Destinations: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

Japan’s Kissaten Coffee Culture

Posted on by Erin Niimi Longhurst

Matcha is having its moment, with the appetite for the beverage having grown exponentially outside Japan in recent years. Travellers looking for matcha and a meaningful, meditative cultural practice are able to immerse themselves through the art of chado (Japanese tea ceremony), deepening their appreciation through an experience that engages the senses on both a physical and a spiritual level. However, for visitors to Japan who don’t find the flavour of matcha to be quite their cup of tea, Japanese coffee culture might suit the palate. Inspired by 19th-century Western literary salons, retro-style cafés or kissatens invite quiet contemplation through attentive service and nostalgia-inducing Shōwa-era aesthetics often soundtracked by either classical music (meikyoku kissa) or jazz (jazz kissa). Almost always independently owned and operated, kissatens are the result of thoughtful and careful curation. 

Here are five kissatens, each with its own distinctive vibe, to check out the next time you’re in Japan.

Elevated Elegance

Photograph by Ooki Jingu.

Koffee Mameya Kakeru (Tokyo): Reservations are required for this truly unique coffee establishment, more akin to an omakase tasting menu. Located a 10- to 15-minute drive from Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi and Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, it’s housed in a former warehouse and has recently hosted events with coffee growers from Brazil, Panama, and Santa Barbara, California. 

Vintage Appeal

Monozuki (Tokyo): Time travel feels possible at Monozuki (founded in 1975), with its antique clocks that add to the mid-century charm of the venue, which focuses on black coffee. Just how old-school is it? Monozuki has no website or Instagram account. You can find it in real life at 3 Chome-12-10 Nishiogikita, Suginami City, Tokyo.

Hip and Moody

Gion Ishi Kissaten (Kyoto): Escape the crowds at Yasaka Shrine and enjoy a cup inside a distinctive Brutalist building that is also home to a jewelry, fossil, and mineral store (five minutes by car from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto). The spot’s 1970s-style decor features impressive cypress-wood wall panelling.  

Considered Design

Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden (Kyoto): A 210-year-old thatched-roof home takes on a new life (with coffee beans roasted on-site) through the vision skillfully executed by the Kimoto Yosuke Architectural Design Room, which was shortlisted for the Sky Design Awards for its work. Patrons can choose from sitting Japanese style (shoes off, at low tables on the floor) or in the Western fashion, both with views of the stunning garden. Can’t make it to Kyoto? The cafe just opened its first U.S. outpost, in Redondo Beach, California.

Diner-Chic Charm

Iwata Coffee (Kamakura): A popular day trip from Tokyo, coastal Kamakura is home to Iwata Coffee, established in 1945. This café on Komachi Street has a long literary history (and was even visited by John Lennon and Yoko Ono). It specializes in “nel drip” coffee, a brewing method invented in Japan that brings out the flavour of the beans by filtering it through cotton flannel (or “nel”) for a mellow finish. 

The Talk of Tokyo: An Interview with Chef Daniel Calvert

Posted on by Brad Japhe

At just 37 years young, Daniel Calvert has amassed more accolades than most chefs would accrue in several lifetimes. After spending his formative years sharpening his talent under the tutelage of legends like Thomas Keller and Éric Fréchon, Calvert opened Sézanne within Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi in 2021, cooking French cuisine with a spotlight on seasonal Japanese ingredients. Sézanne now holds three Michelin stars and recently clinched the seventh spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. We caught up with the celebrated chef for a taste of his approach to the culinary arts.

Sezanne
Sézanne’s light and airy dining room.

Q: Congrats on Sézanne being named the seventh-best restaurant in the world. What does that mean to you personally?  

“You know, we don’t do a whole lot of marketing or media at Sézanne, so to be organically nominated at this level really means a lot to me. [The voters were] industry people, chefs, writers, journalists, foodies, all these kind of people who are well-dined. And to be honest, just to be in the top 50 is enough for me. 

“I didn’t expect ever to get to the top 10. [But] I don’t really think about it, nor does it go [to] our heads. We come in the next day, we do our job, and we try to keep standards high, and that’s it.” 

Q: Is there a recent dish that diners particularly loved?  

“I mean, we do a lot of crazy stuff [with] beautiful, expensive ingredients, but when people say to me, ‘Wow, that corn soup that you served was amazing,’ that makes me feel like I’ve done my job. Anyone can put some caviar on top of something or serve a bunch of truffles, and it’d be impactful. But if I can impress someone with a bit of sweet corn…”

White Asparagus Soup at Sezanne
White asparagus soup with shiro ebi (white shrimp) and Piedmont hazelnut.

Q: How often do your menus change?  

“Very often, because we go to the markets very often in Tokyo. The seasons move very quickly in Japan. It’s a very long country, just like Italy. So you kind of start the season down in the south, and you’re chasing the season all the way up to the north.

“We are always looking for the next great product. And it’s a full-on process. It’s not just write a menu and I sit in my office all day like a lot of executive chefs, I’m sure. I actually don’t even know what my office is anymore. I think someone else has that office. Actually, last night someone referred to it as Ashley’s office, who is my sous-chef. I take that as a compliment.”

Q: What’s an exciting ingredient right now for you?  

“We’re just moving into matsutake mushroom season. Japanese people actually prize it more than a truffle.” 

Miyazaki Mango at Sezanne
Miyazaki mango with shortbread “crème Chantilly.”

Q: How does luxury work its way into the equation at Sézanne?  

“To me, luxury is coming into the restaurant and having a team of people who are here cooking for you, to order, when you arrive. That’s why you go out for dinner, right? You don’t go out to dinner because everything’s pre-prepared and just reheated.” 

Q: What do you like to cook at home for yourself?  

“Well, my wife cooks at home. She’s a one-pot wonder. I’m not allowed to cook—I make too much mess.” 

Q: What’s a memorable dish that you’ve had?

“Not really a dish, but when I moved to Hong Kong from Europe, I’d been working in fancy restaurants for my whole career. And I thought this was the way things have to be done. It has to be French; it has to be three Michelin stars; it has to be this. Japanese food and French food are always put on a pedestal, but at that point, Chinese food was not celebrated as it should have been. There’s just a whole world of techniques and ingredients and processes that are worthy of attention.”

Sezanne's Daniel Calvert
Chef Daniel

Q: I read your first job was at 16 and you offered to cook for free. Is that true? 

“Yeah, actually, [I was] 15. I gave up my six-week school holiday to work for free because I wanted to get experience. I left school the following year. It really gave me a foot in the door. Looking back now I can’t believe I gave up so much of my holidays to work for free, but I guess that’s what successful people do.”

For more on award-winning restaurants at Four Seasons, head here.

Urban Escapes: Unforgettable Late-Summer Getaways

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

Sometimes the end of something can be the sweetest part – the last bite of a perfectly ripe peach, your favourite musician playing your favourite song as their closing encore, a last-minute getaway to soak in the final moments of the season. Each of these things is made all the sweeter precisely because it’s experienced at the very end.

If you want to linger just a little while longer in the sun-drenched joie de vivre that only summer can bring, consider booking a last-minute summer vacation. From New York to London to Paris to Tokyo, these popular urban escapes (plus a few off-the-beaten-path destinations) are filled with late-summer activities you won’t want to miss. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite insider recommendations and exclusive experiences you’ll only find at Four Seasons to inspire your end-of-summer plans. All you need to do is pick where you want to go, pack your bags and let Four Seasons take care of the rest.

A round wooden table and five black chairs sit beneath a canopy at an outdoor terrace

The pop-up Twilight Terrace at Pavyllon London’s Bar Antoine blends Parisian elegance with Mediterranean flair.

Five colourful cocktails on a wooden outdoor table

Summer evenings are made even sweeter with a glass of champagne or an expertly crafted cocktail enjoyed with friends.

A couple dressed in formalwear peeks out of a small boat as they float by the Tower Bridge

A private cruise on the Thames River is the perfect way to round out a weekend in London.

Summer concerts, sweet sips and a private cruise in London

Music and summer go hand in hand, and Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is transforming concerts with their exclusive Gig-Tripping experience. Perfect for those attending performances at Wembley Stadium or any of London’s iconic music venues, this bespoke experience adds an extra dose of style and comfort to an already exciting evening. Upon arrival at the Hotel, you’ll be welcomed with a Glitter Groove cocktail to set the tone for your visit. A curated Insider’s Gig Guide will fill you in on all the best restaurants and hot spots, while an in-room karaoke set and Concert Comfort Kit (a tote bag filled with concert essentials) provide added touches of fun and luxury. If you’re booking a last-minute trip and are in need of tickets, Four Seasons has you covered. The Concierge team is equipped to help you find seats even to sold-out shows.

Looking for a more subdued way to spend a summer evening in London? Twilight Terrace – a summertime pop-up at Pavyllon London’s Bar Antoine – invites you to unwind with a glass of champagne or a cocktail expertly crafted by Head Mixologist Michele Lombardi, along with elevated bar bites and larger plates. For something crisp and fruity, order the Mayfair Royale, made with Bombay Sapphire gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, blueberry cordial, Amaro Santoni and Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rosé 2015. Inspired by Chef Yannick Alléno’s Parisian heritage, the ultra-chic terrace is perfect for lunchtime gatherings, evening drinks and al fresco soirées.

Even if you’re just staying in London for a weekend, a private cruise on the Thames River is the perfect ending to your trip. Available through both Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane and Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, this experience offers a fresh perspective on some of the city’s most iconic sites.

End summer on a high note in London

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A rustic table set in the middle of a garden for lunch

Join Chef Simone Zanoni in a garden just outside Versailles to learn more about the sustainably sourced dishes he serves at Le George.

The interior of Le Cinq

Have the Concierge make a reservation for you at the Hotel’s three-Michelin-starred Le Cinq, a Paris destination in its own right.

Three pairs of colourful bistro chairs line the banks of the Siene river

Relax at one of the Paris Plages that pop up along the Siene each summer.

An al fresco rendezvous and seasonal bounty in Paris

Paris is always one of the most popular urban destinations, and all eyes will be on the French capital this summer. Planning a trip once everything has settled into a laid-back summertime schedule can be a great way to experience the city. Parisian neighbourhoods are famously quiet come August as many locals head out on vacation. However, the city isn’t as sleepy as it used to be and the main attractions are still open. With the games wrapping up in mid-August, there’s just enough time to squeeze in a last-minute getaway.

Take advantage of the summer sun in this beautiful city with an outdoor movie, a favourite local pastime. The Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, can fill you in on screenings happening during your stay, as well as arrange for everything you need to make your evening memorable. Or ask the Concierge about the best place to grab a spot at one of the Paris Plages, temporary faux beaches that pop up along the Siene in the summer months. This year, the Paris Plages are changing a bit with a new location at the Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement. Here you can swim, relax on the banks of the river and soak in those final summer moments.

Back at the Hotel, the Concierge can also book you a table at one of the three Michelin-starred restaurants found on-site. With three stars for Le Cinq, two stars for L’Orangerie and one star for Le George, the Hotel now holds six stars total, a new record in Europe and the Middle East region for the number of stars awarded within one hotel. Sample some of Chef Simone Zanoni’s sustainably sourced dishes at Le George, or opt to join him in the restaurant’s garden located just southwest of Versailles on the grounds of Domaine de Madame Elisabeth. Here you’ll hand-pick the freshest seasonal produce before indulging in an al fresco cooking class and a rustic yet chic lunch with the chef.

Go al fresco in Paris

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Tokyo building lit up during the night

Let Four Seasons arrange for a curated night-time tour of Tokyo’s famous landmarks.

Bartender mixes drinks behind the counter with a city skyline in the background

After dinner at two-Michelin-starred SÉZANNE at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, stop by The Bar and Champagne Lounge for a nightcap.

A couple dances on a rooftop patio with the city skyline in the distance

Tokyo’s nightlife scene really lights up in the summer months.

Night games and day trips in Tokyo

Enjoying warm, sunny days is a quintessential summer experience, but what about those equally delightful summer nights? In Tokyo, the fun doesn’t stop just because the sun goes down. Start with dinner at two-Michelin-starred SÉZANNE at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi before embarking on a curated night-time tour of the city with an expert guide to explore famous landmarks under the cover of darkness. Or catch an evening baseball game at the Tokyo Dome – the team at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi can arrange for everything from tickets to transportation.

August is also the height of summer festival season in Tokyo, offering plenty of opportunities to sample local street food, see live music and dancing, and take in some incredible firework displays.

If you’re looking to spend a day outside the city, Four Seasons can also arrange for a personalized trip to Hakone, tailored to your interests. Located about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, Hakone is home to thermal hot springs, beautiful mountain scenery and one-of-a-kind museums. The town itself is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, so you may get a glimpse of nearby Mount Fuji across Lake Ashinoko.

Live the night life in Tokyo

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A person riding a bicycle in front of of a brick building with cars lining the street.

Biria Bikes are yours for the taking at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Have the Concierge plan out a custom route.

Burgundy velvet couch, two mustard arm chairs and a black marble coffee table fill a suite living room

Award-winning interior architect Bill Rooney and his team designed six specialty suites, including the modern and stylish Tribeca Suite.

A rack of clothing, violet couch and various plants fill a brightly lit fitting room

Get your closet ready for the upcoming season with the Hotel’s Fashion First Experience, created in partnership with Moda Operandi.

Bike rides and a stylish stay in New York

For many, the preferred mode of summer transportation is a bicycle. Plan a last-minute getaway to Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown and you’ll have the Hotel’s Biria Bikes at your disposal to explore the city at your own pace. Lower Manhattan has plenty of bike lanes and nearby places to explore, and the Hotel can stock your bike’s basket with a custom-made picnic and blanket to take with you on your ride. The Concierge can also curate a custom route for you, including jaunts into other neighbourhoods like the West Village for a stop at Bar Pisellino. Try their delicious Pistachio cocktail (a local favourite) and pair it with homemade cacio e pepe chips and tramezzini for the perfect aperitivo experience.

And since the end of one season means the beginning of another, no stay in New York is complete without a little shopping. Get your wardrobe ready for fall with the Hotel’s Fashion First Experience, created in partnership with the luxury online shopping platform Moda Operandi. “We’re delighted to bring the world of innovation and high fashion to our guests by partnering with Moda Operandi,” says General Manager Thomas Carreras. “Much like Four Seasons, Moda prides itself on curation and personalization.” Available exclusively for Hotel guests, the experience begins with a pre-arrival virtual styling session with Moda to set the tone. Once you arrive, a personal stylist will organize an in-person fitting of a thoughtfully curated wardrobe tailored to your preferences in one of the Hotel’s specialty suites. You’ll also receive a USD 1,000 credit to Moda Operandi so you can start planning your fall fits before the temperatures start to dip.

Style your stay in New York

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A red, white and black speedboat cruises on the water off the coastline of Athens

Experience summer like the locals and spend a day island hopping off the coast of Athens.

A person wearing a yellow one-piece swimsuit walks toward the water on a deck surrounded by the ocean and large rocks, two white lounge chairs and another person sitting on the deck are nearby

Set along 30 hectares (74 acres) of coastline, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a serene and playful summer haven.

An ancient colonnade set on a ocean cliffside make up the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Summer in Athens means fewer crowds, making guided tours of the nearby archaeological sites even more engaging.

Island hopping and private tours in Athens

Located on the tip of Vouliagmeni peninsula just 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) from the city centre, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a summer haven that stretches out across 30 hectares (74 acres) along the Athenian coastline, including three private beaches. This idyllic address makes it the perfect jumping-off point for a favourite late-summer activity: island hopping. Climb aboard one of the Resort’s Technohull Rib Boat Omega 47 vessels for a private boat tour to the islands of Hydra and Spetses. Spend the day swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring stunning Zogeria Bay and savouring classic Greek cuisine in a local seafood taverna.

Like the majority of Europe, Athens quiets down a bit come August, but that bodes well for last-minute visitors. With smaller crowds, a guided tour of the Acropolis or the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion feels even more exclusive. Let the team at Four Seasons create a personalized itinerary for your stay filled with visits to famous archaeological sites as well as laid-back days lounging in and around the sophisticated seaside Resort. If you can, plan your trip around the August full moon, when museums and historic sites stay open free of charge late into the night so visitors can see them lit beneath the brightest moon of the year.

Make the Athenian Riviera yours

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Three people hike through a rugged, rocky hillside

Embark on a hike through the rugged hillsides with an expert guide in search of a hidden waterfall.

Underwater view of person wearing a white bathing suit, snorkelling mask and flippers swimming through the water

Summer brings warm water and great visibility to the already incredible snorkelling at Cabo Pulmo.

Oceanfront resort sits between the water and a row of mountains in the background

Located in the secluded East Cape, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is your gateway to adventure.

Waterfall hikes and the best snorkelling of the year in Los Cabos

Prefer to venture somewhere a little off the beaten path? Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas offers laid-back luxury on the secluded East Cape of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Here, the call to adventure is as thrilling as it is carefree. Hike along the hillsides, go off-roading through a rugged landscape, dive deep beneath the surface of the sea, see the night sky ablaze with stars, or simply relax on a pristine private beach. With so much to see and do, the team at Four Seasons can help tailor your stay and make sure you make the most of your late-summer getaway with a host of exclusive experiences.

On land, the Resort’s off-road waterfall tour is the perfect way to explore the wonders of the landscape and also enjoy a refreshing dip in the water. You’ll drive through canyons and dry riverbeds, stopping to explore the beautiful desert town of Santiago before continuing on to the 12-metre (40-foot) Sol de Mayo waterfall at Cañon de la Zorra. A short hike leads you up to a freshwater pool where you can swim next to the towering waterfall and sunbath on the giant boulders that line the pool.

And while there’s good snorkelling and scuba diving in the area year-round, summer and early fall are when visibility is at its best and water temperatures are nice and warm. For the ultimate experience, let Four Seasons arrange a snorkelling excursion to Cabo Pulmo, the UNESCO World Heritage Marine Site that Jacques Cousteau dubbed “the aquarium of the world.” Set off from the Resort’s private marina and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by schools of colourful porkfish, bigeye jacks, snapper and several types of rays. If there’s something specific you’d like to see, just let the team know and they’ll do their best to find it for you.

Find adventure in Los Cabos

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Three-tiered tray filled with pastries, various small plates, two wine glasses and a bottle of champagne are set on a white-clothed table in the middle of a meadow

The team at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire can prepare a gourmet picnic for you to enjoy anywhere on the estate grounds.

Two people ride horseback through the grounds of an English country estate

The rolling hills of Hampshire are best explored on horseback.

Falcon bird lands on man's gloved hand in English countryside

Learn the fundamentals of falconry and meet a Harris hawk during a private session with the Hotel’s on-site falconry expert.

Country picnics and outdoor fun in Hampshire

Set on 200 hectares (500 acres) of rolling countryside, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is the embodiment of a quintessential English estate. If you’re wanting to get away from the city for a long, late-summer holiday, Hampshire offers a relaxing alternative. At Four Seasons, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing, fly fishing and horseback-riding to fill your days, as well as a unique opportunity to get to know a Harris hawk as an on-site falconry expert fills you in on the fundamentals of falconry.

With so much natural beauty surrounding you, let the Hotel’s culinary team arrange for a custom gourmet picnic for you and your loved ones to enjoy on the grounds. Tuck yourselves away in the estate’s orchard or private gardens – wherever you lay your blanket, the scene is guaranteed to be picture-perfect.

Escape the city in Hampshire

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Say goodbye to summer with us.

view of London Park

Summer Checklist: Your Ultimate Vacation Awaits

Posted on by Ellis Harman

As the temperatures begin to rise, we find ourselves dreaming of summer: warm waters, bright sun, endless opportunities to make lifelong memories. So how do you decide where to go and what to do? That’s where Four Seasons comes in. Home to championship golf courses with one-of-a-kind greens, Michelin-starred restaurants brimming with fresh summer flavours and thrilling adventures designed to inspire, Four Seasons offers unique summer activities that can help bring your dream vacation to life.

We’ve rounded up some of the best summer vacation spots all over the world, including recommendations from local insiders who know their destination better than anyone. If you’re looking for things to do this summer, here’s our checklist for making this year’s vacation one you’ll never forget.

Man wearing black polo and shorts takes a swing on a golf course

Perfect your golf swing on a luxury golf vacation

Summer is the ideal time to tee off at Four Seasons. With sprawling green spaces designed by some of the sport’s biggest names, first-class golf instructors and cutting-edge innovations like indoor golf simulators to help you perfect your swing, you might not score a hole-in-one, but you’ll still win big on these courses.

Tail of the Whale island green in Punta Mita

TEE OFF INTO THE OCEAN IN PUNTA MITA, MEXICO

It might be hard to concentrate on your putt at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico, a Forbes Five-Star resort that’s also home to two of the world’s most renowned Jack Nicklaus–designed courses. The warm weather and sunshine make summer the perfect time to tee off at the challenging Bahia Golf Course, which offers panoramic views of glittering blue waters and a hole on the beach just steps from the famed El Faro surf spot. (And summer is prime surf season, if you’re thinking about paddling out.)

But for a true bucket-list experience, you’ll have to plan ahead: The Pacifico Golf Course’s signature “Tail of the Whale” optional 19th hole is the world’s only natural island green – and it can only be played at low tide.

Swing big in Punta Mita

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GET EXPERT GOLF INSTRUCTION IN ORLANDO

Looking to take your game to the next level? This summer, why not learn from the best? Let the PGA Director of Instruction at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort assess your technique during a two- or three-day golf retreat. Use innovative TrackMan swing analysis technology to perfect your full swing, refine your short game and work with the pros to improve your course management. Then put what you’ve learned to the test on the Resort’s Tom Fazio–designed Tranquilo Golf Course: The course’s varying elevations will challenge your newly improved skills as you soak up the sunshine and connect with nature in the picturesque Certified Audubon Sanctuary setting.

Improve your game in Orlando

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A group of five people sit on an outdoor wooden deck, each on their own yoga mat with their legs crossed in front of them

Soothe your soul on a wellness retreat

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, refresh your spirit or focus on your well-being, Four Seasons offers reinvigorating spa treatments that make the most of the season.

Spa therapist sets down a tray on a massage table draped with teal and white linens

ENJOY HEAD-TO-TOE RELAXATION IN MACAO

The warm glow of the sun and warm temperatures encourage us to slow down and savour each moment of summer, taking the time to refresh body and mind. For the ultimate sense of renewal, indulge in the Blissful Sensation ritual at Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip. Each step of the experience is infused with Macao’s rich Portuguese heritage. Start with a foot and body scrub using a unique blend of salts mixed from the essence of port wine, then unwind with a full-body massage with body oil using fragrant Melissa herb (or lemon balm) from Portugal. Feel the tension melt away as you emerge reinvigorated and revitalized.

Feel refreshed in Macao

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FIND HEALING DURING AN EQUINE WELLNESS RETREAT IN LANAI

Discover clarity and inspiration during a five-day, four-night equine program for women at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. From July 24 to July 28, 2024, join 12 women for the intimate and exclusive Unbridled Retreat, where you’ll discover the healing power of horses with help from world-renowned equine coach Devon Combs. The retreat “helps women heal from their pasts, get clear on where they’re headed, and find the courage to move forward,” Combs says. She’ll guide you through a spiritual journey of self-discovery, with hands-on interactions with the horses that are meant to break down inhibitions and stimulate creativity, changing the way you see the world – and yourself – and helping you take the reins of your own life.

Find a new perspective in Lanai

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Seven people sit on the floor as a woman stands at the front speaking in front of a window and a collection of five gongs beside here

CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE IN NEW YORK

Summer in the city brings a renewed sense of liveliness, coming to life after a long winter with activities that make the most of the season’s long days and warm nights – think street festivals, outdoor concerts and sunset cruises around Manhattan. Tap into that energy at the Forbes Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown with The Collective, an innovative wellness program focused on mind, body and spirit. Renowned astrologer Rebecca Gordon will draw on the spiritual power of the summer solstice – a symbol of renewal and rebirth – to help guide you to a new understanding of life’s challenges so you can reach your highest potential. Or have the on-site experts help you create your very own tailored wellness retreat while in New York.

Harness the energy of New York

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A group of seven people sit at a table set outdoors surrounded by greenery with the ocean in the background

Savour award-winning culinary experiences

Balmy nights make it easy to linger over the dinner table as you gather with loved ones. Discover world-class experiences for every palate, highlighting summer’s freshest ingredients and seasoned with a taste of Four Seasons culinary magic – a meal to remember.

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TREAT YOURSELF TO THE BEST FINE DINING IN HONG KONG

At Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, there are a few not-so-secret ingredients on the menu: talent, innovation and creativity. Artful cuisine isn’t hard to find at the Hotel, a foodie travel destination in its own right that boasts eight Michelin stars: three for the impeccable French dishes at Caprice, two each at Cantonese restaurant Lung King Heen and Italian restaurant Noi, and one for Japanese at Sushi Saito.

This summer, treat your taste buds to An Epicurean Journey. This special package – available for select dates through August – includes a stay in a spacious suite, dining credit at Lung King Heen, one of the most celebrated Chinese restaurants in the world, as well as access to the exclusive Executive Club. After your meal, toast your time together with inspired cocktails at ARGO, named one of The World’s 50 Best Bars.

Sample new flavours in Hong Kong

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Close up of place setting featuring white-and-blue dishes, fresh sliced tomatoes, a flatbread pizza and more

HARVEST THE SEASONAL BOUNTY IN PARIS

Discover the ingredients for a refreshing summer feast with the help of Chef Simone Zanoni of the Michelin-starred Le George restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, who will whisk you away to the Domaine de Madame Élisabeth in Versailles, a historic home that was a gift by King Louis XVI to his sister Élisabeth in 1793. Today, the park encompasses more than 7 hectares (17 acres) of orange groves, floral displays and contemporary sculptures – and Le George’s kitchen garden, providing an abundance of organic produce for the restaurant’s menus.

With Zanoni’s expert guidance, you’ll handpick fresh greens and harvest seasonal produce, then head to the garden’s open-air kitchen for an al fresco cooking class. Afterward, sit down to dinner under the stars as you savour the gentle summer evening and a taste of the freshest fine dining in Paris.

Experience a summer garden in Paris

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Hawaiian navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka talks to four people aboard a sailboat

DINE LIKE A WAYFINDER IN MAUI

Set sail on a culinary and cultural voyage aboard a luxury catamaran. Depart from Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea at sunset with distinguished Hawaiian navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka as she follows the path of her Polynesian ancestors, who sailed the clear blue waters surrounding the island using only the stars, wind and swells to guide their wa’a kaulua (double hulled voyaging canoes). As you savour a tasting menu inspired by their journey and the canoe plants they carried with them, like ‘ulu (breadfruit), kalo (taro), and ‘uala (sweet potato), Tanaka will share the “magic of the stars” – part storytelling, part astronomy lesson.

“Indulging in a meal inspired by ancient Hawaiian ingredients and traditions is a fusion of cultural exploration and culinary delights,” says Director of Concierge and Guest Experiences Margaux Pfeiffer. “Adding Kala’s insights into traditional navigation techniques is a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases the rich heritage and natural bounty of the Hawaiian islands.”

Connect with the past in Maui

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A man in a blue suit and a woman in a red dress sit at a round booth in a restaurant

Toast to the season at the world’s best bars

Summer’s fresh flavours make for some surprising – and delicious – sips. Toast your time together with inventive seasonal cocktail menus, unique wine pairings and the chance to explore some of your favourite beverages with help from Four Seasons experts.

Bar at BKK Social Club in Bangkok

GO BEHIND THE BAR IN BANGKOK

BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River isn’t just one of the best bars in Bangkok – it was named Thailand’s best bar on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for 2022 and 2023. This summer, you can get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the secret of its success. “Take a seat at our bar with one of our talented bartenders, who will be your guide through a series of handcrafted cocktails that tell a story about the people, places and culture of Mexico,” says Beverage Manager Philip Bishoff. “This summer’s new cocktail menu and the Secrets of BKK Social Club experience are an exciting introduction to Mexico’s intricate flavours and ingredients, and it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening.”

Try award-winning cocktails in Bangkok

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Bottle of sake and two sake cups sit on a thick marble bar counter

SIP THE BEST SAKE IN TOKYO

Sake has been brewed in Japan for centuries, and the fermented rice-based alcohol was used to “bring people and gods together.” Today, sake plays an important role in Japanese celebrations, symbolizing a fresh start and a prosperous future. Let Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi introduce you to the traditions and culture behind Japan’s national drink during a tour of local sake breweries, where you’ll have the chance to sample different styles and flavours – including namazake, an unpasteurized sake whose bright, fresh, fruity taste makes it the choice drink of summer.

Taste tradition in Tokyo

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SPEND SUMMER IN THE VINEYARD IN NAPA VALLEY

Discover your inner sommelier at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, the only Forbes Five-Star Resort in Napa Valley with an on-site working winery. For a true grape-to-glass experience, the Resort’s Elevated Elusa offering is a celebration of summer’s flavours. This new immersive food and wine tasting begins with a tour of the vineyards at Elusa Winery and its production facility before you head to the exclusive Wine Library overlooking Elusa’s barrel cellar for a meal that’s been carefully crafted to complement the winery’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon. “The Elevated Elusa experience is more than just a tasting,” says Resort General Manager Robby Delaney. “It’s a journey into Napa Valley’s storied heritage and its vibrant palate of flavours and exceptional wines, set in California’s golden summer sunshine.”

Sip summer wines in Napa Valley

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Set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel excursion

Whether you crave an adrenaline rush or a slower-paced outing, Four Seasons offers exclusive access to unique experiences that will change your perspective on the world around you.

Four people wearing orange life jackets board onto a white-water rafting boat docked on the side of a river in Bali

PADDLE TO ADVENTURE IN BALI

As the longest river in Bali, the Ayung River stretches 75 kilometres, from the northern mountains to the Badung Strait at Sanur. Along the way, it winds through the island’s lush jungle and majestic gorges, offering opportunities for thrilling adventure: some of the best Class II and Class III white-water rafting in the world. During Bali’s dry season (May to October), the water is lower, making it ideal for rafters of all ages – you’ll experience some rough water, some rocks and small drops.

Set out with a guide from Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay or Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and catch a glimpse of Bali’s vibrant culture as you paddle past splashing waterfalls, rice-farming villages, and historic and holy sites. But it’s not all roaring waters: You’ll have the chance to hop out of your raft to float through a natural tunnel formed by the leafy tree limbs overhead.

Hit the water in Bali

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Four people on a walking safari in the Serengeti

WALK WITH THE MAASAI ON A SERENGETI SAFARI

Every year, more than 2 million animals – zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and more – make their 800-kilometre trek across Africa in search of greener pastures. At Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, you’re perfectly positioned to see the herds during the prime viewing months, May through August. Follow their path during a game drive safari or join the Safari Lodge’s resident naturalist and Maasai guides for a late-afternoon walking safari to learn about the animals’ natural habitat.

“These are led by our resident naturalist accompanied by a ranger and Maasai guides,” notes Trevor van de Ven, Senior Director of PR and Communications at the Lodge. “It allows guests to get close to the wilderness, while the Maasai guides impart their knowledge of the trees, birds, animals and animal tracks that guests encounter on their walks.” Conclude your time in the bush with sundowner cocktails and canapés, then return to camp and recharge with a reinvigorating kifa massage using Tanzanian baobab oil and a heated Rungu – a Maasai warrior’s wooden baton.

See another side of the Serengeti

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SEE THE SUMMER STARS IN THE SONORAN DESERT

The natural beauty of this oasis is breathtaking, with sunlit vistas of saguaro cacti, dramatic valleys and iconic Pinnacle Peak. But for some of the area’s most captivating sights, you’ll have to look to the night skies. Uncover the secrets and enormity of the cosmos with Mark Johnston, a NASA Solar System Ambassador and resident astronomer at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, during a guided tour of the stars using his high-powered telescope and viewing screen.

Summer’s clear, dry nights offer optimal viewing of planets, star clusters, double stars, galaxies and more. “Scottsdale’s low light pollution means the stargazing is stunning, especially in summer,” says Director of Rooms Toshihiko Yoshimura. “It’s a great activity for the entire family, and the perfect end to a summer day spent hiking or relaxing poolside.”

Marvel at the night sky in Scottsdale

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

What will you check off your list this summer?

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A Meal to Remember: Luxury Dining with Four Seasons

Posted on by Colleen Mitchell

An extraordinary meal endures in our memory, not only for the artful cuisine but also for the experience around it. When we take our seat at the table with friends or loved ones, time slows down: We’re fully present, together, in the moment, with all our senses engaged.

Fans of award-winning fine dining will feel at home at Four Seasons, whose 25 restaurants with Michelin stars across 20 Four Seasons hotels and resorts have 34 stars and counting – the most of any luxury hospitality brand – and a host of accolades from arbiters of excellence like Black Pearl and Gault&Millau. Along with outstanding cuisine, there’s another important aspect of every meal: the warm, personalized service Four Seasons is known for.

At Noi (2 stars), award-winning chef Paulo Airaudo infuses seasonal ingredients with Italian soul, resulting in unexpected flavour combinations you won’t find anywhere else in Hong Kong.

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At Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Caprice (3 stars) invites you to taste the finest French cuisine in the city’s most elegant setting.

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SÉZANNE (2 stars) at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi is known for its seasonal menus filled with dynamic French dishes crafted by Executive Chef Daniel Calvert. It was also ranked number one on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.

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Hong Kong’s Lung King Heen (2 stars) sources quality produce from all over the world to make sophisticated Cantonese dishes.

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Sample the creative dim sum creations at Zi Yat Heen (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip.

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Innovation is at the forefront at Jin Sha (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, where Executive Chinese Chef Wang Yong takes traditional Zhejiang flavours and turns them into something new and delicious.

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Known for its eco-conscious approach to fine dining, est (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi showcases Chef Guillaume Bracaval’s exceptional Japanese-French fare.

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The menus at Cai Yi Xuan (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing have a variety of exceptional Cantonese dishes to choose from.

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Savour a selection of local Cantonese dishes at Yu Yue Heen (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, one of the first Chinese restaurants to be awarded a Michelin star in Guangzhou.

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No detail is too small at Sushi Saito (1 star). Featuring rice from Akita and Nagano cooked in spring water from Kagoshima, the restaurant’s Edomae-style sushi is best enjoyed at the cypress counter next to views of the Hong Kong skyline.

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Only prix-fixe menus are served at Caprice: four or five courses at lunch, and two seven-course options at dinner.

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Those looking for fine dining in Hong Kong will find a variety of exceptional cuisine all under one roof. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong alone holds eight Michelin stars for impeccable French cuisine at Caprice (three stars), Cantonese at Lung King Heen (two), Italian at Noi (two) and Japanese at Sushi Saito (one), while ARGO is honoured on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars. One of the most celebrated Chinese restaurants anywhere, Lung King Heen shines in dishes like Pineapple Pork Buns, with ingredients personally sourced and inventively prepared by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Yan Tak.

The bounty of the Mediterranean is front-and-centre at Pelagos (1 star) at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, where dishes highlight seasonal ingredients.

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As the flagship restaurant of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Il Palagio (1 star) serves regional classics that show off the best of Tuscany. Be sure to pair your meal with a selection from their cellar stocked with exceptional Italian wines.

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Anne-Sophie Pic, the world’s most decorated female chef, brings her celebrated French cuisine to La Dame de Pic London (2 stars) at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, with dishes such as Les Berlingots ASP and her Wild Sea Bass and Caviar (her father’s signature dish).

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Chef and head culinary curator Pedro Pena Bastos crafts his artful Portuguese dishes with the same meticulous passion as an artist painting their masterpiece. The result? An unforgettable meal at CURA (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon.

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At Le Cap (1 star) at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, Chef Yoric Tièche reinvents Provençal and Mediterranean dishes using the freshest ingredients, some plucked from the sea and some from the Hotel’s gardens.

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Enjoy seasonal Italian specialties at Il Lago (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva, coupled with relaxing views of Lake Geneva.

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At Le George (1 star), modern Mediterranean-style cuisine is expertly crafted by Chef Simone Zanoni, who takes a sustainable, locally oriented approach to fine dining.

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Etna-born Chef Massimo Mantarro showcases the best of Sicilian cuisine next to incredible views of Taormina Bay at Principe Cerami (1 star) at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel.

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At La Dame de Pic – Le 1920 (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel Megève, Anne-Sophie Pic continues her quest for new, complex flavour combinations, this time with a Savoyard twist.

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Chef Alan Taudon, a talented disciple of Christian Le Squer, focuses his menus at L’Orangerie (2 stars) on vegetables, dairy and seafood, resulting in dishes that are light, balanced and remarkably innovative.

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Paris is filled with fine dining landmarks, and you’ll find one of the most iconic at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, home to Christian Le Squer’s famed Le Cinq (3 stars).

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At Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Michelin-star dining captivates at modern French Le Cinq (three stars), plant-focused L’Orangerie (two) and Italian-Mediterranean Le George (one). In Le Cinq dishes such as Line-Fished Sea Bass, Executive Chef Christian Le Squer marries elegant and personally meaningful flavours like caviar with buttermilk that nods to his childhood in Brittany. The team’s service, notes Michelin, “is a model of empathy and style that is close to perfection.” And the experience at Le George, which also holds a Michelin green star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy, extends beyond the dining room: Guests can join Chef Simone Zanoni for a visit to the organic kitchen garden in Versailles, followed by a private cooking class, taking fine dining in Paris to new experiential heights.

Pavyllon London (1 star) at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is the latest Four Seasons restaurant to receive a coveted Michelin star.

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Sit down in the legendary dining room at The Surf Club Restaurant (1 star) to sample some of Thomas Keller’s iconic dishes, including his Avocado Louie, NY Strip Steak and Caesar Salad prepared tableside.

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Feast on the best cuts of steak and Spanish-inspired cuisine at Capa (1 star), the rooftop steakhouse and bar at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort.

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The diverse offerings at Capa include fresh Florida seafood, inventive small plates and expertly grilled cuts, along with an award-winning wine list.

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The relaxed atmosphere at Pavyllon London is intentional – Chef Yannick Alléno wanted his London restaurant to have a distinct neighbourhood feel.

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It took less than one year for Auro (1 star) at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley to be bestowed with its first Michelin star – the only restaurant in Calistoga to have earned such an honour.

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At Pavyllon London Chef Yannick Alléno’s innovative take on French cuisine has a decidedly British feel.

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

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At Auro, sit down for a five-course tasting menu created by acclaimed Chef Rogelio Garcia and his team.

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Perched on the 17th-floor, Capa offers unbeatable views of Orlando and the nightly fireworks.

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The Surf Club Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club is award-winning chef Thomas Keller’s first Florida restaurant.

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While legends like Le Cinq have been celebrated for decades, even the newest Four Seasons restaurants are earning acclaim. Pavyllon London, the debut London restaurant from multi-Michelin-award-winning Chef Yannick Alléno set within Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, has also received its first star just six months after opening in July 2023. Chef Alléno and his world-class kitchen team have drawn inspiration from seasonal British produce as well as a passion for innovative French cuisine to create “an interactive, less formal, neighbourhood dining experience centred around countertop seating and great food,” just as Alléno intended.

Set within a working vineyard, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is an immersive culinary experience in and of itself, and its Auro restaurant was awarded a Michelin star within a year of opening, as well as a “Wine Spectator” Best of Award of Excellence. Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia draws from seasonal and personal inspirations to develop dishes like Dry-Aged Shima Aji, a flower-shaped creation that entices the eyes and the palate with its bright citrus, spicy and salty flavours. Guests can also enjoy wine dinner series, harvest festivities and other special events. Here, though, as at all Four Seasons restaurants, coming together over unforgettable food and drink can become its own kind of special occasion.

Iconic dining experiences in iconic settings

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your next unforgettable meal take place?

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