The 8 Most Glamorous Experiences From Four Seasons

A stay at Four Seasons can transport you to a luxurious home away from home for a few days—or, if you’re lucky, a few weeks. These hotels and resorts set a glamorous standard, offering extraordinary, over-the-top adventures around the world. Where else can you gain access to exclusive attractions, fly in a customised Boeing 757, sleep in arguably the world’s most comfortable bed and taste culinary excellence, one unforgettable vacation at a time?

Here are the 9 most glamorous experiences one can partake in at Four Seasons hotels and resorts from Florence to Mumbai. Travellers in search of unparalleled luxury and glamorous getaways, take note.

Toast to good taste from a hidden wine cellar in Paris


Four Seasons Paris wine cellar experience

Photography courtesy Lesley Murphy

As a recent guest at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, I was fortunate enough to join the ranks of an exclusive group of oenophiles who have travelled the 14 metres (46 feet) below ground to tour the Hotel’s legendary wine cellar. Over candlelit French canapés and a glass of Burgundy Pinot Noir, I took in the fascinating history of the George V cellar and sampled from a choice selection of the 50,000-bottle collection of rare wines, which includes a bottle of Terrantez from 1795 and a bottle of (drinkable!) port that dates back to 1900. With a set-up this romantic and picture perfect, it’s not surprising that the cellar sees its fair share of marriage proposals. See more from my glamorous stay in the City of Light, including a tour of the Hotel’s legendary penthouse, on The Road Les Traveled.

Get pampered like a celebrity in Beverly Hills


Pretty Woman Spa experience at Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Whether you’re a movie buff or just in need of some me time, look no further than the Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the crowd-favourite romantic comedy Pretty Woman, which was filmed at the Hotel in 1990, and there’s no time like the present to live out the fairy tale of Julia Roberts’ character. Indulge with a mani, pedi and bubbly while watching the movie in a relaxing setting, or splurge for the Hotel’s red carpet–worthy treatment: a Sculpted Beauty Wrap, Diamond Luxury Lift Facial (using infused diamond-cut quartz), and sparkling Diamond Manicure and Pedicure.

Indulge in a 24-carat gold facial in Mumbai


24-Carat Gold Anti-Aging Facial at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

At Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, all that glitters is gold—notably, the Hotel’s 24-Carat Gold Anti-Aging Facial. Gold has been used in skin care and healing for centuries, and even Cleopatra found it irresistible as she embraced its anti-inflammatory properties. Utilising the ancient Indian healing art of ayurveda, therapists massage the precious metal into the skin, reducing wrinkles and leaving you radiant and ready to take on the day. While the treatment comes at a price, the long-lasting after-effects are priceless.

Arrive to your private snow hotel via helicopter in Whistler


Glamping in ice caves at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

If camping in the great outdoors armed with nothing but a tent and sleeping bag doesn’t suit your style, glamping just might. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler combines outdoor adventure with luxury amenities during its Glamping experience, which begins when a helicopter takes you to the region’s largest ice field. Explore ice caves via snowmobile before being whisked away to your very own snow hotel full of creature comforts—think pre-warmed duvets, thermal spa experiences and culinary creations from Four Seasons chefs. Wake up rested and ready to ski outside the box thanks to unprecedented access to Whistler Blackcomb’s epic terrain.

Shop exclusive designer collections in New York


Behind the Seams fashion experience at Four Seasons Hotel New York

Photography courtesy Thinkstock

Calling all fashionistas: Get ready to walk the walk and talk the talk of haute couture at Four Seasons Hotel New York. Every week might as well be Fashion Week in New York City, which boasts the greatest concentration of design talent in the world. Here to help guide you through it is Kathleen Beckett, former editor at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, with connections at more than 200 designer studios. Venture to pre-selected studios via limousine, get the exclusive behind-the-scenes look into designers’ latest collections, and learn what’s chic on the streets and runway-ready. If you’re lucky, you might even have a design made just for you.

Fly around the world by private jet


Unforgettable vacations on the Four Seasons Private Jet

Four Seasons has found a way to elevate luxury travel to extraordinary new heights with the Four Seasons Jet and a variety of international itineraries, which take travellers to the globe’s most exotic destinations. Reserve one of the 52 seats available on a Four Seasons Private Jet Experience and you’ll enjoy the journey at 30,000 feet just as much as the destination, thanks to the Jet’s luxurious accommodations (think lie-flat beds and international inflight Wi-Fi) and personalised service from the on-board Concierge and Four Seasons chef. Get inspired to take your own around-the-world expedition by following the Jet’s next 24-day tour to nine destinations, including Bora Bora and Istanbul.

Spend a lavish week at sea in the Maldives


Diving with sharks and manta rays on Four Seasons Explorer

Stretch your sea legs aboard the Four Seasons Explorer, the destination’s most luxurious live-aboard catamaran. If you’re in the mood for adventure, embark on a seven-night group research odyssey to observe the Maldives’ most exciting residents—manta rays and whale sharks—in action. Looking for a more private escape? Charter the Explorer so that you and your nearest and dearest can spread out among its well-appointed rooms, dining room, two bars, lounge, library and sun decks, and enjoy personalised itineraries.

Experience your dream vacation in the Seychelles


Four Seasons Seychelles four-bedroom residence villa

Whether you’re looking for adventure, privacy, tranquillity or a party, you can have it all at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. Available with your three-, four-, or five-bedroom villa, the “Residen-chelles” menu consists of four tailor-made escapes with family and friends in mind. Book the Dream Escape and learn how to surf in the private 88-foot (27-metre) pool, or opt for the Serenity Escape featuring personalised spa treatments and yoga activities. A Family Escape with the entire crew offers private BBQs, arts and crafts, salsa classes, or movie nights under the stars, while the Final Escape caters to group celebrations with spa parties, cooking classes and water volleyball. The best part: All packages are completely customisable to fully satisfy your vacation desires.

 

Exploring Mumbai With a Dabbawala

The Mumbai train system is the lifeblood of this metropolis. It nourishes the city by pumping commuter trains full of citizens through its arteries to all of their destinations. More than 7.5 million commuters crowd its coaches every day, making this one of the busiest rapid transit systems in the world.

On a humid winter morning, I arrive at Churchgate railway station, one of the system’s critical nexuses. At any given moment, trains glide in and out of a dark, bustling train terminus, picking up and dropping off people from every tier of life in Mumbai, from office workers to students to merchants to executives. Standing with Valencia Albuquerque, Concierge of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, I watch as tides of vibrant colours spill on and off of the trains and spread in every direction.


Two Mumbai dabbawalas carry their customers' lunch pails

Mumbai’s dabbawalas pick up fresh meals from their clients’ homes each day before delivering the containers to their workplace in time for lunch.

As the sea of commuters begins to clear, I also notice passengers dressed head to toe in white and unloading assortments of cylindrical tiffin boxes. These are the city’s dabbawalas, highly specialised workers whose sole task is to ensure that meals originating from homes all around Mumbai reach their owners safely at lunchtime.

The dabbawala system is a reflection of the Mumbai that surrounds it: incredibly organised chaos. – Zach Glassman

More than a century of history

This unique system originated in the late 1800s, when there were very few restaurants in Mumbai, and fewer still to cater to a new class of commuting workers. As a matter of urgency and practicality, a new delivery system developed in which dabbawalas—literally “carriers of boxes”—stepped into the breach to bring warm lunches to the workers in every family.

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Today, thousands upon thousands of deliveries are made to offices around Mumbai. The dabbawalas, part of a tradition that began about 125 years ago, are the packers and messengers for hungry office workers all over the metropolis.

Experiencing lunch in Mumbai

It was at Churchgate station that I met Dyaneshwar Paangare, whom I would be shadowing for the day through the Lunch Like a Local Extraordinary Experience, available exclusively through Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. While I didn’t actually assist the dabbawalas in the sorting and final delivery of their shipments—several botched deliveries might have resulted if I had tried my hand—I did gain understanding of this complex system and its various moving parts. The explanations from both Albuquerque and Paangare helped me appreciate the amount of work and precision required for the delivery of a single dabba (box).

From beginning to end, each meal changes hands at least five times. Every tiffin box has an alphanumeric code (some written more clearly than others) from which a dabbawala can ascertain the origin, the destination and other crucial information. With great interest and countless questions, I followed Paangare from Churchgate to a delivery at his final destination (Mafatlal Centre, an office building in Nariman Point).

A complex system

In an age when nearly all logistics have moved to electronic coding and tracking, it was fascinating to see a system that appeared so haphazard and yet worked with astounding accuracy and efficiency. The system relies entirely on human processing, from the cooking of each meal to the reading of each individual tiffin box to the physical delivery of each parcel. And it operates nearly flawlessly, with errors being reported so rarely that the rate of successful deliveries is close to 100 percent. The dabbawala system is a reflection of the Mumbai that surrounds it: incredibly organised chaos.

My immersion in the world of dabbawalas served as the best possible introduction to the city’s train system, and to the Fort and Nariman Point areas of Mumbai. Once the delivery was complete, I returned to the Hotel, where a warm vegetarian tiffin box awaited my attention. Though my own lunch might not have arrived from a faraway corner of Mumbai, I was able to unwind and enjoy some delicious food with a new-found comprehension of the craft, customs and systems behind this daily ritual.

Your Journey Begins Here

Start planning your trip to Mumbai

Explore

Our Travel Intentions for 2025

This year, meet the anticipation of a new beginning with moments of appreciation. The meditative sound of crystal singing bowls at The Heart of The Earth Spa in Hoi An, putting your mind at ease. The way each dish of the seven-course tasting menu at Michelin-starred Auro takes you on a sensory journey through the current season in Napa Valley. The smile on the face of your favourite person as you learn to flamenco dance together in Madrid. When you travel with intention, every moment becomes quietly, sublimely extraordinary. At Four Seasons, wellness, connection and meaningful moments are what we’re looking forward to in 2025. Come set your own travel intentions with us.

Wellness: A focus on yourself

Travelling with intention starts from within. That means slowing down and staying present. That could be achieved through daily mindfulness exercises or a meditation practice that keeps you centred while you’re on vacation – or perhaps through travelling to a place where you know your well-being will be nurtured in a caring, intentional way.

With its overwater treatment pavilions set atop a lotus-filled lagoon, The Heart of The Earth Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam is a serene wellness retreat inspired by the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh – the Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk known as the father of the mindfulness movement, who believed that we are not separate from the Earth, but rather one with it. Here, you can attune yourself to the rhythms of nature through yoga, meditation rituals, healing massages and body treatments, sessions with visiting practitioners, and personalized wellness journeys. For a profound experience that will move body and soul, book the Spa’s signature Nam Hai Earth Song ritual, which includes a sound bath using eight synchronized, quartz-crystal alchemy bowls tuned to 432 Hz, the healing frequency of the Earth itself. Once you’ve realigned with yourself and the world around you, set out to explore the sacred sites, natural beauty and vibrant culture of Hoi An with one of the Resort’s immersive experiences.

Practise mindfulness in Hoi An

For many, connecting with the natural world is the easiest path to reconnecting with the self. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, the wonder of nature quite literally surrounds you. Set on a secluded island within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Indian Ocean, the Resort offers more than just a beautiful destination – it’s a place where innovation, conservation and wellness meet. Pay a visit to AyurMa, the Resort’s pioneering wellness haven centred on the four pillars of Ayurveda, yoga therapy, wellness and planetary well-being. “From Ayurvedic herbs to our daily rituals, we celebrate the Earth’s ability to heal us and our capability to heal her in return,” says Dr. Arun K. Tomson, Director of AyurMa. This reverence for nature can also be felt throughout the Resort, whether you’re exploring the lagoon after dark, helping the resident marine biologists at the Marine Discover Centre, or swimming with dolphins and manta rays in the crystal-clear waters of the Baa Atoll.

Feel connected in the Maldives

Connection: A focus on new cultures and authentic experiences

Immersing yourself in the culture of a destination does two things: It provides the joy of novelty and experiences that may be new to us, and it reminds us that there is a variety of infinitely beautiful ways to spend our days. More and more, the desire for authentic, experiential travel is at the top of the list of our vacation must-haves.

In Madrid, you’ll find history, art, food and festivals fueling the city’s cosmopolitan flair. Located in the historic Centro Canalejas building just a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid puts you in the heart of Spain’s charismatic capital. Explore the shops at neighbouring Galería Canalejas and other nearby boutiques to see where fashionable Madrileños find their fits, join an expert guide on a historical walking tour, or dive deep into the culture of flamenco as you get to know the history of Spanish classical guitars and take in a flamenco show at a traditional tablao. Socializing with friends and family is also a huge part of day-to-day life in Madrid, so finish your day with dinner at the Hotel’s Dani Brasserie, a lively, welcoming restaurant featuring Michelin-distinguished Chef Dani García’s Andalusian dishes in a stylish rooftop setting.

Savour a taste of Spain in Madrid

Seeing a city transform in real time is a fascinating experience. Doha, the burgeoning capital of Qatar, is rapidly coming into its modern iteration while still sitting confidently with its historic past. So where do you start? When you stay at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, you can embark on a full- or half-day Heart of Doha City Tour to see the famous Doha Corniche, the Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, all under the knowledgeable care of an expert guide. Prefer to fully immerse yourself in the art and culture of the region? The Hotel’s Cultural Wonders Museum Tour is for you. And for a truly unforgettable experience, the full-day Desert & Sea Safari will take you on an adventure through the dunes to where the desert meets the sea. If you’re travelling with a larger group, the spacious apartments at Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar offer full kitchens and optional extra rooms on the stunning human-made island, along with additional experiences you’ll only find through Four Seasons.

Explore the city, desert and sea in Doha

Meaningful moments: Focus on time together

Our fast-paced lives often leave us wanting to spend more quality time with the ones we love. By travelling with intention, that feeling of genuine connection tends to naturally take centre stage. Stronger connections are also formed when you experience new things together, which is why Four Seasons puts so much care into making sure the moments you have both on and off property are meaningful and memorable, no matter where you decide to travel.

When you first arrive at Elusa Winery, the on-site vineyard at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, you get the sense that everything is moving at exactly the right pace. The grapes, after all, will not be rushed. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, travelling with friends or on a multigenerational trip, this feeling of being fully in the present, in lockstep with the seasons, can be felt throughout your stay. From wine dinners and cocktail classes to vineyard picnics and relaxing spa treatments, it’s easy to find intentional ways to spend time together in Napa Valley. For an unforgettable evening, try the seven-course tasting menu at Auro, Calistoga’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and experience hyper-seasonal bounty with Chef Rogelio Garcia’s signature touch.

Taste the season in Napa Valley

Sometimes, a little rest and relaxation are all you need to reconnect. At Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, spend your days lounging in one of the legendary poolside cabanas, the very same ones Winston Churchill used to spend time in to paint and unwind. With two pools and a quiet stretch of beach just a few steps away, this family-friendly hotel could be exactly what you need. Go for a ride together in one of the complimentary electric Mokes to take in the scenery or ride your bicycle in search of the perfect picnic spot, courtesy of an insider tip from the Concierge. Get the best of both worlds with a yacht and city tour of nearby Miami or see the coastline from the sky on a private helicopter tour before returning to the Hotel for a sunset beach picnic curated by the talented culinary team. Each moment, no matter how small, is an opportunity to create joyful memories. And Four Seasons will help make sure you don’t miss a single one.

Unwind together in Surfside

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

What are you travel intentions for 2025?

Two umbrellas on beach with turquoise water

Unique Day Trips Around the World

No one enjoys a day inside a beautiful hotel more than I do, but you can’t come home from your trip with nothing but stories about the signature cocktails at the bar. To mix things up a bit, here are four of the most unusual day trips I’ve taken from some of my favourite Four Seasons destinations. And don’t worry—when you return in the evening after your day of adventure, that cocktail will still taste great.

Buenos Aires, Argentina


Things to do in Tigre, Argentina

Just north of Buenos Aires is Tigre, a picturesque delta town situated among rivers and canals that is famous for its weekend floating produce market.

It’s easy to forget that Buenos Aires is a river city, but an hour-long train ride north of Buenos Aires brings you to the delta town of Tigre, renowned for its weekend floating produce market. Stroll around, shopping for flowers and fruit offered by growers who motor down the river from their farms deeper in the region, or take a boat tour around the swampy, beautiful inlets to see yacht clubs, swanky porteño weekend vacation homes and simple houses filled with fishing kids who will wave as you motor past.

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires

If you want to venture further, a two-hour boat ride from Tigre reaches the island of Martín García. Once a military outpost, and then a penal colony where Juan Perón spent a few days after his arrest, the island is now a National Historical Monument and Flora and Fauna Reserve, where crumbling pieces of history mix with beautiful delta forest and creatures.

Chiang Mai, Thailand


Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand

At Elephant Nature Park, an hour away from Chiang Mai, watch, feed and play with these gentle giants for an unforgettable experience.

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that could very well have drawn you for many reasons, but there’s no way you planned a trip here without wanting to see elephants. An incredible rescue preserve called the Elephant Nature Park is located about an hour north of town in the green mountains of Northern Thailand.

Here, elephants rescued from horrific conditions are left to wander—unridden and unbothered—in a gorgeous natural valley. You get to feed them, kiss them, and, when they decide to wander down to the perfect river flowing through the whole place, follow them in and bathe them. Be careful: If you’re like me, you will fall in love and give this wonderful place all of your money.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Scottsdale, Arizona


Slide Rock near Scottsdale, Arizona

On a family visit to Scottsdale, be sure to take time to drive north to Slide Rock, where kids and adults alike will love slipping over the wet red sandstone.

Two hours north of Scottsdale is Slide Rock—a natural water slide that looks as if it were manufactured by a theme-park designer. Neatly carved by clear water through the red, soft sandstone is a person-wide, angled slide covered in just enough algae to be fantastically slippery and yet still not gross. The sandstone banks on either side are flat and smooth, ideal for sunbathing. Crawl out of the chilly water and lie under the blue sky on the sun-warmed sandstone, and remember days spent as a kid warming up on the hot summer concrete by the pool.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Los Angeles, California


Day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, California

It’s only a two-hour drive from Beverly Hills to Joshua Tree National Park, which covers three of California’s ecoregions and boasts more than 800,000 acres (323,749 hectares) for exploring.

You’ve done the Venice boardwalk and Rodeo Drive. Today you’re going to experience a quirkier side of California. Two hours east of Beverly Hills is Joshua Tree, a desert national park famous for its signature cactus tree that looked to early Mormon settlers like Joshua holding his arms up to the Lord in prayer.

First, go to the nearby Integratron for your sound bath. Built in the 1950s by Hughes Aircraft Inspector George van Tassel after alleged alien communication, this wooden dome was supposed to refresh the human body and spirit. But the acoustic qualities of the building have led to its use as a recording studio for bands such as the Arctic Monkeys, and as an excellent spot for a truly rejuvenating retreat. You’ll lie on mats for what the Integratron website calls “kindergarten nap time for grown-ups,” while a woman rubs an array of quartz bowls, creating sounds that she claims are massaging and cleaning your filthy chakras. At the very least, the beautiful and calming sounds of the ringing bowls will make every organ in your body vibrate. One warning: The acoustics are perfect, so your snores will really travel.

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

After your chakras are clean, head west a few miles down a designated California Scenic Drive to Pioneertown, a relic originally built as a live-in Old West set for movies that have been filmed here since the 1940s. Today, take a stroll down an old-timey desert street, lined with fake storefronts and found-art installations of weathered school desks and ancient typewriters set in gardens of broken coloured glass and ’50s children’s toys.

Along with other cowpeople, bikers and artists, mosey into Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace—a former cantina set and outlaw biker burrito bar turned barbecue haven and indie-music den—for a beer, a sandwich and maybe a show. Robert Plant and Vampire Weekend play here, as well as local family bands. Toto, you’re not in Beverly Hills any more.

Amman, Jordan

Unmarked on modern maps and unseen by outsiders for more than 500 years, ancient Petra was rediscovered in the 19th century, fuelling much wonder and excitement about the lost city’s mysterious past. The remains of this once-flourishing trade centre, named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, are now among Jordan’s most spectacular sites. As archaeologists continue to uncover the city’s secrets, Petra’s spectacular history—from its Nabataean origins to its Roman and later Byzantine rule—is revealed to adventurers and history buffs alike.

Four Seasons Hotel Amman

The idea of finding a lost city has fascinated humans for centuries, and walking down the winding Siq that leads into Petra will make you feel as though you are somehow discovering it for yourself. As you approach through the narrow gorge, catch glimpses of carved monuments that prove to be truly grand in scope. Just a few hours’ drive away in Jordan’s capital city, Four Seasons Hotel Amman is the ideal jumping-off point for a visit to Petra—an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Your Journey Begins Here

Select a destination and start exploring

Four Seasons Gift Cards: Give the Gift of Their Dreams

This holiday season, think outside the traditional gift box when choosing presents for friends, family and colleagues. With a Four Seasons Gift Card, everyone on your list is destined for the extraordinary.

Whether it’s a round of golf in a dream destination, a unique fitness class or a gourmet dinner in paradise, an unforgettable experience is theirs to choose – whenever and wherever they wish.

We explored the possibilities and gathered up some of the season’s most memorable and unusual gift ideas. Browse our wish list, then choose your amount and let them discover the gift of their dreams.

Golf with friends

Set up your favourite golfer for a round in paradise. The golf course at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is one of the best courses in Costa Rica and ranked among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest. Designed by Arnold Palmer, it begins atop one of Peninsula Papagayo’s highest plateaus, overlooking the waters of Bahía de Culebra.

At El Bajo, the signature par-4 sixth hole, golfers tee off from 200 feet (61 metres) above the green fairway below. A Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the golf course lies amid botanical gardens, scenic cliffs and an abundance of wildlife. Lucky golfers have been known to encounter a monkey or two.

Buy a gift card for a round in Costa Rica >

Dinner with a view


Private Island Dinner Experience, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

The Private Island Dinner Experience available through Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is one of the most intimate and romantic ways for a couple to enjoy the tropical destination.

Whatever the reason for a romantic getaway to Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, couples can mark the occasion with an unforgettable Polynesian dinner. During the Private Island Dinner Experience, guests take a canoe ride to a small white-sand island – known locally as a motu – for the perfect sunset view and a feast to remember.

The couple will sip Champagne while tasting expertly prepared dishes and fresh seafood. And for dessert? Choose a chocolate Polynesian pirogue or coconut and passion fruit sorbets. Whatever their personal tastes, the executive chef will cater to every need, with the option of adding wine pairings, a private singer or a professional photographer to capture the memories for years to come.

Buy a gift card to give the gift of dinner in paradise >

Cooking classes with local flavour


Cooking school at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

For the aspiring chef in your life, a gift card can be used to attend a class at the open-air cooking facility at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, designed by award-winning Bensley Design Studios in Bangkok to unite architectural influences of northern Thailand with traditional design.

One of the best parts of travelling is the opportunity to taste food all over the world. At the Cooking School at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, gourmands can immerse themselves in the traditions of Thai cuisine through a variety of Lanna-style cooking classes, plus optional trips to the local market and even vegetable-carving lessons.

Novice and expert chefs can choose their class according to their tastes, whether they prefer to make kaow soi gai (Chiang Mai curry noodle soup with chicken) or tom yum goong (spicy soup with shrimp). After class, students will move to the open-air dining area of the pavilion to savour delectable dishes and spectacular views.

Buy a gift card to show friends and family the flavours of Thailand >

A meditative practice


Yoga at Four Seasons Residence Club San Diego Aviara

At Four Seasons Residence Club San Diego Aviara, active guests can choose from indoor or outdoor yoga classes, as well as other types of classes, at the two fitness centres: Meadows Fitness (open 24 hours) and Summits Fitness.

For the wellness enthusiast, a restorative yet challenging fitness activity often tops their wish list. At Four Seasons Residence Club San Diego Aviara, guests can partake in on-site yoga classes in an open-air pavilion that overlooks the pool. Waterproof cedar floors and adjustable wall screens allow for a safe and private practice.

There’s a class for every pace: vinyasa is typically centred on the flow and the breath, while hatha yoga is a more restorative practice and combining hatha and Pilates provides a strong core workout. Barre is another interesting workout, largely influenced by ballet, utilising a ballet bar for targeted strengthening exercises. Whatever the practice, there’s no better way to get energised for a day spent in the city or by the pool.

Buy a gift card to give the gift of rejuvenating wellness >

A delightful treat


Chocolate at Four Seasons Hotels Istanbul

Ghislain Gaille, the Executive Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus creates artisan chocolates by adding modern twists to his Grandfather’s legendary recipes. Visit the Hotel’s Chocolate Shop to taste test a bar that combines passion fruit, olive oil, ginger, cinnamon and fig with spices from Istanbul’s Spice Market.

Rather than guessing what treat best suits your friend or family member’s palate, let them choose their own. In the Chocolate Shop and Chocolate Showroom at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, travellers with a sweet tooth can taste and take home artisan chocolates and local specialties prepared by Chef Ghislain Gaille.

For a truly authentic dessert, recommend that they also taste a world-famous Turkish delight, a gelatin-like sweet treat that was first concocted in the 18th century, often flavoured with rosewater or citrus and covered with confectioner’s sugar. Today, the candies are available in many varieties, such as pistachio, coconut and cinnamon.

Buy a gift card for a taste of Istanbul’s sweet side >

Elegant nightcaps


Drinks at Four Seasons Hotel Casblanca, Bleu Bar

Have a friend visiting Morocco? Treat them to a drink at Bleu Bar at the new Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca. Here, guests can sit on the terrace amid ocean views or at the chic bar, where live entertainment can be enjoyed most weekends.

For the person on your list who enjoys a divine cocktail, the chic Bleu Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is the perfect oceanside spot. Suggest that they use the gift card to order A Tale of Two Cities, a cocktail for two made of caramel Casablanca tea with demerara sugar and lemon, served with violet-infused Earl Grey tea. Cocktails pair perfectly with a plate of fresh, world-renowned Dakhla oysters, from an ecologically protected area where oyster farmers do their work by hand. The new bar, inspired by the sea, is decorated with nautical touches, including seashell designs and curves reminiscent of the waves.

If they prefer afternoon tea to nightly drinks, mention the Hotel’s Mint, a lounge where they can enjoy gourmet French pastries on comfortable sofas amid traditional Moroccan décor.

Buy a gift card to give the gift of a seaside cocktail >

A meet and greet with modern artists


Songzhuang Artist Village tour

Located in the eastern suburbs of Beijing, Songzhuang Artist Village is a home of more than 2,000 top artists and their studios. Send your most creative friends there to attend an artist-led tour.

Give friends and family with a passion for contemporary art the chance to meet China’s most talented artists, as well as see their work. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing offers guests the opportunity to Go Inside Beijing’s Creative Scene with an intimate look at these inspiring creators. During the experience, guests join China’s leading artists for a tour of Songzhuang Artist Village. After the tour, guests can share a gourmet lunch with the artists at their home or studio, or in the surrounding orchard and gardens.

Buy a gift card for an intimate cultural experience >

Aquatic adventures


Water sports at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

After venturesome travellers get their feet wet snorkelling in the waters outside Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, they’ll want to try surfing or stand-up paddling. The Introduction to Surfing class is complimentary, but guests can use a gift card to purchase more lessons or rent boards to take on the waves on their own.

If you’re shopping for a venturesome traveller, a water-sports rental at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles will give them a fun way to get active on the water. Guests can choose between a smooth stand-up paddleboard ride and a thrilling surf experience on the Indian Ocean, each of which provides an exciting and effective workout. Expert Tropicsurf instructors are available to offer paddleboard tutorials and teach beginning surfers the fundamentals, while students can progress at their own pace.

Buy a gift card so loved ones can make a splash in the Seychelles >

A great night’s sleep at home


Four Seasons Bed – Oahu Suite, Hawaii

The signature Four Seasons Bed (available for purchase with a gift card) is the centrepiece to any sleep sanctuary. While its patented GelTouch foam centre absorbs heat to keep you cool at night, pocketed coil motion separation provides optimal support.

Give any Four Seasons fan or frequent traveller the ultimate gift: the opportunity to take home the brand’s world-renowned sleep experience. The signature Four Seasons Bed, developed over 50 years in partnership with experts and guests and available for purchase with a gift card, features a choice of unique mattress toppers to deliver the ultimate in customised comfort. Recommend that they add signature Four Seasons linens and pillows for unparalleled luxury.

Buy a gift card to give the gift of a sounder sleep >

Courtney Guadagno also contributed to this article.

Your Journey Begins Here

Select a destination and start exploring