Destinations: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Paradise Found: The Most Instagrammed Spots in Bali

Posted on by Alyssa Williams

Crystal-clear waters, vivid coral reefs, lush jungles, historic cultural sites: The island of Bali is a picture-perfect tropical paradise. Find inspiration at one of the thousands of ancient temples, catch a glimpse of rare wildlife at a leafy sanctuary, or greet the sun from the peak of Mount Batur – whatever the adventure, photo opportunities abound. Here are a few ways to take in the best of the island, as documented by Four Seasons experts and guests.


Plunge pool at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Jimbaran Bay: Take the plunge

“When Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay opened in 1993, it was the world’s first large-scale luxury villa resort and the first to feature plunge pools in every guest villa,” says General Manager Randy Shimabuku. Pools at the Resort’s 147 villas range in size from 13 square metres to the Imperial Villa’s showstopping 68-square-metre pool, offering a 180-degree panorama of Jimbaran Bay. “These physical features have since been imitated, but you can’t copy a feeling – that’s the essence and soul of the Resort and this special island.”

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Looking to test the waters beyond your thatched-roof villa? Asia’s top waterpark, Waterbom Bali, offers outdoor adventures from an adrenaline-pumping shoot down a transparent waterslide to a calm float along a lazy river under a canopy of trees.

Unwind by the water in Jimbaran Bay

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Shrines in Bali

Jimbaran Bay: Admire sacred shrines

More than 1,500 stone statues and 300 shrines dot the Resort’s leafy property, many visited by staff and neighbouring villagers as part of their daily rituals. “The Balinese call a shrine pelinggih, meaning ‘place or seat,’” says Resort Priest Aji Ngurah. “Simpler than temples, they’re built as a residence for sacred or holy spirits, which can be ancestors or Hindu deities. Shrines are considered a permanent or temporary place where offerings are made.” One such example: the Resort’s historical Hindu temple, a 17th-century shrine overseen by Ngurah where offerings are made to the gods daily by a resident pemangku (priest) and his daughter.

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Don’t miss the clifftop Uluwatu Temple, built in the 11th century. Locals recommend visiting at sunset, when you can watch the surrounding sea turn orange and pink in the twilight. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the temple’s resident pickpocket monkeys.

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Rooftop Lotus Pond at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Sayan: Discover an otherworldly oasis

High above the treetops and only accessible by a 55-metre footbridge, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan‘s 852-square-metre infinity-edged Rooftop Lotus Pond is the jewel of the Sayan Valley. Feed koi while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding forest that cascades down to the Ayung River. “Many guests feel emotional as they cross the suspension bridge to the rooftop lobby pond and begin their descent to the soundtrack of the forest symphony,” says Rao. “Bali is a place that, once visited, stays with you for a lifetime, and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan captures the unseen, ethereal magic of the island’s cultural heart.”

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For another chance to interact with the surrounding inhabitants, don’t miss the Ubud Monkey Forest – a leafy sanctuary home to 700 macaque monkeys – or the Bali Bird Park, where 250 kinds of fowl are organised by country of origin. Stop by the Owl House to see Malaysian barred eagle-owl and then make your way to the Balinese jungle exhibit to encounter stark white Bali starlings, reportedly the rarest bird on earth.

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Yoga Bale at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Sayan: Ascend to find your centre

Inspired by the elegant curves of lotus petals, the Resort‘s Dharma Shanti Yoga Bale was designed by Balinese architecture firm Ibuku and is made of locally sourced, sustainable bamboo. “Drawing from the spirit of Buddhist philosophy, dharma refers to the intrinsic nature of things – the path sometimes referred to as your true purpose – while the word shanti comes back to peace,” says Regional Spa Director Luisa Anderson of the gazebo. “Watching the Bale take shape, it felt like the architectural embodiment of those concepts.”

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Connect to the natural world while melting tension with a Restorative Hot Stone Yoga session: Heated pebbles from the sacred Ayung River are placed on the body during each pose, a treatment rumoured to buoy the immune system. Or try an AntiGravity Yoga session, created by a group of gymnasts led by Broadway dancer and world-class athlete Christopher Harrison. Looking for something a little more strenuous? Join the local guides of Bali Sunrise Hike on a trek at dawn to the peak of 1,717-metre-tall Mount Batur, just over an hour’s drive from the Resort.

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Where will you find paradise?

Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Romantic Getaways Around the World

Posted on by Alexandra Sheehan

There’s no bonding experience for couples quite like travelling the world and discovering the unfamiliar together.

Maybe you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to spend quality time away from home. Where to go? One-of-a-kind romantic getaways can’t be had just anywhere. Consider an evening of stargazing in Jackson Hole, or a look at Lisbon from the seat of a vintage motorcycle. Here are eight dreamy destinations offering epic escapes.


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Soak in Splendour in the Seychelles


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Photography courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Heat things up in your jungle-side villa at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles by climbing into a deep-soaking tub overlooking a wrap-around infinity pool and Petite Anse bay – a haven for romantics, marked by picturesque sunsets and powdery sand. Say the word and the Resort’s Bath Butler will prepare your bath, where you can soak in eucalyptus-scented and ylang ylang–infused water as you sip Champagne and feed one another fresh strawberries. “This is truly an unparalleled setting for couples to enjoy indulgent relaxation together,” says Jean Malubdos, Assistant Spa Manager, “and they may choose from a menu of bath rituals to suit their mood.”


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Swim Under the Stars in Maui


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Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Guests at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea don’t have to go far to find romance. With the Resort’s Serenity Pool After Hours package, reserve the adults-only pool to swim under the stars and enjoy a private dinner together. From dusk until dawn, the entire 2,650-square-foot (246-square-metre) pool is all yours, as well as the six luxury cabanas outfitted with flat-screen HD TVs.


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Another sweet exploit at the Resort appeals to food-focused duos: In the Taste of Island Life experience, couples will ride a helicopter to ONO Organic Farms for a private tour and exotic fruit tasting alongside the farm’s long-time owners. Afterwards, swim in nearby waterfalls and explore black sand beaches before heading back for a delicious finale: a multi-course dinner, made from favourite fruits from the ONO farms. “One of the best ways to connect is by experiencing new things together,” says Chef Concierge Sam Wilhelm. “A Taste of Island Life is perfect for couples who love food and adventure. And because this particular experience is set in Hana, where I grew up, it has a special place in my heart. I love sharing this magical town with couples looking for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure.”


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Capture Instagrammable Photos in Lisbon


Lisbon Scooter Adventure

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Guests at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon can capture the European charm of Portugal’s capital city during a private four-hour photography tour aboard a vintage motorcycle. Take a seat in the sidecar or directly behind your expert driver, and a professional photographer will lead you through winding cobblestone streets to the city’s top sites.

“The Pombaline-style architecture, the terra cotta rooftops and azulejo façades, the glorious Tagus river and the 25th of April suspension bridge are some of Lisbon’s most appealing features,” says Head Concierge Luis Miguel. His advice: Book the tour for early morning to make use of Lisbon’s prettiest light. At any time of day, though, “It’s the most authentic way to discover the city’s many fascinating twists and turns, hotspots and history.”


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Have a Celestial Picnic in Scottsdale


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Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

There are few more charming sights for couples than starry skies. At Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, you can ask the Resort’s professional astronomer to join you – or simply borrow a telescope – to take in an unbelievable view of the Sonoran Desert skies during your own night-time picnic. “Set apart from the city lights in the desert foothills, this is an ideal spot to sip a cocktail and view a spectacular sunset, and then watch as twinkling stars begin to blanket the sky,” says Resort Concierge Susy Alpert. “It’s magical.”


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Yacht Together in Bora Bora


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Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Honeymooners and long-married couples alike are flocking to the overwater bungalow suites with plunge pools at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – but we’ll wager they won’t spend all their time in their rooms. Among the myriad special experiences for two offered at the Resort: chartering its Andreyale yachts for sailing the surrounding turquoise lagoons in view of Mount Otemanu. “One of the most memorable and romantic experiences couples can share in Bora Bora is a private sunset cruise,” says Etienne Baldeschi, Chef Concierge. “Your captain will anchor for the island’s ideal sunset viewing, and your bespoke menu is served.”Think Champagne and canapés – such as Tahitian Poisson Cru and Moorea shrimp with crispy gyoza. “We can also arrange for a musician, and a photographer or videographer to capture the magic of this special excursion.” As you sail, keep an eye out for spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks in the glass-clear waters below.


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Savour the Sunset in Bali


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Few things are more romantic than a tropical sunset – except, perhaps, a tropical sunset cruise for two. Set sail from Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and enjoy the view as you sip Champagne and nibble on canapés. Afterwards, return to shore for an intimate four-course dinner in a gazebo overlooking the ocean or unwind in The Longevity Garden in the Resort’s new Healing Village Spa – this private, open-air treatment room is a serene space where couples can pamper each other with body wraps, infrared sun lounges, and steam and sauna rooms.


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Stargaze Mountainside in Jackson Hole


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Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

“There is something magical about travelling to Jackson Hole. The proximity to the mountains and access to wildlife and the vast open skies creates an intimate connection to one’s surroundings,” says Hope Maloney, Chef Concierge. Activities with romantic potential abound at  Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, including elk-drawn sleigh rides in the National Elk Refuge, a pause for sipping bubbly in the Resort’s Champagne bar and guided snowshoe tours of Grand Teton National Park. “But what could be better than enjoying a night of stargazing, huddled under the warmth of blankets, sipping hot cocoa and viewing other galaxies, nebulas and beyond?” Answer: All that with the addition of a discreet astronomer, who will point out the most impressive constellations as you cuddle.


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Escape to Lake Como in Milan


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Travel back in time, and in style, behind the driver’s seat of a vintage Italian roadster as you set out from Four Seasons Hotel Milan. Channel Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief as you drive around scenic Lake Como in a vintage 1960s convertible, spotting lakeside villas, ancient villages and cinematic landscapes from the classic car. Bonus: You can pull over at your leisure to take in the view – and perhaps the view is of your happy, relaxed partner.

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5 Spa Trends Worth Travelling For

Posted on by Leigh Crandall

Whether it’s a singing bowl ceremony in Hoi An, Vietnam, or a mosaic-lined hammam in Cairo, Egypt, Four Seasons hotels and resorts across the globe have perfected on-trend spa treatments inspired by the destinations they call home. Here are five restorative experiences worth the trip.

Spa ritual in Bali

The Blessings of Bali treatment includes a “sound bath” created by ringing a Balinese gong.

Couples spa ritual in Bali

The ancient seaside purification ritual is performed by Balinese-Hindu High Priest Aji Ngurah.

SPIRITS RISING IN BALI

“When we design our spa experiences, we always offer something special that goes beyond the expected,” says Luisa Anderson, Regional Spa Director of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. For proof, look no further than Blessings of Bali, which is far more than your typical treatment (though it does include a traditional Balinese massage). At the seafront Spa surrounded by lush gardens, you’ll start with yoga and breathing exercises to reinvigorate your spirit, take a “sound bath” created by a Balinese gong, and then have an ancient seaside purification ritual with Balinese-Hindu High Priest Aji Ngurah.

“The entire treatment is very ritualistic and meaningful, and specifically tailored for couples,” Anderson says. “The blessing by our Balinese priest on the edge of the ocean, where the couple is literally bathed with holy water, is a wonderful experience to share together. This treatment supports the higher spiritual principle of intimate relationships, and if we can enhance that journey on any level – whether it’s reducing stress loads or reminding a couple why they first fell in love – then we have succeeded.”

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

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Singing Bowls treatment

Singing bowl artist Oanh Ngo uses sound vibrations, combined with other treatments, to balance the body.

GOOD VIBRATIONS IN HOI AN, VIETNAM

Set on glassy koi ponds near three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hoi An is home to a surprising source of Zen: singing bowl artist Oanh Ngo, who’s in residence at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto for the month of November. The guru of calm combines seraphic treatments with the sonorous sounds of crystal singing bowls, each of them tuned to 432 Hz – reputedly the same frequency as the natural world.

You’ll want to book the 150-minute Nam Hai Earth Song, a euphoric blend of deep pressure massage with gem-tipped tuning forks, exfoliation with herbs from the on-site farm, a cleansing agarwood smoke treatment and, of course, sound vibrations, which Ngo asserts can heal imbalances down to your cells. “Oanh’s understanding of humans on a physical, emotional and spiritual level is quite incredible,” says Kyoto Director of Spa Chinnapat Veerasomboonsin. “Her singing bowl spa treatments offer a beautiful parallel to the Zen-inspired teachings we offer here, enabling us to better understand our inner self and the true nature of our place in the universe.”

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Hammam

The Turkish hammam at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence transports guests back in time.

Massage in Cairo

The Turkish hammam at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence transports guests back in time.

ANCIENT RITUALS REVIVED IN CAIRO, EGYPT

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, situated on the cinematic western bank of the Nile, is now home to something ancient Egyptian pharaohs could only dream of: an authentic Turkish hammam, decked with warm marble and lined in mosaic tile. The newly opened facility furthers bathing traditions introduced into Egypt centuries ago, when the area was under Turkish rule. “Hammams were once reserved for royalty,” says Spa Director Mohammed Sabry. “There aren’t many Turkish hammams in Cairo, so the fact that we’re able to provide an authentic experience to our guests thrills me.” The accompanying hour-long treatment – which includes a steam bath, foam body massage and scrub in your choice of age-defying sandalwood, citrus or even coffee – is rumoured to reduce the appearance of cellulite and provide a burst of energy.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence

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Facial

Infuse your skin with pure oxygen at Four Seasons Hotel New York.

AN OXYGEN BOOST IN NEW YORK CITY

A byproduct of the city that never sleeps? Occasionally, your skin needs a major reset. Enter L.RAPHAEL Beauty Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York, where oxygen-infused treatments will leave you feeling completely refreshed. The eight-room day spa in the I.M. Pei–designed monolith has perfected an experience called the Oxy Cure C. “The treatment includes a high jet spray of pure oxygen combined with a high concentration of vitamins C, A , E and other anti-ageing agents that penetrate deeper into the skin to stimulate the endothelial cells and collagen production,” says Spa Manager Keren Deutsch. “It combines all the benefits of the others we provide and more; the result is radiant and rejuvenated skin.”

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A spa treatment at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Guests are scrubbed with organic British Columbian sea salt and seaweed during the Sea to Sky Massage treatment at the Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler.

A spa treatment at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

“What makes our Spa so special is that we take all of our inspiration from the British Columbian outdoors,” says Spa Director Caitlin Hubbard.

UNWINDING IN WHISTLER

Inspired by the iconic Sea to Sky highway that guides guests from Vancouver to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, the 80-minute Sea to Sky Massage is as local as spa treatments get. You’ll be scrubbed with organic British Columbian sea salt and seaweed to make your back feel brand new, then massaged with hot river rocks found in the surrounding mountains. “What makes our Spa so special is that we take all of our inspiration from the British Columbian outdoors, from the moss used in our décor to the products that include locally harvested ingredients and are produced nearby,” says Caitlin Hubbard, Spa Director. “Our guests travel here from all over the globe, and we want to show off all we have access to. There’s nothing like a great day on the slopes followed by a Sea to Sky massage – it’s absolutely delightful.”

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

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Our People Share Their Passions

Posted on by Karen Rhodes

The allure of craftsmanship is timeless – but why? Mass production may have benefits such as consistency and reduced expenses, but there’s immeasurable value in a handmade product, a bespoke service, or the kind of knowledge that can come only from years of hands-on experience. That value holds true across time and across borders. UNESCO’s Living Human Treasures program, for example, honours exemplary bearers of living heritage, from oral traditions to social practices to traditional craftsmanship – heritage that “provides communities, groups and individuals with a sense of identity and continuity.”

That’s what makes a craft special: There’s a person behind it who cares deeply about what they’re creating and about sharing its significance with others. Artisanship is a window into another person’s joy, and often leads to interactions that add richness to our lives. The chefs, artists, mixologists, scientists and cultural experts of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts know this, and warmly welcome guests to savour the sights, sounds, tastes and textures that they’ve spent years mastering. Their passions offer insights into their communities, enhancing guests’ travel experiences and creating impressions that will long outlast any standard souvenir.


Mica Rousseau

Mica Rousseau

Fifty Mils Head Mixologist

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

How and when were you first inspired by mixology?
It was destiny. I used to play with syrups at my grandma’s house in France, mixing flavours into water.

What has been one of your more memorable creations?
When the parents of a frequent client visited from Venezuela, I created a cocktail inspired by the mother: ancho chile liqueur for her strength, rum for her sweetness, and cinnamon and saffron syrup for grandmotherly warmth. After I delivered it to her she cried, hugged me and said it was the most valuable gift and she could taste that it came from the heart.

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Kinama Marite

Kinama Marite

Discovery Centre Guide

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

What do you love to share with visitors about local traditions and nature?
Being a Masai and growing up in a traditional village, or boma, I have always lived in harmony within the rich ecosystem here. My culture teaches the beauty of nature: that the trees, mountains, rivers, lakes and wildlife rejuvenate the body and improve one’s mood and creativity.

What other cultural education projects have you worked on?
I’ve assisted researchers with archaeological digs at Olduvai Gorge, and recently contributed to an episode on the Masai for BBC’s History of Africa.

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Anne Sophie

Courtesy of Anne-Sophie Pic

Anne-Sophie Pic

Chef at La Dame de Pic London

Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge

Is there anything about your approach to food that surprises guests?
The intensity of some of the flavours I use can be surprising. I often focus on a specific ingredient, like coffee, for the bitterness it brings to a dish, and guests may not expect that.

How do guests influence your cooking?
A famous French philosopher told me there was a dish in my restaurant he didn’t understand—he thought it was missing something. Although I was upset to hear it, I agreed with him. I spent hours reworking the dish, and now it’s a guest favourite.

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Playing an Ukulele

“Uncle” Earl Kamakaonaona Regidor

Ka‘upulehu Cultural Centre Manager

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

When were you first inspired to share your knowledge?
When I was in the military, I met a lot of people from different places who wanted to learn about Hawaii in depth. It started there, and I wanted to continue sharing the culture.

What do you personally love about Hawaiian culture?
The aloha says it all: a is for akahai, kindness expressed with tenderness; l is for lokahi, unity expressed by harmony; o, ‘olu‘olu, agreeableness expressed by pleasantness; h, ha‘aha‘a, humility expressed through modesty; and a, ahonui, patience expressed by perseverance. That’s aloha.

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Woodmaker

Ketut Puja

Master Woodcarver

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

What do you love about the art of carving?
Carving is part of Bali’s culture. Most of our inspiration comes from our folk stories, and no two pieces are the same because they come from the imagination of the artist. The beauty lies in the intricate details of each piece.

What is the most important idea you want guests to take away from their lesson in woodcarving?
Be courageous. Woodcarving is not rocket science, yet most people are afraid to try. There is no wrong or right, and a mistake can always be fixed. Just like other things in life, we simply have to take a risk.

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Setting a Turtle Free

Sophie Doell

Marine Biologist

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

What drives you to share your passion with guests?
By teaching visitors more about the ocean and the diversity of its marine life – from its microscopic plankton to its largest residents, such as the whale shark – I want to create a lasting bond between our guests and our marine environment.

What is the key thing you want guests to experience?
I’d like them to see the natural beauty of the underwater world, and I’d like to wake people’s interest in and their awareness of the importance of the ocean, its coral reefs and its inhabitants – and inspire them to help us preserve it.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

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


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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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