Souvenirs Worth Sharing

The most memorable journeys don’t depend on what you pack but on the connections you bring home. The best way to share these discoveries with others? Souvenirs – tangible symbols of the places we’ve been and the experiences we’ve had.

Here, Four Seasons experts reveal their favourite local treasures to give as gifts – and reminders that they’re thinking of friends and loved ones whether near or far.

Blue Toned Ceramic Dishware On Indigo Cloth. Flat Lay. Hand Crafted Ceramic. Copy Space

A vibrant piece of history in Tokyo

“With a history going back 13,000 years, traditional Japanese ceramics make ideal souvenirs and gifts: They’re beautiful and meaningful, while also being useful in everyday life,” says Chief Concierge Sanae Abe at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. “Each of Japan’s 47 prefectures produces its own unique ceramic ware, giving you a dizzying array of choices. My personal favourite is Kutani-yaki, pottery with overglaze painting in vivid colours, made in Ishikawa Prefecture. Head to Antique Mall Ginza for vintage designs, or to Akomeya for modern interpretations of this classical craft. Located in a side street in Ginza, the shop curates Kutani-yaki with bright pops of colour and fresh patterns – a perfect piece of Japan to take home.”

For more recommendations in Tokyo, click here.

Explore Tokyo’s history

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Something to savour in Seattle

“Seattle is often considered the coffee capital of the U.S., home to micro-roasters and well-known coffee brands. Luckily, Fonté Coffee Roaster is located just around the corner from Four Seasons Hotel Seattle,” says Hotel Manager Ryan Grande. “It’s a hip, modern café and my favourite place to grab a cup. If you’re looking for hand-roasted specialty blends, head to Fonté’s Master roaster in the city’s Georgetown neighbourhood. You can pick up a bag of coffee to take home – pair it with some treats from Fran’s Chocolates, located in the Hotel lobby.”

For more recommendations in Seattle, click here.

Get a taste of Seattle

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Fragrances from Abu Dhabi

“Embrace Emirati culture and heritage via a curated line of perfumes from local perfumery Tola – available exclusively in Al Meylas, our lobby lounge,” says Olivier Thomas, general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. “The Four Seasons Signature is my favourite because it is grounding – and also because it reminds me of home. It features notes of oud, which is a fragrant wood intrinsic to the region.”

For more recommendations in Abu Dhabi, click here.

Plan your visit to Abu Dhabi

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Local art in Punta Mita

“Every Sunday from November through April, the La Cruz Sunday Market shows off its colourful stalls, enticing food and live entertainment by local musicians,” says Alejandra Peña, assistant front desk manager at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. “You’ll find amazing souvenirs and gifts, including authentic artwork like paintings, sculptures, Huichol art and more. Everything is handmade and unique, with the touch and love that each local artisan prints on their piece.”

For more recommendations in Punta Mita, click here.

Shop for unique gifts in Punta Mita

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The gift of healing in Bali

“I often visit nearby Ubud, where I can treat myself to energy rebalancing from one of the local healers. When I want to buy a restorative gift, I go to The Pure Land Gallery, which is also in Ubud, “says Wellness Mentor Heni Ferawati at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. “There, you can purchase handmade local jewellery and art, as well as Buddhist Tibetan instruments like singing bowls. The only thing that tops the feeling of being surrounded by so many spiritual tools is playing them – and customers are encouraged to try them out to find the perfect one.”

For more recommendations in Bali, click here.

Find balance in Bali

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A personal touch in Cairo

“Tucked in the heart of Old Cairo, Abdel Zaber Bookshop is just across the street from Egypt’s oldest market, Khan El Khalili. The store presents timeless, handbound art books that make wonderful keepsakes and gifts to take home,” says Gianluca Visani, executive chef at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. “You can choose from handmade leather notebooks, photo albums and passport holders that can be hand-painted and personally customized with a monogram.”

For more recommendations in Cairo, click here.

Explore the art of Cairo

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will the spirit of discovery take you?

Sun by building in India

Your Ticket to Adventure

Meditate as the sun sets in Serengeti, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mauritius, go back in time at the Taj Mahal and be inspired by community in Bali: Reconnect with yourself and loved ones over shared moments as these captivating destinations unfold on newly added departures of popular Four Seasons Private Jet journeys taking off in 2023 – a record year for the Private Jet, with eight expertly curated itineraries slated to help Four Seasons guests seamlessly explore the world.

Plan your Private Jet Journey

African Wonders takes guests on a 13-day family-friendly adventure to seven destinations, while Timeless Encounters, a 24-day journey around the globe, stops at nine destinations. Over 23 days, discover International Intrigue in nine destinations. Experience the legendary wonders of the world like never before during the 24-day Ancient Explorer trip, or set off on a captivating voyage through the Southern hemisphere on the 21-day Uncharted Discovery expedition. World of Adventures highlights the world’s natural beauty during rare experiences on four continents. Each trip – added to the slate of 2023 itineraries by popular demand – offers unique opportunities to get up close with history, nature and culture at some of the world’s most intriguing locales. The experts at Four Seasons have curated itineraries that take you on exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, after-hours visits and cultural exploration – once-in-a-lifetime experiences sure to send you home inspired by your global adventures.

Along the way, you’ll forge new friendships with your fellow travellers as you see the world in a new light. Toast your time together with Champagne as you lift off for a new destination, or gather backstage in the Private Jet’s lounge area – the new custom-outfitted Airbus A321LRneo, set to take flight in 2022, has been designed with your comfort in mind. Settle in to one of just 48 handcrafted seats, constructed with soft Italian leather and offering 6.5 feet (2 metres) of personal space to lie fully flat, or stretch out with the addition of a plush ottoman. Travel in luxury with Four Seasons team members – including a dedicated on-board physician, on-board concierge and executive chef – to handle all the details, leaving you free to enjoy every moment of your journey.

African Wonders: December 28, 2022 – January 9, 2023 (wait list only) & August 1 – 13, 2023

Explore seven far-flung destinations over 13 remarkable days with loved ones – majestic wildlife experiences, ancient historical treasures and breathtaking natural wonders that will awe travellers of all ages. This family-friendly journey begins on August 1 in Athens, where guests can step back in time during visits to ancient sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon and soak up the sun on the glamorous Athens Riviera. The trip through history continues in Egypt with a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the enigmatic Sphinx. From there, it’s off to the Serengeti, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the vast savannah during a hot-air balloon ride, then Mauritius, where you can explore the island’s protected lagoons by kayak or on a world-class snorkelling expedition. Rwanda, or the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” comes next and includes a trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of mountain gorillas and endangered golden monkeys. At Victoria Falls in Zambia, you’ll take in the world’s largest waterfall – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Your African journey concludes in dynamic Johannesburg, South Africa’s historic and cultural hub.

International Intrigue: March 2 – 26, 2023 (wait list only)

Discover a variety of destinations – remote islands, vibrant cities, vast grasslands – in one remarkable journey. Over 23 days, you’ll visit nine destinations, diving deeply into local cultures and landscapes to gain a unique perspective on the world around you.

Your journey begins March 3 in Seattle with a welcome dinner for you and your fellow travellers, set beneath the stunning glass sculptures of famed artist Dale Chihuly. Next, you’re off to Kyoto to learn the secrets of samurai sword fighting and a visit to ancient temples and shrines. Get an authentic taste of Vietnam during a festive market dinner in Hoi An, featuring the city’s street food specialities. Live like a castaway on the Maldivian island of Kuda Huraa, a private coral island in the middle of the Indian Ocean – snorkel to colourful reefs or lounge on pristine sand. Encounter a different kind of paradise in the heart of the Serengeti, where you’ll discover a sanctuary where animals roam free. Travel back in time in Marrakech, where you can explore the ancient medina and uncover gilded treasures in a private souk excursion. From there, it’s off to the romantic city of Budapest – often called Central Europe’s most beautiful city. Sample strudel, browse its vibrant art and soak up the city’s laid-back café culture – or go deeper with a private guided tour of a medieval crypt at the storied Matthias Church. End this once-in-a-lifetime journey in Paris, where you can reflect on your experiences and raise a glass to your time together during a farewell dinner.

Timeless Encounters: March 26 – April 18, 2023
& April 17 – May 10, 2023

Craving even more time away with loved ones? Expand your horizons on the Timeless Encounters journey. Starting April 17, you’ll spend 24 days winging your way to nine destinations across the globe.

Start in Hawaii, on Oahu’s sun-soaked western coast, with a hike to a remote nature reserve or a cruise along an oceanside mountain range, and celebrate the beginning of your journey with a traditional Hawaiian luau. Then it’s off to Bora Bora, the pearl of the Pacific, where you can swim with manta rays and try a submarine scooter. Next up: Sydney, a city that blends outdoor adventure and a vibrant food scene with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then set off to discover the cultural heart of Bali – soul-stirring temples, renowned cultural traditions and a rich heritage of spirituality.

The halfway mark of your journey is the jungles of Chiang Mai, where you can learn the secrets of Thai cuisine in a cooking lesson from a Four Seasons chef, ride a tuk-tuk to the ancient temple of Chedi Luang and explore the bustling stalls of Warorot Market. Or opt for a two-night stay in the Four Seasons luxury tented camp in the famed Golden Triangle, in the heart of a tranquil bamboo forest. You’ll rejoin the group for a one-day stop to explore the Taj Mahal – flying by private jet offers the exclusive opportunity to touch down in Agra itself for a guided tour of this majestic monument. Sip in-flight cocktails as you discuss this incomparable experience with your fellow travellers on the way to Dubai, where you’ll arrive just in time for a sunset dinner or a thrilling 4×4 ride through the golden dunes. In Florence, enjoy access after hours to a private showing of Michelangelo’s David and the Piazza del Duomo, and lunch at a winery in the Tuscan countryside. End your around-the-world adventure in the historic centre of London with a celebratory group dinner – or extend your stay with guided tours of the city’s most beloved landmarks or a trip down the River Thames aboard a steamboat.

By popular demand, another Timeless Encounters journey has been added to the roster of 2023 trips. Departing on March 26, this 24-day includes stops in Kona for an awe-inspiring helicopter tour of the coastline and swim in sparkling waterfall pools and in Prague, where you’ll sip Champagne as you enjoy a private string quartet concert of Mozart favourites at the Estates Theatre, where the composer himself once performed.

Ancient Explorer: August 16 – September 8, 2023

Massive rock statues on Easter Island, gilded temples in Bangkok, the Pyramids of Giza: The ancient world is yours to explore on when the Four Seasons Private Jet lifts off on August 16 for the Ancient Explorer journey. Over the next 24 days, you’ll visit 10 captivating destinations – and experience the legendary wonders of the world like never before.

Embark on your journey around the world in Miami, with a welcome dinner for you and your fellow travellers. Your next stop: Mexico City and a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan to see some of the best-preserved pyramids from Mesoamerican civilizations. Then it’s off to remote, mysterious Easter Island, home to massive moai statues sculpted to honour the ancestors off the native Rapa Nui people. After watching the sun rise over the giant stones, head to Bora Bora for a swim with manta rays in the turquoise blue waters of the island’s lagoons. The underwater exploration continues at two of Australia’s natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Then it’s back to dry land in Bangkok, where you can visit the city’s gilded temples and the colossal golden statue of Buddha at Wat Pho. In the heart of the Jordanian desert, follow a Four Seasons guide to the iconic Lost City of Petra. The Private Jet also stops in Egypt for a day to explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As the trip winds down, soak up the medieval architecture and authentic flavours of Sicilian life in Taormina, or hike Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey concludes in Madrid – flamenco dancing, world-class art museums and a tapas-style meal with your newfound friends.

World of Adventures: September 8 – October 1, 2023

Nine stops. Eight countries. Four continents. Twenty-four unforgettable days. The World of Adventures itinerary makes the most of every moment, from observing rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda to the bright sights, sounds and flavours of Marrakech. The journey begins September 8 in with a welcome dinner in Seattle, and then you’re off to Kyoto. Explore sacred temples and shrines, admire modern Japanese landscaping during a private visit to Tairyu-Sanso Garden – usually closed to the public – and learn the secrets of samurai sword fighting, drawing posing and swinging your katana like an ancient Japanese warrior. Immerse yourself in the deep spirituality of Bali’s culture, where you can experience a traditional water purification ritual, performed by a Balinese priest at Tirta Empul to cleanse mind, body and spirit. Your time in a tropical paradise continues in Seychelles, surrounded by white sand and sparkling blue waters. Join a Four Seasons chef for a cooking class covering the flavours of ingredients of Creole cuisine, or centre yourself in the moment with sunset yoga and meditation overlooking the ocean. Trade the blue seas for green jungles in Rwanda: Hike up the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of rare mountain gorillas and watch them interact with one another in their natural habitat. Your next stop? A full sensory experience in Marrakechfor an authentic taste of the Red City, board a horse-drawn carriage headed to the lively Jemaa el Fna, a vibrant square famous for its snake charmers, entertainers, souks and food stalls. Next, feel the rhythm of Colombia during a private salsa lesson, or browse the trendy shops in Bogotá and explore the city’s historic landmarks. Don’t miss the chance to sip the country’s most famous product while learning about its rich history during a visit to a family-run coffee farm. The penultimate stop on your journey can’t be reached aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet. Instead, set sail on a private ship for a three-day expedition to the Galápagos Islands. Watch sea lions frolic on the beach, cruise along dramatic cliffs, and be on the lookout for green sea turtles, penguins and flamingosthe Galápagos offer landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Say farewell to your fellow travellers in Miami as you toast your experiences over a dinner infused with the Central and South American flavours that make the city so unique.  

Uncharted Discovery:
November 30 – December 20, 2023

See the Southern hemisphere from a new perspective aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet, with stops from the Americas to Antarctica. The adventure begins on Nov. 30 in New Orleans; over the next 21 days, you’ll visit a total of 7 exciting destinations. Embrace the pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica as you soar through the forest canopy on a zip line tour, taste premium Latin American chocolate and rum during a demonstration with local experts, and gaze in wonder at the stars during an exclusive stargazing party. Board a private train with an expert guide and discover the legendary archaeological treasures of Machu Picchu. Then it’s off to Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America,” for private tango lessons, a backstage tour of the famed Teatro Colón, and a day trip to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, you’ll set off for Antarctica via a private luxury polar ship for four unforgettable nights filled with ultra-remote landscapes, remarkable wildlife and breathtaking views. After this thrilling expedition, catch your breath with several days in Bogotá – take a guided tour of the city’s famed street art, join a renowned chef for a culinary demonstration, and enjoy a masterful performance by the Bogotá Philharmonic during a private concert. End your adventure in the Bahamas and a day lounging on pristine white sand, a soothing spa treatment, and a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Looking to travel sooner? A few seats remain on several 2022 itineraries: Ancient Explorers offers departures in September 2022 and October 2022, while Uncharted Discovery has openings on its December 2022 voyage.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will the spirit of adventure take you on the Four Seasons Private Jet?

Cityscape

Flavours That Inspire

Food has the power to transport us: One bite of a beloved dish and we’re instantly reminded of big moments in our lives, from joyful celebrations with family to epic adventures while exploring new destinations. Here, Four Seasons chefs share their most memorable culinary moments – and offer suggestions for guests to make their own memories.

An Emotional Connection in Seattle

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SEATTLE
EXECUTIVE CHEF EMMANUEL CALDERON, GOLDFINCH TAVERN

His Most Memorable Ingredient: “When I think of achiote, also known as annatto seeds, I’m taken back to my childhood and some of my favourite dishes from Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, like cochinita pibil – slow-roasted pork that gets its vivid orange colour from a citrus-achiote marinade – and pescado à la tikin xic – fish marinated in achiote and sour oranges, then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted. Achiote reminds me of grilling fresh-caught fish at the beach with family or stopping for torta de cochinita pibil with my friends after a night out.”

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Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

How It Inspires Him: “Achiote isn’t just the main ingredient of some of my favourite dishes, it is a perfect complement to other ingredients I love, like fresh seafood and habanero peppers, so it’s easy to use it. The most important thing to me is to share the emotions that the ingredients inspire. I want guests to remember not just the specific dish but also the special moment.”

His Can’t-Miss Dining Experience: “We’re very fortunate to have a world-class market just a block away. Join me for a shopping trip to Pike Place Market, where we’ll find ingredients that will inspire us to create a one-of-a-kind, multi-course menu just for you and your guests. It’s a beautiful trip to an iconic Seattle market that will become one of the best parts of your day.”

A Taste of Summer in Athens

FOUR SEASONS ASTIR PALACE HOTEL ATHENS 
CHEF LUCA PISCAZZI, PELAGOS

His Most Memorable Meal: “I can’t eat spaghetti vongole without thinking of family vacations to the south of Italy. My parents and I spent summers exploring the region and visited many local restaurants. I always ordered spaghetti vongole – pasta served in a rich sauce of briny clams, white wine and garlic – as a cold appetizer or even as a main dish. When I eat it today, I’m reminded of long summer days and spending time with family.”

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Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

How It Inspires Him: “These memories are the inspiration behind the chilled Mancini spaghetti with crystal caviar on the menu at Pelagos. But I also want guests to create their own memories, so our menu features local ingredients and flavours from our peninsula – lavender, lemon, fresh basil, tomatoes from our garden, wild fish caught by local fishermen.”

His Can’t-Miss Dining Experience: “Pelagos is the newest addition to the Hotel’s collection of dining outlets and offers innovative seafood dishes. For a truly unique experience, let us arrange a magical lunch on the beach: Start with saganakipan-seared Greek cheese with lemon – and then try our mouth-watering tarama salad – salted and cured fish roe, olive oil and lemon.”

A Seasonal Palette in Guangzhou

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GUANGZHOU 
CHEF JEFFREY ZENG, CATCH

His Most Memorable Meal: “Crystallized Ginger and Poached Eggs is a very popular homestyle dish in China, and it reminds me of my home town in Hunan Province. In China, foods are eaten as much for their taste as for their health benefits, which is likely why the origin of this dish and why my mother prepared it for me so much when I was younger. Ginger is incredibly good for you, even when it’s crystallized and sugary, but when I eat this, all I’m thinking about is home.”

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Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou

How It Inspires Him: “Though I specialize in Western cuisine, I like to combine an interesting selection of local Chinese ingredients in my dishes – including crystallized ginger. It’s in my velvety smooth Pumpkin Velouté, along with coconut milk.”

His Can’t-Miss Dining Experience: “Chinese cuisine reflects the seasons, with specific ingredients and flavours that should be eaten each season for balance and harmony. My favourite season is autumn, which according to tradition is the season to nourish your body. The best way to do that? Seared duck breast, caramelized foie gras and pear coulis, served with caramel miso sauce. Enjoy this special dish as you gaze at the Guangzhou skyline from high above Pearl River at Catch, on the Hotel’s 100th storey.”

Surprising Flavours on the French Riviera

GRAND-HÔTEL DU CAP-FERRAT, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
EXECUTIVE CHEF YORIC TIÈCHE

His Most Memorable Ingredient: “When I was 10, my father was working on La Réunion Island, an overseas territory. I spent two weeks visiting him, and the first night he surprised me with lychee. I had never seen the fruit before and at first tried to eat it without removing its rough skin. Since then, lychee has become one of my favourite fruits, and I’m always reminded of this moment when I eat it.”

 

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Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

How It Inspires Him: “I never miss an opportunity to include lychee in my menus, especially because it pairs so well with other flavours. I love to pair it with game meats during hunting season – the sweetness of the lychee is a perfect balance to the bold, gamy taste of the meat.”

His Can’t-Miss Dining Experience: The French Riviera Ultimate Dinner is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in the French Riviera; it’s truly unique. After consulting with our guests, I create a customized menu for the occasion, served in one of our private cabanas at Club Dauphin, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean.”

Sweet Moments in Tokyo

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TOKYO AT OTEMACHI
EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF YUSUKE AOKI

His Most Memorable Meal: “I got my start at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, where the team encouraged me to go for my dreams and supported my decision to enter an international pastry competition, Valrhona Chocolate. The dish I created, the Smoked Chocolate Fig, earned me first place, and today is a reminder of my success and how valued and supported I felt thanks to my team.”

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Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

How It Inspires Him: “I brought the Smoked Chocolate Fig to The Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, and the team here has continued to encourage me to pursue my passion for chocolate. For Valentine’s Day, we experimented with crafting limited-edition, small-batch chocolate bonbons using seasonal ingredients like yuzu and kiyomi orange – a special memento for guests to mark the occasion.”

His Can’t-Miss Dining Experience: “Guests should be sure to indulge in afternoon tea and parfait. I suggest the last seating at 3:30 pm at The Lounge, so you can watch the sun set over Tokyo and the Imperial Palace gardens. The menu is seasonal, so there’s always something fresh for guests, and we offer 12 types of tea exclusively from Japan. It’s a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your appetite for exploration take you?

Concierge

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?

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