Alejandra Alonso Rojas weaves a global heartbeat into all of her designs. Born in Madrid, she trained at some of the world’s most prestigious design schools, including London’s Central Saint Martins and New York’s Parsons School of Design, before opening her eponymous studio in Manhattan. “The landscapes, culture, and energy of Spain breathe life into my work. Artists like Dalí and Picasso inspire the vibrant colours and emotional depth in my creations,” says Alonso Rojas, who also celebrates the women in her family for instilling in her an appreciation for handcraft, from leather and knitwear to fine Camariñas lace.
Here, she discusses essential things to do in Madrid, which will always remain a favourite destination.
“Travel is integral to my design work. It expands my perspectives,” says Alonso Rojas, wearing one of her designs. Photograph by Anastasiia Duvallié.
Shop
Boutique Browsing: “I recommend the Malasaña and Chueca districts for unique boutiques and artisanal shops. The Barrio de Salamanca offers luxury shopping [that] feels more personal compared to typical tourist spots. El Rastro is a very special place where you can find true antique gems.”
Recharge
Palacio de Cristal conservatory in El Retiro Park. Photograph by Sanguer / Adobe Stock.
El Retiro Park: “Its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere offer a peaceful retreat from the city bustle, inspiring a sense of calm and reflection. The beauty of nature boosts my creative energy.”
Photograph courtesy of Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza: “[It] features an impressive collection of paintings from the Renaissance to the modern era, showcased in a stylish former palace. Some favourites [of mine] include Self-Portrait Wearing a Hat and Two Chains, one of Rembrandt’s finest self-portraits, and The Annunciation Diptych by Jan van Eyck.”
Eat and Drink
The beguiling interiors of Dani Brasserie.
Dani Brasserie: “At Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, I find Dani Brasserie particularly enchanting. Chef Dani García’s culinary creativity is impressive, providing a unique dining experience that perfectly aligns with the hotel’s luxury. But don’t just stop at Dani Brasserie: I highly recommend saving some time to check out his other restaurant, Leña, which focuses on smoke-infused steaks.”
Café de Oriente: “The view of the Royal Palace enhances a serene morning coffee. It’s an ideal spot for contemplation and inspiration. Other good [casual] spots around the city are La Cueva de 1900, Toma Café, and Pan de Lujo.”
The travel industry pros are starting to make their predictions for the year ahead, and, as expected, we’re seeing a wide range of opinions. European destinations are on the rise. So are African safaris. Interest in luxury tours by train is ticking up. Likewise for luxury yacht cruises (in 2026, the highly anticipated Four Seasons Yachts launches). Ahead-of-the-curve jet-setters will be flocking to Svalbard, Norway. Or maybe it’s New Zealand.
The one trend that the experts seem to agree on? Increasingly, travellers are yearning for experiences—trips that have visitors meeting locals, learning new skills, and soaking up new cultures. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up five classic, and increasingly popular, destinations that have a lot more to offer than just lounging by the pool (though, that’s also a welcome option, of course).
Lisbon
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon offers a Sidecar Tour through the city’s narrow streets.
If you feel like everyone you know has been posting vacation photos from Portugal as of late, it’s not your imagination. According to USA Today, Booking.com data showed higher year-over-year flight searches for Portugal across every month in 2025. Roughly the size of Maine, the country has something for everyone: beaches, mountains, wineries, and eminently walkable cities.
The most popular destination in Portugal is arguably Lisbon, a city steeped in history (it’s older than Rome!) and bathed in sunlight (it’s one of the sunniest places in southern Europe). There’s no shortage of cultural sightseeing to be had here, but the capital city is not just for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
Those who enjoy staying active on vacations, take note: the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon is slated for March 8, 2026, and the EDP Lisbon Marathon, billed as “probably the most beautiful in the world,” will be held in October. Another event to bookmark for next year: the Lisbon Tango Festival in June, which offers five days of tango dancing, including performances, classes, and dance parties.
The Varanda Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon.
STAY AT: Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. Centrally located and packed with amenities (including a rooftop outdoor running track), the hotel is a plush home base for exploring both the city and the surrounding vineyards and villages.
SIGN UP FOR: a Sidecar Tour and see Lisbon up close and personal from a vintage motorcycle driven by a private tour guide. Or consider the Sintra and Cascais Tour, a daylong excursion that hits the historical palaces at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra, as well as the seaside resort town of Cascais.
Hoi An
Hoi An’s Ancient Town.
Another country enjoying a steep rise in tourism: Vietnam. According to Bloomberg, it’s now the third most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia (behind Thailand and Malaysia). Long, narrow, and S-shaped, the country is bordered by China to the north, Cambodia and Laos to the west, and the South China Sea to the east; driving the length of it takes at least a week. Our recommendation: Head to Hoi An, the “city of lanterns” on the central coast, where you’ll be able to sample a little of everything—quiet countryside, the meandering Thu Bon River, and a picturesque beach, to boot.
Hoi An is famous for its Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors will encounter a unique blend of centuries-old Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture set along the Thu Bon River. On the 14th of every month (when the moon is full), the neighbourhood turns off its electric streetlights in favour of colourful lanterns, creating a jaw-droppingly beautiful nightscape. For a dose of good luck, send a floating candlelit lantern down the river.
A recently renovated villa at Four Seasons The Nam Hai.
STAY AT:Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam. The quiet beachfront property is an ideal location from which to explore nearby landmarks (including three UNESCO World Heritage sites).
SIGN UP FOR: one (or all) of the many cool cultural immersion options offered by the resort. Our pick: The Wet Rice Farm Culture experience, in which guests bike to nearby rice paddies, enjoy tea with a farmer, learn rice cultivation, and end with a meal with the farmer’s family. (And don’t forget to take advantage of the complimentary Vietnamese Coffee Tasting on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.)
Tokyo
The neon lightscape in Tokyo is unparalleled.
Japan shares the top spot with Vietnam for the highest tourism growth rate in the first half of 2025 (a whopping 21 percent increase in international travellers compared to the previous year, according to the World Tourism Barometer, published by UN Tourism). And the most visited destination in Japan? Tokyo, of course.
Often cited as the most populous city in the world, Tokyo is nothing if not bustling. Visitors won’t lack for things to do in this metropolis that exquisitely mixes the futuristic with the ancient. Whatever you’re interested in, there’s probably a market, festival, or celebration devoted to it. A few particularly unique events to bookmark for your trip to Tokyo in 2026: the January, May, and September Grand Sumo Tournaments; various cherry blossom festivals in late March to early April; and the Sanno Matsuri, a days-long, mid-June festival, held only on even-numbered years, that showcases traditional Japanese music, dance, and drum performances, prayer ceremonies, and a Shinto ritual parade.
All guest rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi enjoy incredible city views.
STAY AT: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. Perched on the top floors of a 39-story high-rise in the financial district, the hotel is located right next to the Imperial Palace. (Reservations at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi are currently unavailable, as it is undergoing renovations; it’s set to reopen in the spring of 2026.)
SIGN UP FOR: the Suibokuga class to try the art of Japanese ink wash painting or the Kodo workshop to learn the art of incense appreciation. First time in Tokyo? Consider joining the hotel’s Tokyo Essentials guided tour of the city’s landmarks and neighbourhoods.
Milan
The Piazza del Duomo in Milan.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be held at multiple locations in Northern Italy in February, including Milan—which means that all eyes will soon be trained on the unofficial design and fashion capital of the world. This is good news for anyone hoping to visit Milan next year, as it will be dressed to the nines and more than ready to play host.
Other much-anticipated events include Design Week in April (composed of the renowned furniture fair Salon Internazionale del Mobile and Fuorisalone, a series of design-focused exhibitions and happenings throughout the city) and the thrilling Italian Grand Prix in Monza, in September. But you don’t need a tentpole event to visit—with its alluring triumvirate of fashion, food, and frescoes, Milan is truly wonderful any time of the year.
A Premium Room at Four Seasons Hotel Milano.
STAY AT: Four Seasons Hotel Milano. The 15th–century convent turned luxury hotel is located in the heart of the Fashion District, just steps from the Duomo di Milano, the iconic and intricately designed Gothic cathedral that took nearly 600 years to build.
SIGN UP FOR:day trips to Lake Como, Courmayeur Mont Blanc, and the Franciacorta vineyards for some Northern Italian fresh air. And if it’s more of Milan you want, you’re in luck—the hotel offers walking tours, after-hour museum visits, private shopping excursions, and more.
Sydney
Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Condé Nast Traveller UK’s Readers’ Choice Awards named Sydney “Best City in the World” last year, citing the “indoor-outdoor way of life the Aussies embrace so well” as the reason it’s so beloved by visitors. (Where were Paris, Tokyo, and New York, you ask? In the No. 6, No. 12, and No. 20 spots, respectively.)
The best way to have an authentic Aussie experience: get outside. In Sydney, that means heading to the beach (there are more than 100 to choose from, including famous Bondi Beach, where you can learn to surf), cruising Sydney Harbour (home to two world-renowned feats of engineering, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge), strolling the 74-acre Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney, or bushwalking nearby Blue Mountains.
The Sydney Harbour Studio Club Suite at Four Seasons.
STAY AT:Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. The property not only has epic views of Sydney Harbour, but also is just steps from the Rocks, Sydney’s must-visit oldest neighbourhood.
SIGN UP FOR: the Outback Opal Mine Adventure and tour the region’s oldest opal mines with the stars of the hit reality TV show Outback Opal Hunters. Who knows? You may get lucky and strike opal.
Usually things go awry when the wheels come off—but on the water, that’s a good thing. Whether it’s an old-school wooden boat for two or a state-of-the-art yacht with plush accommodations, Four Seasons offers on-the-water experiences that you won’t soon forget. Here’s a small sampling.
A Floating Resort
Four Seasons Explorer, Palau: There is simply no better way to experience the Micronesian island nation of Palau: Explore UNESCO World Heritage islands and stunning lagoons while spending nights aboard this intimate ship, home to 10 elegant staterooms and the luxurious Explorer Suite.
Ideal for: Those who love the outdoors and water sports as much as they love AC and high thread count.
Romance on the River
Four Seasons Hotel Prague: The Vltava River flows through the heart of the Czech Republic’s capital, making a private boat ride—especially on a charming wooden vessel captained by a guide carrying Prosseco or mulled wine and hot chocolate, depending on the weather—an ideal way to experience the city’s most romantic landmarks in unforgettable style.
Ideal for: Couples looking for a guided experience without the tour group.
From Air to Water
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: All arriving guests are escorted from the local airport directly to an awaiting 1920s-inspired Andreyale for a breathtaking 15-minute transfer to the resort. The 39-foot yacht can also be booked for sunset cruises.
Ideal for: Guests who are eager to be up close with Tahiti’s legendary turquoise waters after a long day of travel.
Multigenerational Adventures
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: Guests visiting the Big Island and seeking fun for the whole family will want to consider chartering Alaka’i Nui, the resort’s 46-foot luxury catamaran. Customizable experiences include beach-hopping voyages and whale-watching tours.
Ideal for: Groups with a range of interests and abilities. Guests can participate in water activities, like snorkeling or deep-sea fishing, or simply relax on the boat.
A Retro Rental
Four Seasons Hotel Austin: A trip to Texas Hill Country wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the many lakes in the region. In Austin, guests can rent a vintage-style electric boat, in retro colours like mint green and bubblegum pink, to cruise Lady Bird Lake. Cooler and Bluetooth speaker included.
Ideal for: Fun seekers and vibe chasers. (To captain, guests must be at least 21 years old.)
Catch of the Day
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas: Top skiers know to head to Whistler for epic slopes; deep-sea fishing enthusiasts know to make a pilgrimage to Los Cabos for some of the world’s best salt-water angling. Hop onboard a 17-metre yacht for an unforgettable guided day of fishing; all equipment is included.
Ideal for: Anglers who love the adrenaline rush of big-game fishing.
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. 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 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 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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 Christmasat 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
