Destinations: Europe

How do you harness the energy of a city to create an unforgettable vacation? That depends on who you ask. Whether you’re into music, photography, art, fashion, food, family activities or wellness, Four Seasons can help you explore some of the most dynamic cities in the world and experience them through your own lens. A stay at Four Seasons means you’ll enjoy insider access, private tours and recommendations from in-the-know Concierges. These city breaks are bound to inspire your next weekend away.

Nashville has long been a draw for creatives. The city is filled with innovative craftspeople, designers, chefs and, of course, musicians, eager to share their passion with all who visit. Located in downtown’s SoBro (short for “south of Broadway”) neighbourhood, Four Seasons Hotel Nashville is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the area’s coolest bars, restaurants and live music venues.

Grab a pint of the all-Tennessee-grain State Park Blonde Ale – the official beer of the Tennessee State Parks – at Tennessee Brew Works while listening to live local music every night. Or head to The Listening Room Cafe to see performances by up-and-comers, number-one-hit songwriters and international acts in what is considered the “best-sounding room in Nashville.” You can also catch some Delta blues, rockabilly and jazz at the Hotel’s own Mimo Bar, featuring live music every Friday to Sunday curated by the Hotel’s music-obsessed Director of Public Relations Robert Chinman and on-property guitarist and music afficionado Assistant Director of Residences Dustin Doering. “Just as you would want for any Friday or Saturday night in Downtown Nashville, we are bringing an energetic line-up to Mimo Bar,” says Chinman. Want a taste of what you could be hearing? Add the Mimo Bar Spotify playlist to your regular rotation.

For those really wanting to immerse themselves in the creative energy of Music City, Four Seasons can arrange for a fully customized songwriters’ round experience. Hosted in a private space at a nearby art gallery, you’ll get to sit in and witness Nashville-based hit songwriters performing together and sharing the stories behind the creative process and what inspired their music.

 

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From the towering bookshelves of Starfield Library to the two-dimensional stylings of Cafe Yeonnam-dong 239-20, Seoul is filled with amazing selfie spots. And one of the most iconic locations to snap a grid-worthy pic is Bukchon Hanok Village. Famous for its traditional Korean houses – known as hanoks – this residential neighbourhood in the Jongno District offers a first-hand glimpse of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul invites you to explore the village, along with Gyeongbok Palace and Insa-dong, on the exclusive Love Is Seoul-Searching on Foot walking tour. An expert will take you on a half-day tour through some of the city’s most beautiful places. You also have the option to don a hanbok – traditional Korean clothing – during the tour for an even deeper experience. For women, that means a jeogori (top) and chima (skirt), while for men, hanbok consists of a jeogori and loose-fitting baji (trousers).

And if you’re looking for modern architectural marvel, let Four Seasons arrange for a private limousine ride and a tailored shopping experience at Dior Seongsu, capped off with a drink at Café Dior in front of a backdrop inspired by the lush gardens of Christian Dior’s childhood home on the seaside cliffs of Granville, France.

Boston may be famous for its pivotal role in American history and as the setting of some of the world’s top intellectual institutions, but it’s also home to a blossoming urban art scene. And few places can give you the inside scoop on both established and up-and-coming artists quite like Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. To start, the Hotel itself is home to a robust collection of works from a group of internationally important artists. The diverse collection was carefully curated in collaboration with world-renowned art consultants Kate Chertavian and Lucy Rosenburgh, and pieces can be found throughout the property, including in every guest room and residence. Let the Concierge pour you a glass of champagne before you set off on a self-guided tour.

Tucked away on a tree-lined street in Boston’s Back Bay, the Hotel is within walking distance of numerous museums and galleries, including the not-to-be-missed Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Have the Concierge organize a custom itinerary for you, starting with a stop at the art-filled Farmer’s Horse Coffee for a fresh-brewed Ethiopian coffee. The Concierge can also arrange for a car to take you to the Seaport District to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art (an official hotel partner) to browse in the current exhibition.

 

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Style mavens flock to New York twice a year for fashion week, but this city’s sidewalks double as runways year round. If you’re wanting a stylish weekend in the city, base yourself at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Located in the heart of Tribeca, the award-winning Hotel embodies luxury New York living and puts you within walking distance of some of the city’s best shopping, restaurants and bars. Want to make sure you look your best while exploring the city? Four Seasons offers a number of unique experiences to help you do just that. Be sure to pay a visit to The Edit, a pop-up retail space within the Spa’s third-floor boutique that features a rotating collection of New York’s best emerging brands and designers, including curated collections filled with the vibrant colours and geometric shapes of Raquel Orozco and the boundary-pushing designs of Terry Singh. With the designers changing every few months, you’ll always find something fresh to discover.

“We believe in creating experiences to inspire meaningful conversations, and by launching The Edit, we are bringing new designers into our space who share in our vision while highlighting the best of New York fashion and accessories for our guests,” says Monica Domantay, Lifestyle Creative Director at the Hotel. The concierge team can also provide you with a personalized list of boutiques and designer shops to visit while you’re in town.

And when you’re done exploring for the day, come back to the Hotel to relax with champagne and music in one of the specialty suites that were recently redesigned by award-winning interior architect Bill Rooney and his team. Moody, soulful and timeless, every suite is made to feel like a true New Yorker’s apartment. The Metropolis and Tribeca suites even feature classic record players and record collections from iconic New York musicians for you to enjoy during your New York stay.

As one of the world’s best foodie cities, this European destination can make even the simplest meal feel elegant. You could plan an entire trip to Paris based solely on the restaurants you’ll visit and head home happy and fulfilled.

When you stay at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, you’ll have direct access to some of the most coveted tables in the city. A culinary destination in its own right, the Hotel’s three-Michelin-starred Le Cinq is a must-visit. Serving modern French fare by Executive Chef Christian Le Squer paired with rare wines carefully selected by award-winning Head Sommelier Eric Beaumard, Le Cinq offers the dining experience of a lifetime.

And that’s just one of the Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Have the Concierge book you a table at the one-Michelin-starred Le George for trendy Italian-Mediterranean cuisine for dinner one night, then for lunch the next day in the glass-panelled courtyard at L’Orangerie to sample the innovative work of Chef Alan Taudon, focused on vegetables, seafood and dairy – no meat – that has also earned this restaurant one Michelin star.

Take your culinary escapade one step further on one of the exclusive chef-led experiences curated only for guests at Four Seasons. Spend a day in Versailles with Le George’s own Chef Simone Zanoni to pick fresh produce for your private cooking class, or take a scenic two-hour drive to the Champagne region to sip the oldest champagne vintages in the world during a private tour of Maison Belle Époque.

 

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Whether you have a toddler, a young child or a teen – or all of the above – finding a family-friendly city can make all the difference. Look no further than Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale – the ideal home base for your city adventures – with a team well-versed in creating itineraries that are sure to delight guests of all ages.

Paying homage to the city’s yachting legacy with a decidedly mid-century feel, the Hotel proves that kid-friendly spaces don’t have to sacrifice style. The all-day café Honey Fitz – located just off the lobby – is the perfect example of this, where a central marble table displays pastries by day and champagne by night. “Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale is set to usher Fort Lauderdale into a new era of luxury. The natural beauty of its location along the Beach Boulevard immediately reminded me of La Croisette in Cannes,” says designer Tara Bernerd. “We brought the space to life with an effortless flow throughout the public spaces, pairing fresh palettes with statement mid-century furniture, creating a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere that reflects the city’s youthful and vibrant spirit.”

Set on the shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Four Seasons is a modern seaside haven for families. Younger children will love the daily activities at Kids For All Seasons – a dedicated kids’ club based on the Hotel’s Ocean Sun Deck – which includes activities such as poolside games, swimming activities, cooking classes, and arts and crafts. Older kids can cruise along the beach on one of the Hotel’s custom bicycles or ride over to nearby Bonnet House Museum & Gardens to explore the five distinct ecosystems that make up the scenic grounds. The Hotel can also arrange for a variety of unique experiences the whole family will love, such as a private Everglades airboat tour, a private yacht charter and a private helicopter tour for thrilling views of the Florida coastline.

The focus on personal betterment and wellness experiences is a travel trend that many people are incorporating into their vacations. And just because you’re embarking on a city getaway, that doesn’t mean you can’t find your Zen while there. One place that makes this remarkably easy is Hong Kong. It’s a fast-paced city with so much to see and do, but it’s also home to hiking trails, tucked-away gardens and verdant spaces nestled within commercial districts.

At Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, you can enjoy a quick reset or dig in deeper with the Hotel’s holistic spa program, offering unique treatments and rituals hosted by resident healers and visiting wellness experts. Revitalize your senses during a gong bath, connect with yourself and your loved ones during a private group meditation session, or opt for one of the multi-day programs to help improve sleep or enhance your overall vitality.

Fill your spiritual cup with a visit to Po Lin Monastery to see the awe-inspiring Big Buddha surrounded by majestic mountains. Four Seasons can arrange for a private Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride to the site, followed by a visit to the historic village of Tai O, one of the few remaining fishing villages in Hong Kong. You’ll get an up-close view of the village’s stilt houses during a 20-minute local boat ride and see what life is like for the tight-knit Tanka community that calls Tai O home.