Destinations: Africa & The Middle East

From rolling green hills to staggering peaks and sparkling blue seas, the world is full of beautiful places. But some spots are truly spectacular – with awe-inspiring beauty and gravitas that stop us in our tracks and leave us forever changed.  

Whether it’s a visit to one of the Wonders of the World – new, natural or ancient – or a step back through time at a UNESCO World Heritage site, Four Seasons can help you discover some of the world’s most bucket list–worthy landmarks. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Great Wall of China in Beijing or reflect on the mysteries of the ancient Sphinx in Cairo as you dine like Egyptian royalty: Four Seasons offers exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will give you a new perspective on the world. 

Begun in the seventh century BC as a defence against nomadic groups and expanded over the centuries by subsequent emperors, the Great Wall of China today stretches 21,196 km (13,170 miles) across China’s forest-covered northern borders and mountains. Declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wall is a staggering feat of architectural engineering. One of the best-preserved sections is the Mutianyu segment, constructed of slabs of granite and featuring 23 watchtowers fully restored to their Ming dynasty glory. Get a rare aerial glimpse of the iconic landmark during a private helicopter tour arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Beijing – the perfect way to fully take in the majestic structure’s scale and grandeur. Afterwards, hike the area’s verdant woods with an expert guide, who will explain the wall’s rich and complicated history, and end your adventure with a picnic lunch served atop the Great Wall itself.  

The ancient seaport of Hoi An is perfectly positioned in the heart of Vietnam’s history. Wander the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient City; explore the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, one of the region’s most important Hindu temple complexes; and discover the sprawling Imperial City of Hue: The UNESCO World Heritage sites are all within easy reach of Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai). Tour Hoi An’s Central Market with a local guide, stopping to appreciate the assembly hall of Phuoc Kien, built in 1692 by Chinese merchants in honour of sea goddess Thien Hau, and learn the stories of the pagoda-covered Japanese Bridge, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. At My Son Sanctuary, venture into the valley to see 71 monuments spread across the valley, flanked by the three holy mountains and the sacred river. Tour this ancient place of worship – the burial place of Champa kings – and then head to the triple-walled Imperial City of Hue, once Vietnam’s political, cultural and religious centre. Marvel at the octagonal Thien Mu Pagoda, or opt for a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River. Afterwards, return to the Resort and reflect on your day of discovery as you gaze over the East Sea from the tiered infinity pool. 

Few places are as aesthetically dramatic as Petra, an ancient city carved with exquisite detail into the towering red sandstone walls and sweeping sand dunes that ripple through Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert. When you emerge from the narrow, winding canyon known as the Siq and catch your first glimpse of Petra’s iconic Treasury protruding from the rock, you’ll understand why the lost city is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Whether you’re using Four Seasons Hotel Amman as your home base, or are passing through on the Ancient Explorer itinerary aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet, you’ll experience unparalleled access to this 2,000-year-old city and the surrounding desert. Enjoy a thrilling 4×4 excursion through the dunes, or opt for a slower pace with a ride on a camel. Our favourite way to admire the stunning scenery? A Bedouin-style dinner around a fire, marvelling at the star-studded desert sky. 

To complement your adventures on land and in the air, turn to the sparkling blue waters of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s home to one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean – and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Swim with whale sharks and manta rays, explore the vibrant reefs, and even work towards PADI Open Water certification with the help of expert scuba instructors. Or join a team of passionate marine biologists from the Resort’s Marine Discovery Centre as they help repair the reef, track manta rays and rehabilitate Maldivian sea turtles – hands-on opportunities to help preserve this unique and vital ecosystem. The reefs alone are populated by more than 1,000 species of fish.  

Imagine standing in one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, surrounded by history: The Acropolis in Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy, medicine and art, and the mythical home of the gods. Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city, the 2,500-year-old Acropolis includes several iconic structures, like the Parthenon and the temple Athena Nike. See them all during a private tour with an archaeologist from the Acropolis Museum, arranged by Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. Explore the museum, then enjoy an exclusive visit to the historic compound. Afterwards, return to the Hotel for a spa treatment inspired by the ancient teachings of Hippocrates or a Michelin-starred dinner at Pelagos, named for the Greek word for ocean and serving a bounty of fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean Sea.

As the sole survivor from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids of Giza are on most travellers’ lists of must-see destinations. Mysterious and majestic, the pyramids are a legendary symbol of Egypt’s 7,000-year history. Venture into the desert for a dinner fit for a pharaoh, arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza: Watch colourful lights play over the Sphinx and the pyramids before you head to a private tent for a meal tailored to your tastes and served by a Four Seasons chef. Live performances of some of Egypt’s greatest musical works and a private show of the whirling tanoura dance round out this unforgettable evening.  

Ride the steepest cable car in the world, paddle a kayak through a tangle of mangroves, hike the rainforest in search of dusky leaf monkeys or one of the island’s 190 species of birds: When you stay at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, you’re never at a loss for adventure. Nestled within Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark – defined as geographical areas where important sites and landscapes are managed with an eye on protection, education and sustainability – the Resort can arrange experiences on land, sea and air at its Geopark Discovery Centre. The centre’s on-site team of naturalists can fill you in on the region’s diverse habitats and rock formations, as well as the flora and fauna that call them home. At the end of a full day, retreat to your private Malay-style pavilion or villa, stop first at or the beachside Quiet Pool to refresh and recharge. 

Unforgettable moments await when you lift off aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet. Travel the globe in style, following carefully curated itineraries that take you to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Explore Easter Island, Petra and the Great Barrier Reef – all UNESCO World Heritage sites – on the Ancient Explorers journey. Head to Victoria Falls in Zambia (one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World), the pyramids of Giza and the glories of Athens, stops on the African Wonders trip. Or explore the Americas and Antarctica on Uncharted Discovery, with stops at both a New Wonder (Machu Picchu) and a Natural Wonder (Iguazú Falls). Whenever you tap into your sense of wonder, the entire world becomes ripe for exploration.