Best of Both Worlds

Do you come alive in the heart of a bustling city? Or does your perfect vacation involve lounging in beautiful, secluded areas? If you’re looking to tap into the infectious energy of a big city while also enjoying a relaxing vacation, these Four Seasons hotels offer the best of both worlds. Enjoy intimate oceanside picnics and peaceful garden strolls just minutes from cultural centres, shopping districts and vibrant nightlife. When you stay at Four Seasons, you can pack your bags knowing that you’ve chosen a destination that offers whatever you’re in the mood for – last-minute changes included.

Find culture and peace of mind in Florence

Located in the heart of Florence, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers a refuge within a bustling cultural hub. The Hotel’s grand historic building dates back to the 1400s and features rich architecture with Renaissance detailing, fresco-lined walls and a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant. The wonder continues outside, where you’ll find charming statues, a small Ionic temple, perfectly manicured lawns and curved walking paths in the expansive 11-acre Giardino della Gherardesca. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic picnic under majestic trees or a picturesque hilltop dinner with Duomo views.

And when you’re ready to explore the city, you’re within walking distance of historic sites and world-class museums. After you’ve gazed upon Sandro Botticelli paintings at Uffizi Gallery, crossed the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and sampled authentic Italian dishes at the Mercato Centrale Florence, come back to the Hotel to unwind with a dip in the garden pool or just revel in the natural beauty found within the walled garden oasis. For an unforgettable end to your day, let Four Seasons set an intimate table for you and your love on a private, open-air terrace on the Ponte Vecchio and indulge in a four-course gourmet meal designed by the talented culinary team as you watch the sun set over the Arno River.

Stay in the historic heart of Florence

Revel in seaside luxury and Miami nightlife

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, occupies a nine-acre stretch of beachfront in pedestrian-friendly Surfside. This historic property has exuded coastal elegance since opening its doors on New Year’s Eve in 1930. Its oceanfront rooms and bungalows offer unobstructed sea and bayside views. Make it a low-key cabana day by the pool or start your morning with a sunrise beach picnic with all your favourite breakfast items. If it’s privacy you’re after, you can enjoy a peaceful float in your own private rooftop pool in the exclusive Marybelle Penthouse Suite.

When you’re rested and ready to shop, the luxury boutiques of Bal Harbour are just blocks away. The art deco architecture, modern art galleries, celebrity-chef eateries and independent fashion shops of South Beach are also close by. And once the sun sets, city’s legendary nightlife offers plenty of options for any mood you’re in – from high-energy dance clubs to chic champagne bars, the Concierge team always has plenty of recommendations for where to find the best nightclubs in Miami and can help you find the perfect fit.

Unwind at The Surf Club

Discover a desert oasis in Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas … can be surprisingly relaxing. Envision a version of Las Vegas that is quiet and serene. Imagine balancing the energy and nightlife of one of the greatest entertainment destinations with the breathtaking natural wonders nearby. You’ll find that balance at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, a tranquil Five Diamond oasis in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. It’s one of the only non-gaming and non-smoking hotels on the strip, and one of the biggest draws is its Forbes Five-Star Spa. Here, you can pick your pool experience: opt for a cabana at the Hotel’s private pool or lounge by a real-sand beach with access to the pool complex at the nearby Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. If you’re more of an adventurer, set your sights off the strip entirely and let the Concierge plan a day of exploring the Grand Canyon or the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. On your return, find an array of personalized spa services at your fingertips.

If you want to experience Vegas nightlife like a local, the Concierge can also point you towards some of the best spots both on and off the strip. Whether you’re in the mood for a low-key or VIP experience, this city has it all.

Find balance in Las Vegas

Feel rejuvenated in London

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is an icon of refined elegance, offering newly renovated rooms and spacious suites as well as a Forbes Five-Star Spa overlooking Hyde Park and the city’s skyline. Its prime location makes sightseeing easy – enjoy a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or explore the storied South Bank district to see iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben. For a night out, let the Concierge arrange for a private Thames River cruise, a trip to the theatre, tickets to a concert or sporting event at Wembley Stadium, or a tasting experience at Chef Yannick Alléno’s recently opened Pavyllon London.

After a day exploring the city, retreat to the Hotel for an ultra-relaxing night’s sleep aided by curated experiences that induce restorative sleep and improved mental well-being. Sleep-focused spa treatments include the Four Seasons Signature Deep Sleep Lavender Massage – the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. The treatment begins with a rich, aromatic blend of herbs including English-grown lavender warmed to soothe tired feet, followed by a full-body massage designed to induce a deep slumber.

Wake up rested in London

Move to your own rhythm in Austin

Few things capture the unique energy of a city more than live, local music – and you’ll find one of the best local music scenes in Austin, Texas. Given its multitude of bars, music venues and dance clubs, it’s been dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World®, and you’ll find every style here. But that’s not all this city offers. Maybe you’ve become a Grand Prix fan and you’re eager to see why Austin is such a draw for Formula 1 enthusiasts. Or maybe it’s the eclectic dining scene you’re wanting to explore. Whatever your reason for visiting this capital city, you won’t have any trouble finding things to see, do and eat.

Located right off bustling South Congress Avenue, Four Seasons Hotel Austin offers a laid-back spot to relax and reset. You’ll find tranquillity on the Hotel’s tree-covered grounds on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, an outdoor playground offering access to a range of on-the-water activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, miles of lakeside trails, lawn games, a saltwater pool, and oak-shaded Adirondack chairs for chatting with friends. But once you’ve covered miles of dance floors throughout Austin, you’ll want to retreat to the most relaxing area of the Hotel for signature spa treatments infused with Texas-grown sage and other indigenous ingredients to help soothe tired muscles and rejuvenate your senses. Once you’ve finished at the Spa, head back to your room and place an order with the Hotel’s exclusive on-demand Margarita Cart – available at the push of a button – to have a bartender serve you handcrafted margaritas in the comfort of your own room.

Find your beat in Austin

Uncover desert fun and beachfront relaxation in Dubai

Dubai attracts millions of visitors annually, eager to experience desert safaris, desert horse rides, camel rides, luxury shopping and nightlife that never takes a day off. Whether you’re gazing upon the breathtaking sunsets from the top of the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa at 163 floors – scouting for designer brands or embarking upon the adventure of a lifetime through the desert, Dubai offers a wealth of options for its visitors.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is where it all winds down. This beachfront oasis is where you can catch your breath and allow the attentive staff to take care of your every need. Experience ancient Arabian rituals at the Resort Spa with a Memories of Arabia treatment, which hydrates and rejuvenates your skin and hair with the nourishing properties of camel milk, honey, argan shells and oil. Add an afternoon tea service or a beach or poolside cabana reservation to your relaxation menu and you’re set for hours of blissful self care. As they say in Dubai, “As-salamu alaykum,” or “peace be upon you.”

See another side of Dubai

City or beach, downtown nightlife or lakeside serenity, bright lights or a secluded spa – at Four Seasons, you don’t have to choose just one. Let the expert teams at each of these properties help you create the perfect vacation that offers the best of both worlds.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Who says you can’t have it all?

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7 Ways to See the World From the Sky

Thrill-seekers know the formula for an epic adventure: a little adrenaline, clear skies and the promise of awe-inspiring views. Few things compare with soaring over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter near Las Vegas or catapulting through the atmosphere during a skydiving expedition in Dubai. Of course, not all airborne experiences require nerves of steel. Board the Four Seasons Jet and you’ll see how relaxing a bird’s-eye view can be.

To satisfy all varieties of travellers, we’ve rounded up seven of the world’s most breathtaking destinations and the most exhilarating ways to see them from the sky. From Dubai to Whistler, follow our guide to taking flight.

Hot-air ballooning in the Serengeti

Hop aboard a hot-air balloon to see the natural beauty of your surroundings from an ideal vantage point. This gentle hot-air balloon safari, arranged by Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, allows for the ultimate scenic view – an unobstructed 360-degree panorama – so it’s no wonder hot-air ballooning is a favourite pastime in other wilderness expanses as well, such as the American Southwest. The Serengeti, with its golden savannahs and rich wildlife, may be the world’s best destination to lift off and float the morning away.

Zip-lining in Costa Rica

Woman rides a zip-line over a lush jungle

The Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour sends you flying above the unique dry forests of Papagayo Peninsula, home to rare birds, animals and plants like toucans, monkeys and orchids.

Strap into a harness and sail through the jungle canopy of Guanacaste Province on a zip-line tour arranged by Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Spot tropical birds, tree frogs and howler monkeys up close, and soar above gorgeous waterfalls as you glide from platform to towering platform. Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour, with its 24 platforms and three suspension bridges, offers some of the best views of Costa Rica’s landscape.

Skydiving in Dubai

Parachute in Dubai

Skydive Dubai offers tandem dives with expert instructors as well as a training program for those who wish to take the plunge solo.

Ranked a top drop zone, and the host of one of the world’s biggest skydiving championships, Dubai – home of Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Dubai International Financial Centre – draws both experts and beginners with glimmering views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Flying above the fan-shaped archipelago of Palm Jumeirah is your photo-worthy moment.

Touring Maui by helicopter

A helicopter flies over green peaks in Maui

Soar above towering waterfalls and lush rainforests before peering into Haleakala, a dormant volcano that composes 75 percent of Maui.

Admire the island’s green peaks, plunging waterfalls and grand dormant volcano during a private helicopter tour with Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Touch down at ONO Organic Farms for a private tour and exotic fruit tasting led by the farm’s long-time owners. Afterwards, set out to explore the famed town of Hana before returning to the Resort for a personalized multi-course dinner featuring your favourite fruits from the ONO farm.

Soaring to natural wonders around Las Vegas

Trade bright city lights for a sprawling desert landscape during an experience available exclusively to guests of Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. A private helicopter carries you to the Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, where you’ll see rare petroglyphs and sandstone rock formations. Next you’ll venture to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, following the bend of the Colorado River, and touch down for a private lunch beside one of the world’s seven wonders.

Seaplane surfing in the Maldives

Two surfers dive off of a seaplane into the ocean

Tropicsurf guides can help surfers of every skill level drop into world-class waves at Kuda Huraa, situated among the area’s most celebrated surf breaks.

Experience the Indian Ocean from sea and sky during a seaplane surfing excursion with Four Season Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. You and your surfing guide will board a seaplane and cruise the Maldivian atolls searching for prime waves. When the timing is right, you’ll touch down, dive into crystal blue waters and surf to your heart’s content.

Flying Over a Glacier in Whistler

A helicopter landing on a snowy mountaintop in Whistler

Accessible only by helicopter, Whistler’s remote thermal baths sit amid snowcapped mountains.

The Pemberton Backcountry, home to British Columbia’s largest ice field, is both your fly-by scenery and your destination during an exclusive Whistler helicopter tour with Four Seasons Resort Whistler. Touch down for an ice-cave tour, and then soar to the region’s remote hot springs for a private spa experience in dramatic, unlikely place. Follow us into the ice cave and see photos from inside this kingdom of cold >

Your Journey Begins Here

Choose the site of your next adventure and awe-inspiring view.

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Bringing Home the World

Experienced travellers know that the best trips don’t end when you arrive home; instead, the journey continues as you reflect on your experiences. That’s one reason we bring home souvenirs – tangible reminders of new destinations, cultures and connections.

Here, Four Seasons experts share some of their favourite ways to explore, plus the souvenirs you can’t go home without.

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Vibrant Fabrics in Kyoto

“Furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, is one of the most useful souvenirs you could take home,” says Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto Manager Katsuyuki Takahashi. “Furoshiki are eco-friendly, and their designs and uses are endless. Use one to wrap a wine bottle or gift you’re bringing home from one of the many shops in Kyoto, or partake in the Japanese tradition of tsutsumu – the wrapping of goods to respect and protect them. Head to Karakusaya, a furoshiki specialty shop just a short train ride from the Hotel, where they occasionally hold wrapping classes.”

For recommendations from Takahashi, click here.

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Bespoke Glass Art in Las Vegas

“For the past 20 years, artists Larry and Barbara Domsky of Domsky Glass have created distinctive works of art in the heart of Las Vegas. Dramatic glass installations welcome guests at McCarran International Airport and numerous other public and private spaces around town, including Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas,” says Chef Concierge Patrick Ritschard. “Seek out these pieces, and then take home a truly unique souvenir: Visit their studio to commission a bespoke piece, such as a specialty lighting fixture or free-standing sculpture.”

For more recommendations from Ritschard, click here.

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Precious Metal in Buenos Aires

“Juan Carlos Pallarols is a renowned orfebre, or silversmith, from our country, with nearly 70 years of experience. The Museo Pallarols, located behind the historic San Telmo neighbourhood and not far from Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, is his atelier,” says Chef Concierge Maria Jose Iturralde. “I love taking my guests here and arranging a meeting with Pallarols or his team. Take a private tour of the museum and create your own piece of metalwork to take home with you, such as a handcrafted, carved-in-the-moment knife made from Argentine silver.”

For more recommendations from Iturralde, click here.

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World-Class Coffee in Jakarta

“A sip of coffee is all I need to start my day, and I’m blessed to have nearby access to one of the best coffee beans in the world: Toraja Sapan. This medium-bodied coffee is available at both Tanamera Coffee at Pacific Place and Anomali Coffee at Senopati, not far from Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta,” says Assistant Chief Concierge Mohamad Astir. “I recommend taking some home to remind you of your time in Indonesia.”

For more recommendations from Astir, click here.

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Inspired Local Art in Hualalai

“Hawi is the quintessential old Hawaiian town, with local artisans and shops not far from Four Seasons Resort Hualalai,” says Director of Guest Relations Cindy Asada. “Tiffany’s Art Agency has curated a ton of artisans whose inspiration comes from the breathtaking nature of the island, and features local artists like Claire Seastone, who creates one-of-a-kind porcelain and stoneware inspired by her time spent outdoors. Trust me – you need pieces like this in your home.”

For more recommendations from Asada, click here.

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Soft Touch of Alpaca in Hampshire

“Just 15 minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is the truly unique Pennybridge Farm – home to an adorable herd of alpacas. It’s a must-visit for a fun family day out,” says Ali Ender, the Hotel’s front desk manager. “I recommend booking the ‘alpaca experience,’ where you meet, walk and stroke your very own alpaca. Then, if you want to take the experience home, you can buy a brown, cream or white Huacaya alpaca fleece.”

For more recommendations from Ender, click here.

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Bohemia Crystal in Prague

“Discover centuries of tradition in Bohemia crystal glassmaking at the world-famous Rückl glassworks in Nizbor, a picturesque village in central Bohemia, about a one-hour drive from Four Seasons Hotel Prague,” says Guest Experience Manager Esther Maly. “I love to meet and interact with the craftspeople, witness the magic of mouth-blowing and glass engraving, and visit the painter’s studio. They’ll even invite you to cut or blow a glass object yourself so that you can take a piece of Bohemia home with you.”

For more recommendations from Maly, click here.

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Handcrafted Fragrances in Cairo

“Every time I visit the Khan El Khalili market – a 10-minute drive from Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza – the scents of oud and musk lure me into the parfumerie,” says Chef Concierge Dalia Khalil. “The parfumerie is packed with essential oils, all of which are blended and packaged in gorgeous handmade glass bottles. Each vessel is a carefully hand-coloured piece of art, created using the traditional method of mouth-blowing. The result is a fusion of timeless scents and authentic designs.”

For more recommendations from Khalil, click here.

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

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

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


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

Explore Napa Valley with Four Seasons

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

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

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

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

Taste the Flavours of Napa

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

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

Savour Napa Valley wines

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

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

Relax at Spa Talisa

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

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

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

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

Photographer: Eric Ray Davidson

Stylist: Julie Matos

Assistant Stylists: Alyson Eastman and Johanna Houska

Makeup: Karina Moore

Hair: James Harris Jr.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will you explore next?

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Reconnect With the World:
How Travel Can Transform Your Outlook

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

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

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

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

 


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

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

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Explore With Your Heart

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

Explore Florence with Four Seasons

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

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

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Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

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

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

Explore the World with Four Seasons

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

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Redefine Your Idea of Home

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

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

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

RECONNECT THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING TRAVEL

Your journey begins here

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