Your Ticket to Adventure

Meditate as the sun sets in Serengeti, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mauritius, go back in time at the Taj Mahal and be inspired by community in Bali: Reconnect with yourself and loved ones over shared moments as these captivating destinations unfold on newly added departures of popular Four Seasons Private Jet journeys taking off in 2023 – a record year for the Private Jet, with eight expertly curated itineraries slated to help Four Seasons guests seamlessly explore the world.

Plan your Private Jet Journey

African Wonders takes guests on a 13-day family-friendly adventure to seven destinations, while Timeless Encounters, a 24-day journey around the globe, stops at nine destinations. Over 23 days, discover International Intrigue in nine destinations. Experience the legendary wonders of the world like never before during the 24-day Ancient Explorer trip, or set off on a captivating voyage through the Southern hemisphere on the 21-day Uncharted Discovery expedition. World of Adventures highlights the world’s natural beauty during rare experiences on four continents. Each trip – added to the slate of 2023 itineraries by popular demand – offers unique opportunities to get up close with history, nature and culture at some of the world’s most intriguing locales. The experts at Four Seasons have curated itineraries that take you on exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, after-hours visits and cultural exploration – once-in-a-lifetime experiences sure to send you home inspired by your global adventures.

Along the way, you’ll forge new friendships with your fellow travellers as you see the world in a new light. Toast your time together with Champagne as you lift off for a new destination, or gather backstage in the Private Jet’s lounge area – the new custom-outfitted Airbus A321LRneo, set to take flight in 2022, has been designed with your comfort in mind. Settle in to one of just 48 handcrafted seats, constructed with soft Italian leather and offering 6.5 feet (2 metres) of personal space to lie fully flat, or stretch out with the addition of a plush ottoman. Travel in luxury with Four Seasons team members – including a dedicated on-board physician, on-board concierge and executive chef – to handle all the details, leaving you free to enjoy every moment of your journey.

African Wonders: December 28, 2022 – January 9, 2023 (wait list only) & August 1 – 13, 2023

Explore seven far-flung destinations over 13 remarkable days with loved ones – majestic wildlife experiences, ancient historical treasures and breathtaking natural wonders that will awe travellers of all ages. This family-friendly journey begins on August 1 in Athens, where guests can step back in time during visits to ancient sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon and soak up the sun on the glamorous Athens Riviera. The trip through history continues in Egypt with a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the enigmatic Sphinx. From there, it’s off to the Serengeti, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the vast savannah during a hot-air balloon ride, then Mauritius, where you can explore the island’s protected lagoons by kayak or on a world-class snorkelling expedition. Rwanda, or the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” comes next and includes a trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of mountain gorillas and endangered golden monkeys. At Victoria Falls in Zambia, you’ll take in the world’s largest waterfall – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Your African journey concludes in dynamic Johannesburg, South Africa’s historic and cultural hub.

International Intrigue: March 2 – 26, 2023 (wait list only)

Discover a variety of destinations – remote islands, vibrant cities, vast grasslands – in one remarkable journey. Over 23 days, you’ll visit nine destinations, diving deeply into local cultures and landscapes to gain a unique perspective on the world around you.

Your journey begins March 3 in Seattle with a welcome dinner for you and your fellow travellers, set beneath the stunning glass sculptures of famed artist Dale Chihuly. Next, you’re off to Kyoto to learn the secrets of samurai sword fighting and a visit to ancient temples and shrines. Get an authentic taste of Vietnam during a festive market dinner in Hoi An, featuring the city’s street food specialities. Live like a castaway on the Maldivian island of Kuda Huraa, a private coral island in the middle of the Indian Ocean – snorkel to colourful reefs or lounge on pristine sand. Encounter a different kind of paradise in the heart of the Serengeti, where you’ll discover a sanctuary where animals roam free. Travel back in time in Marrakech, where you can explore the ancient medina and uncover gilded treasures in a private souk excursion. From there, it’s off to the romantic city of Budapest – often called Central Europe’s most beautiful city. Sample strudel, browse its vibrant art and soak up the city’s laid-back café culture – or go deeper with a private guided tour of a medieval crypt at the storied Matthias Church. End this once-in-a-lifetime journey in Paris, where you can reflect on your experiences and raise a glass to your time together during a farewell dinner.

Timeless Encounters: March 26 – April 18, 2023
& April 17 – May 10, 2023

Craving even more time away with loved ones? Expand your horizons on the Timeless Encounters journey. Starting April 17, you’ll spend 24 days winging your way to nine destinations across the globe.

Start in Hawaii, on Oahu’s sun-soaked western coast, with a hike to a remote nature reserve or a cruise along an oceanside mountain range, and celebrate the beginning of your journey with a traditional Hawaiian luau. Then it’s off to Bora Bora, the pearl of the Pacific, where you can swim with manta rays and try a submarine scooter. Next up: Sydney, a city that blends outdoor adventure and a vibrant food scene with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then set off to discover the cultural heart of Bali – soul-stirring temples, renowned cultural traditions and a rich heritage of spirituality.

The halfway mark of your journey is the jungles of Chiang Mai, where you can learn the secrets of Thai cuisine in a cooking lesson from a Four Seasons chef, ride a tuk-tuk to the ancient temple of Chedi Luang and explore the bustling stalls of Warorot Market. Or opt for a two-night stay in the Four Seasons luxury tented camp in the famed Golden Triangle, in the heart of a tranquil bamboo forest. You’ll rejoin the group for a one-day stop to explore the Taj Mahal – flying by private jet offers the exclusive opportunity to touch down in Agra itself for a guided tour of this majestic monument. Sip in-flight cocktails as you discuss this incomparable experience with your fellow travellers on the way to Dubai, where you’ll arrive just in time for a sunset dinner or a thrilling 4×4 ride through the golden dunes. In Florence, enjoy access after hours to a private showing of Michelangelo’s David and the Piazza del Duomo, and lunch at a winery in the Tuscan countryside. End your around-the-world adventure in the historic centre of London with a celebratory group dinner – or extend your stay with guided tours of the city’s most beloved landmarks or a trip down the River Thames aboard a steamboat.

By popular demand, another Timeless Encounters journey has been added to the roster of 2023 trips. Departing on March 26, this 24-day includes stops in Kona for an awe-inspiring helicopter tour of the coastline and swim in sparkling waterfall pools and in Prague, where you’ll sip Champagne as you enjoy a private string quartet concert of Mozart favourites at the Estates Theatre, where the composer himself once performed.

Ancient Explorer: August 16 – September 8, 2023

Massive rock statues on Easter Island, gilded temples in Bangkok, the Pyramids of Giza: The ancient world is yours to explore on when the Four Seasons Private Jet lifts off on August 16 for the Ancient Explorer journey. Over the next 24 days, you’ll visit 10 captivating destinations – and experience the legendary wonders of the world like never before.

Embark on your journey around the world in Miami, with a welcome dinner for you and your fellow travellers. Your next stop: Mexico City and a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan to see some of the best-preserved pyramids from Mesoamerican civilizations. Then it’s off to remote, mysterious Easter Island, home to massive moai statues sculpted to honour the ancestors off the native Rapa Nui people. After watching the sun rise over the giant stones, head to Bora Bora for a swim with manta rays in the turquoise blue waters of the island’s lagoons. The underwater exploration continues at two of Australia’s natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Then it’s back to dry land in Bangkok, where you can visit the city’s gilded temples and the colossal golden statue of Buddha at Wat Pho. In the heart of the Jordanian desert, follow a Four Seasons guide to the iconic Lost City of Petra. The Private Jet also stops in Egypt for a day to explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As the trip winds down, soak up the medieval architecture and authentic flavours of Sicilian life in Taormina, or hike Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey concludes in Madrid – flamenco dancing, world-class art museums and a tapas-style meal with your newfound friends.

World of Adventures: September 8 – October 1, 2023

Nine stops. Eight countries. Four continents. Twenty-four unforgettable days. The World of Adventures itinerary makes the most of every moment, from observing rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda to the bright sights, sounds and flavours of Marrakech. The journey begins September 8 in with a welcome dinner in Seattle, and then you’re off to Kyoto. Explore sacred temples and shrines, admire modern Japanese landscaping during a private visit to Tairyu-Sanso Garden – usually closed to the public – and learn the secrets of samurai sword fighting, drawing posing and swinging your katana like an ancient Japanese warrior. Immerse yourself in the deep spirituality of Bali’s culture, where you can experience a traditional water purification ritual, performed by a Balinese priest at Tirta Empul to cleanse mind, body and spirit. Your time in a tropical paradise continues in Seychelles, surrounded by white sand and sparkling blue waters. Join a Four Seasons chef for a cooking class covering the flavours of ingredients of Creole cuisine, or centre yourself in the moment with sunset yoga and meditation overlooking the ocean. Trade the blue seas for green jungles in Rwanda: Hike up the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of rare mountain gorillas and watch them interact with one another in their natural habitat. Your next stop? A full sensory experience in Marrakechfor an authentic taste of the Red City, board a horse-drawn carriage headed to the lively Jemaa el Fna, a vibrant square famous for its snake charmers, entertainers, souks and food stalls. Next, feel the rhythm of Colombia during a private salsa lesson, or browse the trendy shops in Bogotá and explore the city’s historic landmarks. Don’t miss the chance to sip the country’s most famous product while learning about its rich history during a visit to a family-run coffee farm. The penultimate stop on your journey can’t be reached aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet. Instead, set sail on a private ship for a three-day expedition to the Galápagos Islands. Watch sea lions frolic on the beach, cruise along dramatic cliffs, and be on the lookout for green sea turtles, penguins and flamingosthe Galápagos offer landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Say farewell to your fellow travellers in Miami as you toast your experiences over a dinner infused with the Central and South American flavours that make the city so unique.  

Uncharted Discovery:
November 30 – December 20, 2023

See the Southern hemisphere from a new perspective aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet, with stops from the Americas to Antarctica. The adventure begins on Nov. 30 in New Orleans; over the next 21 days, you’ll visit a total of 7 exciting destinations. Embrace the pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica as you soar through the forest canopy on a zip line tour, taste premium Latin American chocolate and rum during a demonstration with local experts, and gaze in wonder at the stars during an exclusive stargazing party. Board a private train with an expert guide and discover the legendary archaeological treasures of Machu Picchu. Then it’s off to Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America,” for private tango lessons, a backstage tour of the famed Teatro Colón, and a day trip to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, you’ll set off for Antarctica via a private luxury polar ship for four unforgettable nights filled with ultra-remote landscapes, remarkable wildlife and breathtaking views. After this thrilling expedition, catch your breath with several days in Bogotá – take a guided tour of the city’s famed street art, join a renowned chef for a culinary demonstration, and enjoy a masterful performance by the Bogotá Philharmonic during a private concert. End your adventure in the Bahamas and a day lounging on pristine white sand, a soothing spa treatment, and a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Looking to travel sooner? A few seats remain on several 2022 itineraries: Ancient Explorers offers departures in September 2022 and October 2022, while Uncharted Discovery has openings on its December 2022 voyage.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will the spirit of adventure take you on the Four Seasons Private Jet?

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Make the Most of Golden Hour

A perennial favourite among photographers, “golden hour” – the hour after sunrise or after sunset – paints the world in warm, soft light. Everything simply looks better when seen in these rosy and golden shades, whether through a camera lens or in our outlook on life. You don’t need to be a shutterbug to appreciate this special time of day; in fact, you’ll appreciate it more if you step out from behind the camera and focus on being present in the moment.

From early morning runs past historic landmarks in Paris to famous bats in Austin, Four Seasons offers a variety of activities and experiences that make the most of this golden time. Here are a few of our favourite ways to start or end your day on a high note – we’re sure these daybreak and dusk adventures will leave you glowing.

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Stunning Views in Lanai

According to legend, a young warrior was so smitten by the beauty of a doomed Hawaiian maid that he leapt from Sweetheart Rock, or Puu Pehe, an 80-foot stone column jutting upwards from the sea. Today, the spot is a Lanai landmark along the island’s southern coast, between Manele and Hulopoe bays – an easy hike from Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

Start your day with picture-perfect views of this natural wonder during a 20-minute sunrise hike with a Resort guide, admiring the rocky pools and windswept coastline. Or observe the scene at sunset for a romantic look at Hulopoe Bay’s pristine white sand and crystal blue waters. For a new perspective, look at the site from the sea during a two-hour sunset cruise: Watch the sun sink over the Pacific as you sip cocktails and snack on pupus (appetizers) – and keep an eye out for spinner dolphins frolicking in the surf.

Plan your Lanai adventure

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Centre Yourself in Seychelles

It’s easy to believe you’ve found paradise at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: Gentle ocean breezes, turquoise waters and tropical greenery encourage you to slow down and be present in every moment. Discover a refuge of well-being at the Spa, perched high above Petite Anse bay, where you can greet the day with sunrise stretches and quiet contemplation. One of the Resort’s resident yogis will lead you in a private session at the outdoor yoga pavilion, or you might build your own yoga retreat to help you find the balance between stillness and adventure.

Explore Seychelles with Four Seasons

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Wing It in Austin

For many visitors, Austin is known for its outstanding food, great live music and quirky charm, from the murals and street performers of South Congress Avenue to the trails and waves of Lady Bird Lake. The city also has the unusual distinction of being home to the largest urban bat population in North America. Thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge, winging their way out at sunset from March through November.

At Four Seasons Hotel Austin, you’re perfectly positioned to catch a glimpse of these nocturnal creatures. Or head out on Lady Bird Lake on an evening paddleboat tour or a kayak to take in the show from the water. Afterwards, toast your experience with a frozen cocktail from the Hotel’s Trinity Point beverage trailer or a bat-inspired cocktail at the Hotel’s Live Oak – the tasty Did You See the Bats? is a made with vodka, house-made rosemary-hibiscus syrup, lemon, grapefruit and ginger beer.

Explore Adventures in Austin

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A New Look at Paris

Runners know that one of the best ways to see a city is while it sleeps. Nowhere is that more true than in Paris, where fitness enthusiasts at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, lead guests on early-morning runs through the City of Lights. The route will take you past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the Tuileries and the Louvre and down the Champs-Élysées for a unique look at the city while it is still waking up. Your cultural journey continues back at the Hotel with breakfast at La Galerie, surrounded by 19th-century art, or a session in the marble and mosaic-tiled Parisian hammam or the 30℃ (86℉) vitality pool at the Spa. After an invigorating morning of self-care, you’ll be refreshed and ready for a day spent exploring the city.

Explore Paris Activities

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A Soothing Evening in Hoi An

The evening belongs to you – as does the entire Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An – as part of an after-hours experience focused on self-reflection and well-being. Float traditional wishing candles on the Spa’s lagoon as the sun sinks in the sky, bathing you in golden light. Guided by Resident Singing Bowl artist Oanh Ngo, you’ll nourish body and soul with a three-course meal and then climb aboard a traditional Vietnamese basket boat to be paddled to a double Spa villa. There, take a 45-minute singing bowl lesson on a set of crystal bowls tuned to 432 Hz, believed to be the harmonic frequency of the universe, and a flower-filled lotus and rose aromatherapy bath. End your soothing journey with a four-handed massage to knead away any lingering concerns that could possibly remain.

Experience Hoi An with Four Seasons

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A Fresh Start in Costa Rica

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is the ideal launching point for a day of adventure, offering easy access to emerald-green waters, tropical jungles and airborne excursions. Get your heart pumping with a sunrise hike through the Resort’s extensive grounds – the 90-minute outing will take you up the hillsides and staircases that connect the property, including the Resort’s famed 700-step climb. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas and might even come face to face with some of the island’s inhabitants, like howler and white-faced monkeys. After this invigorating workout, you’ll be ready for all the island has to offer – guided bike tours, outrigger canoeing, paddleboarding or an exhilarating zip-line circuit above the trees.

After a day of exploration, turn your eyes to the sky for an exclusive stargazing experience: Get a detailed look at the moon through the Resort’s powerful GPS-guided telescope as you savour an out-of-this-world feast and sip Chilean Meteorito Cabernet Sauvignon – aged with a real meteor.

Plan your Costa Rica adventure

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will the spirit of discovery take you next?

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Sounds That Set the Scene

The saxophone run in a jazz quartet, the high notes of a diva’s operatic aria, the sweet chords of a ukulele: Music has the power to instantly set the scene – and to transport you to that time and place long after you’ve returned home.

From a private concert in an iconic New Orleans jazz club in the French Quarter to a calming singing-bowl ceremony alongside a lagoon in Hoi An, Four Seasons taps into the power of the senses to provide an authentic sense of place rooted in sound. Tune in to the following experiences during your travels, and then relive them later with the help of a memento like a new instrument or recording of your performance.

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Toe-Tapping Jazz in New Orleans

New Orleans is alive with sound – the clang of street trolleys, the crashing cymbals of a street parade, the cheers of the crowd during Mardi Gras. Its most recognizable note? The blare of a trumpet playing a swinging beat. Known as the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans has been home to legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and Trombone Shorty, and it’s a rite of passage for up-and-coming jazz stars to perform in the clubs that line famed Frenchmen Street. When the new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans debuts later this year, guests will enjoy exclusive access to Preservation Hall, a venerable jazz institution in the French Quarter that has hosted jazz greats such as clarinettist George Lewis and pianist and singer Sweet Emma Barrett. Take in a private concert at the venue with friends, and then learn to slide a trombone during a one-on-one music lesson with a local jazz musician.



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A Zen Healing Ceremony in Hoi An

Singing bowls have long been used as part of meditation practice; the gentle hum created by the bowls’ vibrations helps induce a state of deep relaxation. Join resident singing-bowl artist Oanh Ngo at The Heart of the Earth Spa at Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) as she uses the healing power of crystal singing bowls to help you centre yourself and connect to the Earth. Meet her at the Spa at sunset for the private Mother Earth Melodies experience: a 45-minute singing-bowl lesson on an eight-octave set of crystal bowls tuned to 432 Hz, believed to be the harmonic frequency of the universe. “Under Oanh’s gentle guidance, our guests can be at one with nature, and retreat into a place of calm and stillness within their mind, body and spirit,” says Spa Manager Dwi Susanti. A set of three singing bowls is mailed to guests’ homes as a memento of the melodic journey.



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Traditional Chants in Oahu

On your arrival in Hawaii, you’ll discover that the sounds of nature – crashing waves and rustling palms – are complemented by the traditional chants and mellow songs of the island’s culture. “Music is an integral part of the Hawaiian culture – from mele [chants] to contemporary styles,” says Michael Mestraud, Senior General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Oahu Ko Olina. “And we try to showcase a variety of musical programs that shine a light on where art and culture intersect.” One of those programs can be enjoyed without leaving your room: The Resort recently introduced an in-house music channel in collaboration with HI Sessions, a group of musicians and producers dedicated to promoting Hawaiian music and artists. Artists like Ron Artis, Nathan Aweau and Pure Heart will record performances at the Resort, and the videos will be streamed on the Resort’s in-room television channels and on its social media channels. For a more hands-on experience, join a ukulele workshops led by Hawaiian music luminary Roy Sakuma. A renowned ukulele instructor and founder of the Ukulele Festival, the largest ukulele concert in the world, Sakuma will teach guests the history of the instrument and help them master a song.

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A Recording Session in London

The music of the Beatles is the unofficial soundtrack to life in London – the ground-breaking band might have come from Liverpool, but they left their mark all over the city. Relive Beatlemania and explore the history of rock ‘n’ roll with a little help from the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. Let the Hotel arrange a private tour of world-famous Abbey Road studios, where the band recorded many of its songs. You’ll have the chance to belt out your favourite tunes or perform your own song to create a demo tape to take home with you, followed by a private dinner served in the studio for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

World Class

During a recent trip, my sons gingerly made their way through the rice paddies at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai as a guide pointed out the long grasses in the waters around their boots, the sounds of the resident buffalo in the distance carrying across the still air. As we walked, our guide explained how the animals and the farmers work together, and how much land is required to create a bag of rice we’d purchase without a thought at a supermarket back home. Later, we sampled the product: In a cooking class, the executive chef showed the boys how to make mango sticky rice and other tasty Thai dishes. We headed home with recipes, a new appreciation for a dinner staple, and knowledge of another culture and way of life.

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Our visit to Thailand was just one stop on our family’s trip around the world. Without class curricula, we let the journey school our sons. We learned new languages at playgrounds and restaurants, explored conservation efforts in wild spaces, tested our math skills while figuring out currencies, and practised reading with signs at museum exhibits.

Over the past year, terms like “remote schooling” have become a part of many families’ vocabularies. But for us and other avid family travellers, learning has always been a part of the adventure. Every trip we’ve taken has taught us, kids and adults, something new. As we look forward to future journeys together, here are some of the exciting opportunities offered by Four Seasons to help us learn about – and from – local destinations and people.

WILD OCEAN ENCOUNTERS

Who needs a biology classroom – or a playground – when your family can explore the incredible marine life that surrounds Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México? As part of its “Schoolcations” program, marine learning activities for kids include an expert-guided whale-watching tour, a sea foraging excursion and the chance to assist with the release of olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings.

At Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, families (including kids as young as 9) can keep an eye out for sea turtles and other marine life – including migrating humpback whales, in season – during a private outrigger canoe paddle. Championship-level guides teach you the basics and show how this ancient tradition continues to play a role in Hawaiian culture.

In a new partnership with WiseOceans, and with a new Resort marine biologist and educator, Louise Sabadel, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is now more certain than ever to appeal to conservationists of all ages. Snorkelling the calm lagoon and reef is an easy way for multiple generations to discover local underwater life together.

STAYING FIT AND FOCUSED

Healthy bodies and healthy minds go hand in hand, so learning a new skill that strengthens physical and mental muscles is good for the whole family. At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, kids as young as 4 can learn the traditional art of Thai kick-boxing (muay thai) from a professional boxer. Every member of the family will enjoy gazing out over the gulf from a hilltop ring, practising this sport that promotes flexibility, strength and coordination.

On the flip side, sometimes it’s important to concentrate on quiet minds and calm spirits. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, kids age 6 and older can develop both. Board a dhoni boat together and sail over to the Island Spa, where children can relax with treatments all their own, including oil blending, nourishing seaweeds, or yoga on land or sea. “Kids are never too young to learn the importance of self-care or the role of nature in our well-being,” says Spa Assistant Manager Angelica De Leon. “Our children’s treatments all include an educational aspect.”

And it’s easy to turn a sport your child already loves into a teachable moment. At Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, sign your student up for a one-hour golf lesson with PGA professional Rod Cook, the Resort’s Director of Instruction, to learn different golf skill sets like chipping, putting and driving. Afterwards, explore the science behind the sport: Director of Golf Maintenance Stephen Tucker will explain the winning formula of water, fertilizer and care that goes into keeping the course in prime condition.

ARTS, CRAFTS AND CULTURE

From a fairly young age, many kids have had some exposure to ancient Greek mythology and culture. In Athens, a visit to local museums will show them how important pottery remains are to the archaeological record and our modern understanding of the era. Bring the stories to life and engage kids’ hands-on creativity with pottery lessons at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.

Prefer your art in 2D? Learn about Italian artists and the techniques used in their work when you try your hand at reproducing pieces by legends like Raphael and Caravaggio. The exclusive collaboration between Four Seasons Hotel Milano and the Pinacoteca di Brera museum includes a sketchbook, colouring kit and private tour options. “The children who participate are captured by the colours, by the thousands of stories that the paintings tell,” says Pinacoteca di Brera Deputy Manager Alessandra Quarto. “They are totally fascinated; they sit on the floor and listen, observe, draw.”

Or make art that takes to the sky: At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Nevis, on-site kite experts will help kids build their own creations to soar high and challenge others. Kites play a cultural role in both destinations; spring brings kite competitions in Nevis, and summer in Bali is the time to watch locals battling it out in the skies with kites up to 5 metres wide.

Inspire any budding chefs in your family with a hands-on French culinary experience ­– starting with a drive to Versailles to see the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, kitchen garden—with the Hotel’s Michelin-starred Chef Simone Zanoni. Or book a family lesson in Vietnamese cuisine at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An. The skills kids learn here from an expert chef, such as rolling rice paper, can add spice to mealtimes back home.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE

For kids, history books can be boring. Interactive activities bring the facts more vividly to life in experiences the adults can share. Pay a lantern-lit evening visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, exclusively arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, where you’ll learn about the first U.S. president and explore spaces that aren’t open to the general public. “Mount Vernon looks like it was frozen in time during Washington’s life—it is truly living history,” says Concierge Supervisor Michael Chase. “No tour is duplicated from one family to the next; the guide tailors to the ages and curiosities of the children.”

At Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, a local expert will guide you on a walking tour along the Pearling Trail in the old city of Muharraq, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a glimpse into its history and its pearling traditions. Pair it with a family snorkelling or diving trip to search for fresh wild pearls.

If the legend of El Dorado has caught your children’s interest, a visit to Bogotá’s Museo del Oro is in order, and a helicopter tour over Lake Guatavita, arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, can add a sense of place to the fabled city of gold. The lake was a sacred site for the indigenous Muisca civilization, where chiefs threw offerings including gold to the gods; the story grew into the myth of El Dorado.

For the ultimate adventure, the Four Seasons Private Jet may be just the ticket: The first family-friendly journey, African Wonders (December 28, 2021, to January 9, 2022), includes stops in seven countries and a visit to one of the world’s most compelling historical sites, Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, with expert guides and special access. It’s just the type of experience to inspire your children’s love of learning, and your favourite family memories, for years to come.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your adventures take you next?

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Across the Universe

This year, the universe has gifted us with 366 days. Leap day represents the perfect opportunity to look back and look forward, to develop new traditions and step out of your comfort zone, to explore the world and come home different – one unforgettable experience at a time.

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Take the Leap With Four Seasons

What will you do with your extra day? Use it to do something you’ve never done before. The time is yours to take.

Because it happens only once every four years, leap day has historically been seen as an oddity, a day for declaring that the normal rules don’t always have to apply.

On the last day of February in 1948, for example, single women in Aurora, Illinois, seized control of the fire and police departments, and jailed every unmarried man they could round up. They took over the city council as well, where they debated outlawing corncob pipes and flew bloomers as flags over City Hall.

Believe it or not, this wasn’t the first – or last – women’s takeover of Aurora. It happened every four years from 1932 to 1980, always on February 29: leap day. This city’s tradition was just one of many around the world.

One of the best-known leap day traditions flips the script on marriage proposals. No one knows how it started, but the custom was well established by the 1800s. If the man refused a woman’s proposal, he had to pay a fine – usually cash or a new gown.

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Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

One day, one hour or even one minute can change the way we view the world. That’s especially true when we step out of our routines. Transform your perspective with Four Seasons.

More modern traditions include tree planting in Germany and leap day cocktails around the globe. In Paris, you can kick back with a copy of a spoof newspaper published only on February 29 – La Bougie du Sapeur (The Sapper’s Candle), named after a French comic-book character born that day.

In contrast to these light-hearted traditions, in Scotland the whole leap year is considered unlucky. (“Leap year,” Scots say, “was ne’er a good sheep year.”)

But many consider leap day a lucky day, particularly families welcoming “leaplings” to the family. There are two recorded cases of families with three siblings all born on February 29 – one in Norway in the 1960s, and one in Utah between 2004 and 2012.

Roman dictator Julius Caesar is considered the father of leap year. The ancient Roman calendar system was based on 355 days a year – slightly over 10 days shorter than a solar year. To keep the calendar in line with the seasons, Caesar consulted with the top astronomers of the day, and in 46 BC added one day every four years to the calendar to make up for the discrepancy.

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Come Home Different

Travel is a time to experience new things, reflect on ourselves and embrace new ways of being. What skills, hobbies and interests will you bring home to expand your personal horizons?

Non-European cultures that used different calendars have fewer customs associated with February 29. But because the solar year isn’t a precise number – Earth’s orbital revolution around the sun takes about six hours longer than 365 whole days – all calendars need to fudge things with their own leap days and leap months, which often have their own traditions.

China historically used a lunar calendar that incorporated seven leap months every 19 years. And the Hebrew calendar sometimes deletes a day, but more often adds days and months in what are called “pregnant years.” The extra month is considered lucky.

Breaking things down even smaller than leap months and leap days, there’s the leap second. We need leap seconds because the Earth’s rotation is constantly slowing down (and has been for ages: in dinosaur times, a seasonal year lasted around 400 days). So every few years since 1972, the world’s timekeepers have added a second to our clocks at midnight on June 30 or December 31 – at which point the time is officially 11:59:60 pm.

No matter how you perceive leap day, its fundamental purpose is to keep our calendars aligned with the seasons, thereby providing stability in our lives. It’s ironic, then, that the day itself is often the opposite – whimsical and exciting. But sometimes we need that release, a little break from routine. However you choose to take your time on February 29 – lingering under the stars in Costa Rica, diving into Anguilla’s hidden cays, escaping to Lake Como from Milan via a helicopter ride over the mountains – take advantage of this rarest of days and make it somehow your own.