very best in serviced living,” says Bart Carnahan, President of Global Business Development and Portfolio Management at Four Seasons. “We have achieved this and beyond with Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah.”

The demand is clear: “All 28 units have already sold, marking a first in the over 35-year history of Four Seasons residential offerings – the first time a project has sold out without going to public sales,” continues Carnahan. “As homeowners look for luxury residential experiences of the greatest quality, Four Seasons continues to be the address of choice for discerning buyers worldwide.”

The Four Seasons Middle East portfolio will soon expand even further with some additional highly anticipated real estate offerings. Slated to open in 2023, the waterfront Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain Bay will feature an exclusive collection of 112 bespoke homes, with architecture by Gensler and interior design by celebrated London-based design firm Rive Gauche. In Doha, Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar is currently underway, with residences set on a private beach surrounded by landscaped gardens and pools, offering city and sea views. And over in Muscat, a relaxing mountain and seaside setting will await homeowners at the upcoming Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Muscat, Oman, located in the heart of an ancient city with a thriving culture.

When you live with Four Seasons, it’s worry-free home ownership at its most intuitive. Each property has a dedicated residence team to tend to housekeeping, maintenance, concierge services, culinary requests, security and anything else you could possibly need. Your home – be it a second home or primary address – should be your sanctuary, wherever you decide to live. With vibrant metropolises, turquoise seas, private pools, luscious landscapes, culinary delights, and the epitome of service at their fingertips, homeowners can love where they live any time of year with Four Seasons Private Residences.

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