Luxury of the Workcation

You don’t have to wait for vacation to reward yourself with sunset treks on a deserted beach, fresh tracks at a ski resort or private cooking classes with a Michelin-starred chef.

Workcations have emerged as one of the top travel trends for 2021 – and for good reason: They allow us long-term stays in beautiful destinations with the benefits of work-life balance.

Four Seasons makes working from paradise even easier with services and amenities, including professional IT support, poolside Screen Doctors and office beach cabanas. Make the most of flexible schedules by getting away with friends or family and indulging your passions, with choices like skiing, golf, diving and relaxing on the beach.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies

Who hasn’t dreamed of working from a Caribbean island? Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies, makes the dream achievable with new perks such as executive lunch offerings and beach cabanas that can be converted to private workstations with ocean views. The Resort’s collection of more than 50 homes ranges from one to seven bedrooms each, so you can come with colleagues or bring the family and take advantage of the Resort’s new “schoolcation” programs. With dedicated ambassadors for daily needs or special requests, custom-tailored pre-arrival provisioning services, private in-home experiences, and full access to all Resort services and amenities, you’ll have more time for both work and play.

Start your day with a personalized sunrise yoga session overlooking the sea, and use your midday break to master a new skill during a golf clinic or hot-sauce–making class. Leaving out a long commute means more time after work to play foot golf on the Resort’s new championship course and enjoy sunset happy hour at On the Dune.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

If you’ve dropped into Hong Kong for business before, you probably didn’t have time to discover the city’s multifaceted cultural scene and fantastic hiking trails. Now is an ideal opportunity to explore beyond the board room.

The new Escape to Reconnect room package at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong beckons travellers to come for a workcation with 25 percent off room rates, inclusive of daily breakfast, and an additional 10 percent off in-room dining and The Lounge. Based on Hong Kong’s storied Victoria Harbour, you have a front-row view of all of the action. Before you power on your laptop, get out for a run along the waterfront or a swim in the Hotel’s outdoor lap pool.

Need to relax after video calls? Turn to the Hotel’s self-guided meditation app to help calm your mind and reset, or roll out your in-suite yoga mat for a few rounds of sun salutations. The talented therapists at the Spa are on call to help you achieve mind-body balance during your stay. Activate your creative side with an art therapy session, or shut down the laptop early to enjoy a half-day Well Feeling spa ritual that includes a guided meditation, a massage, a facial and a nutritious lunch on the pool terrace.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Embrace mountain living at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. Framed by evergreen forests at the base of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, the Resort puts you steps from the slopes, making it easy to field work calls from the gondola or sneak in first tracks ahead of the workday.

All rooms feature desks, seating areas or dining tables, plus balconies so you can enjoy an alpine view as you take video video calls. Short-term meeting room rentals are complimentary, and audiovisual support is always a call away. The Resort’s Ski Concierge can handle all of your mountain logistics, from ski rentals and fittings to guides and lessons. After a day on the slopes, soak in the heated outdoor pool or one of three hot-spring–style whirlpools.

Then either retreat to your room for an in-residence slow-cooker feast or dine at one of the Resort’s two reimagined restaurants. SIDECUT, its fireside steakhouse, has been newly renovated and features prime hand-cut steaks seasoned with Chef’s Classic Rubs, and Braidwood Tavern has been designed to evoke the warmth of a family mountain cabin.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Fresh off a multi-year, multimillion-dollar renovation, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is a 52-acre coastal respite. Sprawling beaches, large pools with pre-reserved loungers, two Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses and winding nature trails give guests plenty of ways to enjoy nature without having to join a crowd. And Four Seasons App and Chat technology gives guests the option of contactless engagement with Four Seasons team members. The Resort’s Villa & Residence Rentals makes working from a private hacienda-style villa or beach home a breeze. A personal host is dedicated to taking care of every detail throughout guests’ stays, from groceries upon arrival to special in-villa activities like poolside yoga sessions or tequila tastings.

Three-, four- and five-bedroom villas and beach homes are ideal for family getaways. While Mom and Dad work, kids can enroll in the Resort’s Schoolcations program. Hire a professional tutor to help your kids with chemistry and algebra, or rent the kids a study cabana outfitted with Wi-Fi, headphones, and energizing snacks like smoothies and popsicles. Travel can be the best learning opportunity: Spanish classes, folkloric ballet lessons and other activities immerse kids in Mexican culture, and sea foraging and sea turtle release excursions double as environmental education classes. At day’s end, families can come together on their private patio and grilling area, savour a seafood barbecue, and take a dip in their private pool.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

A sanctuary that feels truly away from it all, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the perfect setting for you to restore the mind, rejuvenate the body and refocus while working. A multimillion-dollar enhancement has made the Resort even more attractive for longer stays and family getaways.

A new bungalow consisting of six oceanfront guest rooms, including a suite with a private pool, will be built adjacent to Kumukea Beach on the Resort’s northern edge, and the top three villas at the Resort – Hawaii Loa, Makaloa and Ho‘onanea – will each acquire a second storey.

The golf experience will be taken to the next level with the addition of the Hualalai Golf Hale. This 3,000-square-foot (275-square-metre) instruction and practice facility doubles as an entertainment venue with games, audiovisual flexibility, and food and beverages. Up-to-the-minute technology and expert instruction make it the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts of all ages.

The Resort makes it easy to maintain or enhance your fitness routine. Two private fitness studios can be reserved for personal training sessions or one-on-one yoga classes, and throughout the year the Resort offers sports camps led by elite athletes such as triathlete Dave Scott. You can reward your efforts with a Lomi Lomi massage in one of the spa’s 18 outdoor treatment rooms. The Resort’s creative programming gives the whole family new skills and knowledge to take home. A dedicated Culinary Academy will be added above ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge, hosting interactive cooking experiences and guest chefs. And the newly renovated King’s Pond now has a dedicated Marine Activity Center where the Resort’s five on-site marine biologists run educational pastimes like feeding fish.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

You don’t have to be a ski bum to live out your fantasy of hitting the slopes every day. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail has introduced a new Extended Stay package that allows guests to work, stay, play and après. The 24 private residences in the Resort’s Villa & Residence Rental portfolio include two to six bedrooms. Fresh mountain air combined with the pristine natural beauty of the White River National Forest create a scene both relaxing and energizing. In addition to the epic mountain adventures for families including skiing, riding, sleigh rides, dogsledding and snowshoeing, the Resort also has a Kids For All Seasons room and dedicated Teen Centre.

Four Seasons Resort Vail is home to the premier après location in Vail, The Remedy Bar. With high-top seating, tables and chairs, couches near the fireplace, and firepits on the terrace, The Remedy is an excellent place to get work done between ski runs while taking in unmatched views of Vail Mountain. “It’s an ideal time to come to the Colorado Rockies, enjoy the fresh mountain air, relax, revive, and enjoy time with their friends and families in this sublime alpine location,” General Manager Meredith Macfarlane says. “The dedication and commitment of our exceptional staff, combined with their passion for Vail, create a familial atmosphere that allows our guests to feel as if they are at home, and an extension of our family here at the Resort.”

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Stay awhile. You’ll be glad you did.

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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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Perfectly Private

As a new season arrives, many of us are longing to explore new places: snow-covered mountaintops, tropical jungles, sun-warmed beaches or bustling cities. And whatever destination or timetable you may have in mind, opting for Four Seasons Villa & Residence Rentals offers the chance to focus more fully on savouring your experience and your time with family or friends. Our curiosity about the world beyond our doorstep may call each of us to travel in different ways and at different times, but whether you’re packing now, planning for a bit later or just pondering the possibilities for an epic future journey, Four Seasons can tailor a private getaway just for you.

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Wake to breakfast in a traditional Balinese villa.

An Easy Escape

Urban staycation or resort holiday. Costa Rica or KyotoBali or Bora Bora, or as close to home as you like. One bedroom or seven. As families and friends look for inspiring and easy-to-book opportunities to get away or reunite, Four Seasons villas and residences welcome guests to settle into the perfect privacy of a vacation home brought to life by legendary service. Before and during your stay, your on-site team will handle all the details; you can opt to have them stock your kitchen with your favourite foods and arrange everything exactly as you like. You’re free to explore the property and destination or have tastes of the place brought directly to you.

Uniquely Yours

From sunset cocktail parties to chef-prepared dinners and spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, the Four Seasons Villa & Residence Rentals collection offers all the privacy and comforts of home you need to reconnect with family and loved ones. Enjoy total relaxation at Villa Rose-Pierre in Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat: The private villa, tucked away in the pines and overlooking the Mediterranean, comes with a full staff to help you make the most of your stay. You and your guests can spend the day lounging by the villa’s private pool, sunbathing in the garden or playing a round of tennis on the private court. Then end the day with aperitifs on the rooftop terrace, toasting the time you spent together.

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Enjoy the glamour of the French Riviera at Villa Rose-Pierre in Cap Ferrat.

An Urban Oasis

Your residence is the ideal starting point to explore one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Set out from Ten Trinity Square – a landmark address in the heart of London – to experience the city’s historic past and its exciting future. Explore Tower Bridge and the Tower of London – including an exclusive tour of the Crown Jewels – sample flavours from all over the world at Borough Market, one of the oldest food markets in London, and check out the buzzy South Bank, home to London’s best arts and culture venue: You’re perfectly positioned to experience the best the city has to offer. Afterwards, return home to sip afternoon tea under the beautiful domed ceiling of the Hotel’s Rotunda Bar or savour a Michelin-starred meal in your private dining room. Other cities to explore include Houston and Hangzhou.

An Adventure Awaits

Picture yourself and your family relaxing après-ski by the stone fireplace in your spacious mountain-view retreat in Vail. After a day spent outdoors in the fresh air and natural beauty, the kids sip hot cocoa while the adults warm up with a mixologist-led discovery of rare whiskeys from the Resort’s Private Barrel program. Tomorrow you can sample an adventure that captures your curiosity, perhaps snowshoeing or snowmobiling across backcountry terrain. With personal ski services and a dedicated Concierge, you’ll have time to see and do as much (or as little) as you like. Other options include private residences in Jackson Hole and Whistler.

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Sip a cup of hot cocoa in your luxury mountain residence in Whistler.

Discover Paradise

If your thoughts drift instead to an oceanside sanctuary, imagine an escape to Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, comfortably secluded yet only minutes from South Beach and a half hour from downtown Miami. Embrace indoor-outdoor living and unwind with your loved ones amid the calming blue and green coastal tones of interiors by sought-after designer Joseph Dirand. Relax with a spa treatment on your expansive balcony or with floor-to-ceiling windows bathing you in warm light and ocean views. To explore land- and seascapes beyond the Hotel, sail off on a private yacht excursion. Prefer a West Coast retreat? Soak up a SoCal feel in the coastal community of Carlsbad, a half hour from San Diego, at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara.

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Savour the glamour of The Surf Club in an oceanfront residential suite.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will you discover next?

Hotel on beach

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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