Destinations: Asia & The Pacific

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

Spring Cocktails With a Twist

Posted on by Alexandra Sheehan

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

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

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

Here’s a taste.

Lisbon: LX Purple Bloom


Recipe card for LX Purple Bloom cocktail

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

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

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


Scottsdale: Tip of the Cap


Recipe card for Tip of the Cap

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

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

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

Doha: Rose Gold Julab


Recipe card for Rose Gold Julab cocktail

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

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

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

Seychelles: Hibiscus Shower


Recipe card for Hibiscus shower cocktail

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

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

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

Chiang Mai: Siam Honey Breeze


Recipe card for Siam Honey Breeze cocktail

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

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

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

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

Beneath the Surface in Bora Bora

Posted on by Gemma Price

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

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

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

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

Underwater cycling on aquabikes

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

Four Seasons Bora Bora Aquabikes 992x672

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

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

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

Four Seasons Bora Bora Snorkeling 992x672

Aqua safari via helmet dive

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

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

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

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

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Snorkelling in Bora Bora’s coral reefs

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

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

Four Seasons Bora Bora Underwater Fish 992x672

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

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

Island cruises and fresh seafood

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

Four Seasons Bora Bora Island Cruise 992x672

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

Swimming with sharks

I saved the biggest thrill for last.

swimming with sharks in Bora Bora

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about adventures in Bora Bora >

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5 Unexpected Tea and Coffee Cocktails Around the World

Posted on by Amber Gibson

Encountering the unexpected during a journey is one of the many joys of travel. Imagine, for example, sitting in a rooftop bar in China – the country where tea drinking originated and remains a meaningful part of daily culture – and asking the bartender to recommend a local drink. Instead of offering something with tea leaves, as you might expect, you’re served a complex coffee-inspired cocktail with an equally enriching tie to Asian culture.

#CocktailQuarterly, the year-long initiative focused on cocktail trends, techniques and ingredients, turns its attention to tea and coffee cocktails. In celebration, mixologists at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world are shaking, stirring, steeping and serving drinks inspired by these classic brews – and working hard to eschew convention with their concoctions.

Here is a taste of the mixologists’ creativity.

Florence: Grog in Florence


Four Seasons Florence Grog Cocktail

The Grog in Florence cocktail is served in a teapot and topped with an edible flower for a beautifully elegant presentation.

 

Coffee is such an integral part of Italian culture that even the U.S. has adapted the Italian vocabulary for its favourite drinks. Whether it’s leisurely sipping cappuccino or a quick shot of espresso at the café before work, coffee is part of every true Italian’s morning ritual.

Excellent coffee is available in plenty at Atrium Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, but when creating his newest cocktail, Grog in Florence, Assistant Bar Manager Luca Angeli was inspired by the oriental flavours of lapsang souchong.

“It’s a different way to serve afternoon tea in a cocktail style.”
–Luca Angeli

This bright, citrusy drink is poured from a classic teapot and sipped from teacups. Ginger-infused rum, 23-year Zacapa rum and Amaro Nonino form the boozy base, while cranberry and lime juice along with house-made lapsang souchong syrup lighten up the drink with fresh top notes.

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Beijing: Kopi Luwak Martini


The art of drinking tea originally developed in China during the Tang dynasty, and hundreds of varieties are produced and enjoyed in that vast country today. However, Opus Lounge, the rooftop bar at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, is getting creative with another caffeinated beverage.

Bartender John Cheng’s Kopi Luwak Martini is mixed with a rare Indonesian coffee, made from coffee cherries eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet, a small mammal found in Southeast Asia. (Producers and connoisseurs claim that kopi luwak’s flavour is improved by the fermentation that occurs in the civet’s digestive tract.)

At Opus Lounge, bartenders use a Neapolitan coffee press filled with dry ice that diffuses the delicate coffee aroma while Kahlua and Malibu rum add the alcoholic element. The smoking cocktail is finished with an elegant dusting of espresso powder.

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Mumbai: Madras Café


Four Seasons Mumbai Madras Café Cocktail

While you may think tea reigns supreme in India, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is using South Indian coffee to create this unusually delicious drink.

Like China, India is a major tea producer, and Northeastern India is known for its large tea estates. Travel to the Southern region of the country, though, and you’ll find plenty of coffee. In Mumbai, business is often conducted over one of these brews, and each household has its own favourite blend or preparation of tea or coffee to start the day.

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai embraces the city’s rich history of coffee drinking with the Madras Café. The cocktail, served at AER and San-Qi, combines South Indian–style coffee with curry leaf, passion fruit purée and pineapple juice to make a shaken drink that’s an unusual balance of sweet and bitter, spiked with Absolut vodka and served on the rocks.

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Scottsdale: Two Birds With One Stone


U.S. Americans drink three times as much coffee as tea, but Assistant Manager Nick Padua at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North chose to create his latest concoction with organic tea. Inspired by the environmental extremes of the Sonoran Desert, Two Birds With One Stone is a drink that can warm you up on a cold desert night or leave you refreshed after a round of golf under the sun.

At Talavera and Onyx Bar & Lounge, the cocktail is served either hot or over ice, mirroring the desert’s hot days and chilly nights. The innovative drink pairs Rishi Tea’s organic loose-leaf camomile tea with Dewars White Label scotch, sweetened with local Sonoran honey and house-made orange marmalade. The tea-infused cocktail is brewed and served tableside with candied citrus rinds.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

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Maldives: Kuda Coffee


Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa Coffee

For an island treat in the Maldives, try the Kuda Coffee, which infuses both local and Asian ingredients.

While sai (a sweet tea) is a traditional beverage enjoyed by local Maldivians, Indonesian coffee and local ingredients are the staples for the Kuda Coffee cocktail at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. A kopi toraja variety of coffee from the Sulawesi island of Indonesia is combined with fresh Maldivian coconut, kopi leaf and Sri Langkan arak that add local flair.

In honour of the Resort’s sundowner happy hour tradition, these stirred drinks will be available on a buy-one-get-one basis between 5 and 7:30 pm each evening at Sunset Lounge. Ask Chinnappan for a cocktail class, and he’ll teach you how to make the drink from scratch.

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

Read more about #CocktailQuarterly trends, like spicy margarita recipes and spring cocktails.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

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A Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Northern Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Arrival at the Golden Triangle

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

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

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

Deluxe Tent Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

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

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

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

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

Day 2: Elephant trekking through the jungle

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Exploring Chiang Rai

Lychee at Chiang Rai market

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Journey to Chiang Mai

White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, Thailand

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

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

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

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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

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

Upper Rice Terrace Pavilion, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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

Day 5: Farming in Thailand’s rice fields

Breakfast in the Rice Fields, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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

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

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

Rice farming in Chiang Mai

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

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

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

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

Day 6: A bittersweet farewell

View from Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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

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

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

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The Best Four Seasons Penthouses in the World

Posted on by Caitlyn Chase

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

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

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


Ty Warner Penthouse

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

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

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

Four Seasons Hotel New York

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

Penthouse life at new heights in New York, New York


Inside 30 Park Place

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

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

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

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

A peaceful retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand


Four Seasons Chiang Mai Penthouse Suite

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

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

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

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

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Four Seasons Chiang Mai Penthouse Suite

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

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

The celebrity treatment in Los Angeles, California


Four Seasons Beverly Hills Penthouse Suite

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

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

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

Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel

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

A fashionable escape in Milan, Italy


Four Seasons Milano Penthouse Suite

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

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

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

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

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

Hidden romance in Paris, France


Four Seasons Paris Penthouse Suite

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

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

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

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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

An Arabian oasis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates


Four Seasons Dubai Penthouse Suite

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

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

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

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

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

The suite life near Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia


Four Seasons Sydney Presidential Suite

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

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

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

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

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

The “Palace in the Sky” in Beijing, China


Four Seasons Hotel Beijing Imperial Suite

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

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

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

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

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

Orlando, Florida: The ultimate family vacation


Royal Suite

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

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

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Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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

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

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