Destinations: Four Seasons Maldives Explorer (Island Cruise)

A stay at Four Seasons can transport you to a luxurious home away from home for a few days—or, if you’re lucky, a few weeks. These hotels and resorts set a glamorous standard, offering extraordinary, over-the-top adventures around the world. Where else can you gain access to exclusive attractions, fly in a customised Boeing 757, sleep in arguably the world’s most comfortable bed and taste culinary excellence, one unforgettable vacation at a time?

Here are the 9 most glamorous experiences one can partake in at Four Seasons hotels and resorts from Florence to Mumbai. Travellers in search of unparalleled luxury and glamorous getaways, take note.

Toast to good taste from a hidden wine cellar in Paris

As a recent guest at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, I was fortunate enough to join the ranks of an exclusive group of oenophiles who have travelled the 14 metres (46 feet) below ground to tour the Hotel’s legendary wine cellar. Over candlelit French canapés and a glass of Burgundy Pinot Noir, I took in the fascinating history of the George V cellar and sampled from a choice selection of the 50,000-bottle collection of rare wines, which includes a bottle of Terrantez from 1795 and a bottle of (drinkable!) port that dates back to 1900. With a set-up this romantic and picture perfect, it’s not surprising that the cellar sees its fair share of marriage proposals. See more from my glamorous stay in the City of Light, including a tour of the Hotel’s legendary penthouse, on The Road Les Traveled.

Get pampered like a celebrity in Beverly Hills

Whether you’re a movie buff or just in need of some me time, look no further than the Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the crowd-favourite romantic comedy Pretty Woman, which was filmed at the Hotel in 1990, and there’s no time like the present to live out the fairy tale of Julia Roberts’ character. Indulge with a mani, pedi and bubbly while watching the movie in a relaxing setting, or splurge for the Hotel’s red carpet–worthy treatment: a Sculpted Beauty Wrap, Diamond Luxury Lift Facial (using infused diamond-cut quartz), and sparkling Diamond Manicure and Pedicure.

Indulge in a 24-carat gold facial in Mumbai

At Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, all that glitters is gold—notably, the Hotel’s 24-Carat Gold Anti-Aging Facial. Gold has been used in skin care and healing for centuries, and even Cleopatra found it irresistible as she embraced its anti-inflammatory properties. Utilising the ancient Indian healing art of ayurveda, therapists massage the precious metal into the skin, reducing wrinkles and leaving you radiant and ready to take on the day. While the treatment comes at a price, the long-lasting after-effects are priceless.

Arrive to your private snow hotel via helicopter in Whistler

If camping in the great outdoors armed with nothing but a tent and sleeping bag doesn’t suit your style, glamping just might. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler combines outdoor adventure with luxury amenities during its Glamping experience, which begins when a helicopter takes you to the region’s largest ice field. Explore ice caves via snowmobile before being whisked away to your very own snow hotel full of creature comforts—think pre-warmed duvets, thermal spa experiences and culinary creations from Four Seasons chefs. Wake up rested and ready to ski outside the box thanks to unprecedented access to Whistler Blackcomb’s epic terrain.

Shop exclusive designer collections in New York

Calling all fashionistas: Get ready to walk the walk and talk the talk of haute couture at Four Seasons Hotel New York. Every week might as well be Fashion Week in New York City, which boasts the greatest concentration of design talent in the world. Here to help guide you through it is Kathleen Beckett, former editor at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, with connections at more than 200 designer studios. Venture to pre-selected studios via limousine, get the exclusive behind-the-scenes look into designers’ latest collections, and learn what’s chic on the streets and runway-ready. If you’re lucky, you might even have a design made just for you.

Fly around the world by private jet

Four Seasons has found a way to elevate luxury travel to extraordinary new heights with the Four Seasons Jet and a variety of international itineraries, which take travellers to the globe’s most exotic destinations. Reserve one of the 52 seats available on a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience and you’ll enjoy the journey at 30,000 feet just as much as the destination, thanks to the Jet’s luxurious accommodations (think lie-flat beds and international inflight Wi-Fi) and personalised service from the on-board Concierge and Four Seasons chef. Get inspired to take your own around-the-world expedition by following the Jet’s next 24-day tour to nine destinations, including Bora Bora and Istanbul.

Spend a lavish week at sea in the Maldives

Stretch your sea legs aboard the Four Seasons Explorer, the destination’s most luxurious live-aboard catamaran. If you’re in the mood for adventure, embark on a seven-night group research odyssey to observe the Maldives’ most exciting residents—manta rays and whale sharks—in action. Looking for a more private escape? Charter the Explorer so that you and your nearest and dearest can spread out among its well-appointed rooms, dining room, two bars, lounge, library and sun decks, and enjoy personalised itineraries.

Experience your dream vacation in the Seychelles

Whether you’re looking for adventure, privacy, tranquillity or a party, you can have it all at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. Available with your three-, four-, or five-bedroom villa, the “Residen-chelles” menu consists of four tailor-made escapes with family and friends in mind. Book the Dream Escape and learn how to surf in the private 88-foot (27-metre) pool, or opt for the Serenity Escape featuring personalised spa treatments and yoga activities. A Family Escape with the entire crew offers private BBQs, arts and crafts, salsa classes, or movie nights under the stars, while the Final Escape caters to group celebrations with spa parties, cooking classes and water volleyball. The best part: All packages are completely customisable to fully satisfy your vacation desires.