Destinations: Asia & The Pacific

Explore Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts destinations in Asia and The Pacific.

5 Ways to Find Your Centre 

Posted on by Jennifer Murphy

Travel – and life itself – can be hectic. Finding a sense of inner calm, though, can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths. Add a dreamy backdrop to your meditation or yoga practice and you might discover a state of nirvana. At Four Seasons, mind-body sessions go beyond spa and studio walls; they’re travel experiences in themselves. Hold your tree pose while surrounded by swaying coconut palms during a runway yoga session in Seychelles. Dive into the pool for a new twist on boat pose, or lift off for an airborne warrior posture with an antigravity session, in Hoi An. Assume aquatic poses like dolphin or mermaid on a paddleboard yoga excursion in Costa Rica. With Four Seasons, your journey inwards is a true adventure.   

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Drift Into Bliss

Even experienced yogis will find new challenges in basic postures when they take their practice from land to sea. Paddling from the shores of Playa Blanca doubles as a moving meditation before you anchor your paddleboard and begin your flow. “Standup paddleboard yoga is all about trust,” says Jose Pablo Rodriguez, wellness ambassador at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. “There may not be a firm ground underneath, but relax, tap into your inner strength and you’ll find all the stability you require.” The ripple of waves will test your balance, but it will also lull you into tranquillity when you settle into calming savasana.  

Find balance in Costa Rica

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Wild Thing Pose in the Wild

Don’t be surprised if the rhythmic sound of your ujjayi breathing – a technique that allows you to calm your mind by focusing on your breathing – is joined by the sound of trumpeting elephants or roaring lions at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Embrace the bush and take your practice into the wild on a sunset nature walk along the kopje (hilltop): Kenneth Maluba, the Lodge’s resident yoga instructor, leads guests along a Maasai trail to a stunning hilltop with panoramic views over the plains – the ideal spot for peaceful meditation and stretching. He times his guided meditation to sunset and incorporates beginner-friendly yoga postures. “Watching the sunset over the Serengeti is both magical and soothing, helping achieve an inner sense of tranquillity,” Maluba says. “From atop the kopje, guests are able to lean into this serene experience with gentle, balancing yoga poses such as warrior pose.” 

Soothe your soul in Serengeti

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Reset on the Runway

At Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, the entire island is yours to explore: The Resort is the only one on the small coral oasis, making it your own private paradise. That also means you’re free to roll out your yoga mat wherever you’d like. Our recommendation? The airport runway. Steps from the Resort, the end of the runway boasts dreamy open ocean views, gentle sea breezes and peaceful quiet to help you turn your focus inwards. “Every month, the sun rises from the Indian Ocean and the moon greets from the opposite side of the island,” says Heriberto Peña, the Resort’s health and wellness expert. “This makes yoga on the runway, especially during sunrise, very powerful. The early sunrise light, the sound of the waves and the breeze coming through the coconut trees bring clarity, peace and creativity to the mind and body.” As resident yogi, Peña uses the natural setting as his muse, even suggesting that guests sway in tree pose like the palms swaying in the breeze. If sunrise is a little too early for you, do your sun salutations later in the day and then toast your tranquillity: The runway doubles as the hot spot for sunset cocktail hour. 

Find inspiration on Desroches Island

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Vinyasa in the Vineyards

Napa Valley is known as the food and wine capital of North America, and grape-to-glass is on full display at the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. Before you raise a glass at the Resort’s world-class winery, awaken your senses with a vinyasa yoga flow among the vines: The 4.7-acre vineyard offers a Zen setting to ground yourself, with the Palisades mountains and rolling oak-covered hills as a backdrop. During harvest season, the smell of crushed and fermenting grapes will help you focus as you inhale deeply to move through upward and downward dog and beyond. Once you’re present in the moment, transition from yoga mat in the vineyard to a bar stool in the barrel room for a tasting of Elusa Winery’s cabernet. The aromas of oak and notes of dark fruit will be even more pronounced when your mind is distraction-free. 

Find your flow in Napa Valley

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Feel Weightless

Take your yoga practice to new heights – literally – at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hoi An. Cocoon yourself in a bespoke Harrison AntiGravity Hammock and discover the new range of motion that comes from feeling weightless as you lift off the ground. Performing poses like pigeon and star while upside down can help decompress and realign the spine, and savasana is even more restorative in the air.

Would you rather float than fly? Try the Resort’s unique hatha-based pool yoga class – the buoyancy of the water can help take pressure off your joints, making poses like dancer feel easier than they would on land so you’re free to focus on yourself. “Practicing hatha yoga helps us find mind and body alignment,” says Spa Manager Dwi Susanti. “Doing this practice in the open air gives us the opportunity to connect to all elements of nature, such as the calm of the water and the warmth of the sun.” 

Try new moves in Hoi An

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your spirit of adventure take you next?

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Travel With Purpose

Posted on by Shannon O'Donnell

Six curious faces looked up at my niece and me as we walked into the Big Brother Mouse bookstore in Luang Prabang, Laos. With a quick wave, we approached a group sitting at the large table, each person holding a well-worn notebook and pen. A curious young monk invited us to sit with them, excited to have native speakers join the bookstore’s daily English conversation class.  

 When I was planning this trip, the Big Brother Mouse organization’s grassroots mission to improve literacy in rural Laos captured my attention. So did its pitch to travellers: Make a difference by volunteering to help interested locals learn English. My 12-year-old niece and I were now travelling across Southeast Asia together in search of ways to use travel as a force for good. We revelled in the beauty of Cambodia’s ancient temples, Thailand’s iconic turquoise waters and the jagged karst rocks of northern Vietnam – while forming deeper connections with local cultures and supporting important conservation efforts.  

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The English class at the Laos bookstore was just right for our abilities: In two short hours, my niece helped the young monk troubleshoot the pronunciation of the “th” sound and I helped the group decipher the nuances of a recent news article. In that time, we two gained a fresh perspective on Laotian culture – and our new friends recommended new ways to see their city, including an awe-inspiring sunset boat ride along the Mekong River.  

This was the first deeply meaningful occasion we experienced on our trip, and it motivated us to spend the weeks of our trip helping to empower disabled artisans in Cambodia, supporting Burmese refugees near the Thai border and working with elephant conservation groups in northern Thailand. These experiences gave us a deeper understanding of other people and cultures, as well as a better understanding of the world. And while some of our volunteer work took days, many of the most rewarding activities required just a few hours – easy to work into any itinerary.  

Looking to go beyond must-see spots and immerse yourself in your destination? Four Seasons can help you maximize your experience there while also benefiting its people and culture.  

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Walk With Elephants

Watching elephants joyfully bathe in a local river is a highlight of any trip to Southeast Asia. My niece and I loved seeing wide, happy arcs of water sail through the air as elephants sprayed themselves (and the occasional spectator). Rescued from abuse and overwork on the streets of Thailand, the elephants at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle now live a life of luxury at the property’s Elephant Camp. Through a partnership with the Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation, guests have helped adopt and care for more than 20 elephants, providing food and veterinary care through monthly memberships. For a hands-on experience, join the on-site mahouts and help bathe, feed and walk the gentle giants, or set out on one of three jungle excursions to see them in their natural jungle habitat. End your day with the tinkling sounds of traditional Thai folk music as you enjoy a candlelit al fresco dinner at the Elephant Camp. 

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Encourage a Love of Learning

The gift of learning starts with the love of a good book, and guests at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo can help spark a lifelong passion for reading among local students. Through partnerships with Creciendo Juntos and Libros Para Todos, guests can collect and donate backpacks filled with school supplies – and your favourite books – to area schools. If school is in session, the Resort can arrange in-person assistance, from painting buildings and cooking for students and teachers to playing sports with the children and reading to them. The Resort can also connect you with local families to play, cook or visit with them, as well as ways to donate medical supplies and food. The deep connections you’ll make will help turn memorable moments into meaningful ones.  

 

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Strike a Sustainable Balance

Dreamy beaches, lush jungles, ancient temples, deep spirituality: Bali will leave you breathless. Help protect this paradise at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, where cultural conservation is front and centre. Join students at the nearby School for Special Needs for a workshop in dance, Balinese gamelan music, painting, wood carving or pottery. Want to focus on your idyllic environment? Collect trash and debris on a beach walk to sell to Sampah Jujur, a group founded by jeweller John Hardy to show how recycling can be profitable. Or learn about composting, snail farming and tree planting with Zero Waste to Ocean, which responds to environmental challenges facing coastal communities. After a day of good deeds, unwind back at the Resort with an inventive zero-waste cocktail at Sundara, where Head Mixologist Sufian Mahmoud has embraced a philosophy of “minimum waste, maximum flavour.” Each drink features fresh aromatic herbs grown in the Resort’s garden.   

At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, get a hands-on look at one of Bali’s oldest traditions: Spend a day in the life of a local farmer in the bucolic rice fields along the Ayung River. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in a bale, or pavilion, then learn how the farmers plant and harvest rice. Celebrate a job well done with water from a fresh coconut picked and cut just for you and a bathing ritual at the Spa, including an invigorating river-stone scrub and soothing Balinese massage.  

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Protect African Wildlife

I was delighted to spot the Big Five – leopards, lions, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo – but during my once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian safari, watching a mama cheetah frolic across the African savannah with two cubs in tow shines bright in my memory. Guests at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti should snap extra photos of cheetahs during their excursion into the savannah – one of the least-disturbed and best-studied areas in Africa. At the Lodge’s Discovery Centre, guests can share their images with the Serengeti Cheetah Project, which uses crowdsourced wildlife photos to help identify and track the felines. Each cheetah has its own unique spot pattern, and the photos help researchers record the animals’ movements. And they’re not the only big cat of interest: Set out with a guide to set up remote-camera traps, then spend an afternoon monitoring and classifying animals captured on film with help from The Serengeti Lion Project. 

World of Wonder

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

From rolling green hills to staggering peaks and sparkling blue seas, the world is full of beautiful places. But some spots are truly spectacular – with awe-inspiring beauty and gravitas that stop us in our tracks and leave us forever changed.  

Whether it’s a visit to one of the Wonders of the World – new, natural or ancient – or a step back through time at a UNESCO World Heritage site, Four Seasons can help you discover some of the world’s most bucket list–worthy landmarks. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Great Wall of China in Beijing or reflect on the mysteries of the ancient Sphinx in Cairo as you dine like Egyptian royalty: Four Seasons offers exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will give you a new perspective on the world. 

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The Great Wall of China

Begun in the seventh century BC as a defence against nomadic groups and expanded over the centuries by subsequent emperors, the Great Wall of China today stretches 21,196 km (13,170 miles) across China’s forest-covered northern borders and mountains. Declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wall is a staggering feat of architectural engineering. One of the best-preserved sections is the Mutianyu segment, constructed of slabs of granite and featuring 23 watchtowers fully restored to their Ming dynasty glory. Get a rare aerial glimpse of the iconic landmark during a private helicopter tour arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Beijing – the perfect way to fully take in the majestic structure’s scale and grandeur. Afterwards, hike the area’s verdant woods with an expert guide, who will explain the wall’s rich and complicated history, and end your adventure with a picnic lunch served atop the Great Wall itself.  

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Hoi An: A UNESCO Trifecta

The ancient seaport of Hoi An is perfectly positioned in the heart of Vietnam’s history. Wander the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient City; explore the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, one of the region’s most important Hindu temple complexes; and discover the sprawling Imperial City of Hue: The UNESCO World Heritage sites are all within easy reach of Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai). Tour Hoi An’s Central Market with a local guide, stopping to appreciate the assembly hall of Phuoc Kien, built in 1692 by Chinese merchants in honour of sea goddess Thien Hau, and learn the stories of the pagoda-covered Japanese Bridge, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. At My Son Sanctuary, venture into the valley to see 71 monuments spread across the valley, flanked by the three holy mountains and the sacred river. Tour this ancient place of worship – the burial place of Champa kings – and then head to the triple-walled Imperial City of Hue, once Vietnam’s political, cultural and religious centre. Marvel at the octagonal Thien Mu Pagoda, or opt for a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River. Afterwards, return to the Resort and reflect on your day of discovery as you gaze over the East Sea from the tiered infinity pool. 

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The Lost City of Petra

Few places are as aesthetically dramatic as Petra, an ancient city carved with exquisite detail into the towering red sandstone walls and sweeping sand dunes that ripple through Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert. When you emerge from the narrow, winding canyon known as the Siq and catch your first glimpse of Petra’s iconic Treasury protruding from the rock, you’ll understand why the lost city is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Whether you’re using Four Seasons Hotel Amman as your home base, or are passing through on the Ancient Explorer itinerary aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet, you’ll experience unparalleled access to this 2,000-year-old city and the surrounding desert. Enjoy a thrilling 4×4 excursion through the dunes, or opt for a slower pace with a ride on a camel. Our favourite way to admire the stunning scenery? A Bedouin-style dinner around a fire, marvelling at the star-studded desert sky. 

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The Colourful Baa Atoll

To complement your adventures on land and in the air, turn to the sparkling blue waters of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s home to one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean – and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Swim with whale sharks and manta rays, explore the vibrant reefs, and even work towards PADI Open Water certification with the help of expert scuba instructors. Or join a team of passionate marine biologists from the Resort’s Marine Discovery Centre as they help repair the reef, track manta rays and rehabilitate Maldivian sea turtles – hands-on opportunities to help preserve this unique and vital ecosystem. The reefs alone are populated by more than 1,000 species of fish.  

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The Storied Acropoli

Imagine standing in one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, surrounded by history: The Acropolis in Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy, medicine and art, and the mythical home of the gods. Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city, the 2,500-year-old Acropolis includes several iconic structures, like the Parthenon and the temple Athena Nike. See them all during a private tour with an archaeologist from the Acropolis Museum, arranged by Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. Explore the museum, then enjoy an exclusive visit to the historic compound. Afterwards, return to the Hotel for a spa treatment inspired by the ancient teachings of Hippocrates or a Michelin-starred dinner at Pelagos, named for the Greek word for ocean and serving a bounty of fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean Sea.

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The Pyramids of Giza

As the sole survivor from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids of Giza are on most travellers’ lists of must-see destinations. Mysterious and majestic, the pyramids are a legendary symbol of Egypt’s 7,000-year history. Venture into the desert for a dinner fit for a pharaoh, arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza: Watch colourful lights play over the Sphinx and the pyramids before you head to a private tent for a meal tailored to your tastes and served by a Four Seasons chef. Live performances of some of Egypt’s greatest musical works and a private show of the whirling tanoura dance round out this unforgettable evening.  

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A World Geopark

Ride the steepest cable car in the world, paddle a kayak through a tangle of mangroves, hike the rainforest in search of dusky leaf monkeys or one of the island’s 190 species of birds: When you stay at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, you’re never at a loss for adventure. Nestled within Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark – defined as geographical areas where important sites and landscapes are managed with an eye on protection, education and sustainability – the Resort can arrange experiences on land, sea and air at its Geopark Discovery Centre. The centre’s on-site team of naturalists can fill you in on the region’s diverse habitats and rock formations, as well as the flora and fauna that call them home. At the end of a full day, retreat to your private Malay-style pavilion or villa, stop first at or the beachside Quiet Pool to refresh and recharge. 

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Why Pick Just One?

Unforgettable moments await when you lift off aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet. Travel the globe in style, following carefully curated itineraries that take you to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Explore Easter Island, Petra and the Great Barrier Reef – all UNESCO World Heritage sites – on the Ancient Explorers journey. Head to Victoria Falls in Zambia (one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World), the pyramids of Giza and the glories of Athens, stops on the African Wonders trip. Or explore the Americas and Antarctica on Uncharted Discovery, with stops at both a New Wonder (Machu Picchu) and a Natural Wonder (Iguazú Falls). Whenever you tap into your sense of wonder, the entire world becomes ripe for exploration. 

 

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your sense of wonder take you next?

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The 7 Most Romantic Getaways

Posted on by Stephanie Jones
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A Helicopter Over Volcanoes in Oahu

In Hawaii, the two of you can strengthen your bond by sharing the Earth, Wind & Fire helicopter tour offered by Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina. Prepare for sensory abundance as you and your loved one fly past the verdant cliffs of Molokai, the green – yes, green – sand beaches of Papakolea, the Hamakua Coast’s misty waterfalls and even active volcanoes. “Each of the Hawaiian islands is so different from the next, so beautiful in its own way,” says Concierge Manager Ricarda Schellenberg. “This experience delivers all of the magical landscapes Hawaii has to offer.”

A high point of the journey takes place on the ground. “When you land at the Hawaii Legacy Forest on Big Island, you walk through waist-high grass and get your hands into the rich black volcanic soil to replant a native koa tree, giving back to the ‘aina,” caring for the land, Schellenberg says. “Afterwards, the awe of seeing the landscape from above becomes very real.” You’ll return to the Resort in time for a glass of Champagne at sunset.

Take Your Love to New Heights in Oahu

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A Private, Starlit Spa in Nevis

What could be better than stargazing together? Stargazing from a private volcanic-stone jetted tub in the heart of the Caribbean. The Spa Under the Stars experience at Four Seasons Resort Nevis transforms the Spa into an exclusive sanctuary for serenity and romance. You’ll have the entire space to yourselves – including a Japanese–inspired cold plunge pool and Spa Deck, surrounded by the privacy of a tropical garden. Your Nevisian massage begins with a foot bath in warm coconut milk infused with lemongrass, followed by a massage using a locally infused blend of oils inspired by the exotic scents and spices of the West Indies. End your evening with a candlelit dinner for two on the sala deck, overlooking Nevis Peak.

“Spa Under the Stars is inherently romantic, but I love when a guest goes the extra mile to make it a surprise for their partner,” says Spa Specialist Kevin Raymond. “And if you happen to be here during a full moon night, there’s just nothing like it.” Couples should also make sure to tour the ruins of the Hamilton Estate, a former sugar plantation once owned by the family of Nevis-born U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton – as in Broadway’s hit show Hamilton.

Celebrate your love in Nevis

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French Riviera cruise

The Coastal Byways of the French Riviera

When Grace Kelly and Cary Grant whirred along the cinematic coasts of the French Riviera in the 1955 Hitchcock movie To Catch a Thief, they became an example for generations to come. You can recreate the scene with the aid of Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel: Set out in your choice of classic luxury car – a Mercedes 190 SL, a Porsche 550 RS Spyder, or a Jaguar XK120 – and drive along cliff-edge roads overlooking the Mediterranean.

“What’s more romantic than a getaway to the French Riviera?” asks Chief Concierge Salvatore Esposito. “Between past and present, our landscape offers you breathtaking views overlooking the sea. You’ll drive a classic car from the Hotel straight to paradise.”

Find a road map to romance in Cap-Ferrat

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A Barefoot Beach Dinner in the Seychelles

The special quality of a candlelit meal is amplified when it’s served on a white sand beach illuminated by the moon. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles arranges that very dinner on Petite Anse Beach, ringed by flourishing coral reefs. If you can take your eyes off each other, you might spot fruit bats (they’re vegan) flying high overhead and hermit crabs meandering along the shore.

“Arrive around 6:30 pm, just in time for sunset and a glass of Champagne,” says Executive Chef Apostolos Dimou, who’s careful to note that the sun drops directly in front of the bay. “We can also work with couples to develop their own perfect menu, so the experience becomes even more personal.” The sky is the limit when it comes to the menu: savour local flavours, or really impress your partner by recreating dishes from your first dinner date.

Toast your time together in Seychelles

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Flower ritual Chiang Mai

A Pampering Session in the Garden in Thailand

Flowers have symbolized flourishing love for centuries. And they play an integral role in the two-hour Sunset Connection at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. The two of you first receive an intense, full-body massage with warm oil, and then retire to a warm bath infused with tropical flowers. You have your choice of soaking spots: the Spa’s al fresco tubs beneath the forest canopy, or the tub in your private villa’s spa-like bathroom. It’s a euphoric end to a day on the water, exploring the jungle-clad islands of Angthong Marine National Park.

Find blissful relaxation in Koh Samui

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A Taste of the Amalfi Coast in Miami

Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra stayed (separately) in the legendary Surf Club, reborn as Four Seasons Hotel The Surf Club, so romance comes with the territory. Along with every ounce of glamour from the past, the property now includes Le Sirenuse restaurant, an outpost of the beloved cliff-side original in Positano, Italy.

A Turkish hammam and a Champagne bar with the largest selection of bubbly in Miami make attractive choices for you, but sometimes the most memorable moments come about before the city wakes. “Watch the sunrise from your oceanfront balcony,” says Guest Relations Manager Mark Warren. “We’ll bring freshly brewed coffee and made-to-order breakfast straight to your room.”

Unwind in Style in Miami

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Sierra Nevada trip Bogotá

A Lost Mountain City in Bogotá

If your definition of a dream date includes a touch of Indiana Jones, look no further than Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá. Taking the Hotel’s Sierra Nevada day trip, you’ll board a private jet for the village of Santa Marta some 45 minutes away, and then hop on a helicopter to soar over Colombia’s lush Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, where the indigenous Kogi community has lived for centuries. Explore the thatch-roofed Mulkuakungui Village and connect with Kogi locals, learning rituals and receiving a handwoven piqué backpack. Lovebirds can keep an eye out for blue-bearded helmet crests, one of the 28 avian species that occupy only this region. (Colombia has the most diverse bird population worldwide.) As you fly out, take note of the circular terraces of Ciudad Perdida, or Lost City, which the Kogi built in AD 800.

In search of more sky-high adventure? The Hotel can arrange a helicopter expedition to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and the emerald-coloured Gustavita Lake, scene of the famed legend of El Dorado, or Villa de Leyva – a remote, colonial-era town where you can explore the beauty and fascinating history, culture and art of the Colombian Andes.

Explore Sky-High Adventure in Bogota

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will you and your love go next?

mountain views at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

9 Best Places to Snorkel in the World

Posted on by Casey Siemasko Moore

There are few better ways to escape the daily grind than by snorkelling – effortlessly floating through tranquil waters, a kaleidoscope of vibrant fish and mesmerising sea creatures all around.

With up to 80 percent of all earthly life located in the seas, there’s no shortage of remarkable creatures to encounter. And memorable aquatic adventures can be had near shore with a mask, fins and snorkel. Snorkellers can experience the intense natural beauty of the underwater world without heavy equipment or time-consuming certification – which means no matter what your level of experience, the ocean’s beauty is within reach.

To help you make plans to swim with sea turtles or mingle with manta rays, we reveal our top nine places to snorkel in the world.

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Baa Atoll, Maldives

Why it’s special: Swim with manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve

Nearly 1,200 picture-perfect coral islands come together in the Indian Ocean to form the magical Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers the unique opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles, docile reef sharks, vividly coloured fish and even the occasional dolphin.

The indescribable experience of snorkelling amid the giant, notoriously rare manta rays and whale sharks is not to be missed. Join a marine biologist from the Resort for an escorted snorkelling and manta ray adventure, or hop aboard the Four Seasons Explorer for a magical boating foray into the ocean around the Maldives.

Dive into adventure

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Maui, Hawaii

Why it’s special: Unique lava rocks and secret coves abound

With its abundance of tranquil beaches, sheltered coves and crystal-clear water, it’s no wonder Maui is a classic family favourite for fun in the sea. You’ll find an abundance of snorkelling sites around the island, but don’t miss a visit to the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Get the gear you need at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, just a stone’s throw from the nature reserve and right on Wailea – a great place for beginners.

Watch for signs for the reserve on Makena Road, just past Big Beach. From here, look for Waiala Cove, an ideal spot just 100 yards (91 metres) into the reserve. The nooks and crannies of the lava rocks make perfect homes for a vast array of exotic fish, coral, eels and sea turtles. The site is easy to access; you need only go a few metres into the water before swirling schools of fish arrive to nibble at your feet.

Explore a vibrant underwater world

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Koh Tao, Thailand

Why it’s special: The Japanese Gardens’ one-of-a-kind granite boulders, home to spectacular coral and aquatic life

Surrounded by tranquil, cerulean water and dotted with enchanting bays and beaches, the small island of Koh Tao, Thailand, is synonymous with world-class diving and snorkelling, and only a short jaunt from Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

After exploring the Japanese Gardens, named for its spectacular boulders covered with ornate hard and soft coral, continue your adventure at Aow Leuk, one of Koh Tao’s most beautiful beaches. Baby sharks, clownfish, triggerfish and blue spotted rays all come out to swim in this underwater playground.

Find beautiful beaches

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Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Why it’s special: 76 world-class dives within a short boat ride

Abundant reefs, colourful fish, historic shipwrecks: The Red Sea is a spectacular playground for divers and snorkelers. Spot turtles, sharks, lionfish, rays and eels among the coral gardens and clear waters, and with a variety of sites so close to Sharm El Sheikh, snorkellers of all skill levels can find their ideal depth. The House Reef at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect place for beginners to get their feet wet; the private and secluded spot ranges in depth from 5 metres to 40 metres, and is easily accessible from the Resort’s swimming jetty,

The underwater adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Don’t miss the opportunity for a chance to explore the reef under the light of a full moon – even without lights, visibility reaches an impressive depth of 10 metres. It’s an otherworldly evening, made even more enchanting by the glow of bioluminescent plankton.

Explore an underwater playground

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Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Why it’s special: The world’s largest coral reef and more than 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays

The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps the most iconic diving and snorkelling destination in the world, and the exceptional beauty of this natural wonder warrants the reputation that precedes it. The easiest way to experience the grandeur of this underwater marvel is to join any of the boat tours that take snorkellers to various spots along the reef. Most snorkellers and divers choose to base themselves in Cairns, but Port Douglas and Townsville also offer easy access to beautiful swims.

If you prefer to stay as close to the action as possible, try a visit to the small but lovely Heron Island, a coral cay located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with 60 percent of the species of fish that live along the Great Barrier Reef. Easy-to-access snorkelling spots right off the beach are notable bonuses.

After exploring the world under the waves, head down the coast to Four Seasons Hotel Sydney for an adventure on top of them – the famous swells at nearby Bondi Beach are perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Catch the perfect wave

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Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

Why it’s special: Drift snorkelling with the current, and crystal-clear water abounding with majestic manta rays

Bali is frequently referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” and it’s a fitting name. But what many travellers don’t realise is that extraordinary biodiversity and pockets of calm water surround Bali. A day trip from Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay will take you to one of the best snorkelling sites just off the island: Nusa Lembongan.

Spot more than 250 species of fish, along with sharks, coral and mesmerising manta rays. The crystal-clear water and calm bays are ideal for all levels of skill. For further exploration underwater, hire a private boat from the Resort and head to Manta Point, Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point, three popular snorkelling sites around Nusa Lembongan.

Dive beneath the water’s surface

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Young Woman Snorkeling The Coral Reef In Tropical Sea

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Why it’s special: Feeding sharks at the Lagoonarium

If you yearn to get closer to sharks, a visit to Bora Bora should be at the top of your bucket list. In this Polynesian paradise, a close encounter with blacktip reef and lemon sharks is almost a given, along with rays, turtles, dolphins and colourful coral teeming with reef fish.

Stay in a beachfront villa at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and slip into the water right off your bungalow to explore the underworld through your mask. Join a local guide on n motorized outrigger canoe – a tribute the traditional Polynesian seafaring vessel – and visit three spectacular snorkelling spots: see dreamlike coral structures at Coral Garden; swim with stingrays in the lagoon’s shallow waters; and the Pacific Ocean, where schools of blacktip reef sharks and lemon sharks roam.

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Swim with stingrays

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Punta Mita, Mexico

Why it’s special: Rock formations and waterways near an uninhabited island, and underwater swim-through tunnels

While many covet sand space in Cancún, the Riviera Nayarit – and more specifically the sleepy fisherman’s village of Punta Mita – remains one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Right at the heart of this gem is Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the perfect jumping-off point for aquatic adventures in the region, even offering prime snorkelling for beginners near the Resort.

The clear blue water and distinctive rock formations along the coastline provide chances to swim with eagle rays, moray eels, starfish and seahorses. You can also expect vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves and the occasional visit from a friendly pod of dolphins.

Dive into clear blue waters

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Floating Above A Coral Reef

Florida Keys

Why it’s special: Spectacular coral and diverse marine life in the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.

The sublime underwater landscape in the Florida Keys supports a vivid array of colourful coral and sea sponges, along with marine life such as sharks, turtles and multitudes of tropical fish. And it’s all an easy day trip from Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

In Key Largo, home to the immensely popular Molasses Reef, you can swim among some of the Keys’ healthiest and most colourful coral, along with stingrays, eels, Goliath grouper and various shark species. Farther south, the charming village of Islamorada is a secret sweet spot boasting numerous patch reefs (isolated platforms of coral) where you’ll encounter barracudas, sea turtles, and – if you’re lucky – hammerhead sharks.

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