Destinations: Europe

They say if you really want to get know someone, travel with them. Sometimes that person is a family member or a friend, sometimes it’s your partner, and sometimes it’s you. Whether it’s participating in sea turtle conservation in Nevis with the kids, dining at a romantic Michelin-starred restaurant in Sicily with your better half, exploring dynamic Nashville with your closest friends or exploring Montreal’s Vieux Port solo, connecting with people and places, making memories, and learning more about yourself and your loved ones is what travel is all about. Whomever you’re planning on travelling with this summer, here are some of our favourite destinations, plus what to do while you’re there.

A year-round tropical paradise with white-sand beaches and water activities galore, Hawaii is a favourite for a reason. This is true for families with young children, more intrepid teens or even multiple generations. On the Big Island’s Kona Coast, the recently renovated Four Seasons Resort Hualalai features multi-bedroom specialty suites and villas designed for families, giving them room to spread out while showcasing gorgeous ocean views.

“From cultural immersion and culinary experiences to educational programming at the Kumu Kai marine centre, led by our team of marine biologists, and [water activities], our robust range of offerings truly speaks to our commitment to families,” says Charlie Parker, Regional Vice President and General Manager. The Resort’s 1.8 million-gallon swimmable aquarium will be a hit with toddlers and school-age children, not to mention eagle ray feedings and ukulele lessons that everyone will enjoy. Adventurous families can try outrigger canoeing or explore lava tubes and waterfalls. And did we mention the eight different Resort pools?

Meanwhile, on the Caribbean’s famed Pinney’s Beach, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies, features a complimentary kids club as well as unique opportunities to participate in sea turtle conservation alongside local partners. The Resort’s annual Sea Turtle Conservation weekend in July features turtle-tracking night walks and catch, tag and release programming, a special chance to learn more about these endangered marine reptiles. You’ll have more than enough room for the whole family here on Nevis, with accommodations ranging from bright and airy guest rooms to seven-bedroom private villas.

For a one-of-a-kind immersive experience, head to the all-villa Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, situated on the island’s idyllic northwest corner. Here, families can learn Thai kick-boxing together, snorkel in the protected waters of Angthong National Marine Park, and make dishes such as pad thai with tamarind and chives or tom yum soup laced with lemon-grass during a three-hour cooking class. Tip: Book one of the Resort’s Family Pool Villas, which feature a spacious terrace with a private plunge pool and a kids’ bedroom with games, books and toys.

Planning a getaway for a much needed catch-up with your favourite people? Make Four Seasons Hotel Nashville your base while you explore Music City’s honky-tonks, tuck into creative eats at award-winning restaurants such as Audrey and Tailor Nashville, and take in art at the Parthenon and the Frist Art Museum, an often-overlooked gem. The Hotel – located in the SoBro (South of Broadway) neighbourhood – can even arrange a private one-hour acoustic performance by a Nashville-based hit songwriter, in the comfort of your suite, as part of its Suite Sounds program in collaboration with Songwriter City. “Music is the heartbeat of Nashville, so it has been our top priority from day one to build meaningful relationships and partnerships within the city’s thriving music scene,” says Richard Poskanzer, General Manager of the Hotel.

Alternatively, sign up your group for the new adults-only summer camp, Camp Verano, at the spectacular Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas™, set along Baja’s tranquil East Cape and the Sea of Cortez. Available this summer from Memorial Day through Labour Day, the customizable five-day “camp” includes off-roading in desert dunes; snorkelling with rays, sea turtles and even bull sharks in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (an area which Jacques Cousteau called “the aquarium of the world”); hiking to natural water slides; and private agave tastings.

Or perhaps you and your friends would like a private island to yourselves? Consider Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, a breathtaking island escape for up to 21 guests in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. You’ll have your own 19-metre (62-foot) yacht to explore the area, including the manta ray hot spot Hanifaru Bay to the south, secluded sandbanks to the east and an endless horizon for viewing stunning sunsets to the west. After a day spent exploring crystal-clear lagoons, reefs teeming with fish and powdery beaches, unwind with a bespoke treatment at the on-island Ocean of Consciousness Spa.

Whether you’re a couple in love, newlyweds on a honeymoon or parents looking for a kid-free break, connecting with your significant other is best done in a beautiful setting. Dating back to the 14th century, San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, is perched atop a promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna and an ancient Greek theatre. In the Hotel, a former Dominican convent, several of the sea-view rooms and suites have terraces and private plunge pools.

“Sicily is the perfect destination to share love, passion and ‘la dolce vita,’” says the Hotel’s Concierge. “Take a drive in a tiny original Fiat 500 – perfect for two – to visit the area around Taormina. Drive up winding roads into small villages to see the sights and admire views of the Ionian Sea. Or enjoy a leisurely boat ride in the bay on a traditional fisherman boat, toasting with a Sicilian sparkling wine before hopping off to visit charming Isola Bella.” But return in time for dinner at the Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Principe Cerami, helmed by Chef Massimo Mantarro, and dig into Sicilian fare such as quail with asparagus and black truffle, or busiate pasta with almonds, eggplant and garlic. If you and your love are then ready to retire, we wouldn’t blame you, but the property can arrange stargazing safaris with an expert astronomer weaving tales of mythology while pointing out the constellations.

Equally enchanting is Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. While it’s within a mile of downtown Calistoga, a charming wine country town known for its hot springs and mud baths, the Resort feels like a retreat tucked away among grapevines. With a world-class on-site winery, overseen by celebrated winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, and a beautiful adults-only pool, this charming 85-room property is indeed hard to leave. Rooms and villas range from a generous 480 square feet to 3,400 square feet and are outfitted with fireplaces, patios and terraces, and enormous grey-tiled baths. Rise early for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride and you’ll be rewarded with a sherbet-coloured sky overlooking green hills, olive groves and oak trees. Then take you love out to explore Oxbow Public Market, the area’s art galleries, and one (or more) of the dozens of wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants that are all within easy reach.

In the recent decade, the rise in solo travel is proof that sometimes the best companion may be yourself. Travelling alone heightens your senses to the sights and sounds around you; you can observe and appreciate a destination in a deeper way. Stay at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon while wandering the seven hills of Portugal’s capital. The coastal city, with its tile-covered and pastel-hued buildings, is a photographer’s dream. Pop on a helmet and ride in the sidecar of a vintage motorcycle as a professional photographer offers tips and tricks for capturing the beauty and charm of Lisbon’s quaint Alfama, Bairro Alto and Chiado neighbourhoods. “Lisbon welcomes solo travellers with both arms wide open,” says Head Concierge Luis Miguel. “Our vibrant city is colourful, inviting and culturally diverse. With a fascinating history and lively art and cultural scene, there’s always something to see, taste or do, even if that means letting yourself get lost going up and down the winding streets of Alfama.” Find your way back and hit the Hotel’s Spa, or linger over the seasonal jacaranda afternoon tea in the tapestry-lined Almada Negreiros Lounge.

A city with Southwestern flavour and a laid-back vibe, Santa Fe is an easy weekend away on your own. By day, stroll the atmospheric, walkable downtown plaza; pop into several museums (don’t miss the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum); and sink into beloved Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-style hot springs spa. Come night, rest your head at the intimate 65-casita Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, set among 57 acres of rolling hills dotted with fragrant piñon trees. From horseback riding to a day trip to Abiquiú to see O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch, the Resort can set up just about anything.

Cosmopolitan Montreal, with its diverse neighbourhoods and a well-connected metro, is quite suitable for solo exploration – especially the Vieux Port (Old Port) area. Take your time exploring the scenic waterfront district on foot, and have the team at Four Seasons Hotel Montreal arrange a private culinary tour of the city, with a stop for Montreal-style bagels and a visit to the sprawling Jean-Talon Market. For dinner, the Hotel’s newly redone restaurant, overseen by global celebrity chef Marcus Samuelson, is fast becoming a foodie hot spot in its own right.