Destinations: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Today, it’s no secret that a hotel’s best views are from the top. But before the elevator was invented in 1852, the top floors of many iconic hotel buildings were used as staff quarters. That changed when industrialist Elisha Otis unveiled the lift, and luxury hoteliers recognised that the most opulent accommodations deserve to be housed high in the sky.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Penthouse Suites are the ultimate showpieces of a property, packed with bespoke amenities, luxury furnishings, personalised service and, of course, show-stopping views. Whether it’s a 24-hour personal butler or a private fitness centre, Four Seasons has a Penthouse Suite in every corner of the globe to fit every need.

360-degree views of Manhattan in New York, New York

The crown jewel of Four Seasons Hotel New York, the Ty Warner Penthouse Suite sits 800 feet (244 metres) above street level atop the 52nd floor of the Hotel.

The penthouse, which took seven years and $50 million to complete, realises a highly anticipated collaboration between owner Ty Warner, designer Peter Marino and architect I.M. Pei. Every detail in the Ty Warner Suite is custom, from the fabrics woven with Thai silk and gold to the wood-panelled library walls and semi-precious stone surfaces.

The amenities are as impressive as the accommodations. Residents can enjoy all-inclusive services at the Hotel’s L.RAPHAEL Beauty Spa (including the whirlpool, sauna, and anti-ageing and holistic treatments) as well as all-inclusive dining at the Hotel’s The Garden restaurant and TY Bar. A Rolls-Royce chauffeur, 24-hour butler and personal fitness trainer provide customised service.

Penthouse life at new heights in New York, New York

Residents will enjoy round-the-clock penthouse living at 30 Park Place, Four Seasons Private Residences New York Downtown. Created jointly by Silverstein Properties and designer Robert A.M. Stern, 30 Park Place penthouses will be located in one of the most coveted spots in the city, at the corner of Church Street and Park Place in Tribeca.

Enjoy a private entrance and lobby of sleek black and white marble floors, large walk-in closets, and a polished onyx fireplace. Coffee on the terrace will taste even better with its amazing view of the New York City skyline and waterfronts.

Master bathrooms adorned with Bianco Dolomiti and Chinchilla Mink marble are accessorised with custom-designed vanities. Colorado White marble countertops and backsplash, Gaggenau appliances and solid white oak cabinets by Bilotta make up the state-of-the-art kitchen.

A peaceful retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Situated on the top two levels of the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, the Three-Bedroom Penthouse Resort Residence has a unique perspective on northern Thailand’s picturesque countryside.

Relax in one of the several sitting rooms, private pavilions or the Penthouse terrace to take in the serenity of old Siam, complete with a view of the rice paddy fields and Thanon Thong Chai mountain range.

Dine on expertly prepared cuisine, or hire a personal chef to use the in-suite kitchen to cook a Royal Thai Cuisine menu of authentic family-style dishes, including tom kha gai (a spicy chicken soup) and kaow niew mamung (mango sticky rice). The live-in mae baan (housekeeper) will also deliver a daily canapé service featuring dishes such as vegetarian samosas, crispy pork skins and fresh spring rolls.

The celebrity treatment in Los Angeles, California

The 14th-floor Penthouse Suite at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel is the ideal place for a glamorous stay in LA. Relax on the spacious terrace to take in panoramic views of Los Angeles landmarks such as the Hollywood sign, the downtown skyline, Beverly Hills and Bel Air.

With a state-of-the-art kitchen and an open floor plan, the suite is the perfect place for a dinner party prepared by a private chef. The living area, fully equipped media room and furnished terrace provide plenty of party space. For relaxation afterwards, step into the gleaming full marble steam shower.

Penthouse residents may enlist on-site hair and makeup services and a personal stylist before going out, and then explore anywhere within a 3-mile radius of the Hotel with a complimentary house car.

A fashionable escape in Milan, Italy

Situated in the centre of Milan’s shopping district is Four Seasons Hotel Milano, including its desirable Penthouse Suite. A carefully restored 15th-century convent, this fifth-floor European hideaway blends rich Renaissance details with contemporary Italian design.

Recently refreshed furnishings with Fortuny fabrics and Frette linens add modern elements to classic elegance. The 420-square-foot (40-square-metre) Mediterranean-style rooftop terrace offers unmatched views of the classic red-tile roofs of central Milan and the marble spires of the Duomo.

For a serene experience of Italy, sip coffee or an aperitif among the terrace’s olive trees, jasmine, boxwood, and lavender and rosemary hedges. The view of Milan’s Via Gesù, a street known for its Italian men’s fashion, may inspire a foray in that direction.

Hidden romance in Paris, France

Designed to feel like an elegant Parisian residence, the Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel George V is a show-stopper, with its own private garden and a conservatory whose walls are covered in Lelièvre luxury fabric.

The airy interior design of the 1,630-square-foot (150-square-metre) Penthouse emphasises the expansive floor plan. Travertine flooring and walls decorated with sycamore, Majilite and silk set off lavish furniture, like the Second Empire pedestal, and Baccarat crystal glassware.

The master bedroom’s pastel blinds, lush white orchids, gold tones and ample natural light compose an irresistible sanctuary. The accompanying master bathroom has an infinity bathtub with jets and a chromotherapy system, so guests can choose just the right lighting for a relaxing soak after exploring the City of Light.

An Arabian oasis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In a city known for over-the-top opulence, the Penthouse Suite at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach won’t disappoint upon its debut. Feel like royalty at this one-of-a-kind, 5,000-square-foot (465-square-metre) top-floor Penthouse.

Sit on the large wraparound terrace to survey the magic of the city and the majestic views of the Arabian Gulf, palm-lined pools and white-sand beaches.

Train in the private fitness centre, which will feature a crosstrainer, treadmill, stationary bike, weights set and other select equipment. Then relax in the private steam room and oversized tub, or hire a therapist for a rejuvenating massage in the private massage room.

The suite life near Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia

To stay in a Sydney icon, move into the 34th-floor Presidential Suite atop the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Located near Sydney’s Circular Quay, it’s a spot that offers easy access to all the Harbour City has to offer.

The two-bedroom Suite has an open floor plan with a large sitting room to enjoy the views, a dining area that seats 10 and has an adjoining kitchen, and a room dedicated to luggage for overpackers.

An in-suite espresso machine provides a convenient way to wake in the morning, and the extensive private bar is ideal for a nightcap. Enjoy access to the Executive Club, including a daily hot-and-cold breakfast buffet, lounge with views of Walsh Bay and the city, gourmet evening canapés, and more.

The “Palace in the Sky” in Beijing, China

The ultra-luxurious Imperial Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing is one of the largest in the city, nearly 8,000 square feet (740 square metres). Reached directly by elevator to either the living room or the bedroom, it’s no wonder that it has been nicknamed the “Palace in the Sky.”

Marvel at the collection of art, artefacts and furnishings from around the world, a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern design. Enjoy a master bedroom with its own living area, two additional bedrooms, library study, media room and staff kitchen.

Relax in the 2,700-square-foot (250-square-metre) outdoor living space, complete with a private fire pit and plunge pool. Or work out in the suite’s private fitness centre. Then explore the city with ease, with access to a daily chauffeur and round-trip airport transportation in a BMW 7 Series.

Orlando, Florida: The ultimate family vacation

Host friends and family with the Ultimate Suites Experience top floor buyout at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World^® Resort. The spacious accommodations, including a nine-bedroom Royal Suite and a four-bedroom Presidential Suite, make it ideal for families and large groups.

Have an unforgettable movie night in the luxe media room in the Royal Suite – complete with a big screen, soundproofing and central touchpad. The Butler Pantry can be fully stocked with movie-night snacks and indulgences.

Soak in the morning Florida sun over breakfast on the 1,000-square-foot (93-square-metre) terrace of the Royal Suite, or watch the nightly Magic Kingdom^® Park fireworks display from the terrace’s incredible views. Enjoy the serenity of the Oasis adult-only pool or the action of the Explorer family pool in a private cabana with VIP service.