Destinations: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

27 New Ways to Eat (and Drink) Local

Posted on by Rebecca Troyer

Natives of Buenos Aires will tell you that you haven’t fully experienced Argentina until you’ve enjoyed an authentic asado-style meal – a revered weekend dining ritual where families and friends grill meats, tables are filled with salads and appetizers, and local red wines flow freely. You haven’t tasted Indonesia, locals say, until you’ve sampled babi guling, aka roast suckling pig, from the beach in Bali. And in Florence, it’s an unwritten rule that la passeggiata (a traditional evening stroll) is incomplete without a scoop of creamy gelato.

The fastest and most enjoyable way for travellers to immerse themselves in the culture of any corner of the world is to dive into the culinary scene – order traditional dishes, explore food markets and local farms, and speak to chefs and home cooks about their favourite recipes.

Taste of Place, a new series of fine dining experiences from Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, is designed so guests can do exactly that. Its goal is to bring travellers and locals who have an appetite for exploration together with the flavours and cultures of places like Cairo, Koh Samui and Lanai.

During these epicurean adventures, you’ll visit markets and farms to sample and gather fresh ingredients commonly used in local cuisine. Many experiences include cooking classes alongside expert chefs, where you’ll learn how the traditions and customs of a region are reflected in the preparation and seasoning of its food. And each Taste of Place offering includes one or more chef-prepared meals, served in an unforgettable setting.

Scroll through the gallery above to get a taste of specific food tourism offerings around the globe.

Taste of Place joins an already extensive portfolio of Four Seasons culinary innovations, including the recently launched “Culinary Discoveries” itinerary on board the Four Seasons Private Jet. This new itinerary, developed in partnership with René Redzepi and the Noma team, is a once-in-a-lifetime cross-continental culinary journey through the finest kitchens, freshest markets and most exquisite dining experiences in the world. Learn more about how you can see Europe and Asia through the eyes of a Michelin-starred chef here.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

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Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Your Ticket to the World’s Most Epic Culinary Adventure

Posted on by Veronica Chambers

Noma is considered by many to be the world’s most influential restaurant. In 2017, the Copenhagen restaurant’s team and Four Seasons partner for a nine-city, 19-day, once-in-a-lifetime Private Jet journey. Noma Chef René Redzepi curated the food tourism itinerary to connect guests with his culinary friends around the world.

Look behind the scenes


Noma Kitchen Copenhagen

One of two Four Seasons Private Jet Experiences available in 2017, the Culinary Discoveries trip introduces guests to top chefs and producers for discussions, foraging expeditions, cooking classes, communal meals and street-food adventures – each experience designed to reveal something not only about the destination’s culinary heritage, but about its culture.

As with every Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, the in-air services and amenities – from the hand-stitched Italian leather flat-bed seats to the latest vintage of Dom Pérignon – are unbeatable, helping to make the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

SEOUL | May 27–29, 2017

Seoul Old City Skyline

A blend of historic tradition and modern accommodations, Seoul offers travellers an immersive cultural and culinary experience.

Photography courtesy Reabirdna / Thinkstock

Chef cooking duck in Seoul

At Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, dine at Yu Yuan, which features a Peking duck oven for preparing the restaurant’s signature dish.

Seoul Fermenting Urns

Temples use soy sauce and kimchi fermenting pots as a part of creating traditional temple food, which enriches the practice of meditation.

Photography courtesy Alex Barlow / Getty Images

In this burgeoning food destination, the journey begins with a truly exclusive experience: dining at the home of Chef Jong Kuk Lee, a pioneer in the city’s farm-to-table movement. Lee was trained as a painter, but his passion for authentic Korean food has made him a self-taught master of traditional cooking and fermentation. Although he’s more likely to shy away from a spotlight than to seek one out, he has gained renown among those in the know. “I’ve personally been to his home for dinner, and it’s a very sought-after experience,” Redzepi says.

The next day, guests will visit Mount Bukhan and Jin-Kwan temple for a private demonstration of the centuries-old practice of creating temple food – meals designed to enhance meditation. A trip to the pioneering “New Korean” restaurant Jungsik, noted as the first restaurant to apply molecular gastronomy to Korean ingredients, rounds out your time in Seoul.

Between outings, guests will find that Four Seasons Hotel Seoul mirrors the city’s intoxicating mix of venerable history and modern sensibility. Here, Noma Managing Director Peter Kreiner will begin the conversation series with insights into innovation and creativity at Noma. As managing director, Kreiner has created a business model that prioritises the kitchen staff’s inventiveness and the guest’s experience. That deep respect for artisanship has proved wildly successful for Noma, and it is a value widely embraced in Korea.

TOKYO | May 29–June 1, 2017

Tokyo food vendor

Experience authentic, traditional street food in downtown Tokyo, and shop at the famous Tsukiji fish market.

Photography (right) courtesy Getty Images

Tokyo Ginza District

Home to flagship luxury stores and the latest in Tokyo fashion, the Ginza district promises a lively shopping excursion.

Tokyo Tea Ceremony

The Tokyo experience begins with a traditional tea ceremony, which involves the preparation and presentation of green tea made from matcha, the powdered form.

Photography courtesy fancy.yan / Getty Images

In 2015, the entire Noma team, along with their families, moved to Japan for six weeks to open a pop-up restaurant with an entirely new menu, new ingredients and new techniques. The Tokyo stop invites guests to see the city the Noma way, from foraging in the city’s outskirts to attending a private dinner with Chef Namae Shinobu at his Michelin-starred L’Effervescence.

For me, Japanese cuisine is on par with all of the greatest cuisines of the world. The range of food, the culinary traditions and the products are amazing. – René Redzepi

Here, you’ll get to explore the famous Tsukiji fish market, one of the largest in the world. “The best fish market I’ve seen is the one in Tokyo,” Redzepi says. “When you go to good ones – the ones that have all of the weird creatures that are in the ocean – it’s like watching a documentary of all of the shapes, sizes and colours of the ocean.”

From Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, venture out to visit a Redzepi favourite, Switch Coffee, or take a private samurai sword-fighting lesson with the choreographer for the movie Kill Bill. Redzepi hasn’t tried the latter yet; he jokes, “I don’t think knife skills in the kitchen would get you very far in a sword fight.”

HONG KONG | June 1–3, 2017

Hong Kong Red Sailboat

Sipping cocktails at sunset, cruise across Victoria Harbour in one of the ancient Chinese sailing ships known commonly as red-sail junk boats.

Photography courtesy Yongyuan Dai / Getty Images

Hong Kong Street Chef

Taste fresh, local cuisine as you work your way through traditional food markets in downtown Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Temple Street Market

A bustling market filled with local delicacies and performers, Temple Street night market will appeal to all of your senses.

Photography courtesy Nikada / Getty Images

Hong Kong is the perfect next “course.” Although the city moves fast, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is a luxurious getaway, with stunning views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and the mountaintop known as the Peak. Enjoy dim sum at the Hotel’s three-Michelin-starred Lung King Heen, cocktails in a red-sail junk boat and a traditional banquet with a whole suckling pig at Fook Lam Moon. “I’m personally very excited about Hong Kong, as it’s a place I’ve always wanted to go,” Redzepi says.

Excitement is certainly on the menu at Bo Innovation, where Chef Alvin Leung, Jr., hosts an “X-treme Chinese Dinner” to immerse you in the avant-garde intersection of molecular gastronomy and modern Chinese cuisine. Get a taste of more traditional local cuisine and culture with a visit to the labyrinthine market to purchase ingredients like dried seafood or the spiky-skinned durian fruit, or to grab a quick bite of roast chicken and an ice-cold beer.

CHIANG MAI | June 3–6, 2017

Chiang Mai Strawberry Field

In Chiang Mai, strawberry fields are plentiful, surrounded by beautiful mountains and filled with delicious fresh berries.

Chiang Mai Elephants

Explore the verdant jungle of Thailand as you ride atop an elephant to a nearby hill tribe village.

Shopkeepers and rice bowls in Chiang Mai

Discover fresh, organic food with a visit to the bustling Warorot Market (at left) and the Royal Project farm, where Thai jasmine rice (at right) is grown.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, surrounded by a lush mix of jungle and mountains, offers a distinct change from the urban destinations. Former Noma Chef Garima Arora, whom Redzepi describes as “one of the super talents that has been through our kitchen,” joins the group here for a meal and a visit to a Royal Project farm to see sustainable farming models under development in Thailand. The Royal Project is an initiative of the king’s to replace opium farming with agricultural production that provides far-reaching economic and social benefits to the communities in the country’s highland areas.

Guests will begin their stay in Chiang Mai with an elephant excursion to a nearby village, and at the end of the first day they will embark on another local adventure: the nightlife. Bo.Lan restaurant founder Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava, recently named one of Asia’s best female chefs, hosts a “Not Your Average Curry” dinner and a night on the town.

MUMBAI | June 6–8, 2017

Mumbai Rooftop Bar

Take in the views of the vibrant city from 34 storeys above it at AER, the rooftop bar at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.

Mumbai Indian Spices

Learn about spices from an expert as you prepare traditional Indian specialties with former Noma chef Garima Arora.

Photography courtesy Natasha Breen / Alamy

Mumbai Dabbawala

Mumbai’s dabbawala workers pick up freshly made meals from their clients’ homes daily and deliver the containers to the workplace in time for lunch.

Arora, originally from Mumbai, joins the journey here too. “I wanted her to become one of the lead managers in the kitchen at Noma, but alas, she was homesick,” says Redzepi – and this colourful and flavour-filled conclusion to the Asian portion of the adventure will explain why.

Guests can head out from Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai to find some of the most innovative street food in the world. Arora leads guests through Crawford Market to sample kebabs, mutton biryani and other beloved dishes, and then leads them through the preparation (and enjoyment) of a meal of traditional Indian food. Back at the Hotel, cocktails and conversation await: Noma Chairman Marc Blazer will share his thoughts on the behind-the-scenes workings of Noma as a global business model.

FLORENCE | June 8–10, 2017

Florence Skyline Duomo

During your stop in Florence, admire gorgeous views of the main monuments, including the Duomo.

Photography courtesy Nuno Alves / 500px

Florence Butcher Dario Cecchini

For the last 40 years, butcher extraordinaire Dario Cecchini has been perfecting the art of cutting and cooking meat.

Photography courtesy SFM ITALY A / Alamy

Florence Vineyard

With hills, vineyards, olive groves and farmhouses, Tenuta di Valgiano offers both beautiful views and delicious wines of Tuscany.

Photography courtesy Tenuta di Volgiano

From an optional day trip to Damiano Donati’s bistro in Lucca to a deep exploration of history and terroir at Tenuta di Valgiano winery, together Noma and Four Seasons Hotel Firenze present the best of Tuscany. Meet a member of the extended Noma family: eighth-generation butcher Dario Cecchini in Chianti. “Dario comes from an amazing tradition of craft and skill, something that is increasingly rare these days,” Redzepi says. “There is always something to learn from him through watching and appreciating his craft.”

Your time in Florence includes a tour of the city to see such landmarks as the Duomo museum and the Uffizi Gallery, and a private opening of the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. On the way back to the airport, you’ll stop to hunt truffles – a perfect final souvenir of your time in Florence.

LISBON | June 10–12, 2017

Lisbon skyline

In Lisbon, enjoy Portuguese delicacies as well as exciting street food, all while soaking up views of the beautiful city.

Photography courtesy J.M.F. Almeida / Getty Images

Seafood in Lisbon

Situated near Morocco and Spain, Lisbon has a rich culinary tradition marked by fresh seafood and delicate spices.

Photography courtesy Lissette Giron / 500px

Lisbon Sidecar

See some of Lisbon’s most spectacular sites – Alfama, Castelo de São Jorge, Bairro Alto – through the lens of a camera and in a vintage moto-sidecar.

Photography courtesy Cheryl Howard

See how a seafood-rich culinary tradition has evolved into something new and exciting with the influence of neighbouring cultures. Join acclaimed Chef Nuno Mendes for a petiscos dinner, much like Spanish tapas; he can also introduce you to Lisbon’s nightlife and the street food that sustains it.

From Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, depart in a motorcycle sidecar for the Hotel’s Extraordinary Experience – a tour with a professional photographer who gives guidance on how to capture the best images of Lisbon’s most impressive miradourous (sites). A customised Street Art Tour reveals large-scale murals created by local and international artist collectives.

The last night in Lisbon concludes with a gala dinner at Belcanto, José Avillez’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the historic Chiado district.

COPENHAGEN | June 12, 2017

Boats in Copenhagen

The Danish capital offers a mix of Old World charm and modern architecture, complete with an incomparable culinary experience with the renowned Noma team.

Photography courtesy Peter Zelei / Getty Images

Noma Chef Rene and Interior

Chef René Redzepi, one of the most influential and innovative chefs in the world, takes you behind the scenes of Noma during a private dining experience.

Photography courtesy Laura L.P./HdG Photography (left) and Mikkel Heriba (right)

Noma dish

At Noma, enjoy innovative dishes that feature ingredients foraged from the surrounding land.

Photography courtesy Laura L.P./HdG Photography

Redzepi welcomes the group to Copenhagen for a truly special Noma experience. Up until its final night of service on February 24, monthly reservation requests at Noma’s original location numbered around 100,000. Getting a seat at the Noma table has historically been a nearly impossible feat, and Noma’s new urban farm location is expected to be just as in-demand when it opens this summer.

Guests on this journey will forage with the Noma team for ingredients like samphire and beach coriander, and share aperitifs on the beach. And during an intimate conversation, Redzepi will take guests through the evolution of Noma from a modernist formal dining setting to its next incarnation.

PARIS | June 12–14, 2017

Paris Eiffel Tower

Thousands of years of history, art and fine dining converge in the cultural hub that is Paris. Take in the beautiful view of the city from Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris.

Le Cinq in Paris

At Le Cinq, dine on exquisite cuisine to celebrate the final night of your journey.

Paris Le Cave Wine Bottle

Designed in 1928 in a former quarry 14 metres below ground, La Cave wine cellar is filled with vintage treasures and modern classics.

The trip ends in Paris with a stay at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris. Redzepi is excited about Parisian food right now: “Paris is very much at the forefront of what’s called ‘bistronomy,’ a sort of mix of fine dining and a bistro. It’s a new type of restaurant with a new comfort feel to it, but the food being very focused and not driven necessarily by traditional foodstuffs like a normal bistro is.”

Noma offers a curated list of the team’s favourite Parisian eateries to explore. At the Hotel, guests on this journey will visit La Cave, the historic 50,000-bottle wine cellar. And on the final night in Paris, the Hotel’s own three-Michelin-starred Le Cinq, led by Chef Christian Le Squer, is the perfect spot to toast your adventure and enjoy a farewell dinner.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Select one of the destinations on the Culinary Discoveries itinerary to learn more

Woman with Four Seasons tree logo

Spring Cocktails With a Twist

Posted on by Alexandra Sheehan

One of the greatest rewards of travel – or reminiscing about a journey – is the engagement of the senses: New sights, sounds, smells and tastes come together to portray a destination in its fullness.

Wander along the beach in Punta Mita and listen to the waves lapping at the shore as you smell – and taste – the salty breeze blowing through your hair. Take a hike in the crisp mountain air of Jackson Hole and feel delicate snowflakes melt on your face, or the delicious steam of hot cocoa after a day on the slopes.

These are the types of flavours, scents and experiences that inspire Four Seasons mixologists. Add seasonal harvests from local gardens – think flowers, herbs and even mushrooms – and the result is spring cocktails that capture the spirit of global destinations.

Here’s a taste.

Lisbon: LX Purple Bloom


Recipe card for LX Purple Bloom cocktail

Every spring, Lisbon’s first jacaranda blossom serves as a sign that a new season has arrived; next, the city streets are lined with beautiful purple, violet and lavender. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon celebrates the occasion with a jacaranda-themed cocktail.

In the months where the city flourishes into lavender, it seems only fitting that the cocktails at the Ritz Bar follow suit.

It was the violet view of the city from the terrace at the Ritz Bar that inspired the LX Purple Bloom, a refreshing mix of Portuguese Gin Nao, St-Germain liqueur, Pêra Rocha purée, grapefruit juice and a spritz of rose water.


Scottsdale: Tip of the Cap


Recipe card for Tip of the Cap

April showers bring not only flowers but also mushrooms to the Scottsdale area. In a surprising twist on the change of seasons, chefs at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North delicately infuse this local harvest with citrus and herbs to achieve a fresh, earthy taste.

Fruit and floral notes are predominant in springtime cocktail menus, but the rich umami aspect that mushrooms bring [is often] bypassed.

A variation on the traditional dirty martini, Tip of the Cap replaces olive brine with a porcini “tea” made of local mushrooms, herbs and lemon. That tea is combined with Stoli Elit vodka in a Sercial Madeira–rinsed rocks glass and garnished with a pickled porcini mushroom, a twist of lemon and a sprig of thyme.

Doha: Rose Gold Julab


Recipe card for Rose Gold Julab cocktail

Vast desert landscapes and a bustling, cosmopolitan city greet visitors to Doha. Tradition is not lost here; a thriving coffee house culture makes for unique opportunities to learn more about Qatar and the Middle East. It’s not uncommon to see locals adding rose water to their caffeinated beverages, lemonade or milk.

Rose water has a very distinctive flavour. It’s aromatic, which makes it refreshing in the hot sun.

At Four Seasons Hotel Doha, rose water is an essential ingredient in the Rose Gold Julab. Mixed with a simple syrup and vodka, served over crushed ice with mint leaves and rose petals, it makes a fine treat.

Seychelles: Hibiscus Shower


Recipe card for Hibiscus shower cocktail

Quintessentially tropical hibiscus flowers brighten your stroll around the grounds at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. They’re a beautiful addition to the scenery – and they’re full of fresh, citrusy flavour.

In our tropical environment, we often have rain showers which make these beautiful flowers bloom.

The Resort’s Kannel Bar makes the most of that citrus flavour – and the abundance of blossoms. The flowers in its Hibiscus Shower cocktails are handpicked from the property grounds. Hibiscus iced tea, Cointreau, local Takamaka coco rum and pineapple juice combine for an unbeatable chilled drink.

Chiang Mai: Siam Honey Breeze


Recipe card for Siam Honey Breeze cocktail

In Northern Thailand, spring comes with plenty of rainfall. It can be seen in the lush green blankets of vegetation on the surrounding mountains, and tasted in the sweetness of Thai honey.

Thai honey is at its most delicate and delicious in April and May.

Thai honey isn’t the only local ingredient at its peak in spring. At Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, mixologists merge camomile-flower tea – brewed using fresh blossoms from the Mon Jam district – with local honey and Thai rum, lemon and ginger ale to create the Siam Honey Breeze, an original cocktail with a fresh perspective.

Editor’s note: While some of these spring cocktails may no longer be listed on the menu, most can be made upon special request.

A Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Northern Thailand

Posted on by Lesley Murphy
Private hot tub Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

At Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, the Deluxe Tent has its own custom-made wooden bathtub on the outdoor deck – the best way to relax in the jungle.
Photography courtesy Lesley Murphy

I caught my first glimpse of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle on Instagram. From the moment I scrolled over the wooden bathtub surrounded by abundant greenery, like a scene out of The Jungle Book, I knew this was my kind of place.

The aptly named Golden Triangle sits at the intersection of three vastly different countries – Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. I soon learned that I could easily combine my trip to this land of bamboo jungles and outdoor adventure with a journey to the nearby Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, where I’d have a chance to dive into Thai culture by exploring Buddhist temples and visiting artistic communities.

Unable to resist the opportunity to take a tour of Thailand, I made my way to the northernmost point of this exotic country (travelling by planes, boats, automobiles and a three-wheeled tuk-tuk) and prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1: Arrival at the Golden Triangle

I was greeted by Four Seasons staff upon landing in Chiang Rai, the former capital of the region’s Lanna Kingdom. The ride from Chiang Rai International Airport to our destination totalled an hour and a half, but it seemed much shorter given that the car was equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi – a globetrotter’s best friend.

When my private car turned off-road to drop me on the banks of the Ruak River, it was clear to me that Tented Camp was unlike any location I’d travelled to before. A traditional longtail boat took me the remaining few miles as Thailand’s old buildings and Myanmar’s overgrown grass and shrubbery materialised on either side.

As we docked at the pier, I noticed a large gong poised at the entrance of Camp. I was handed a mallet to strike the instrument three times for good luck, health and wealth. Ringing the gong also made my presence known to the area’s first inhabitants: elephants. I had officially arrived.

Deluxe Tent Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

Although they’re tents, they still make for glamorous accommodations in the jungle. The 581-square-foot (54-square-metre) Deluxe Tent has its own king-size bed, full bath and outdoor rain shower.
Photography courtesy Lesley Murphy

After check-in, I had a look at my sleeping quarters. Camping with a small tent and sleeping bag has never been my strong suit. Exotic adventures are great, but not at the expense of running water and indoor plumbing. However at Tented Camp, 15 luxury tents offer an authentic hillside stay with all the romance of a lavish safari plus modern conveniences, including handcrafted leather furniture, hardwood floors and bathtubs with a view for two.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

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In my air-conditioned tent, I could zip and unzip “windows” to allow more of the fresh air inside. I could rise in the morning with the best alarm clock around – the call of the wild, as elephants began to wake. Standing alone in my tent, I spotted the terrace’s private hot tub and couldn’t help thinking this would be the ideal honeymoon for an intrepid couple. If this is camping, let me camp forever.

Day 2: Elephant trekking through the jungle

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Mahouts have adopted more than 10 elephants from the street, welcoming them to the natural habitat at Tented Camp.
Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Tented Camp shares rolling hills with an elephant rehabilitation reserve, rescuing and adopting these gentle giants from the streets of Thailand. Elephants roam free on the property, which often allows for memorable meals. One morning, I was sitting at the breakfast table when two beautiful elephants came over and greeted me. I fed them their morning greens before indulging in my own pancakes.

After watching the majestic animals during my first couple of days at Camp, I decided it was time to learn a little more about my new neighbours by participating in one of the many elephant activities on offer here.

After a basic anatomy lesson from the Camp’s mahouts, we set off on a walk through the wilderness with the elephants – the best way to learn about these gentle giants is by keeping them company in their own natural habitat. As we watched them splash in the pond and enjoy their bath time, it was easy to see that each elephant had its own personality, just like human beings.

Day 3: Exploring Chiang Rai

Lychee at Chiang Rai market

As part of Camp’s Chiang Rai City Tour, visit the colourful Chiang Rai Night Bazaar to shop exotic fruits (such as lychee), taste street food and choose souvenirs to take home. After exploring, head to the market’s beer garden for a refreshing beverage.
Photography courtesy Thinkstock

This was the day to experience another side of Thailand – and collect a new passport stamp along the way.

With a Four Seasons guide, I made my way down to the caramel ribbons of the Ruak River to board a longtail boat. The Chiang Rai City Tour took me directly to the confluence of two rivers that form a natural boundary between the three countries, with Laos to the east of the Mekong River, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the north of the Ruak.

Once at the main square, the boat docked and the guide hailed a tuk-tuk – a three-wheeled vehicle common in Thailand – to take me to the culinary market. Beetles, crickets, flopping fish and snake-like creatures were for sale there. I didn’t sample the local delicacies this time around, but perhaps I can handle the non-traditional items on my next visit.

To discover a new country, I simply walked over the border to Myanmar, where I rode a tuk-tuk with an expert guide who showed me markets, St Jude’s Catholic Church and the Phra Jow La Keng Temple. I learned at the temple that there are Buddhas for the days of the week, and I made offerings to my Buddha (based on the day of the week I was born). Then it was back to Tented Camp.

Day 4: Journey to Chiang Mai

White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, Thailand

Construction on Wat Rong Khun, or The White Temple, began in 1997. While it has yet to be completed, the all-white structure is arguably the most memorable temple in Thailand.
Photography courtesy Theunis Viljoen

After a three-night escape in the bamboo jungle of Chiang Rai, I was sorry to say goodbye. But the four-hour drive south to Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai was very comfortable as I rode in a luxury van with other guests, complete with Wi-Fi, refreshments and enough legroom to lie flat.

An hour and a half into the drive, during which I took a short nap, we came upon Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. The unconventional Buddhist temple captivates locals and foreigners alike, radiating an undeniable sense of peace and spirituality. The sun reflected on pieces of glass in the plaster of the all-white temple, making for breathtaking photos.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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During the journey to Chiang Mai, the bus also stopped at several local shops, including JJ Antique Market, which sells elaborate scarves, old-world artefacts, copper and brass pieces, and unique elephant memorabilia. It was the perfect place to buy souvenirs, and I picked up an antique globe and a hand-embroidered scarf.

The picturesque landscapes and down-to-earth charm of Thailand never failed as we rode the final miles into Chiang Mai, where I could discover the similarities and differences of the two locations. I was travelling from the land of covered bamboo jungles to that of exposed rice paddies, from luxury tents to poolside villas, and from mingling with elephants to marvelling at water buffaloes.

Upper Rice Terrace Pavilion, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

The Upper Rice Terrace Pavilion is a hideaway at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, with great views of the rice paddies giving way to rolling green hills.

Day 5: Farming in Thailand’s rice fields

Breakfast in the Rice Fields, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

The Resort offers Breakfast in the Rice Fields, a one-of-a-kind private dining experience right in the middle of the tranquillity of the bright green rice fields.

Each week, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai offers an abundance of activities – two popular choices being rice planting and cooking classes. I chose rice planting since it’s so authentically Thai, and I can’t experience it just anywhere.

On the morning of my class, I made my way through the rice fields located directly behind the Resort, which can also be seen from the Rice Terrace Pavilions. After I put on a typical planting outfit of mahout denim, a local farmer taught me how to transplant sprouts into the mud. Thinning out the seedlings to no more than 4 inches (10 centimetres) apart, in rows 9 to 12 inches (22 to 30 centimetres) apart, produces the best results. I began to think I could call Thailand home one day.

Rice farming in Chiang Mai

The rice farmer and I didn’t speak the same language, so instead he showed me how to perform the laborious task.
Photography courtesy Lesley Murphy

In addition to spending a morning as a Thai rice farmer, I also tried my hand at Thai kickboxing in the Resort’s Muay Thai class. And not just my hand: The technique is called the “art of eight limbs,” using fists, feet, shins, knees and elbows.

After such an intense workout, recovery at the scenic pool and Spa with treatments influenced by ancient Thai ritual, such as the Royal Lanna Signature Treatment, was essential.

After that I was up for renting a bike from the Health Club to investigate Chiang Mai’s most exciting attractions, including Tiger Kingdom, the Monkey Center, Measa Elephant Camp and the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden.

Day 6: A bittersweet farewell

View from Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

An escape to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai was the perfect way to explore another side of the country – away from the South’s beaches and into the North’s mountainous jungle.

After five days and countless adventures, I had fallen in love with the exotic bamboo jungles of the Golden Triangle. But although I felt I could stay forever, Southern Thailand was calling for me to leave the mountains and explore a contrasting side of this country, one with tropical beaches.

If you’re in the mood for a tropical escape after a journey to Four Seasons Golden Triangle and Four Seasons Chiang Mai, consider getting away to Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, located on an island off the coast of Southern Thailand.

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The Best Four Seasons Penthouses in the World

Posted on by Caitlyn Chase

Today, it’s no secret that a hotel’s best views are from the top. But before the elevator was invented in 1852, the top floors of many iconic hotel buildings were used as staff quarters. That changed when industrialist Elisha Otis unveiled the lift, and luxury hoteliers recognised that the most opulent accommodations deserve to be housed high in the sky.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Penthouse Suites are the ultimate showpieces of a property, packed with bespoke amenities, luxury furnishings, personalised service and, of course, show-stopping views. Whether it’s a 24-hour personal butler or a private fitness centre, Four Seasons has a Penthouse Suite in every corner of the globe to fit every need.

360-degree views of Manhattan in New York, New York


Ty Warner Penthouse

Accessed by its own elevator, this 4,300-square-foot (400-square-metre) suite offers incredible views of Manhattan from its floor-to-ceiling bay windows and wraparound, cantilevered glass balconies.

The crown jewel of Four Seasons Hotel New York, the Ty Warner Penthouse Suite sits 800 feet (244 metres) above street level atop the 52nd floor of the Hotel.

The penthouse, which took seven years and $50 million to complete, realises a highly anticipated collaboration between owner Ty Warner, designer Peter Marino and architect I.M. Pei. Every detail in the Ty Warner Suite is custom, from the fabrics woven with Thai silk and gold to the wood-panelled library walls and semi-precious stone surfaces.

Four Seasons Hotel New York

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The amenities are as impressive as the accommodations. Residents can enjoy all-inclusive services at the Hotel’s L.RAPHAEL Beauty Spa (including the whirlpool, sauna, and anti-ageing and holistic treatments) as well as all-inclusive dining at the Hotel’s The Garden restaurant and TY Bar. A Rolls-Royce chauffeur, 24-hour butler and personal fitness trainer provide customised service.

Penthouse life at new heights in New York, New York


Inside 30 Park Place

The interior of the penthouse has a dramatic silver-leaf rotunda ceiling, and plenty of natural light opens up the spacious design of white lacquer walls with marble trim.

Residents will enjoy round-the-clock penthouse living at 30 Park Place, Four Seasons Private Residences New York Downtown. Created jointly by Silverstein Properties and designer Robert A.M. Stern, 30 Park Place penthouses will be located in one of the most coveted spots in the city, at the corner of Church Street and Park Place in Tribeca.

Enjoy a private entrance and lobby of sleek black and white marble floors, large walk-in closets, and a polished onyx fireplace. Coffee on the terrace will taste even better with its amazing view of the New York City skyline and waterfronts.

Master bathrooms adorned with Bianco Dolomiti and Chinchilla Mink marble are accessorised with custom-designed vanities. Colorado White marble countertops and backsplash, Gaggenau appliances and solid white oak cabinets by Bilotta make up the state-of-the-art kitchen.

A peaceful retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand


Four Seasons Chiang Mai Penthouse Suite

Beneath the vaulted ceilings, the expansive teak-floored, Penthouse holds exquisite authentically handmade silk-and-cotton-covered furnishings and handcrafted Thai objets d’art throughout.

Situated on the top two levels of the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, the Three-Bedroom Penthouse Resort Residence has a unique perspective on northern Thailand’s picturesque countryside.

Relax in one of the several sitting rooms, private pavilions or the Penthouse terrace to take in the serenity of old Siam, complete with a view of the rice paddy fields and Thanon Thong Chai mountain range.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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Four Seasons Chiang Mai Penthouse Suite

The penthouse features dining and living areas and three master bedrooms, each with its own whirlpool.

Dine on expertly prepared cuisine, or hire a personal chef to use the in-suite kitchen to cook a Royal Thai Cuisine menu of authentic family-style dishes, including tom kha gai (a spicy chicken soup) and kaow niew mamung (mango sticky rice). The live-in mae baan (housekeeper) will also deliver a daily canapé service featuring dishes such as vegetarian samosas, crispy pork skins and fresh spring rolls.

The celebrity treatment in Los Angeles, California


Four Seasons Beverly Hills Penthouse Suite

An installed Crestron system allows guests to control the suite’s amenities—including curtains, television, music, shower and lighting—from a touch screen or mobile device.

The 14th-floor Penthouse Suite at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel is the ideal place for a glamorous stay in LA. Relax on the spacious terrace to take in panoramic views of Los Angeles landmarks such as the Hollywood sign, the downtown skyline, Beverly Hills and Bel Air.

With a state-of-the-art kitchen and an open floor plan, the suite is the perfect place for a dinner party prepared by a private chef. The living area, fully equipped media room and furnished terrace provide plenty of party space. For relaxation afterwards, step into the gleaming full marble steam shower.

Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel

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Penthouse residents may enlist on-site hair and makeup services and a personal stylist before going out, and then explore anywhere within a 3-mile radius of the Hotel with a complimentary house car.

A fashionable escape in Milan, Italy


Four Seasons Milano Penthouse Suite

The Penthouse Suite retains original details such as vaulted ceilings, columns and frescos.

Situated in the centre of Milan’s shopping district is Four Seasons Hotel Milano, including its desirable Penthouse Suite. A carefully restored 15th-century convent, this fifth-floor European hideaway blends rich Renaissance details with contemporary Italian design.

Recently refreshed furnishings with Fortuny fabrics and Frette linens add modern elements to classic elegance. The 420-square-foot (40-square-metre) Mediterranean-style rooftop terrace offers unmatched views of the classic red-tile roofs of central Milan and the marble spires of the Duomo.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

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For a serene experience of Italy, sip coffee or an aperitif among the terrace’s olive trees, jasmine, boxwood, and lavender and rosemary hedges. The view of Milan’s Via Gesù, a street known for its Italian men’s fashion, may inspire a foray in that direction.

Hidden romance in Paris, France


Four Seasons Paris Penthouse Suite

Enjoy 360-degree views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower and the Pantheon, from the many terraces and balconies.

Designed to feel like an elegant Parisian residence, the Penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel George V is a show-stopper, with its own private garden and a conservatory whose walls are covered in Lelièvre luxury fabric.

The airy interior design of the 1,630-square-foot (150-square-metre) Penthouse emphasises the expansive floor plan. Travertine flooring and walls decorated with sycamore, Majilite and silk set off lavish furniture, like the Second Empire pedestal, and Baccarat crystal glassware.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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The master bedroom’s pastel blinds, lush white orchids, gold tones and ample natural light compose an irresistible sanctuary. The accompanying master bathroom has an infinity bathtub with jets and a chromotherapy system, so guests can choose just the right lighting for a relaxing soak after exploring the City of Light.

An Arabian oasis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates


Four Seasons Dubai Penthouse Suite

For dinner, hire a professional chef to prepare the Resort’s signature dish, salt-encrusted sea bass, in the private show kitchen.

In a city known for over-the-top opulence, the Penthouse Suite at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach won’t disappoint upon its debut. Feel like royalty at this one-of-a-kind, 5,000-square-foot (465-square-metre) top-floor Penthouse.

Sit on the large wraparound terrace to survey the magic of the city and the majestic views of the Arabian Gulf, palm-lined pools and white-sand beaches.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

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Train in the private fitness centre, which will feature a crosstrainer, treadmill, stationary bike, weights set and other select equipment. Then relax in the private steam room and oversized tub, or hire a therapist for a rejuvenating massage in the private massage room.

The suite life near Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia


Four Seasons Sydney Presidential Suite

With views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House, the Presidential Suite offers one of the best perspectives on the city down under.

To stay in a Sydney icon, move into the 34th-floor Presidential Suite atop the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Located near Sydney’s Circular Quay, it’s a spot that offers easy access to all the Harbour City has to offer.

The two-bedroom Suite has an open floor plan with a large sitting room to enjoy the views, a dining area that seats 10 and has an adjoining kitchen, and a room dedicated to luggage for overpackers.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

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An in-suite espresso machine provides a convenient way to wake in the morning, and the extensive private bar is ideal for a nightcap. Enjoy access to the Executive Club, including a daily hot-and-cold breakfast buffet, lounge with views of Walsh Bay and the city, gourmet evening canapés, and more.

The “Palace in the Sky” in Beijing, China


Four Seasons Hotel Beijing Imperial Suite

Occupying the entire 27th floor, the Imperial Suite is inspired by the homes of cosmopolitan and sophisticated ambassadors, as well as the surrounding Beijing Diplomatic District’s international embassies and global companies.

The ultra-luxurious Imperial Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing is one of the largest in the city, nearly 8,000 square feet (740 square metres). Reached directly by elevator to either the living room or the bedroom, it’s no wonder that it has been nicknamed the “Palace in the Sky.”

Marvel at the collection of art, artefacts and furnishings from around the world, a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern design. Enjoy a master bedroom with its own living area, two additional bedrooms, library study, media room and staff kitchen.

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

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Relax in the 2,700-square-foot (250-square-metre) outdoor living space, complete with a private fire pit and plunge pool. Or work out in the suite’s private fitness centre. Then explore the city with ease, with access to a daily chauffeur and round-trip airport transportation in a BMW 7 Series.

Orlando, Florida: The ultimate family vacation


Royal Suite

The Royal Suite offers a spacious living area, plus a pantry kitchen, office, dining room, media room and family room.

Host friends and family with the Ultimate Suites Experience top floor buyout at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort. The spacious accommodations, including a nine-bedroom Royal Suite and a four-bedroom Presidential Suite, make it ideal for families and large groups.

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Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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Have an unforgettable movie night in the luxe media room in the Royal Suite – complete with a big screen, soundproofing and central touchpad. The Butler Pantry can be fully stocked with movie-night snacks and indulgences.

Soak in the morning Florida sun over breakfast on the 1,000-square-foot (93-square-metre) terrace of the Royal Suite, or watch the nightly Magic Kingdom® Park fireworks display from the terrace’s incredible views. Enjoy the serenity of the Oasis adult-only pool or the action of the Explorer family pool in a private cabana with VIP service.

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