Destinations: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

The Distinction List: 25 Trends for the New Era of Luxury

Posted on by The Editors

What will we covet next? A who-what-where report from the frontlines of luxury fashion, design, dining, and more.

01

THE SUMMIT OF EXCLUSIVITY: Limited-edition lines, such as Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades home and furniture collection, represent an increasing focus for high-end brands. With worldwide distribution more available than ever for a maison’s main lines, it’s no longer enough for price to confer exclusivity. Luxury houses dream up extra offerings characterized more by scarcity and whimsy than by simple cost. A standout from the 2025 Objets Nomades roster is the Kaleidoscope Cabinet (pictured below, left), produced with Brazil-based Estúdio Campana. More than two years of development went into the creation of this exquisite limited edition (there are only eight)—with time spent on everything from the gold-plated brass hinges to the curved bottom drawer. (The drawer was so difficult to achieve, it almost stymied the entire concept.) —Mark Ellwood

02

FASHION RESET: A changing of the guard electrified the runways for the Spring 2026 season. In Milan, Dario Vitale’s first solo outing for Versace mixed bold colours with slim cuts evocative of Gianni’s 1990s heyday, while at Gucci, Demna’s tribute to the label’s iconic motifs included maximalist interpretations of the horse bit and the GG monogram. From Paris, highlights included Jonathan Anderson’s modern take on the New Look at Dior; Pierpaolo Piccioli’s sculptural designs in a “neo gazar” fabric at Balenciaga; Michael Rider’s blend of French minimalism and preppy chic at Celine; and technicolour-bright pieces, inspired by an Ellsworth Kelly painting, from Loewe designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez (the founders of Proenza Schouler). But few designers stirred more anticipation than did Matthieu Blazy, formerly of Bottega Veneta, with his debut collection for Chanel. On a runway themed to Coco Chanel’s love of astronomy, Blazy offered his interpretations of the house’s iconic codes, from menswear influences to textural tweeds and colourful feathers (see photo above). The overriding idea? Said Blazy, “I just wanted to have fun.” —Laurie Brookins

03

SENSE OF PLACE: Since its 2023 debut on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list at number 37, Sézanne at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi has continued its rise. In 2025, it rocketed to the list’s number-​seven spot; it also holds three Michelin stars. Under chef Daniel Calvert’s direction, Sézanne is celebrated for its 12-course tasting menu highlighting seasonal Japanese ingredients. Calvert credits the restaurant’s success to an unwavering pursuit of excellence: “That’s what you strive to do—a little better every day.” —Degen Pener

04

ICONIC CHARMS: Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor were photographed in the 1970s wearing Alhambra—the famed collection that Van Cleef & Arpels debuted in 1968—but today, as men increasingly embrace luxury jewelry, it might be NBA legend LeBron James, Olympic fencer Cheung Ka Long, or the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas sporting the striking four-leaf-clover designs (tiger’s-eye style shown). The newest Alhambra examples showcase clovers of blue agate, while others include onyx, historically a talisman against negative energy. —L.B. 

1: The new Kaleidoscope Cabinet from Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades collection.
3: Morel mushrooms with white asparagus and roasted chicken sauce at Sézanne.

05

PERFECTLY POISED IN LONDON: Understated. Discreet. Refined. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane exemplifies this era’s embrace of quiet luxury. The original Four Seasons in Europe, the London hotel celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2025 by earning three Michelin keys for the second year in a row, while its Yannick Alléno–helmed restaurant Pavyllon London retained its Michelin-​star honour. A collection of 18 recently renovated suites (some with terraces overlooking Hyde Park) feels like a sanctuary in the city, as does the spa, which offers treatments and wellness therapies ranging from a jet-lag massage and body brushing ritual to a holistic facial based on Chinese medicine techniques. The property shares its three-Michelin-keys distinction with its Four Seasons sister hotels in Megève, France; Athens (Astir Palace); Tokyo (Otemachi); and Paris (George V). —Pavia Rosati

06

AI HYPERCAR: In a sign of how artificial intelligence is entering the luxury auto world, the start-up Vittori unveiled its first hypercar, the Turbio, in October. Designed with the famed Italian firm Pininfarina, the vehicle features a sleek and sculptural silhouette derived from hundreds of AI-generated concept renders, and AI-powered 3D printing methods influenced the shape of the carbon-fiber and titanium chassis. Only 50 models will be made, produced in collaboration with Pininfarina. —D.P.

07

BRITISH WINE WINS: The bubble’s popped: French sparkling wine no longer retains its stranglehold after a series of upstart wineries bested Champagne’s finest at several contests—​​and those triumphant vintages are from England, where the terroir mirrors that of Épernay but the climate retains the crispness essential to superb fizz. Specifically, it was Nyetimber’s 2016 Blanc de Blancs Magnum that pipped four shortlisted candidates for the crown at the International Wine Challenge awards in September, the first time a wine from outside of Champagne has taken the title. Order a bottle or two of Nyetimber at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi.
—M.E.

08

EAR CANDY: In a sea of on-the-go audio options, Bang & Olufsen’s Beo Grace wireless earbuds stand apart for their chic refinement and world-class sound quality. The striking earbuds with polished aluminum stems are remarkably lightweight—enough that each earpiece can rest on a flower petal. Even the pearl-blasted aluminum charging case is elegant and can stylishly sit on a valet tray when not in use. —Beau Hayhoe

Four SEasons London
5: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane celebrated its 55th anniversary last year.

09

VINYL RENAISSANCE: Vinyl has serious staying power, as seen in the number of listening bars opening worldwide. To get that hi-fi, high-design experience at home, look to Wrensilva’s meticulously engineered record consoles, available in a variety of wood finishes, each one a statement piece. The San Diego–based company’s latest offering is the Wrensilva Larrabee Creator Edition M1 console, a limited-edition collaboration with the Grammy-winning mix engineer and Larrabee Studios owner Manny Marroquin. Built to integrate with Sonos audio systems, the console is a study in both striking good looks and remarkable sound quality. —B.H.

10

ULTRA PERSONALIZED: No other fashion company in the world is quite like NB44. Founded by Nicolas Bijan Pakzad, the invite-only, membership-based brand takes the personalization of luxury to the next level: Each quarter, it sends a custom-​built trunk (pictured below, left) of its stylish menswear to its clients, who include Wicked director Jon Chu, with each delivery tailored to the wearer’s lifestyle. Clients can purchase what they like and request any changes they desire, such as remaking a burgundy zip-neck sweater in navy with a shawl collar. —B.H.

11

HANDPICKED FOR HOME: If, like most style obsessives, you’re still mourning the demise of MatchesFashion.com, fret not: co-founder Tom Chapman, with his signature edgy, eclectic eye, is now running Abask, an online outlet specializing in home and design. The site epitomizes the search for exclusivity that remains a core driver for luxury. It features 2,000 or more handpicked treats, both antique and contemporary, as well as its own reissues of design classics from the likes of NasonMoretti, the Murano-based glassworks. This season’s particular focus: Japanese makers. Take your pick between Kyoto-based Seikado, renowned for exquisite pewter for almost 200 years; Kagawa-based Mori Glass, including the studio’s striped tumblers (pictured below); and the Tokyo-based contemporary home line Thursday Furniture, among others. —M.E. 

12

EFFERVESCENT AND LOW ALCOHOL: Move over Aperol. There’s another spritz in town. And in 2025, it took over the world. The Hugo Spritz is an invigorating form of floral refreshment born of the Italian Alps—an assemblage of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, fresh mint, lime, and soda. Though it was initially conceived 20 years ago, the Hugo is surging in popularity now, thanks in part to today’s no- and low-alcohol movement (see “Zero Proof, Full Flavour”). The ginger-tinted drink retains body and flavour while having half the alcohol content of a typical martini. —Brad Japhe

10: NB44’s special delivery: a custom-built trunk packed with a new seasonal wardrobe for the client.
11: Striped Mori Glass tumblers at Abask.

13

SUNNY DIAMONDS: The ubiquity of lab-grown diamonds has had a ripple effect on the fine-jewelry industry: Retailers are seeing rising interest in natural coloured diamonds that stand out among look-alike icy white cultured stones. In-demand hues include warm whites, ambers, and yellows—the last a favourite and a focal point of the new Talk to Me, Harry Winston collection. Among the pieces from this series is a ring highlighting a 5.02-carat, pear-shaped yellow diamond, as well as 26 pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds, set in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum. The message is clear: in a market flooded with sameness, rarity and uniqueness still rule. —Victoria Gomelsky

14

SPLENDOUR IN SPAIN: In 2025, Four Seasons garnered the most property rankings on the latest World’s 50 Best Hotels list, which also named the company the “most admired hotel group” in the world. A remarkable seven Four Seasons properties were lauded across the full list (with extended rankings 51 to 100), including Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. Opened in 2020 as part of the Centro Canalejas Madrid complex, the hotel stands in the heart of Madrid’s historic city centre—now revitalized with galleries, boutiques, and cafés—and serves as a beacon of the neighbourhood’s transformation. On the seventh-floor roof terrace sits Dani Brasserie, where Michelin-starred dishes by chef Dani García mix Spanish and Andalusian flavours, and visitors and Madrileños alike take in the panoramic views, appreciating the city’s past and present. —Julie Pham

15

KNITTED AND FITTED: Nothing says “quiet luxury” quite like chic knitwear, be it cashmere or a fine merino wool. And few names in the space do knitwear better than N. Peal, established as a men’s haberdashery in London in 1936. In 2025, the brand teamed up with actor and travel-​show host Stanley Tucci for a capsule collection of irresistible pieces, from cashmere quarter-zips and superfine silk-blend polos to cashmere-and-silk bird’s-eye jacquard ties. —Tres Dean

16

THE ARTISANAL DIFFERENCE: In 2018, Johann Rupert, the chairman of Richemont, co-founded the nonprofit Michelangelo Foundation with an express mission: to champion craftsmanship of all kinds. Makers were to be celebrated, and their skills propagated. So, the foundation launched Homo Faber—a pop-up exhibition, held regularly in cities like Venice and Seville, that showcases artisan works. Now, it’s offering an always-on option: a series of handy craftsmanship-oriented guides to different cities on the Homo Faber website. The 11-stop itinerary for Florence, for example, features everything from the perfumer Aquaflor to the workshop of Daniele and Letizia Traversari, fourth-generation mosaic makers with a particular aptitude for portraiture. —M.E.

15: Stanley Tucci wearing pieces from his capsule collection for N. Peal.

17

MECHANICAL LEAP: Ahead of 2025’s Watches and Wonders fair in Geneva, speculation about Rolex’s upcoming debut buzzed across social media. When the company officially revealed the Rolex Land-Dweller—its first entirely new model since 2012—the excitement proved justified. The watch features a slim, vintage-inspired case paired with an integrated flat-link bracelet, marking a fresh aesthetic direction. More important, the timepiece holds Rolex’s groundbreaking Dynapulse escapement, a new mechanism that governs the transfer of energy from the mainspring to the hands. Watch insiders have praised the robust and efficient movement as a game-changer precisely because it reaffirms that mechanical innovation can be pushed to new heights. “An accomplishment like this happens every couple hundred years,” says Paul Boutros, the head of watches for the Americas at the auctioneer Phillips. “It’s revolutionary.” —V.G.

18

CULTIVATING EDEN: Through his five-year-old lifestyle brand Flamingo Estate, former advertising executive Richard Christiansen has somehow made regenerative agriculture downright glamourous. In 2025, he took it to new heights. Think collaborations with chefs such as Alice Waters and Evan Funke to guest-curate Flamingo Estate’s coveted produce boxes; limited-edition jars of pickles dreamed up with Pamela Anderson; and a steady stream of swoon-worthy skincare, soaps, and standout candles like the decadent Prinsesstårta (pictured below, left), inspired by San Ambroeus’ iconic Principessa cake. Nestled in the hills of Los Angeles, Flamingo Estate crafts everything using organic ingredients grown at more than 140 regenerative farms—proving that sustainability can, in fact, smell amazing. —D.P.

19

PICKED AT THE PEAK: Amid all the tweezer-y ornamentation and pageantry of fine dining, there is ultimately nothing more luxurious than a piece of perfectly ripe fruit. Consider Tomat, a Los Angeles farm-to-table restaurant near LAX, where the most succulent thing on chef Harry Posner’s menu might be a pastel green slice of arava melon, harvested at Weiser Family Farms, that he caps with a few pieces of white strawberry kimchi and droplets of sesame oil. At Ki, in L.A.’s Little Tokyo neighbourhood, chef Ki Kim occasionally winds down his Michelin-starred Korean tasting menu by slicing up a ripe and just-right summer peach and dusting it with lime zest. “When the fruit itself tastes that good,” Kim says, “there’s no need for much else.” —Jeff Gordinier 

20

CARRY THE DAY: Fashion is offering an alternative to the quotidian canvas tote, something a little more luxurious: the leather tote as an everyday carryall. The bag of the moment? Superstar designer Willy Chavarria’s signature, genderless W Tote bearing a bold “W” topstitched across its front and back panels. —T.D.

18: Flamingo Estate’s Prinsesstårta candle, inspired by San Ambroeus’ iconic Principessa cake.
22: Marc Jacobs at his pop-up with artist Anna Weyant at New York Fashion Week. Photograph by BFA.

21

THE NEW GILDED AGE: Gold, if you haven’t noticed, is on a tear. In October, the precious metal’s price topped $4,000 an ounce for the first time. While the rising cost of the material has rattled the fine-jewelry industry, consumers appear undeterred and are leaning even harder into gold despite—or perhaps because of—its soaring value. Pieces of the moment include David Yurman’s 18-karat gold Sculpted Cable bangle bracelet.  —V.G.

22

ALL THINGS GREAT AND SMALL: Perhaps Goldilocks was wrong when she settled for that just-right-sized bed. Across design culture today, a rule-breaking focus on playing with proportion is afoot, from the goofily gigantic to the endearingly Lilliputian. In the latter camp, several British makers offer custom miniatures of iconic architecture, from Mulvany & Rogers to Chisel & Mouse, which recently released a mini Thomas Jefferson Memorial to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. In September, zeitgeist-surfer Marc Jacobs partnered with white-hot artist Anna Weyant for a pop-up installation during New York Fashion Week, where the pair created a life-size, dollhouse-like landscape. Visitors could meander through, enjoying such outré details as an oversize two-headed teddy bear. —M.E.

23

LUMINOUS INNOVATION: Sweet Chemistry and Knesko are redefining skincare with distinct, science-backed approaches. Sweet Chemistry face products feature the brand’s proprietary Matrikynes complex, a mix of bioactive peptides found in upcycled bovine bones, to boost skin density and hydration and reduce fine lines. Meanwhile, GemClinical Technology infuses gemstone particles into Knesko’s decadent treatments to stabilize active ingredients like CoQ10 and vitamin C and to help activate the body’s chakras, or energy centers. The Knesko collection includes the Diamond Radiance Collagen Face Mask, which is used in the signature facial at the Beverly Hills Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. —Elycia Rubin

24

EPICUREAN EXCELLENCE: The same year that French haute cuisine was crowned the best in the world at the biennial Bocuse D’Or chef competition (in 2025), two redoubts of haute gastronomie retained their three-Michelin-star rankings: Le Cinq at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, and Caprice at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. At Caprice—a temple of opulence with dazzling Czech crystal chandeliers, a glass catwalk, and stunning views of Victoria Harbour—the central open kitchen is where the culinary magic happens, with chef Guillaume Galliot and team leaning into luxurious ingredients; think blue lobster from Brittany, Alaskan king crab, and Japanese Saga beef. The wine list is extensive, as is the selection of cheeses at Caprice Bar. —Nicola Chilton

25

LIQUID ARTISTRY: In 2025, three establishments at Four Seasons were honoured by the World’s Best 50 Bars list: Virtù at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi (renowned for the use of Japanese produce with French spirits); Argo at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (noted for its innovative ingredients); and BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, which excels not just because the drinks are outstanding but also thanks to storytelling. BKK Social Club’s latest narrative-driven menu takes inspiration from all things Mexico, with creations like the Frida Kahlo (with Michter’s Bourbon, lavender-infused maple syrup, and coconut) and the Lucha Libre (a Michelada-style highball). “Each drink tells a part of Mexico’s story,” says Philip Bischoff, beverage manager at the Bangkok hotel (which the 2025 World’s 50 Best Hotels list named the second best on the planet). —Vincent Vichit-Vadakan 

Icons In the Spotlight: Luis Barragán, Giorgio Armani, and Other Legends Get Their Dues  

Posted on by The Editors

Ever wonder how filmmaker Wes Anderson pulls off his fabulously meticulous set designs? Curious to see architect Luis Barragán’s boldly painted residences in person? Looking for insight into David Bowie’s creative process? These new retrospectives, archives, and exhibitions offer ample opportunities to do a deep dive into what it means to be an artist. 

London 

Aladdin Sane Jacket, Designed by Freddie Burretti for David Bowie, 1973, Photo courtesy of V&A Museum
Aladdin Sane jacket designed by Freddie Burretti for David Bowie. Photograph courtesy of V&A Museum.

Located inside the new V&A East Storehouse, the David Bowie Centre is now the permanent home of the iconoclastic singer’s archive, comprising more than 90,000 item—from his own desk to lyrics, diaries, costumes, and musical instruments. “Balancing storage with stagecraft, the centre is an intimate space to explore Bowei’s life, work and legacy, offering a deeply personal insight into Bowie’s world,” says lead curator Madeleine Haddon. Visitors can even make appointments to view items that are in storage through the museum’s innovative “Order an Object” service. 

Francois Voltaire Suitcases for Whitman Brothers Designed by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton; Wildlife Art Designed by Eric Chase Anderson. THE DARJEELING LIMITED. Photo Roger Do Minh. © the Design Museum
Francois Voltaire suitcases for Darjeeling Limited designed by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton; wildlife art designed by Eric Chase Anderson. Photograph by Roger Do Minh.

Opening November 21 and running through July 26, 2026, at the Design Museum, Wes Anderson: The Archives is the first major museum exhibition focused on the work of visionary director Wes Anderson. Featuring handwritten notebooks, storyboards, costumes, and props—such as suitcases from The Darjeeling Limited—the show builds on the exhibit’s debut at La Cinemathèque Francaise with more than 100 additional objects on view. The Design Museum is just a mile from Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. 

Mexico City 

La Cuadra San Cristobal, Luis Barragan
La Cuadra San Cristóbal. Photograph by Yannik Wegner, courtesy of Fundación Fernando Romero.

One of legendary Mexican architect Luis Barragán’s most striking residential designs—La Cuadra San Cristóbal, a study in bright colour blocking, located on the outskirts of Mexico City—is set to open to the public later this year as part of a 10-year plan to transform it into a cultural centre. In town, Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City has embarked on a phased renovation by Mexican designer Bibiana Huber that will include a vibrant redesign of all its guest rooms and suites. 

Milan

Giorgio Armani Prive 2005-2025, Photo by Delfino Sisto Legnani
From Giorgio Armani Privé 2005-2025. Photograph by Delfino Sisto Legnani.

Iconic designer Giorgio Armani, who died in September at age 91, is the subject of dual anniversary exhibitions in the fashion capital. Running through December 28 at the brand’s Armani/Silos space, Giorgio Armani Prive: 2005-2025 celebrates his two decades in haute couture with a showcase of more than 150 looks, including dresses worn by Michelle Yeoh, Cate Blanchett, and Demi Moore. A second show of his exquisite designs, at the Pinacoteca di Brera (a short walk from Four Seasons Hotel Milan), marks 50 years since the brand’s founding in 1975.  

Fondazione Prada Sueno Perro
From Sueño Perro. Photograph courtesy of Fondazione Prada.

At Fondazione Prada, from September 18 to February 26, 2026, Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu presents Sueño Perro. The multisensory exhibition will reveal never-before-seen footage from his debut feature Amores Perros, released 25 years ago. 

Paris

Gautier DeBlonde at Palais Galliera
From Rick Owens: The Temple of Love. Photograph courtesy of OWENSCORP.

Known as the high priest of fashion’s avant-garde, Rick Owens is the subject of a stunning retrospective, Rick Owens: The Temple of Love at the Palais Galliera through January 4, 2026. The California-born, Paris-based designer, who is the exhibition’s artistic director, even extended his vision to the building of the façade, draping enormous statues in sequined fabric. Just a few blocks away is Four Seasons Hotel George V. Paris, which, in collaboration with French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, has just completed a three-year renovation of its 243 guest accommodations, giving each space the feel of a Parisian pied-à-terre. 

Let the Festivities Planning Begin

Posted on by Fan Winston

Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa—some of the calendar’s biggest holidays anchor the tail end of the year, but it’s never too early to start planning for them. Whether you’re hoping to gather the entire extended family for a festive reunion or celebrate with just your nearest and dearest, Four Seasons will help you craft a holiday experience for the books. From seasonal events to special menus, these four properties go above and beyond to spread joy and mirth.  

Festive at Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Christmas Market Prague
The Christmas tree at the Old Town Square’s Christmas Market.

If a classic old-world holiday experience is what you’re after, Prague should be high on your list of destinations to consider for your end-of-year vacation. The Czech Republic’s capital city has charmed many a travel writer with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture; now imagine the city all decked out for the holidays. It’s a veritable winter wonderland straight out of a fairy tale.  

Bonus: No need to pack presents. Just a seven-minute walk from Four Seasons Hotel Prague is the Old Town Square, site of the city’s largest Christmas Market (and tallest Christmas tree). Sip on mulled wine, treat the kids to gingerbread, and shop for handmade souvenirs to bring home. This year, the market starts November 26 and ends January 6.  

Four Seasons Hotel Prague, Room
Four Seasons Hotel Prague, Room

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Five-star accommodations in Prague’s Old Town

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After a day of exploring, retire to the hotel, itself decorated to the nines, and indulge in the Dior Afternoon Tea at the Gallery lounge (preferably by the fireplace), where you can warm up with a spot of tea and a selection of canapés, scones, and desserts.  

When you book a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Prague, you also have at your disposal its incredible curated experiences—including a private tour through the Old Town Square Christmas Market, an evening ride in an antique car to take in the city’s holiday lights and decorations, and cultural happenings like Advent concerts at the National Library of the Czech Republic in the Klementinum.  

Festive at Four Seasons Hotel Nashville

Broadway in Nashville
Lower Broadway in Nashville. Photograph by mana5280 on Unsplash.

Nashville’s nickname is Music City—for good reason. It’s a mecca for country music buffs and live music aficionados. And come winter, the city adds carols and jingles to its musical repertoire.  

 This season, holiday-themed shows happening in Tennessee’s capital city will include Opry Country Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry House; screenings of Elf and Home Alone accompanied by live music at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center; A Drag Queen Christmas at Ryman Auditorium; and Nashville Ballet’s Nashville’s Nutcracker at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Andrew Jackson Hall.  

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Mimo
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Mimo

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville

Luxury in the heart of Music City

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 At Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, the holidays are all about delighting guests with special treats and events. At the Festive Carolers Dinner, carolers spread cheer from table to table, singing Christmas classics. At the Christmas Day Brunch, Santa Claus drops in for a thrilling visit, and guests get to try their hand at gingerbread house decorating. And on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Mimo, the hotel’s Tuscan-inspired restaurant, hosts a special prix fixe, four-course dinner. At evening’s end, every guest receives a holiday gift to take home.  

Festive at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Christmas in London, Photo by Arafat Khan on Unsplash
Christmas in London. Photograph by Arafat Khan on Unsplash.

Love Actually. A Christmas Carol. Bridget Jones’s Diary. The Holiday. Some of our favourite Christmas movies (and likely yours, too) take place in London, the city that popularized beloved Victorian-era traditions—decorated trees and storefronts, Christmas crackers, holiday cards—that continue to this day.  

In addition to Christmas markets, ample shopping, and holiday lights viewing, London also offers plenty of places to ice skate. These outdoor venues, often surrounded by historical beauty, include Somerset House, where in late November the imposing and vast neoclassical site’s outdoor courtyard is transformed into an ice rink. Another magical spot for skating: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the biggest outdoor rink in the United Kingdom. Here, you can glide beneath 100,000 twinkling lights to a Christmas soundtrack.  

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Christmas
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Christmas

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Understated elegance in Mayfair

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 Hyde Park is, conveniently, just a one-minute walk from Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. Located on a quiet corner in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel goes all out for the holidays with elegant decorations and special menus at the French-inspired, Michelin-starred Pavyllon London, helmed by chef Yannick Alléno. And should you need help arranging exclusive, unique experiences across the city, the hotel’s concierge team—the largest in London—is ready to assist.  

Festive at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre  

Christmas in Dubai
Dubai decorated for the holidays. Photograph by mahyar motebassem on Unsplash.

Travel to Dubai during the holidays, and you’ll encounter lit trees, holiday markets, even Santa and his elves—but you’ll experience these traditions in warm, parka-free weather. That said, should you want a taste of wintry weather, simply head over to Ski Dubai, a gargantuan indoor ski resort where you can ski, snowboard, sled, and even meet some penguins. It’s housed in the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest malls in the world.  

 Speaking of malls, luxury shopping is practically a sport in Dubai, and with the winter months comes the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, five weeks in December and January when stores offer irresistible discounts. And because Christmas isn’t a national holiday there, stores stay open, and you won’t have to wait for Boxing Day to shop.  

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, Mina, Festive
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, Mina, Festive

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

A stylish boutique experience

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 Outdoor excursions also abound in Dubai: desert safaris, yacht adventures, hot-air balloon rides, and cultural sightseeing can all be arranged when you stay at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre. The boutique hotel is a quiet oasis in the middle of the financial district, close to downtown and just minutes from the beach. Though small, with just 106 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, the hotel offers a range of dining options, from afternoon tea at Penrose Lounge and French Mediterranean dishes at Michelin-recommended Mina Brasserie, to small bites at Luna Dubai and Middle Eastern meze poolside, both on the roof with skyline views.    

The English Beat: London Is the Place to Be for Music Festival Fans This Summer

Posted on by Mark Ellwood

At last year’s Glastonbury Festival, held as always on a 900-acre farm in England’s Somerset region, the programming was typically eclectic and electric. Maybe you wanted to sway with retro abandon as Shania Twain sashayed alongside a parade of hobby horses and a glammed-out gang of dancers and drag queens. Or perhaps it was a chance to see Dua Lipa let loose amid confetti canons and pyrotechnics, or see SZA close the weekend twerking in fairy wings halfway up a tree onstage as she teased the crowd.  

Music lovers have far more options in 2025—at Glastonbury and beyond—as the United Kingdom stakes its claim as the top gig-jetting destination, with a busier-than-ever festival calendar. 

From June 2 to 7, the Austin-born festival SXSW (South by Southwest) will make its European debut in dozens of venues in London’s hipster-heavy East End. Also new is Lido (June 6 to 7 and June 13 to 15), a massive operation produced by behemoth AEG that features Charli XCX as a lineup curator. 

Returning shows this summer include BST Hyde Park (multiple dates in June and July), an event that’s always headlined by a world-famous name (this year: Sabrina Carpenter), as well as Glastonbury (June 25 to 29), where headliners will include Rod Stewart and Neil Young. Also in the mix is the AEG-produced All Points East (August 16, 22, 23, and 24) with Raye, Tyla, and Doechii performing. (Smaller, niche festivals—like underground music-focused Wide Awake, lavish popfest Mighty Hoopla, soul-funk-powered Cross the Tracks, and electronic celebration Field Day—kicked off the festival season in May.)

Take That onstage at BST Hyde Park in London in 2023. Photograph courtesy of BST Hyde Park.

On the tour front, there’s a little thing happening called the Oasis reunion, with 17 U.K. shows, kicking off July 4 in Wales. Still, the big new event on music calendars this year is the United Kingdom’s take on SXSW. 

The new SXSW offshoot will take inspiration from British music traditions while also presenting a fresh approach to programming versus the almost 40-year-old event in Austin, Texas (where last year’s lineup included everyone from Meghan Markle to Jane Fonda). Music, film, gaming, tech, and business will all be present, but SXSW’s London offerings will run simultaneously, rather than sequentially, per the Texas model. “The core mission of ‘South by’ is what’s new and what’s next, but we’re doing them all at the same time so there can be many more moments of convergence,” says Adem Holness, head of music for SXSW London. “You can watch a film, catch a talk, or come see a band.” Discoverability is crucial, with every venue, whether a church or a nightclub like XOYO, within a 15-minute walk. 

Holness tapped the likes of A&R maestro Nathan Barley Phillips to sit on the jury that reviews submissions. And plans are for the newest SXSW to reflect the eclectic, international nature of London’s population: Korea’s Seoul Community Radio and Deadly (which champions Jamaican music) are among the co-curators on tap. “British and European audiences have an open mind for form and different types of performance—we can put classic next to experimental and electronic, and find a space in between the two,” says Holness. 

SXSW’s team can take inspiration from an already thriving event that takes place in the same neighborhood each spring, the Brick Lane Jazz Festival. “We’re going to meet for a coffee next week,” says Brick Lane organizer Juliet Kennedy of her counterparts at SXSW London. “I’m up for helping them as much as I can.”  

Kennedy runs a nightclub in the neighborhood, Ninety One Living Room, and started the festival in 2022 to help post-pandemic recovery in the live music sector. She posits that the liveliness of festivals in Britain right now derives, in part, from the harshness of the country’s COVID-era experience, which included multiple lockdowns over a two-year period. “That sense of togetherness is central to all festivals, but the pandemic is the reason we exist,” she says. 

Elton John onstage at BST Hyde Park in 2022. Photograph courtesy of BST Hyde Park.

Three thousand people attended Brick Lane’s first year; for 2025 (April 25 to 27), Kennedy sold more than three times the number of tickets, each of which grants access to a dozen venues around the area. French singer Adi Oasis—“a goddess,” says Kennedy—headlined one night, and octogenarian American instrumentalist Laraaji closed the fest. “There’s a strong concept of jazz as a middle-aged sort of chin-stroking affair,” she says. “But it’s lively and young, and you can be on your feet dancing.” 

The United Kingdom will host a complementary range of classical-skewing events, too. Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, the trade body for luxury in the United Kingdom, puts it succinctly: “This is a superpower of Britain—we do music like nobody else, from Glastonbury to Glyndebourne, always with a level of excellence.” 

Glastonbury Festival 2024, Tipi Field, Photo by Sami Hussein/Wireimage
Attendees camped at the Tipi Field at 2024’s Glastonbury Festival. Photograph by Samir Hussein/Wireimage.

At Glyndebourne, staged at a grand country house in East Sussex from May 16 through August 24, guests can enjoy opera while picnicking on the lawn, Champagne in hand. This year, Glyndebourne will present its first-ever production of Parsifal, as well as a commission based on the children’s book The Railway Children. Artistic director Stephen Langridge notes that 25 percent of visitors were new to Glyndebourne last year, and 25 percent of those were new to opera. “We’re hoping to be the gateway drug,” he says with a laugh, noting the madcapness of locating an opera festival on the rolling lawns of a manor house. “It’s very English, and there’s an eccentric thing underneath it, especially when you see the sheep in fields nearby.” 

Options for classical music lovers also include the nearly 110-year-old Thaxted Festival, taking place June 20 to July 13 in northwest Essex, and the BBC Proms, an eight-week summer season of shows at the Royal Albert Hall in London (July 18 to September 13). The latter, says Zeb Soanes, a presenter for the independent British radio station Classic FM, is “part of the fabric of British life, like Wimbledon and the chimes of Big Ben. It’s the largest classical music festival in the entire world, but the great thing is, it’s wonderfully all-inclusive. Rufus Wainwright did a concert, and late night, there is jazz, soul, and funk.” 

British music festivals, then, are distinctive for their wide-ranging, unpredictable programming, but there’s something else that sets them apart, at least according to Lisa Verrico. She’s a journalist and longtime festivalgoer who has produced countless guides to Britain’s annual calendar of music offerings. Unlike Coachella—“you go once or twice to take a photograph of yourself there,” says Verrico—modern British festivals are intended to be fresh every year and, most crucially, family-friendly. Her twentysomething daughter first started accompanying her at the age of two and is now an avid attendee herself. Says Verrico, “If you grow up going to festivals and loving them, you’ll go back—that’s why, now, everybody goes.” 

Urban Escapes: Unforgettable Late-Summer Getaways

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

Sometimes the end of something can be the sweetest part – the last bite of a perfectly ripe peach, your favourite musician playing your favourite song as their closing encore, a last-minute getaway to soak in the final moments of the season. Each of these things is made all the sweeter precisely because it’s experienced at the very end.

If you want to linger just a little while longer in the sun-drenched joie de vivre that only summer can bring, consider booking a last-minute summer vacation. From New York to London to Paris to Tokyo, these popular urban escapes (plus a few off-the-beaten-path destinations) are filled with late-summer activities you won’t want to miss. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite insider recommendations and exclusive experiences you’ll only find at Four Seasons to inspire your end-of-summer plans. All you need to do is pick where you want to go, pack your bags and let Four Seasons take care of the rest.

A round wooden table and five black chairs sit beneath a canopy at an outdoor terrace

The pop-up Twilight Terrace at Pavyllon London’s Bar Antoine blends Parisian elegance with Mediterranean flair.

Five colourful cocktails on a wooden outdoor table

Summer evenings are made even sweeter with a glass of champagne or an expertly crafted cocktail enjoyed with friends.

A couple dressed in formalwear peeks out of a small boat as they float by the Tower Bridge

A private cruise on the Thames River is the perfect way to round out a weekend in London.

Summer concerts, sweet sips and a private cruise in London

Music and summer go hand in hand, and Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is transforming concerts with their exclusive Gig-Tripping experience. Perfect for those attending performances at Wembley Stadium or any of London’s iconic music venues, this bespoke experience adds an extra dose of style and comfort to an already exciting evening. Upon arrival at the Hotel, you’ll be welcomed with a Glitter Groove cocktail to set the tone for your visit. A curated Insider’s Gig Guide will fill you in on all the best restaurants and hot spots, while an in-room karaoke set and Concert Comfort Kit (a tote bag filled with concert essentials) provide added touches of fun and luxury. If you’re booking a last-minute trip and are in need of tickets, Four Seasons has you covered. The Concierge team is equipped to help you find seats even to sold-out shows.

Looking for a more subdued way to spend a summer evening in London? Twilight Terrace – a summertime pop-up at Pavyllon London’s Bar Antoine – invites you to unwind with a glass of champagne or a cocktail expertly crafted by Head Mixologist Michele Lombardi, along with elevated bar bites and larger plates. For something crisp and fruity, order the Mayfair Royale, made with Bombay Sapphire gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, blueberry cordial, Amaro Santoni and Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rosé 2015. Inspired by Chef Yannick Alléno’s Parisian heritage, the ultra-chic terrace is perfect for lunchtime gatherings, evening drinks and al fresco soirées.

Even if you’re just staying in London for a weekend, a private cruise on the Thames River is the perfect ending to your trip. Available through both Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane and Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, this experience offers a fresh perspective on some of the city’s most iconic sites.

End summer on a high note in London

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A rustic table set in the middle of a garden for lunch

Join Chef Simone Zanoni in a garden just outside Versailles to learn more about the sustainably sourced dishes he serves at Le George.

The interior of Le Cinq

Have the Concierge make a reservation for you at the Hotel’s three-Michelin-starred Le Cinq, a Paris destination in its own right.

Three pairs of colourful bistro chairs line the banks of the Siene river

Relax at one of the Paris Plages that pop up along the Siene each summer.

An al fresco rendezvous and seasonal bounty in Paris

Paris is always one of the most popular urban destinations, and all eyes will be on the French capital this summer. Planning a trip once everything has settled into a laid-back summertime schedule can be a great way to experience the city. Parisian neighbourhoods are famously quiet come August as many locals head out on vacation. However, the city isn’t as sleepy as it used to be and the main attractions are still open. With the games wrapping up in mid-August, there’s just enough time to squeeze in a last-minute getaway.

Take advantage of the summer sun in this beautiful city with an outdoor movie, a favourite local pastime. The Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, can fill you in on screenings happening during your stay, as well as arrange for everything you need to make your evening memorable. Or ask the Concierge about the best place to grab a spot at one of the Paris Plages, temporary faux beaches that pop up along the Siene in the summer months. This year, the Paris Plages are changing a bit with a new location at the Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement. Here you can swim, relax on the banks of the river and soak in those final summer moments.

Back at the Hotel, the Concierge can also book you a table at one of the three Michelin-starred restaurants found on-site. With three stars for Le Cinq, two stars for L’Orangerie and one star for Le George, the Hotel now holds six stars total, a new record in Europe and the Middle East region for the number of stars awarded within one hotel. Sample some of Chef Simone Zanoni’s sustainably sourced dishes at Le George, or opt to join him in the restaurant’s garden located just southwest of Versailles on the grounds of Domaine de Madame Elisabeth. Here you’ll hand-pick the freshest seasonal produce before indulging in an al fresco cooking class and a rustic yet chic lunch with the chef.

Go al fresco in Paris

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Tokyo building lit up during the night

Let Four Seasons arrange for a curated night-time tour of Tokyo’s famous landmarks.

Bartender mixes drinks behind the counter with a city skyline in the background

After dinner at two-Michelin-starred SÉZANNE at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, stop by The Bar and Champagne Lounge for a nightcap.

A couple dances on a rooftop patio with the city skyline in the distance

Tokyo’s nightlife scene really lights up in the summer months.

Night games and day trips in Tokyo

Enjoying warm, sunny days is a quintessential summer experience, but what about those equally delightful summer nights? In Tokyo, the fun doesn’t stop just because the sun goes down. Start with dinner at two-Michelin-starred SÉZANNE at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi before embarking on a curated night-time tour of the city with an expert guide to explore famous landmarks under the cover of darkness. Or catch an evening baseball game at the Tokyo Dome – the team at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi can arrange for everything from tickets to transportation.

August is also the height of summer festival season in Tokyo, offering plenty of opportunities to sample local street food, see live music and dancing, and take in some incredible firework displays.

If you’re looking to spend a day outside the city, Four Seasons can also arrange for a personalized trip to Hakone, tailored to your interests. Located about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, Hakone is home to thermal hot springs, beautiful mountain scenery and one-of-a-kind museums. The town itself is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, so you may get a glimpse of nearby Mount Fuji across Lake Ashinoko.

Live the night life in Tokyo

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A person riding a bicycle in front of of a brick building with cars lining the street.

Biria Bikes are yours for the taking at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Have the Concierge plan out a custom route.

Burgundy velvet couch, two mustard arm chairs and a black marble coffee table fill a suite living room

Award-winning interior architect Bill Rooney and his team designed six specialty suites, including the modern and stylish Tribeca Suite.

A rack of clothing, violet couch and various plants fill a brightly lit fitting room

Get your closet ready for the upcoming season with the Hotel’s Fashion First Experience, created in partnership with Moda Operandi.

Bike rides and a stylish stay in New York

For many, the preferred mode of summer transportation is a bicycle. Plan a last-minute getaway to Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown and you’ll have the Hotel’s Biria Bikes at your disposal to explore the city at your own pace. Lower Manhattan has plenty of bike lanes and nearby places to explore, and the Hotel can stock your bike’s basket with a custom-made picnic and blanket to take with you on your ride. The Concierge can also curate a custom route for you, including jaunts into other neighbourhoods like the West Village for a stop at Bar Pisellino. Try their delicious Pistachio cocktail (a local favourite) and pair it with homemade cacio e pepe chips and tramezzini for the perfect aperitivo experience.

And since the end of one season means the beginning of another, no stay in New York is complete without a little shopping. Get your wardrobe ready for fall with the Hotel’s Fashion First Experience, created in partnership with the luxury online shopping platform Moda Operandi. “We’re delighted to bring the world of innovation and high fashion to our guests by partnering with Moda Operandi,” says General Manager Thomas Carreras. “Much like Four Seasons, Moda prides itself on curation and personalization.” Available exclusively for Hotel guests, the experience begins with a pre-arrival virtual styling session with Moda to set the tone. Once you arrive, a personal stylist will organize an in-person fitting of a thoughtfully curated wardrobe tailored to your preferences in one of the Hotel’s specialty suites. You’ll also receive a USD 1,000 credit to Moda Operandi so you can start planning your fall fits before the temperatures start to dip.

Style your stay in New York

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A red, white and black speedboat cruises on the water off the coastline of Athens

Experience summer like the locals and spend a day island hopping off the coast of Athens.

A person wearing a yellow one-piece swimsuit walks toward the water on a deck surrounded by the ocean and large rocks, two white lounge chairs and another person sitting on the deck are nearby

Set along 30 hectares (74 acres) of coastline, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a serene and playful summer haven.

An ancient colonnade set on a ocean cliffside make up the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Summer in Athens means fewer crowds, making guided tours of the nearby archaeological sites even more engaging.

Island hopping and private tours in Athens

Located on the tip of Vouliagmeni peninsula just 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) from the city centre, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a summer haven that stretches out across 30 hectares (74 acres) along the Athenian coastline, including three private beaches. This idyllic address makes it the perfect jumping-off point for a favourite late-summer activity: island hopping. Climb aboard one of the Resort’s Technohull Rib Boat Omega 47 vessels for a private boat tour to the islands of Hydra and Spetses. Spend the day swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring stunning Zogeria Bay and savouring classic Greek cuisine in a local seafood taverna.

Like the majority of Europe, Athens quiets down a bit come August, but that bodes well for last-minute visitors. With smaller crowds, a guided tour of the Acropolis or the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion feels even more exclusive. Let the team at Four Seasons create a personalized itinerary for your stay filled with visits to famous archaeological sites as well as laid-back days lounging in and around the sophisticated seaside Resort. If you can, plan your trip around the August full moon, when museums and historic sites stay open free of charge late into the night so visitors can see them lit beneath the brightest moon of the year.

Make the Athenian Riviera yours

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Three people hike through a rugged, rocky hillside

Embark on a hike through the rugged hillsides with an expert guide in search of a hidden waterfall.

Underwater view of person wearing a white bathing suit, snorkelling mask and flippers swimming through the water

Summer brings warm water and great visibility to the already incredible snorkelling at Cabo Pulmo.

Oceanfront resort sits between the water and a row of mountains in the background

Located in the secluded East Cape, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is your gateway to adventure.

Waterfall hikes and the best snorkelling of the year in Los Cabos

Prefer to venture somewhere a little off the beaten path? Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas offers laid-back luxury on the secluded East Cape of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Here, the call to adventure is as thrilling as it is carefree. Hike along the hillsides, go off-roading through a rugged landscape, dive deep beneath the surface of the sea, see the night sky ablaze with stars, or simply relax on a pristine private beach. With so much to see and do, the team at Four Seasons can help tailor your stay and make sure you make the most of your late-summer getaway with a host of exclusive experiences.

On land, the Resort’s off-road waterfall tour is the perfect way to explore the wonders of the landscape and also enjoy a refreshing dip in the water. You’ll drive through canyons and dry riverbeds, stopping to explore the beautiful desert town of Santiago before continuing on to the 12-metre (40-foot) Sol de Mayo waterfall at Cañon de la Zorra. A short hike leads you up to a freshwater pool where you can swim next to the towering waterfall and sunbath on the giant boulders that line the pool.

And while there’s good snorkelling and scuba diving in the area year-round, summer and early fall are when visibility is at its best and water temperatures are nice and warm. For the ultimate experience, let Four Seasons arrange a snorkelling excursion to Cabo Pulmo, the UNESCO World Heritage Marine Site that Jacques Cousteau dubbed “the aquarium of the world.” Set off from the Resort’s private marina and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by schools of colourful porkfish, bigeye jacks, snapper and several types of rays. If there’s something specific you’d like to see, just let the team know and they’ll do their best to find it for you.

Find adventure in Los Cabos

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Three-tiered tray filled with pastries, various small plates, two wine glasses and a bottle of champagne are set on a white-clothed table in the middle of a meadow

The team at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire can prepare a gourmet picnic for you to enjoy anywhere on the estate grounds.

Two people ride horseback through the grounds of an English country estate

The rolling hills of Hampshire are best explored on horseback.

Falcon bird lands on man's gloved hand in English countryside

Learn the fundamentals of falconry and meet a Harris hawk during a private session with the Hotel’s on-site falconry expert.

Country picnics and outdoor fun in Hampshire

Set on 200 hectares (500 acres) of rolling countryside, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is the embodiment of a quintessential English estate. If you’re wanting to get away from the city for a long, late-summer holiday, Hampshire offers a relaxing alternative. At Four Seasons, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing, fly fishing and horseback-riding to fill your days, as well as a unique opportunity to get to know a Harris hawk as an on-site falconry expert fills you in on the fundamentals of falconry.

With so much natural beauty surrounding you, let the Hotel’s culinary team arrange for a custom gourmet picnic for you and your loved ones to enjoy on the grounds. Tuck yourselves away in the estate’s orchard or private gardens – wherever you lay your blanket, the scene is guaranteed to be picture-perfect.

Escape the city in Hampshire

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Say goodbye to summer with us.

view of London Park