Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris Archives - Page 5 of 11

World Class

Posted on April 29, 2021June 3, 2025 by Heather Greenwood Davis

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

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

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

WILD OCEAN ENCOUNTERS

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

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

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

STAYING FIT AND FOCUSED

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

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

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

ARTS, CRAFTS AND CULTURE

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

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

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

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

HISTORY COMES ALIVE

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

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

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

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

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your adventures take you next?

Stay Another Day: Paris

Posted on February 1, 2021May 19, 2022 by Ellise Pierce

I used to walk down one particular street every day on the way to the metro when I lived in Paris. I’d always find something I’d never noticed before, like a particular curl of a leaf on one of the Haussmann-style buildings, or how the architect’s name was imprinted into the concrete like a painter’s signature. The whole city is like that. It’s filled with undiscovered treasures, like your grandmother’s jewelry box.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris, you might want to consider staying an extra day. To find out a little bit more, to experience something new. It could be as simple as taking a different route to a bistro and finding a chocolate shop that you didn’t know about along the way. That’s the beauty of taking a little added-on time to simply “live” in the city for a day. After you’ve seen the must-sees and done the must-dos, these smaller discoveries will round out your Paris experience with intimate connections and memories that you’ll hold onto forever.

Use the extra day to be a flâneur, finding things you didn’t even know you were looking for. Or ask the team at Four Seasons George V, Paris for their recommendations on what to do with an extra hour, afternoon, or entire day. Through its Daily Discoveries program, the team can recommend on- or off-property experiences, and pair you with an expert and an activity based on how much time you’ve got to spend.

You might be whisked away to the wine caves in nearby Champagne, or zip over to the Hotel’s ancient gardens in nearby Versailles with Le George chef Simone Zanoni to pick what’s fresh for a private cooking lesson back at the Hotel. If you’re a runner craving a new route, you could join one of the staff for a brisk morning tour along the Seine.

Read on for some itinerary ideas from the people who call Paris home.

Jean-Claude Wietzel
Regional Vice President and General Manager

Morning: I’m very sporty and like to make the most of a morning cycle around the Bois de Boulogne.

Afternoon: On the weekends I like to go enjoy L’Atelier des Lumières with my family. It’s a great place to see works of art and learn about new artists through immersive exhibitions.

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Christian Le Squer
Executive Chef

Morning: I love going to the Rungis market a few kilometres outside Paris. It’s best to arrive very early, around 5:00 am, to watch vendors set up their stalls, discover products that have just made their way in and soak up the atmosphere and hubbub of the market.

Afternoon: On Sunday afternoons, I enjoy going to the flea market, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. It’s the best place to hunt down all manner of objects, meet antiques dealers and be inspired by what’s on display.

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Simone Zanoni
Chef at Le George

Morning: I have a morning ritual – I head to the vegetable garden of Le George in Versailles to pick fruits and vegetables and come up with new recipes. It’s also a fun experience, as guests can join me to discover this little green world. We leave the Hotel by Porsche, pick our vegetables and take part in a cooking class.

Afternoon: I really like visiting the Quatrehomme cheese shop in Paris’s 6th arrondissement. Popular among Parisians, it offers over 100 cheeses.

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Michael Bartocetti
Executive Pastry Chef

Morning: In the mornings, I like going to B.O.U.L.O.M., a restaurant and boulangerie in the 18th arrondissement offering a variety of bread. If I have enough time, I take a seat at one of the tables and enjoy one of the brunches on offer throughout the week.

Afternoon: I enjoy visiting the Musée du quai Branly, a museum that’s rich in history and culture where you can discover unknown civilizations. Above all, the museum is a source of inspiration for my creative work.

Evening:When the weather is nice, I like strolling along the banks of the Seine, lined with small restaurants with music and dancing. I particularly like Rosa Bonheur, a floating barge near the Pont Alexandre III where you can enjoy drinks and tapas-style dishes with friends in a very laid-back setting. It’s an unconventional way to make the most of the charm of the Seine.

Eric Beaumard
Restaurant Director and Sommelier

Morning: Whenever I can, I enjoy my usual morning ritual, that is, sitting on the terrace of Les Deux Magots Café in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, where I sip on my morning coffee. I watch the comings and goings of parents taking their children to school, women and businessmen on their way to meetings, or regulars chatting at nearby tables.

Afternoon: When I can, I take the train to Reims. In only 45 minutes, I find myself in the heart of France’s most renowned Champagne vineyards where I can taste new vintages, meet winegrowers and chat about wine. It’s the perfect getaway – great to disconnect from Paris, and an easy return trip that can be done in an afternoon.

Evening: A stroll around Montmartre is perfect to discover the oldest vineyards in Paris hidden on the hillside. Many don’t even know that it’s there. When the weather is nice, it’s a great spot for amateur wine enthusiasts to witness the harvest and take part in wine tasting sessions.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

How will you take your time in Paris?

floral art installation at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Get Fit With Four Seasons

Posted on September 12, 2019April 9, 2024 by Scott Masters Pierce

Fitness guru Harley Pasternak’s innovative approach to efficient and effective full body workouts has earned him a notably large celebrity client roster. Now, as Global Fitness Advisor to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, he’s sharing that sought-after knowledge with guests.

In addition to reimagining the brand’s fitness facilities, Pasternak has designed a workout video series to help with five of the most common fitness challenges experienced by travellers. His Total Beach Body video provides a pre-vacation toning strategy, including how-tos for 10 simple gym exercises. Once you arrive at your destination, you can hit the gym and follow his strength-focused Out of Office Fitness routine or get a burst of aerobics with his Hotel Fitness Favourites video, which mixes strength exercises with intervals on the elliptical and treadmill.

Can’t shake your jet lag? Pasternak has some suggestions. His Jet Lag Rescue video offers straightforward advice: Get outside and get moving. He recommends hiking, jogging, doing repeats on stairs, and walking, running or combining the two.

“You don’t have to do an intense boot camp,” he says. “A nice walk will do the trick. If you’re in an urban city, go explore. If you’re at a beach resort, walk on the sand.”

Equipment-free exercises like planks, lunges, hip thrusts, push-ups and supermans can be done in the comfort of your hotel room, outdoors or at the gym, he says. As added motivation, Pasternak created the #FitWithFSChallenge, encouraging guests to share their workouts on social media.

Here, Pasternak shares his gym innovations, gives tips for creating a travel-friendly approach to fitness and reveals his own secrets for staying fit on the road.

How do you combat the effects of flying?

“Sitting on a plane for a long time is tough on your body. Try to get up at least once an hour and walk the length of the aisle. Stay hydrated and avoid salty food, caffeine and alcohol. Whenever possible, bring an extra pillow to make your lower back and your neck comfortable for the ride.”

What is the easiest way to keep up a fitness routine on the road?

“It’s a lot easier than you think: Walk. You can do it anywhere, any time, even in dress clothes. I don’t use the word ‘cardio.’ I don’t use the word ‘aerobics.’ I use the word ‘movement.’ We all need to move our bodies. I tell people to set a daily step goal, whether it’s 10,000 steps or 14,000 steps a day. Hit those steps and you’ll start to lose body fat.”

Harley Pasternak’s Favourite Outdoor Workouts

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“Whenever I stay at Four Seasons Hotel Montreal, I head to nearby Parc du Mont-Royal. At the corner of Peel Street and Pine Avenue you’ll find the Mount Royal Stairs, 400 steps that transport you from downtown up the mountain into nature.”

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“The Concierge at Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina has sent me on some amazing hikes. The trek up Diamond Head is a favourite. If I want more of an adventure, the 1.7-mile round trip hike to Lulumahu Falls is a 40-minute drive away.”

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“Paris is one of my favourite walking cities. From Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, I go on a croissant-tasting tour of the area’s best bakeries. I’ll easily walk 10,000 steps, which justifies the pastries.”

For someone who is vacationing at the beach and wants to take advantage of the setting, what exercises translate to sand?

“Running on sand absorbs the pounding that would otherwise go to your joints, and it challenges your body’s muscles differently than when running on a hard surface. Try doing repeats of sprinting for 15 seconds and then walking for 30 seconds. In between sprint intervals, add a jump squat. The sand is a great natural cushion to absorb the shock of the landing. Last but not least, try planking on the sand. What a great thing looking out at beautiful views of the ocean.”

What are some of the innovations you’ve introduced at the gyms across
Four Seasons?

“As I revamp the gyms across the brand, I’m introducing the most state-of-the-art equipment, like HOIST Fitness ROC-IT weights, Lemond Series and Peloton bikes, Hydrow, which is like the Peloton of rowing machines, and Woodway Curve Trainers, which are essentially self-powered treadmills. Some of the changes are subtle, like swapping out traditional dumbbells for hexagonal dumbbells that won’t roll on the ground. At the forthcoming Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palma I’ll be introducing exclusive boot camps.”

How have you streamlined the gyms so that workouts at Four Seasons are more intuitive?

“I think a lot about flow and layout. I design my gyms so that guests will never have to wait to use a piece of equipment. We have stations set up so you can hop from one piece of equipment to the next and seamlessly complete a circuit. There are always options. For example, one pull-up machine might have seven variations to choose from. The Torq Power Cage is a favourite piece of equipment that allows you to do so much, from Olympic lifts to TRX exercises.”

Gym Innovations From Harley Pasternak

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At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Pasternak created a stretch of grasslike turf to echo the green views outside. Guests can use the space to do sprints and push a weighted sled.

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When Pasternak renovated the indoor-outdoor gym on the 4th-floor terrace of
Four Seasons Resort Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, he swapped out the old dumbbells for hexagonal, polyurethane-coated weights that don’t roll and can hold up to the elements outdoors. He also installed Peloton bikes.

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Pasternak outfitted the gym at Four Seasons Hotel Montreal with HOIST Fitness ROC-IT Fitness equipment in a custom black finish to match the Hotel’s sleek design. LeMond Series bikes and a Torque Fitness power cage are cleverly arranged so guests never feel crowded.

How does your gym design reflect the setting of each hotel?

“I think about aesthetics a lot. Four Seasons Hotel Montreal has a sleek, sexy design, so I chose to have all of the gym’s weight equipment done in a custom black finish to reflect that look. At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, I added a stretch of grass-like turf to echo the green views outside. Guests can use the space to do sprints and push a weighted sled.”

How do you ensure you get a good night’s sleep?

“No caffeine in the afternoons is really important. You shouldn’t be reading stressful emails before you go to bed. Shut your technology off at least an hour before you turn in. In order for me to sleep well, I need to tire my body out, and I do that by walking or hiking. When you travel, request a blackout room in advance as well as your preferred style of mattress and pillow. I use a sound machine. Having ambient sound can help people relax and block noise that might wake them otherwise.”

Photography of Pasternak courtesy Megan Spelmen

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Where will you get #FitwithFS?

A New Season in Napa: Fall Fashion
Inspired by Wine Country

Posted on August 24, 2019June 3, 2025 by Alycee Byrd

California’s Napa Valley is ideally suited for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes: The region offers a sunny, warm climate; good drainage; and volcanic soils that add an earthy, rich complexity to its wines. At the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, where the vineyard is protected by the Palisades mountains and oak-covered hills, world-class winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and his team at the on-site Elusa Winery have carefully designed and planted it to intensify the grapes’ flavour. Take part in the winemaking process, from harvesting grapes to blending and ageing the wine, or learn about Calistoga’s unique terroir during a tasting session – the Resort provides the most complete grape-to-glass experience in Napa.

“The moment guests step foot on the property, they are welcomed into an extraordinary wine country oasis,” says General Manager Mehdi Eftekari. “Awe-inspiring views of the vineyards and Palisades Mountains are an idyllic backdrop to enriching experiences at TRUSS Restaurant + Bar and Elusa Winery. In guests’ suites, the vines are mere inches from their terraces and balconies.”

The dramatic scenery of North America’s wine capital – and the Resort, set to open later this year – also provide an idyllic background for the season’s most stylish new fashions. The looks pair perfectly with the Resort’s natural colour palette, rich textures and easy elegance.

Explore Napa Valley with Four Seasons

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The Resort spreads across 22.5 acres (9 hectares), offering dramatic scenery and viticultural discovery at every turn. It’s a natural hideaway for relaxation and indulgence, framed by picturesque forests and majestic mountains.

Left to right: On Julia: Genny top and skirt; Alexander McQueen boots. On Miki: Reem Acra dress. On Breanna: Valentino gown, Sethi Couture earrings.

Make the most of Napa’s idyllic setting with a swim in the Resort’s two outdoor pools – the adults-only pool overlooks the vineyard, while the Resort Pool features shallow splashing areas that are perfect for families. Or celebrate the sunshine with elevated Napa cuisine at the modern TRUSS Restaurant + Bar or Cal-Mexican favourites at open-air Campo Poolside.

Left image, left to right: On Julia: Stella McCartney dress and boots; JYE ring (index finger); Sethi Couture ring (middle finger); Guess bag. On Miki: Gucci cardigan, jumpsuit and sandals; Wolford undergarments; Alexander McQueen clutch; Fabergé necklace and rings. On Breanna: Alyson Eastman dress; Chelsea Paris shoes; Tiffany & Co. necklace; Grace Lee ring (index finger); Katkim rings (ring fingers); Vhernier pink gold and jade bracelet; Sethi Couture bangles (near hand); JYE bangle (near sleeve). Right image: On Breanna: Reem Acra dress; JYE earrings.

Taste the Flavours of Napa

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Elusa winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown is celebrated for his non-interventionalist approach, letting the vineyard’s character shine. It’s a style that has paid off: Renowned wine critic Robert Parker Jr. has awarded him 23 perfect 100-point scores for his Cabernet Sauvignon projects over the past decade.

Left to right: On Breanna: Chloé coat, skirt, top and boots; Adeam earrings and ring. On Miki: Chloé poncho; Partow dress; Michael Kors Collection skirt; JYE ring (right hand); Vhernier ring (left hand). On Julia: Chloé jumper and skirt; Brunello Cucinelli boots; Sethi Couture necklaces, rings and earrings.

Savour Napa Valley wines

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Spa Talisa celebrates Napa’s rich vineyard heritage with treatments incorporating grape seeds – long recognized for their potent antioxidants and skin-pleasing polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Try an exfoliating scrub of sugar and grape seeds to give your skin a soft, luminous glow. “Spa Talisa is rooted in Calistoga’s 150-year history as a wellness destination,” says Eftekari. “Guests can enjoy holistic treatments and private patios, or head to the steam decks for a locally-inspired steam experience.”

On Breanna: Gucci jacket, vest and trousers; Tory Burch ring.

Relax at Spa Talisa

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Century-old olive trees dot the Resort, adding character to the rustic yet elegant ambience indoors and out. Acres of vineyards, farmhouse-chic villas and romantic private terraces: It’s California wine country at its finest.

Left image: On Breanna: Brunello Cucinelli dress and cardigan; Katkim earring; Sethi Couture band (left hand) and stacked rings (right hand); Tiffany & Co. ring (middle finger). Right image, left to right: On Breanna: Dolce & Gabbana jacket, skirt and earrings; Akris top; Dior sunglasses. On Julia: Prada dress, top and stole; Tory Burch necklace; Katkim earring and rings (index and middle fingers); Grace Lee ring (index finger); Aaron Basha ring (right hand) and beaded bracelet; Vhernier gold and carnelian bracelet; Dior pearl necklace worn as bracelet; Stella McCartney sunglasses. On Miki: Altuzarra dress; Tory Burch top; Dior scarf; Max Mara head scarf; Dolce & Gabbana earrings; Alexander McQueen sunglasses.

The Resort’s Vineyard Barn – with lofty beamed ceilings and prime views of the vines – is a coveted venue for weddings and events. Say “I do” in the vineyard, or gather with friends and family for a dinner party in The Cork Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the winery.

Left image: On Miki: Chanel coat, boots and earrings; Grace Lee ring (index finger); Sethi Couture rings (middle finger). Right image: On Julia: Harry Winston earrings, necklace, brooch, ring and cuff; Marina Moscone pajama shirt.

Photographer: Eric Ray Davidson

Stylist: Julie Matos

Assistant Stylists: Alyson Eastman and Johanna Houska

Makeup: Karina Moore

Hair: James Harris Jr.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will you explore next?

Reconnect With the World:
How Travel Can Transform Your Outlook

Posted on July 8, 2019September 30, 2024 by Jennifer Sanchez

Human brains are hard-wired to connect. It’s how we learn about the world around us and how we learn about ourselves. And in the series of moments that make up our lives, it’s moments of genuine personal connection that shine the brightest. This is never more true than when we travel.

For Jessica Nabongo, writer, entrepreneur and the first Black woman to visit every country in the world, making those connections is one of the most important and cherished parts of her journey not only throughout the globe, but through life.

“One question I ask people a lot is, what makes you happy?” Nabongo says. “Whether I’m talking to royalty or if I’m talking to someone who has nearly nothing living in a village, the messages remain very, very similar. It’s all about our personal relationships.”

The daughter of Ugandan immigrants, Nabongo has been travelling internationally since she was 4 years old. In 2008, she left her corporate job and moved to Japan to teach English. She ended up living abroad for seven years, with stints in London, Benin and Rome, before returning to her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. But in 2017, with 60 countries already under her belt, Nabongo decided that she would set out to visit every single country in the world and share it all on Instagram under the handle @jessicanabongo. Two years and 136 countries later, she accomplished her record-breaking feat.

Recently, she connected with Florence, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and centre of the art and culture of the Italian Renaissance, during a visit with Alicia Miller Corbett – editor of Four Seasons Magazine – to record a podcast sharing more about her personal journey and perspective on connection.

At Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, centuries of history lie within reach in the Hotel’s expansive private garden – the largest in the city. Originally planted in the 15th century and filled with statues, fountains and a small Ionic temple, the garden retains its ancient beauty and charm. After a stroll under centuries-old trees and a Michelin-starred dinner garnished with views of iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Nabongo could maintain the Renaissance mood in her guest room, where frescoes and original architecture bridge the gap between their time and ours.

Explore With Your Heart

Deep in the Tuscan countryside, Giotto, a curly-haired Lagotto Romagnolo, goes sniffing through the woods in search of the elusive truffle. His owner, Luca, is close by. About an hour’s drive from Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, this truffle-hunting expedition offers Nabongo a rare glimpse into the rural heart of the region, both through the bucolic scenery and, later, through the cuisine. “To learn so much about the history of truffles, and to learn about it through [Luca’s] clear passion for it, it was such an amazing experience,” she says.

Explore Florence with Four Seasons

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Extending an exploration beyond the major cities is one of the best ways to get know a new country. And for Nabongo, experiencing a destination is much more than a change in geography. “I think even beyond going outside the main cities, it’s about how you explore any place you visit,” she says. “My passport into a country – my entry point – is always the people.”

What happens if you don’t speak the language? No problem, says Nabongo. Her philosophy? “I speak with my heart and not with my mind.”

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Whether you’re worried about travelling alone, visiting certain countries or even sampling the street food, Nabongo always encourages people to leave their fears at home. “I would say that my travel philosophy is to travel without fear. And to travel with positive energy,” she says. “I always say positive energy coats my stomach, because I’ve never had food poisoning!”

It’s true that one of the easiest ways to connect with a new culture – and with new people – is to sit down for a meal. In Florence, it could be a four-course gourmet meal designed by the Hotel’s Michelin-starred chef and served on the famed Ponte Vecchio – an experience available exclusively to Hotel guests – or standing in line with the locals for an order of trippa or lampredotto at one of the city’s ubiquitous food stands. Either way, being open to new foods and new people doesn’t just satisfy your body, it satisfies your soul.

Explore the World with Four Seasons

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“I’m constantly living outside of my comfort zone. I think my comfort zone is discomfort,” Nabongo says, laughing. “Even beyond travel, my life philosophy is to live fearlessly – and live a life without limits.” By documenting and writing about her travels, she hopes that her journey and everything she shares can help inspire people to move past their limits, whatever they may be. “Because for me, I feel like I’ve created the life that I want to live,” she says. “And I feel that the reason I was able to do that is because I realized everything that I need is already inside of me.”

Redefine Your Idea of Home

Connections, expected or unexpected, can help inform how we interact with the world. And that can ripple out beyond us. A friendly encounter at a restaurant may inspire you to recommend it to a friend who’s visiting the same city. A conversation with a tour guide or fellow traveller might change your itinerary for the better. Or a new dish or drink is shared with you and you in turn share it with your family back home.

Nabongo can think of many of these moments that have impacted her throughout her travels, particularly when it comes to hospitality. “I think that hospitality comes from the experiences that I’ve had because so many strangers around the world have welcomed me into their home and cooked me meals,” she says. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve made sure to sort of perfect how I’m welcoming people in my home. And honestly, it’s also redefined my definition of home. For me, now, home is in people. Yes, I physically live in Detroit, but I have homes in London, Accra, Dakar, Bangkok, Rome – I can think of so many places that I have homes because my people are there.”

To feel at home in the world. What more could a traveller – or a human, for that matter – ask?

Four Seasons Experiences That Can Inspire You to Connect

At Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, you’re in the heart of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserve. Set out with a Maasai guide for an intimate look at the animals who call Africa’s stunning savannah home.

See the wonders of the universe like never before at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. Join a world-renowned scientist for an astronomy lesson in the Hotel’s park – one of the top places for celestial observations in the French Riviera.

Explore new flavours and take home a delicious souvenir during a cooking class at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. Shop for fresh ingredients in local markets with a Resort chef, then learn to prepare them during a hands-on lesson in traditional Thai cuisine.

Tequila might be Mexico’s most popular drink, but mezcal is a close second. Set out from Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City for a day trip to Oaxaca to visit local distillers to see how this agave-based spirit is made, then try your hand at making your own.

RECONNECT THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING TRAVEL

Your journey begins here

Destinations: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

World Class

WILD OCEAN ENCOUNTERS

STAYING FIT AND FOCUSED

ARTS, CRAFTS AND CULTURE

HISTORY COMES ALIVE

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE