Destinations: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

10 Beach Restaurants Perfecting the Art of Sea-to-Table Dining

Posted on by Caroline McCoy

Something physiological happens when bare feet touch sand, when eyes rest on water and when lungs breathe sea air. Nineteenth-century doctors knew it well enough and routinely prescribed beach trips; contemporary medicine has, more or less, followed suit. A study released in 2012 revealed that stress levels decrease and overall well-being improves the closer we get to the coast. Sunburns and jellyfish stings aside, beaches bring out the best in us.

When we’re at our best, we want to eat the best. Fortunately, the world’s most beautiful beaches are culturally and ecologically diverse, with thriving culinary scenes based on sustainably sourced seafood.

In Nevis, for example, Executive Sous-Chef Kai Autenrieth, a diving enthusiast, dots his menu with lionfish, a delicious but invasive and predatory species that wreaks havoc on the local reef system. In Casablanca, Executive Chef Thierry Papillier works directly with local fishermen who bring in fresh catch daily.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the most exceptional beach restaurants and dining experiences at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world. From the romantic to the cultural to the family-friendly, these culinary adventures capture and elevate the joyful spirit of a day at the beach.

Club Dauphin on the French Riviera

Cap Ferrat Club Dauphin

Here you’ll enjoy “the best view on the Côte d’Azur,” according to Johann Burgos, the club’s director, along with a menu of fresh salads, grilled fish and lobster.

It’s perfectly acceptable to spend the entire day soaking in the sun at Club Dauphin, a poolside restaurant perched on the Mediterranean cliffs at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel.

But after lunch, you could retire to one of Club Dauphin’s luxury cabanas, or call on famed swim instructor Pierre Gruneberg for a private lesson. (Gruneberg’s past students include Somerset Maugham, Elton John and the children of Paul McCartney.) Cooler months bring opportunities for dolphin and whale watching, while warmer weather calls for poolside parties and evening firework shows.

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

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Fish House in Oahu

Ko Olina Seafood

Fresh island catch is the focus at Fish House – expect gigantic seafood towers and Hawaiian-style lobster- and clambakes.

A line-to-table menu and a casual, family-style atmosphere make Fish House at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina a destination for seaside dining. “Our seafood comes straight from the ocean into the kitchen,” says Executive Chef Martin Knaubert.

There’s no other restaurant this close to the water. – Executive Chef Martin Knaubert

Dine with your toes in the sand and sample fish prepared on the outdoor wood-fired grill, or join friends for sunset cocktails on the beach before venturing indoors for an intimate dinner. Wherever you sit, the ocean view is magnificent.

Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina

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Private island dining in Bora Bora

Bora Bora Private Island Dining

After a canoe ride to your private island, spend a magical evening over a freshly prepared meal.

A romantic occasion is made magical when you board a canoe and cruise to your own private island, or motu, during the Private Island Dinner Experience at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.

Surrounded by lagoon waters and views of Mount Otemanu, you’ll enjoy Champagne, canapés and a customised menu of fresh fish and local produce. Island flowers, local musicians and a telescope for stargazing create an authentically Polynesian setting for an unforgettable evening.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

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Bleu in Casablanca

Casablanca Oysters

Bleu’s oysters are some of Morocco’s finest, sourced from the Dakhla coastline in the southeastern region of the country.

Lunch and dinner are complemented by ocean views at Bleu, a modern Mediterranean brasserie at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca. Overlooking the Atlantic coastline and the grand El Hank lighthouse, the restaurant celebrates local seafood with a menu of fresh fish handpicked daily by Executive Chef Thierry Papillier, who visits the seaside fish markets himself.

Gather around the outdoor firepit on the restaurant’s terrace to watch the sunset before dining on Dakhla oysters, sea bass tartare or sea bream sashimi – all specialties of Bleu’s raw bar. If you prefer your fish cooked, look to Papillier’s menu of grilled fish options, which changes regularly but always adds well-paired, locally sourced vegetables.

Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

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Bambou in Mauritius

Mauritius Bambou

Influenced by Indian, Asian, European and African cultures, the small island in the Indian Ocean is a vibrant culinary destination, and Bambou celebrates every flavour with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Taste the diverse cuisine of Mauritius at Bambou, a beachfront restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. The restaurant’s Zilwa Night is a highlight. Zilwa means “of the island,” says Executive Chef Nicolas Vienne.

“This evening is the best opportunity to sample some of the most popular local food found across Mauritius.”
— Executive Chef Nicolas Vienne

On these nights, he recommends the heart-of-palm salad with smoked marlin and the chicken-and-prawn curry. In addition to live cooking stations, where chefs and diners share culinary techniques, the evening showcases local entertainment.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

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Beach tent dining in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El-sheikh Bedouin Beach Tent

Enjoy a delicious meal under the stars and next to the Red Sea while traditional music plays in the background.

Step onto the sandy shore of the Red Sea for a traditional Bedouin Dinner at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh. Though Bedouins traditionally dwell in deserts, their culture inspired this seaside dining experience, which features authentic Egyptian cuisine and entertainment.

Start with sweet hibiscus tea before visiting the bread-making station. Hot and cold meze and Arabian sweets offer tastes of the region’s rich flavours, while belly dancers, musicians, fire performers and oceanside camel rides create a cultural experience even young travellers can enjoy.

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

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Dining on the water in the Maldives

Maldives Ocean Dinner

While it’s not beachfront dining, the views are unbeatable.

In preparation for the Mid-Ocean Dinner at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, you’ll sail from the island shore of Landaa to a floating platform in a quiet lagoon. Surrounded by water, sip Champagne and savour locally caught reef fish such as tuna, barramundi, grouper and jackfish.

“[This] takes romantic dining to a whole new level.”
— Public Relations Director Juliana Ang

As for the ambience, there’s nothing in the world quite like it. The experience “takes romantic dining to a whole new level,” says Public Relations Director Juliana Ang. Dining on the water has inspired many proposals of marriage, she says. One groom popped the question in a message in a bottle, which was delivered by ocean waves. “How did we do it? It’s a trade secret,” says Ang. “But let’s just say we had to get wet. Very wet!”

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

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Sunrise breakfast in Bali

Bali Sunrise Breakfast

Try the house specialty: the organic strawberry and homemade granola parfait, which features strawberries grown in the mountains of Bali.

In Bali, the Sunrise Gazebo Breakfast is a romantic start to the day. Meet in the beachfront gazebo at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay as the sun rises, sip Champagne, and dine on local, seasonal dishes customised for you by the Chef.

The romantic breakfast is a favourite offering of Executive Chef Pasquo King, who enjoys the serenity of the early morning hours.

“Often in the mornings you can see the silhouette of central Bali’s sacred Mount Agung in the distance.”
— Executive Chef Pasquo King

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

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A private cove in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Private Cove

Candles and tiki torches, Thai music, and an exquisite meal make for a memorable dining experience in Koh Samui.

Once in a blue moon, you find a destination so peaceful, so beautiful and so romantic that you want to make it yours, if only for a night. The Private Cove at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is that place; and during the Once in a Blue Moon Dinner, it’s all yours.

On a beach set beneath a lantern-lit tree and the starry sky, taste exquisite Thai dishes, each paired with wine.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

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Underwater dining in Nevis

Nevis Underwater Dining

“Lassoing the lobster is the biggest excitement for guests,” says Executive Sous-Chef Kai Autenrieth, who frequently accompanies divers during the underwater expedition. Photography courtesy National Geographic/Alamy

Dinner begins underwater during the Dive and Dine Extraordinary Experience at Four Seasons Resort Nevis. Accompanied by a chef and dive master, venture below the surface of the Caribbean Sea, where you’ll swim with reef fish, sea turtles, rays and gentle nurse sharks. The object of your quest is the Caribbean spiny lobster, which you’ll catch the local way – using a handmade lasso.

“Seafood deserves the freshest ingredients.”
— Executive Chef Kai Autenrieth

Back on shore, shed your wetsuit and sip cocktails in a private cabana while Autenrieth prepares your catch beach-side using herbs from the Resort’s garden. “Seafood deserves the freshest ingredients,” he says. “I never have a menu planned; it always depends on what we catch – besides the lobster, of course.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

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Beneath the Surface in Bora Bora

Posted on by Gemma Price

When I initially considered Bora Bora as a destination for my girlfriend getaway, I wasn’t convinced it was for me. I knew this tropical Leeward isle, 225 kilometres (140 miles) northeast of Tahiti in French Polynesia, would be undeniably beautiful: crescents of sheltered private beach, lush jungles adjacent to islet-ringed turquoise waters, and a delicious sense of seclusion – all of which have long proved irresistible for honeymooners.

But I’m an unquenchable traveller and adventurer, and I want more than a downtempo beach escape. I want excitement.

I’m very glad I was wrong about Bora Bora.

When I ventured deep into the South Pacific with my up-for-anything travel partner, Coco, I was pleasantly surprised to find Bora Bora’s islet-ringed lagoon brimming with adventures.

Underwater cycling on aquabikes

Upon first seeing the aquabike parked on the platform, I stifled a laugh. The snub-nosed, bubble-shaped submersible – acid-yellow in colour – looks like something from the Beatles movie Yellow Submarine.

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Perched on a white seat, we descend slowly as the hydraulic platform of the pontoon boat we rode out to the spot lowers us into the waves – the warm, tropical waters gradually creeping up to our bikini tops.

Once in the water, we spot the coral gardens looming ahead – tree-like elkhorn corals and cauliflower corals, dappled by shafts of sunlight piercing through the blue. Laurent and Francois, our other guide, point out a starfish 30 centimetres (1 foot) in diameter, a parrotfish hovering over an undulating welcome mat of hot-pink anemone, and what looks suspiciously like a shark shooting out from under a craggy outcrop and disappearing into the murk.

At one point, Laurent ties a mesh bag of bread to the front of our clear Perspex hood, and instantly a cloud of black-and-white-striped damselfish, angelfish and parrotfish surrounds us. I can feel them darting between us, tickling our bare legs and backs to snatch at the rapidly disappearing hunks.

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Aqua safari via helmet dive

As soon as we’re back on dry land, Coco and I survey other opportunities for excitement, getting wind of another underwater adventure – aqua safari.

This enterprise involves donning cuboid yellow-and-white helmets that keep our heads completely dry as we descend a ladder to the sandy ocean floor.

My feet clad in rubbery boots, I walk in slow motion through craggy outcrops of coral and lengths of seaweed fluttering in the currents, feeling like a puppet as I carefully lift one foot and then the other, my hands buoyed and bobbing at waist level.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

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Snorkelling in Bora Bora’s coral reefs

After the aqua safari, a more extensive – and more traditional – underwater tour to further our relationship with the area’s colourful marine locals feels like a must.

Bora Bora’s famed coral reef, which encircles the island and is accessible within 15 minutes by speedboat, has some of the best snorkelling in the world. Home to approximately 700 species of tropical fish, Coral Gardens is our first stop, followed by a few other choice locations known to the crew.

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Slipping into the water, our guide coaxes curious moray eels from their hiding places and points out the distinctive diamond shapes of manta and eagle rays gliding through the blue. I give chase, torpedo-like – my arms held flat against my sides, my legs kicking determinedly. But these elusive phantasms of the deep are more than a match for my fins and glide serenely out of sight.

“We usually see reef sharks and blacktip reef sharks,” says our skipper, once we flop back on board the motorised outrigger. “If you’re lucky, you may see a turtle or dolphins—but only if you’re lucky, my friends.”

Island cruises and fresh seafood

We learn that Bora Bora’s outer ring of reef and motu (small reef islets) makes its calm lagoon waters ideal for exploration by kayak or paddleboard, and private boat tours abound. You can book a 23-foot Jeanneau Cap Camarat 715WA motorboat, a trimaran, a catamaran, a pontoon boat or an aluminium Quintrex boat perfect for a small group, and most excursions include a picnic on a private beach.

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Coco and I decide on a morning Hobie Cat cruise around the island, including a beach feast of poisson cru, French Polynesia’s de facto national dish of fresh raw tuna marinated with lime juice and mixed with sliced onion, parsley and creamy coconut milk, washed down with a flute of Veuve Clicquot.

Swimming with sharks

I saved the biggest thrill for last.

swimming with sharks in Bora Bora

Shark feeding has long been popular around Bora Bora, and many local operators take visitors to spots where they hand-feed chunks of fish to large numbers of lemon and blacktip reef sharks. Photography courtesy Dana Neibert

Adventurous streak notwithstanding, I get the willies at the idea of being a few metres away from sharks in a feeding frenzy, so I opt for a purely observational excursion. Even so, there’s something about dipping into cooler, deeper water and being surrounded by dozens of these sleek, mysterious animals that makes my breath catch in my throat.

Immediately, I spot a large lemon shark below. Three metres (10 feet) long, she meanders slowly through the depths, striped continuously by the black and grey bodies of reef sharks cruising above her. As I take a deep breath and dive down, I see another, and another. Coco and I are enmeshed within a sliding grid of curving, muscular bodies.

Suddenly, one shark breaks towards us, and a single thought leaps to mind: “It’s coming straight for me!” But as I kick upwards to gulp for air, one of the Polynesian guides dives down to embrace the shark’s dorsal fin. The creature lances downwards again, its passenger in tow.

The diver catches a ride for a few moments before slowly turning to join us back up top. I remember that the Tahitians have a long-standing relationship with their environment and the animals within it.

“Ia orana!” he says in greeting, beaming from ear to ear, as he breaks the surface. Green tattoos extend along his back and legs, merging with an emerald-hued sarong. I can only stutter in reply.

I climb onto the boat, and though my knees are knocking, I’m exhilarated by the experience. You only live once, right? On the cruise back towards a restorative coconut-rum cocktail and volcanic-stone massage at the Spa, I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to spend part of my turn on Bora Bora.

Learn more about adventures in Bora Bora >

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8 Inspiring Travel Photos That Will Spark Your Wanderlust

Posted on by Leah Walker

Inspiration is often difficult to define, especially for professional photographers, whose eyes are trained to spot a great shot from a mile away. But photographer Matt Long maintains that inspiration can strike anyone at any time. “It’s about what means the most to you and capturing the essence of that moment,” he says.

We asked Long and seven other globetrotting photographers to share one unforgettable moment during their travels that they were compelled to capture on camera.

Splendour in the South Pacific

“To me, photography has always been about capturing those moments that not everyone gets to see,” says photographer Don Riddle. He believes that creating a great image takes planning, waiting and a bit of luck.

To capture the above photograph of the over-water bungalows at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Riddle revisited the location at sunset on multiple occasions, with different results each time. “Some evenings were rainy, and some were just average. Finally, the sunset was spectacular. I kept clicking the shutter as the light got better and better, until finally it was dark.”

A sense of place in Beijing

Lake Palace in Beijing

Without focusing on any faces, photographer Robb Aaron Gordon manages to capture the spirit of the crowd at the Summer Palace in Beijing. Photography courtesy Robb Aaron Gordon

You can almost hear the movement of the locals and tourists bustling through the Summer Palace on this day in Beijing. “I wanted to show what a place feels like rather than just what it looks like,” says photographer Robb Aaron Gordon of this intriguing shot. “I like the idea of timelessness and infinity, which lends itself to this image. I didn’t want to focus on people, but did want to give the sense of a crowd.”

Light and life on the French Riviera

Boy playing on Paloma Beach in Cap Ferrat

Even after countless trips to the South of France, Martin Morrell still finds the French Riviera inspiring, often pinching himself when flying into Nice. This shot of Paloma Beach, featuring a guest appearance by a young boy, was one of many pleasant surprises during a recent visit. Photography courtesy Martin Morrell

During a recent visit to Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, photographer Martin Morrell found himself enamoured with the light and the variety of landscape in the South of France. “While at a Riviera beach restaurant, I was watching the shadow of a tree on the pebble beach and water,” he remembers. “As I took the photo, the boy ran into the shot, which made for the perfect moment.”

Morrell has travelled the world, but there is something he finds especially inspiring about the South of France. “There are elements of the Riviera that are timeless, and [that] French reluctance to change is also part of the charm.”

Watching Bali come to life

Rice planters in Bali

Christian Horan joined rice planters in a muddy field to capture this morning moment in Bali. Photography courtesy Christian Horan

Photographer Christian Horan has learned that the more uncomfortable he is while shooting, the better the photo. Case in point: During a sunrise walk through Ubud, not far from Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Horan slogged through mud to capture this shot of rice planters hard at work.

“The calm, peaceful energy of the town and rice fields inspired me,” Horan says. “I had to wade far out into the mud to get the photo. But finally, the reflection of the people on the water revealed itself.”

Uncovering hidden gems in India

Indian tomb portico

During a visit to the Taj Mahal, Rachelle Lucas was drawn to the more inconspicuous tombs surrounding the famous landmark. The simple design and warm colour of this portico is a direct contrast to the elaborate white marble of India’s renowned mausoleum. Photography courtesy Rachelle Lucas

Rachelle Lucas, creator of The Travel Bite, rarely follows the crowd when exploring a new destination. “The Taj Mahal is beautiful, and so iconic,” she says. “Everyone instantly recognises it.”

But what most intrigued Lucas on her visit, and likely went unnoticed by others, were the many tombs surrounding the landmark. “The doorways seemed to go on forever,” she says of the tourist-free portico captured here. “The feeling of infinity inspired me, along with the rustic orange colour.”

An unforgettable sunrise in the Serengeti

The Great Migration in the Serengeti

Witnessing the Serengeti’s Great Migration at sunrise from a hot-air balloon is one of Kirsten Alana’s most treasured travel memories. Photography courtesy Kirsten Alana

On her blog, Aviators and a Camera, Kirsten Alana beautifully chronicles her travels around the world. But it’s a trip to the Serengeti during the Great Migration that created this most inspiring memory.

During a sunrise hot-air balloon flight, Alana saw the ground below blanketed with zebras. “I wanted to come away with a photo that encapsulated the landscape, hot-air ballooning and the Great Migration,” she says. “I kept turning and finally found the shot with the golden colour of the sunrise. I’ll never forget that light.”

The wonder of Maui’s sinking sun

Woman in infinity pool at Four Seasons Maui

In Maui, Sean Nguyen snapped this photo of his wife, Jennifer, as she took in nature’s beauty. Just below the infinity pool, a sunset wedding ceremony was taking place. Photography courtesy Sean Nguyen

Sean and Jennifer Nguyen, the husband-and-wife photography duo behind the popular Instagram handle @Kobechanel, often find themselves drawn to natural settings during their travels. At Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, the couple found inspiration at sunset, citing the colours of the sky, the calm of the sea, the tranquillity of the infinity pool and the last light of day as reasons for capturing this view.

“With its vibrant colours, nature is eye-catching,” Sean says. “We especially like capturing unique perspectives on scenes that are well known to be beautiful images.”

Nature’s beauty in Budapest

Sunset in Budapest

Christmas markets brought photographer Matt Long to Budapest, where he captured this warm sunset over the cold Danube River from his room at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. Photography courtesy Matt Long

“I love natural landscapes. There’s just something about them,” says Matt Long, founder of popular travel blog Landlopers. Over time, Long has noticed how his eye and camera lens regularly gravitate towards the splendour of nature—even in an urban setting. “Landscapes show a simple beauty that’s not fabricated,” he says. “It captures the spirit of a place.”

From his room at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, Long took this shot of the sun setting over the Danube River. “It was my first sunset in the city. I remember feeling enchanted and mesmerised by what is really one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”

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Love Brings Everyone Together: Luxury Villa Holidays Around the World

Posted on by Kelly Neubeiser

There’s nothing like celebrating holidays around the world. It’s a way to reconnect with family and friends somewhere new and surprising, or to continue to make lifelong memories together in a place you’ve visited and grown to love. And with every detail being taken care of by Four Seasons, what better gift to yourself and your loved ones than a luxury villa?

Take your holiday to new heights by checking into a Four Seasons luxury villa. Each awe-inspiring villa is an inviting blend of unrivalled amenities and design that offers memorable experiences across the globe. From views of rare wildlife from your infinity pool in the Serengeti to private beachfronts in the Maldives, these villas bring the gift of travel to your front door.

Paradise for Two in Bora Bora and Mauritius

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A stunning palette of blues and greens, Bora Bora is a lovers’ paradise where turquoise waters kiss white sand beaches and tropical lagoons beckon. Admire all that this intoxicating destination has to offer from the One-Bedroom Deluxe Fenua Beachfront Villa at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. On a secluded beach featuring stunning views of Mount Otemanu, this spacious villa is the ideal place for couples looking to reconnect and recharge.

Find shade under towering coconut trees at your private pool. Or, after exploring the area on helicopter rides and exciting water excursions, retreat to a heavenly king-sized bed. Polynesian-inspired décor sets the scene for your island escape, and an oversized tub is the perfect place for a quiet hour—alone or together.

Bora Bora isn’t the only island escape that makes a perfect trip for two. The renovated Sanctuary Pool Villas at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita offer seclusion in a romantic setting.

Admire the lush private gardens and spread out in the roomy outdoor living and dining area, with enough space for four. Relax in your private, heated plunge pool, or read a book outdoors in the serene setting of your poolside daybed. From the beachfront Sanctuary Beach Pool Villa, take a stroll on the sand and look for tropical marine life. Watch the sun rise over the lagoon from the Sanctuary Ocean Pool Villa.

When it’s time to venture out, enjoy easy access to the beach, the Resort’s pools and its on-site activities, such as waterskiing, snorkelling and cycling.

Be Charmed by Marrakech

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Boasting four bedrooms, four marble bathrooms, traditional handcrafted Moroccan furnishings, spacious living areas, a private garden and an expansive pool, the exquisite Royal Villa at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is the solution to a cultural holiday with friends. On a private compound, the villa offers plenty of space and comfort to host and entertain close friends for a world-class Moroccan getaway. Venture from the elegant villa to the Resort’s lush gardens to take in an unforgettable sunset over the Atlas Mountains.

Beyond the Resort, captivating Marrakech beckons with vibrant souks, centuries-old landmarks and authentic dining experiences. Witness snake charmers and acrobats in the Medina’s bustling Jemaa el Fna city square before returning to the Royal Villa for a private poolside dinner party.

The Hole-in-one Villa in Punta Mita

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For many, golfing is a way of life. Fairways are second homes, and terms like birdie and bogey have a place in everyday conversation. Gather your fellow golf enthusiasts and embark on a trip for the love of the game to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

Book your group stay in the Coral Beach Home, the hole-in-one of holiday villas. With access to the Resort’s world-class courses, the villa, designed with Mexico’s rich regional style in mind, provides all the comforts of home amid stunning views of the Riviera Nayarit.

After a gourmet breakfast at the villa, make your way to either of the Resort’s two Jack Nicklaus–designed courses, where you can master challenging holes set against panoramic Pacific views. Tee off on the Bahia Golf Course, with its rolling fairways and greens, or sink a putt on the world’s only natural island green on the 81-hectare (200-acre) Pacifico Golf Course. Afterwards, discuss swings and strokes while relaxing on the villa’s private beach or soak sore muscles in its an ocean-facing freeform pool.

Detox and Recharge (Yourself) in Hangzhou

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In need of a digital detox from overflowing inboxes and endless video calls? Travel to the calming shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, China, where you can recharge yourself rather than your devices for a change. Lined with ancient temples and pagodas, serene forests and seasonal blooms, the lake is an inspiring blend of natural beauty and Chinese culture – the perfect place to forget any digital woes.

The best place to enjoy Hangzhou’s most enchanting attraction is from the magnificent Presidential Villa at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. This exclusive hideaway is ideal for those needing a secluded retreat from the buzzing working world, whether it’s a large family or a group of friends or colleagues. A private main entrance leads to the three-floor, Jiangnan-style villa, where three spacious bedrooms, modern comforts and landscaped gardens create the landscape for a worry-free holiday.

Sip on drinks from the villa’s elegant private bar, then settle in for a movie in the massive theatre room. If cycling West Lake isn’t appealing, get active at the villa’s personal gym or swim laps in the indoor swimming pool. After whichever activity you choose, spend a quiet hour in the sauna or venture to the Hotel Spa for a signature treatment inspired by Chinese tradition.

Connect with Nature in the Serengeti 

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Families or friends with an insatiable desire for adventure should set out on a Tanzanian getaway to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Here, embark on one of the Lodge’s air- or land-based safari experiences and witness the myriad animals at home in sprawling Serengeti National Park.

After an exhilarating day in the bush, come home to the grand Presidential Villa and reminisce on the sightings of the day from the villa’s private infinity-edge pool; views of a standalone watering hole mean you’re likely to spot more animals as they come to quench their thirst.

With three bedrooms, a full kitchen and a private gym, the authentic, thatched-roof villa provides ample space for large families or groups of friends to sprawl out and admire the rolling savannah. An exciting home base for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the villa also features around-the-clock butler service, ensuring your travelling companions’ needs are met.

Good Times for All in Koh Samui and the Maldives

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The most memorable vacations are spent with family and loved ones. For an escape with younger kids, head to the Family Pool Villa at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Little ones will love splashing around in the private infinity pool, and separate sleeping areas for children ensure a peaceful stay for parents in this Thai paradise.

Explore the Resort’s beach together for a sun-filled afternoon, or try one of the Resort’s family-friendly activities, which include cooking classes and beach sports and games. Kid-friendly spa treatments or the exciting Muay Thai for Kids programme will entertain little ones as you enjoy some adult fun: Take a private cruise to explore the Gulf of Thailand or enjoy a romantic picnic for two on a secluded beach.

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If you’re travelling with older children, consider a teenager-proof holiday to the Maldives. Stationed in the Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Bungalow with Pool at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, you and your family are just steps from new discoveries sure to keep teens interested and engaged.

In addition to the bungalow’s separated living areas, private pool and exclusive beachfront, older kids will also love the Resort’s action-packed activities. After waking up to ocean views at the bungalow, come face to face with aquatic animals at the Marine Discovery Centre or free-dive with rare manta rays. At the Water Sports Centre, there’s plenty of fun to be had windsurfing, snorkelling or kayaking, but it’s the revolutionary X-Jetblades and Hydro foils that will get adrenaline pumping and hearts racing.

Take Time with Friends in Bali

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There’s always time in your demanding schedule for a getaway with friends, and Indonesia’s most beautiful island is an ideal destination for your next much-needed retreat. Replenish and relax with a stay at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, home to a wealth of wellness offerings and the glamorous Two-Bedroom Royal Villa.

Step into your own island fantasy and enjoy lush gardens and an expansive pool just steps from the sea, as well as unmatched views of Jimbaran Bay from your sun terrace. Catch up over dinner made in your kitchen by a private chef, lounge around the villa’s expansive open-air space and lose yourself in the allure of Bali.

Venture outside the villa for some morning fun with the Play Eat Love combination that starts with a tennis game on the Resort’s world-class hard court followed by breakfast in the Spa Garden and a full body massage to cool down. For a more low-key activity, opt for the Nourish Your Spirit afternoon tea package that starts with a two-hour spa treatment before an exquisite three-tiered afternoon tea. Either way, you and your friends will end the day feeling detoxified and rejuvenated.

Trade the spa rooms for the sands of Jimbaran Bay during a night out at Sundara, Bali’s most chic hangout, which boasts handcrafted cocktails, music and glowing fire pits.

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Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake

Water Adventures Around the World From Four Seasons

Posted on by Matthew Long

Earth is often referred to as “the blue planet” for its oceans, yet humans spend most of their time of terra firma. Get out onto the blue side with these aquatic adventures designed to offer the best water-sports holidays from Hawaii to the Maldives.

Modern-day thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies know that life-changing adventures can be found both on and off solid ground. With hotels and resorts located in some of the most remarkable aquatic landscapes around the world, Four Seasons can expose venturesome travellers to some of the most inspiring (and unusual) marine adventures around – from “flying” underwater in Hawaii to spearfishing for octopus in Mexico.

Meet manta rays in Hualalai

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The waters around Four Seasons Resort Hualalai are home to a variety of creatures – green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, manta rays, reef fish, corals and more. Learn more about the island’s marine life with a private interaction with Kainalu, the Resort’s resident spotted eagle ray who lives in King’s Pond among over 90 different species of fish. Feed him shrimp and mussels as you get an in-depth understanding of his habits, history and species. Looking for a more adventurous marine expereince? “Fly” through the waters around the Resort with the Subwing watersport board as a boat pulls you along.

Catch your next meal in Mexico

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Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México, brings new meaning to the concept “hook and cook.” Through the Resort’s new Octopus Catch & Cook programme, guests embark on a thrilling culinary experience that includes diving and spearfishing.

After arriving by boat in Bahía de Banderas—an underwater wonderland where stingrays, tropical fish and even dolphins mingle in colourful coral reefs and underwater caves—guests will free-dive in search of octopus. Back at the Resort, an expert chef helps prepare a variety of signature dishes with the freshly caught prize. A delicious three-course lunch of octopus salad, grilled octopus and dessert rounds out the afternoon.

Defy gravity in the Maldives

Four Seasons Maldives X JetBlades

Strap on the X-JetBlades in the Maldives to enjoy the water like a bird of prey, hovering over the waves and moving in all directions like the Rocketeer.

For the ultimate aquatic adventure, thrill-seekers need look no further than Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. The Resort’s Water Sports Centre provides action-packed activities for all ages, from wakeboarding to shark safaris. Get your adrenaline pumping from new heights when you try the X-JetPacks. Equipped with the latest hydro-flight technology, these jetpacks enable the brave to fly freely through the air in any directions and dive as far as 5 metres (16 feet) below the surface. Expert tips and training will even have you mastering tricks and turns before your session ends.

Glide through the ocean in Bora Bora

Bora Bora Underwater Turtles and Fish

Move gracefully through the calm, life-filled waters of Bora Bora on a Seabob, taking in the fish, turtles and plant life that populate these warm waters. Photography courtesy Marc Carveo

A French Polynesian paradise, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora also helps guests experience the island’s natural adventures, from sport fishing to shark feeding. Explore the beauty of the South Pacific below the surface during a submarine scooter dive: The Seabob is a motorised device that allows you to glide through Bora Bora’s colourful lagoons, mastering the curves and turns of the ocean’s bottom along the way. Exotic fish and other marine life linger nearby as you enjoy a fast-paced underwater ride. Surfacing periodically, then going under for as long as you can hold your breath, you’ll be immersed in a high-speed world, enjoying the sea with dolphin-like agility.

Try yoga on the water in Maui

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Yogis know that the practice of yoga requires mental and physical strength. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea puts a contemporary spin on this ancient art with its latest wellness offering, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Yoga.

Island views create an idyllic backdrop as you paddle out into warm tropical waters for the latest water challenge. During each morning class, you’ll use the ocean’s calming waves to steady your breathing, focus your mind and test your body’s strengths with poses suited for any skill level. “Practicing yoga on the water demands an increased focus,” says SUP Yoga instructor and expert Amber Lee. A true test of balance and flexibility, SUP Yoga is designed for fitness fanatics and adventure-seekers alike.

Additional reporting for this story done by Kelly Neubeiser.

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