Destinations: Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll

Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll Expand your horizons at the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway, Voavah – a seven-bedroom private island Maldives resort, a luxury yacht named Voavah Summer and a marine territory that’s entirely your own.

6 Reasons to Take an Adult Gap Year

Posted on by Janet O'Grady

Who among us, when gainfully employed but scheduled wall to wall, hasn’t envied younger students with a chance to take a gap year? It’s easier to take a whole year off to travel the world before college or before starting a career.

A gap year wasn’t in the cards for me in my 20s, but I kept the idea tucked away in the back of my mind. My husband and I realized our dream of moving to Aspen, Colorado, to start a magazine. As the years passed, I discovered a downside to being an entrepreneur; work consumed my time.

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After 25 years at the helm, I hit the slow – not the stop – button. I wasn’t ready to retire, but I did need the luxury of time to explore the world and re-envision my place in it. I started with a deep dive into one of my favourite places, Manhattan, making it my classroom: museums, opera, theatre, talks. I enrolled in photography workshops in India, Mexico and Cuba, at each stop seeing the world and myself with fresh eyes.

Today, as our ideas about work, home and travel change, a gap year, a mini-retirement, a sabbatical or even a supersabbatical seems less problematic for many adults. Here are some of the opportunities Four Seasons offers to help you discover a new outlook on the world – and your place in it.

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Experience a World of Adventure

Discover new passions, flavours and perspectives both in the air and on the ground during a one-of-a-kind global adventure aboard the custom-designed Four Seasons Private Jet. The curated collection of global itineraries offers exclusive experiences available only through Four Seasons, along with its world-class service and personalized care.

It may have taken Phileas Fogg 80 days to circumnavigate the globe, but with Four Seasons you can do it in 24. The World of Adventures itinerary takes you to nine destinations in eight countries, starting with a welcome dinner beneath striking glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly in Seattle and ending with a Champagne toast in Miami. Taking the long way around, you’ll learn the secrets of samurai sword fighting in Kyoto, go rafting on Bali’s longest river, centre your mind and body with sunset yoga in Seychelles, trek through the rainforest in search of gorillas in Rwanda, tour ancient architecture in Marrakech, take a private salsa lesson in Bogotá, and watch for giant green sea turtles in the Galápagos Islands. Other Private Jet itineraries include an expedition through the southern hemisphere, with an unforgettable trip to Antarctica.

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Walk on the Wild Side

Safari means “journey” in Swahili, and an adventure at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is a natural fit for a journey of discovery. Explore the natural habitat of Africa’s fascinating creatures by vehicle, on foot or even from the air – it’s sure to change your perspective.

Set out with the Lodge’s resident naturalist, Maasai guides and park rangers and immerse yourself in the splendours of the savannah during a guided walk. Your guides will teach you to read tracks left by animals like cheetahs and lions, and understand the role insects and plants play in this unique ecosystem. Help install a camera trap that will record the activities of the Serengeti’s majestic animals – elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, notoriously elusive leopards.

Your education continues at the Lodge’s acclaimed Discovery Centre, the first conservation research and interactive education platform of its kind in East Africa. Here, review your camera-trap images with an expert and create a personalized digital photo record of your sojourn in one of the world’s last wild places.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

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Rediscover Your Passions

During a gap year, many college-age students are out for one last hurrah before taking on adult responsibilities. But I’ve found that one of the benefits of taking that time later is the opportunity to discover – or rediscover – the passions that drive you. Make your journey to well-being at Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort. This wellness enclave helps fuel your passions and connect with your intentions to live well through enriching classes, culinary adventures, private wellness consultations and relaxing treatments.

The Sensei Way focuses on three paths: movement, nourishment and rest; combined, they help us recover and grow. Explore each path with personalized activities – like aquatic bodywork in your hale pool and guided breathwork – and private one-on-one sessions with well-being professionals. Balance the calm with adventure and infuse your wellness vacation with world-class golf, hiking or horseback riding on mountain trails, or swimming in a protected marine cove. The Concierge can arrange a variety of island activities that nourish body and spirit.

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

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Take to the Open Road

The past year has made me – and countless other travellers – yearn not only for the chance to explore new destinations but also for the journey to them. I love climbing behind the wheel and hitting the road, and relish every scenic overlook and entertaining detour. What better way to explore Europe than by taking The Scenic Route: Embark on a great escape between drivable Four Seasons destinations like Lisbon to Madrid, Prague to Budapest, London to Hampshire. Four Seasons Concierges fill you in on their favourite stops along the way, and you can explore wine country, savour authentic local cuisine, and immerse yourself in art and history – all at your own pace.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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I’m most looking forward to the drive from Paris to the French Riviera, snaking along the legendary N7 – dubbed The Holiday Route, or Route des Vacances. It’s a feast for the senses: the soothing smell of lavender fields, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, authentic dishes at local cafés. After waking up to views of the Eiffel Tower at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, trade the bright lights of the city for the bright stars of the French Riviera. I can’t wait to gaze up at the inky night sky during a personal astronomy lesson with a planetary scientist from Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel – or to admire the celestial twinkle during an al fresco dinner prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Yoric Tièche.

Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

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Retreat to Paradise

After stepping away to take time for myself, I discovered how much I relished the opportunity to revive my bonds with friends and loved ones – I could spend time with them without having to field calls from the office or check my email. The perfect place to gather? Your own private island. Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll, is the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway – the ideal spot to retreat and reconnect.

Lounge on white-sand beaches and splash in clear blue water, or climb aboard Voavah Summer, your 19-metre (62-foot) private yacht, for a day of exploring the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that surrounds the island. Swim with reef sharks or dive with mantas, or get your adrenaline pumping with high-flying X-Jetblades water jetpacks or kitesurfing. Restore balance and elevate your awareness with a customized treatment at the island’s private Spa – perhaps the Ocean of Consciousness, which uses the power of sound to connect you to layers of awakened knowledge both in and around you. After a day spent exploring your surroundings and your psyche, toast the sunset during a beach barbecue prepared by your private chef.

Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll

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Find Your Balance

To recharge during your sabbatical, it’s important that you relax, letting go of old stress, worry and negative emotions. At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, improve your spiritual and physical health at The Sacred River Spa, where authentic Balinese traditions combine with energy-healing chakra ceremonies. The Muladhara ritual brings inner peace and frees your full potential with a cleansing kemenyan smoke ceremony, soothing singing bowls and slow massage to induce a deep sense of stillness and connection – of feeling physically and emotionally grounded, ready to embrace new challenges.

To see the world from a new perspective, try AntiGravity Yoga, a “flying” practice that combines athletic strength with the motion of dance. As you stretch and improve your flexibility, suspended or even inverted in the Resort’s bamboo yoga bale, you’ll discover that your levitated position will get your endorphins flowing and set your soul – and mind – soaring.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your spirit of adventure take you next?

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Reconnect With the World: How Travel
Can Free Your Creativity

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

When you sit down for a tea ceremony at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, you’re bound to hear the Japanese saying ichi-go ichi-e (literally, “one time, one meeting”). It’s a gentle reminder that every single moment – no matter how small – is a unique opportunity, never to be repeated.

For photographer and creative director Dave Krugman, noticing and capturing those moments, like his bamboo forest image above, is a way of life.

 


“One of the reasons I love to make photographs is because I find memory to be a very fleeting thing,” says Krugman. “For me, a photograph is a stimulus for a cascade of memories. And every time I look at a photo I’ve taken, it takes me back to that moment and the feelings I was having and the people I met and the environment I was in. That’s why photography is such an important part of my life.”

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In Kyoto, Four Seasons helped introduce Krugman to a variety of new people, environments and experiences: A Hotel guide led him on a tour of a 1,000-year-old bamboo forest, and the Concierge arranged a visit to a local lantern workshop, where artisan lantern masters taught him how to carefully layer thin sheets of paper over a frame to build his own mini lantern. Krugman also sat down at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto with Poppy Jamie – an author, entrepreneur, and founder of mindfulness app Happy Not Perfect – to record a podcast sharing more about his personal journey and perspective on how travel is essential to a creative life.

“I’ve learned that everything we look at, there’s a craftsman behind it,” he said.

Known for his moody yet vibrant cityscapes and street photography, Krugman cites travel as one of the biggest influences on not only his art, but on his relationship with the world around him. “There is nothing more inspiring and invigorating than travel,” he says. “It always shows me that the world is so much larger than we imagine, so much more diverse. Witnessing this complexity and the vastness of the world is a humbling feeling, and it inspires me. Photography allows me to connect more deeply with all I see and all I experience.”

In Kyoto – and when travelling with Four Seasons – the opportunities for connection are seemingly endless.

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Discover experiences that bring history to life

With ancient architectural masterpieces around every corner, family-owned shops selling handmade creations that have been made the same way for centuries, and a culinary scene featuring everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to chic craft cocktail bars and unassuming noodle joints serving up delightfully slurpable bowls of ramen, Kyoto is a city of artisans.

Explore Kyoto with Four Seasons

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“I love the attention to detail in Japan,” Krugman says. “I feel like everything has its place and its ritual and its reason. As somebody who is such a visual person, it’s a real treat to experience that.”

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The atmosphere at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is no different. Set around the 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden – itself immortalized in a 12th-century epic poem – every setting is created with care and intention. There is beauty and meaning in everything. All you have to do is be willing to connect with it.

“Being a photographer and traveller has absolutely shifted my perspective,” Krugman says. “If I’m in a place I’ve never been before, every single thing I see provides an incredible education about the area I’m in.”

Try activities outside your comfort zone

After travelling the world twice over, Krugman can attest to one of the most essential components of a successful trip, no matter the destination: Keeping an open mind.

“I try to leave a lot of breathing room for spontaneity and serendipity, because my favourite moments are when something happens, the path kind of diverges, and I’m exposed to this thing that I couldn’t have planned even if I wanted to,” he says.

This doesn’t just apply to travel, but to the creative process – and to some of the most worthwhile experiences. “The best experiences in my life have been things that are just outside my comfort zone,” says Krugman.

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In Kyoto, that could mean immersing yourself in the world of geiko and maiko – kimono-clad entertainers who perform traditional song and dance – at an ozashiki asobi dinner in the Gion geisha district. Learn the art of Zen meditation from the deputy head monk of Shoden-Eigen-in. Or head to Kibune train station for a walk along the river, passing crimson torii gates and fragrant cedar trees on your way to Kurama Temple for a traditional onsen bath. Being open to adventure can help you discover the city’s secrets.

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“My travel philosophy is to go into every situation with an open mind and a big smile,” Krugman says. “That attitude can open up so many doors for you.”

Uncover a new perspective on everyday life

For Krugman and for many of us, travel is much more than just a vacation. It offers a chance to connect with the world around us and discover new ways of doing things. Simply being somewhere new invites us to look at things differently, even something we do all the time – like sipping tea.

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Discover centuries of tradition and spiritual beauty at a Tea Master Ceremony in the Hotel’s Shakusui-tei – the intimate Tea Ceremony Room. A local tea master will teach you the history of the brew and the Japanese rituals for steeping, pouring and savouring the perfect cup – a flavourful taste of local customs.

“There is no better education than travel, because you’re exposed to so many new ideas, ideas you never even knew existed,” Krugman says. “And when you can incorporate that into your day-to-day life, you just grow with every new experience.”

More Four Seasons Experiences
to Free Your Creativity

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Discover your inner guitar hero at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, where you can borrow a premium guitar from the Guitar Concierge and strum and riff to your heart’s content in your guest room or on the Hotel’s scenic back lawn. Ready to take your show on the road? The Concierge can direct you to one of Austin’s inspiring locales.

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Set out from Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero and see the city through a new lens during a private photo class with award-winning photographer Adam Jacobs. He’ll teach you to how to capture images of the iconic landmarks near the Hotel, sharing tips and tricks to help you take the perfect shot.

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Set up your easel in a natural clearing just a light 15-minute hike from Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. There, locally renowned artist Nigel Henri will help you sketch the picture-perfect setting during a personalized art class. Afterwards, your sketch will be scanned to create your own postcards, which will be mailed to your home along with your original artwork for framing.

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The city of Marrakech inspired famed fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, as you’ll see during a private tour of Villa Oasis, the home he shared with Pierre Bergé. Afterwards, head to Musée Yves Saint Laurent for a private tour, and then return to Four Seasons Resort Marrakech for a dinner inspired by his Moroccan motifs.

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For 22 years, Zohrab Markarian was the official palace photographer for the late King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan. Now he’s partnering with Four Seasons Hotel Amman to introduce you to the city’s beauty during a tour of some of its most picturesque landmarks – sharing photography tips and capturing images of you and your experience along the way.

RECONNECT THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING TRAVEL

Your journey begins here

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10 Reasons Not to Sleep In

Posted on by Stephanie Jones
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5:30 AM, JACKSON HOLE

“There is nothing like an early morning bike ride in Jackson. It’s akin to a  mini wildlife safari, with bald eagle, coyote, elk and moose sightings. But my favourite is seeing the hot-air balloons getting ready for a sunrise flight with our guests. The sun bouncing off the Tetons is nothing short of magical – and I take great joy in knowing I can help shape and share that magic.”

—Michael Nichols, Concierge (Member Les Clefs d’Or USA), Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole 

 

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

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Vegas

6:00 AM, LAS VEGAS

 “I often send guests south of the Hotel for a morning run past the iconic Las Vegas sign, continuing on to the trails at Sunrise Park. On their return leg, they are rewarded with views of the Strip illuminated by rays of sun, contrasted with the neon of the night prior.”

—Gamini Sugathadasa, Bellman, Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas 

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

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6:15 AM, MALDIVES PRIVATE ISLAND AT VOAVAH, BAA ATOLL

“I can’t think of a better way to start the day than with a dawn dive in the pristine waters off Voavah. Just you and the reef residents coming out of their nighttime hiding places as the sun’s ray start to light the reef. It’s pure magic.”

— Ismail Naeem, Katheeb (Island Chief),  Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll

Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll

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6:40 AM, SYDNEY

 “Every corner you turn in Sydney, there is beauty to be found.  However, my favourite iconic Sydney moment is watching the sun rise from behind the sails of the Sydney Opera House from one of our Four Seasons Full Harbour Rooms. Simply breathtaking.”

—Charlotte Trickey, Lounge 32 Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney 

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Borabora

6:45 AM, BORA BORA

“One of the unique things guests can do here, just seconds after waking, is jump into the warm turquoise lagoon from their overwater bungalow suite. There is truly no better way to start the day than in the healing waters of our paradise.” 

—Eric Desbordes, Executive Chef, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora 

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

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Mexico City

7:00 AM, MEXICO CITY

 “There’s nothing quite like rising early in a city of 22 million people. Soon enough, the streets will start bustling and local markets will reward visitors with fresh tamales, tortillas and tlayudas. 

—David Valencia, Guest Relations Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City 

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

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7:15 AM, GOLDEN TRIANGLE, THAILAND

“I love that moment when guests look up from their breakfast table at Nong Yao just as the sun is rising and spot our herd of elephants sauntering in for their morning snack.”

—Tobias Emmer, Camp Manager, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle  

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

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7:30 AM, HAWAII, HUALALAI

 “As the sun is rising, pedal the 17 miles of paved road on Mauna Loa with friends, and then throw a rucksack over your shoulders and head up to the crater.”

—Colin Clark, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai 

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

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Africa

8:00 AM, SERENGETI

“Of all the wildlife sightings in the Serengeti, spotting a rhino is incredibly precious. The population of this creature has suffered tremendously over the past few decades, but now there are great efforts in place to support the future of these animals. If you are lucky enough to see one of the remaining rhinos in person, you truly understand why these efforts are so important.”

—Ahmed Attas, Discovery Centre Manager, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti 

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

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9:00 AM, MAURITIUS

 “The eight-handed massage is the perfect way to wake up the body with synergies comparable to a dancer’s choreography: fluid and soothing.”

—Joelle Jennepy, Senior Spa Director, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita 

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

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7 Villas to Make Your Group Getaway

Posted on by Lucy Maher

It used to be that bucket-list group vacations meant, at best, conjoined hotel rooms. That’s changed. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts offer scores of exclusive villas for your next escape. If it’s privacy, top-quality service and unparalleled access to the world’s most beautiful places you seek, consider your search officially over.

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The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas

Private beach access? Check. Private chef? Check. Private infinity pool? Check. The three- and four-bedroom Beachfront Villa Residence is ideal for families seeking a seaside respite sans crowds.

A singularly indulgent retreat of exceptional space and tropical enchantment, the Beachfront Villa Residences are the pinnacle of resplendent island living with vaulted wood-panelled ceilings, gentle fans and hand-carved mahogany furnishings.

Accommodating up to eight people in the three-bedroom and ten people in the four-bedroom, including up to six children, the traditionally elegant villa includes indoor and outdoor living spaces and gardens filled with frangipani, bougainvillea and hibiscus. The 24-hour service team includes a butler and a personal chef who provide daily breakfast, snacks and evening canapés, with 24-hour in-villa dining available in either the expansive great room or the gated garden courtyard. The Villa Residences are also equipped with a chef’s kitchen and stocked bar.

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas

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The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

Tucked away in the extensive private gardens beside the Hotel, the four-bedroom Villa Rose-Pierre provides unparalleled French Riviera living with expansive Mediterranean views and around-the-clock butler service. Linger over your morning coffee on a sea-view balcony – each bedroom has one – before heading to the heated, mosaic-laid infinity pool for a swim. Challenge yourself on the private synthetic-clay tennis court or in the fitness room, complete with two treadmills and strength-training equipment. Just don’t leave without taking an evening meal under the stars on the rooftop terrace or letting your dedicated butler arrange an unforgettable cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

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The four-bedroom, split-level Owner’s Residence Villa looks peacefully out on the Mae Rim valley.

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Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Inspired by Northern Thailand’s Lanna architecture and surrounded by its own garden, the Four-Bedroom Residence Villa with Pool looks peacefully out on the Mae Rim valley.

After soaking up the sun on your private deck, take a dip in the large swimming pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. At day’s end, gather in the sitting room for cocktails and canapés, before enjoying a chef-cooked meal in the spacious dining room. Want to keep the party going? Retire to the adjoining wine room for an after-dinner drink and dessert, or sit before the fireplace.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Offering views of the Atlas Mountains, the Royal Villa pampers guests with ample private terraces, a central salon with a fireplace, and common areas inside and out, all set around a lap-size pool. Each bedroom has a full marble bath en suite. With an eight-person whirlpool spa and private barbecue area, you can take a late-afternoon dip and then, under the stars, enjoy a meal prepared by your private chef.

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

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Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney® World Resort

Take the idea of a penthouse suite to the next level by reserving the entire top floor here. Your 16th-floor domain of 21 sumptuous guest rooms features suitably top-level audiovisual integration – imagine a concealed media screen and projector that drops from the ceiling – and multiple terraces from which to view the stunning sunset over the Resort’s lakes and woodlands. Ask a host of complimentary butlers to unpack your bags, arrange theme park excursions, coordinate dinner parties with formal table service or organize kids’ activities.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Prieta Bay unfolds before you, whether you’re perched on the terrace or floating in the heated infinity pool, and stand-alone designs bring the outdoors in. The new three- to five-bedroom Prieta Bay Villas stand in an exclusive, secluded enclave in the peninsula, just a short walk from the Resort’s amenities. Enjoy full access to Prieta Beach Club, the private members’ club of Peninsula Papagayo, before returning home to relax in lavish living areas, gourmet kitchen and large outdoor terraces with built-in barbecues.

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

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Every room at this three-bedroom beach villa is just steps from the Indian Ocean.

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Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll

Enchant your group with a stay at Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, where the island is yours and every room is just steps from the Indian Ocean. Up to 20 people can make this paradise their own. Deepen your connection to the island with Voavah Summer,  the island’s own luxury yacht, and take in the unforgettable sights of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that surrounds you before watching the sun set over the turquoise paradise. When it’s time to tuck in for the evening, retreat to the master bedroom – three walls of sliding glass windows let the tropical breeze in. For some extra alone time, take your breakfast on the private deck just off the master’s sitting area. Not to worry – the other guests are coddled too. Their en-suite bathrooms are outfitted with outdoor garden showers.

Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will you and yours venture next?

Concierge

Where Are Best Beach Vacations In the World?

Posted on by Lenise Willis

Whether you prefer an aquatic adventure, the most colourful sunset or the tranquillity that comes from serene crystal waters, the world is full of opportunities to revel in paradise.

In seeking the best beach vacations in the world, we’ve compared your favourite stretches of sand, as displayed on social media, with our own beloved picks, from Bora Bora to Vietnam. These 12 beaches, selected from six regions around the world, are ideal for your next tropical getaway.

Best Beaches in the Pacific Islands

Amid away-from-it-all volcanic islands, the beaches of Indonesia and French Polynesia boast sapphire waters surrounded by emerald mountains.

Traveller’s Pick: Bora Bora

 

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On Instagram, Bora Bora is repeatedly deemed a favourite escape, even called the land of “50 shades of blue.” In addition to the seemingly endless waters, guests can soak in the sight of Mount Otemanu. The recently enhanced overwater bungalow suites at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora take the beach vacation to the next level, offering 360-degree views and complete immersion in the aquatic life.

Editor’s Pick: Bali at Jimbaran Bay


Sundara, Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Sundara, lauded as the best beach club in Bali, sets this escape apart from the rest. Enjoy live music, sundown cocktails and fresh Jimbaran seafood while you lounge beachside.

The lure of the exotic leads us to another one of our favourite tropical escapes: the beach of Jimbaran Bay. With volcanic mountains visible in the distance, soft white sand and year-round warm temperatures characterize the Bali beach.

After relaxing in the sun, get active with catamaran spilling, stand-up paddle boarding and surfing Bali’s famous breaks. Linger for Jimbaran’s magical sunsets with a drink at Sundara beach club and fresh seafood at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

Best Beaches in Latin America

Though typically known for its vivid rain forests, South America and Central America can also claim some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Traveller’s Pick: Costa Rica

 

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No setting sun is more gorgeous than one dozily sinking behind the ocean, which is why Costa Rica is one of your favourite beaches at day’s end. With warm gulf waters, pristine white sands and tropical trees swaying inland, the Gulf of Papagayo is a premier setting for beach photos – day and night.

Editor’s Pick: Punta Mita


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The Marieta Islands just off the coast of Mexico have hidden beaches perfect for a secluded escape.

With nearby golf courses and opportunities for surfing, Punta Mita is one of our favourite beaches for those who want to do more than just relax.

For a day excursion, visit Islas Marietas National Park, just a few miles west of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and relax on one of the world’s most unusual beaches. The islands, formed by volcanic activity, are rich in natural wildlife. From December to March, marvel at the power and grace of humpback whales during their migration through the bay.

Best African Beaches

Home to some of the best lesser-known snorkelling and diving spots, the islands off Africa are excellent options for your next beach getaway.

Traveller’s Pick: Seychelles

Just off the coast of East Africa lie Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, home to numerous beaches and nature reserves. Nature is awe-inspiring here. You may even catch a glimpse of a rare giant Aldabra tortoise.

“Nothing can beat Seychelles sunsets,” says traveller Tania Gae Mllitello. Besides the beautiful close of the day, she also loves the relaxed atmosphere and the great surfing waves. “On a Sunday afternoon you can go there and find many Seychellois and tourists together catching waves or having a picnic by the beach.

Editor’s Pick: Mauritius


Hidden enclave by ocean

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and basking in nearly year-round sunshine, Mauritius is an island paradise.

The island of Mauritius, blissfully stranded in the Indian Ocean, beckons travellers who seek the serenity of being one with nature. At Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita guests can enjoy three private beaches, with their choice of a beach sofa, palm tree hammock or sun lounger on Ile aux Cerfs, the Resort’s exclusive private island.

Sail the turquoise sea, marvel at giant tortoises on the beach, play golf on a championship course, or just gaze at the glinting water outlined by the Bambou Mountains in the distance.

Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

With some of the world’s most varied coral reefs and year-round tropical climate, the “East Indies” offer travellers some of the most picturesque scenes for their beach vacation.

Traveller’s Pick: The Maldives

Guests seeking stillness and tranquillity often turn to the beaches of the Maldives, a nation made up of more than 1,000 coral islands known for their blue lagoons and underwater scenery. Katharina Horstmann claims the Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru as her favourite beach because “it reveals the perfect beauty of nature.”

“For me, [true happiness] is when I walk alone on the beach through the coral sand, while the shallow turquoise water tickles my toes.”

For the ultimate in peaceful seclusion, escape to Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll.

Editor’s Pick: Hoi An, Vietnam


Beach at Hoi An, Vietnam

Enjoy direct access to Ha My Beach from your suite at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Lying in Vietnam’s cultural heartland, the tranquil kilometre-long stretch of beach in Hoi An has been deemed one of the world’s best beaches, and it’s also a relaxing perch from which to explore the country’s rich history.

In between bouts of lazing in the sun, take an excursion to any of the three UNESCO heritage sites nearby: Hue’s imperial city, the temple sanctuary of My Son and Hoi An’s enchanting lantern-lit streets.

Best Beaches in the United States

Whether you’re looking to ride a gnarly wave, sail the Atlantic or escape to the peaceful exotic, the United States of America has a beach for you.

Traveller’s Pick: Lanai, Hawaii

Though Lanai begs to be photographed for its Hawaiian sunsets, swaying palms and sweeping views of the Pacific, its starry night sky is what moved Mark Edward Harris to share the beauty of what has been long celebrated by guests as a favourite American beach destination.

Spend the day playing in the white sands of the secluded “Shipwreck Beach,” accessible only by 4×4 jeep, and snorkelling in the waters of Hulopoe Bay, a protected marine preserve. Then hike to Pu’uPehe (Sweetheart Rock), 20 minutes from Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and stare into the glittering nighttime.

Editor’s Pick: Palm Beach, Florida


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Make Palm Beach, Florida your perch to enjoy natural views and beach tranquillity.

With 47 miles of pristine golden beaches, Palm Beach, Florida, has a setting for everyone – from romantically private stretches of sand to family-friendly beaches with playgrounds, nature centres and beach parks that offer snorkelling, windsailing, fishing or paddleboarding. Catch a gleeful glimpse of a loggerhead turtle, or relax in a cabana with the complimentary service of personal beach staff at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.

Best Caribbean Getaways

Southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, the tropical Caribbean is home to more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. How do you choose the best?

Traveller’s Pick: Nevis

 

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Called a “hidden gem” by guests, Nevis offers lovely beaches that are almost never crowded. “We spent every evening on this beach watching the beautiful sun set into the ocean,” says Anna Ng, who selected Nevis as her favourite beach getaway. “You truly feel like you’re on a quiet, remote island away from the rest of the world.”

On the north side of the island is a sweet spot, Lovers Beach, virtually hidden from the road. Its secluded location ensures guests optimal privacy. Locals agree that the best beaches on the island are on the northern and western shores. A more popular spot is Pinney’s Beach, running for about three miles near Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

Editor’s Pick: Anguilla


Anguilla hammock

Relax in your choice of a hammock or beach lounger while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere in Anguilla.

From hidden coves to long stretches of powdery sand, Anguilla is home to 33 breathtaking beaches. And with no cruise ships or casinos allowed, you’re promised a relaxing scene for unwinding. Bask in the low-key spirit of the British Overseas Territory while locals share their passion for boat racing, Caribbean music – and food.

Its impeccable scenery combined with a coastal dining scene like no other, Anguilla easily makes it to the top of our list of best beach vacations in the world. Its silky sand is highlighted by more than 100 restaurants, from rustic to luxurious, several of them right on the water. Enjoy a rum punch, a local lobster delicacy and the everlasting allure of the sea at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.

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