Go Wild: The Great Outdoors Are Calling Your Name

As we look ahead to 2023, we’re seeing lots of opportunities for travel on the horizon and we could not be more pleased. And so, with that in mind, we’ve come up with a different kind of New Year’s resolution: more epic adventures. Relishing in the great outdoors continues to be one of the biggest travel trends, so if you’re already daydreaming about how to fill up the pages in your brand-new day planner, we’ve got some ideas. Get your heart pumping with a heli-ski outing in Megève, fly like a bird through the forest canopy in Costa Rica, or find your own path with an off-road ride in Los Cabos. No matter where the spirit of discovery takes you, Four Seasons offers exclusive access to the adventure of a lifetime. Here are a few of our favourites:

Jac 522 Jac 757 970x540

Explore wide open spaces in Wyoming

Soaring skies, majestic mountains, verdant valleys: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole offers easy access to the heart of the American West. Set out with a naturalist in search of bears, bison, elk and wolves during a four-hour private wildlife safari in nearby Grand Teton National Park, or get a bird’s-eye view of the Teton mountain range and Snake River during a hot-air balloon ride over Teton Village. The interest in national parks has spiked over the last couple years, and Jackson Hole makes for an excellent home base. Discover a wide variety of year-round experiences and activities, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to fly-fishing and horseback riding in warmer months – the Resort’s expert concierge team can arrange a complete itinerary tailored to your interests and skill level, no matter the season. Our top pick: a one-of-a-kind immersive excursion to see the elusive grey wolf population of Yellowstone National Park in their natural habitat.

Embrace adventure in Jackson Hole

Mve 225 970x540

Take to the skies and the slopes in Megève

Take your ski trip to new heights – literally – in Megève, where the Ski Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Megève can arrange a heli-ski adventure around the French Alps, chasing optimal snow conditions and heart-pounding adrenaline. Lift off from the Hotel for an all-access pass to the best slopes in the Alps, including pistes in Courchevel, Chamonix and Val Thorens that are reachable only by helicopter. Or stay closer to home – the views and runs of snowy Mount Blanc are just as thrilling as the turns you’ll discover on untouched powder. 

Chase fresh powder in Megève

Cos 1100 970x540

Soar through the jungle in Costa Rica

The 21-day Uncharted Discovery itinerary aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet – taking off in November 2023 – offers exclusive access to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations, from the mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu to the ultra-remote and frozen landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. One stop you won’t want to miss: the tropical splendour of Costa Rica where the “pura vida” lifestyle reigns supreme. Set atop a hillside overlooking the ocean, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagyo is a haven for both relaxation and adventure, with so much to see and do right outside your doorstep. One of best ways to take in the lush scenery is to strap yourself in for a thrilling ride through the forest canopy on a zip line circuit. You’ll fly above, over and through the surrounding treeline – Superman-style if you’re so inclined – with bird’s-eye views of the Pacific Ocean just a glance away.

Take the trip of a lifetime on the Private Jet

Lcb 516 Mpi 026 970x540

Go off-road in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is certainly one of Mexico’s trendiest places to visit, but there are still plenty of roads less travelled to explore. Tucked away on the East Cape of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a little more than an hour away from the lively and popular Cabo San Lucas, but it feels like a world apart. Surrounded by desert, mountains and 3.2 kilometres of pristine beaches, the Resort is the ideal home base for adventure: Dive deep into Cabo Pulmo National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that Jacques Cousteau called “the aquarium of the world” – to spot marine life like schooling jacks, mobula rays, sea lions and turtles, or follow a guide to hidden waterfalls during a hike through the region’s beautiful canyons. Looking for a wild ride? Explore the unspoiled coastline, riverbeds and desert dunes during an ATV off-road adventure. Roll through historic towns like El Triunfo and past spring-fed pools in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, and then make your way back to the Resort to toast your time together during a sunset sail on the Sea of Cortez.

Immerse yourself in adventure in Los Cabos

Kon 2360 970x540

Swim with an eagle ray in Hawaii

Dip your toes in one of the world’s largest swimmable aquariums: The recently expanded King’s Pond at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is carved into lava rock, with a sand bottom; it holds 1.8 million gallons of salt water and is home to more than 1,000 tropical fish. The extensive upgrade expanded King’s Pond, adding a new elevated infinity-edge pool, a lounge deck and the Kumu Kai Marine Education Center, where five on-site marine biologists can help introduce you to the island’s diverse ecology. Join them for a fish feeding; learn to snorkel during a lesson among the pool’s more than 60 species, like porcupine pufferfish, yellowtail wrasse and white-spotted damsel; and meet the pool’s most famous inhabitant: Kainalu, a spotted eagle ray who has called King’s Pond home for more than 20 years.  

Dive into an underwater world in Hualalai

Ham 345

Make a few feathered friends in Hampshire

If you’ve been watching “The Crown” like we have, then the desire to ride through an open field on the outskirts of a grand estate must be calling your name, too. Trade the bright lights and bustling streets of the city for the rolling hills of the countryside at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: Set on 500 acres of verdant parkland, the Hotel – a restored 18th-century manor – offers a variety of outdoor activities. Explore the rolling hills on horseback, take aim at a few clay pigeons, or traverse through the trees on a highwire adventure. For a truly British experience, try “the sport of kings”: falconry. Get a hands-on introduction to hawks, falcons and owls from the Hotel’s expert, then learn how to call and command the massive raptors like a royal. 

Live like a royal in Hampshire

Mlg 531 Mlg 739 970x540

Swim with manta rays in the Maldives

When it comes to tropical getaways, the Maldives is a perennial favourite. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of the world’s most beautiful waters, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve home to a diverse underwater world. Take a deep dive into this fascinating ecosystem with an expert from the Resort’s Marine Discovery Centre and help monitor sea turtles or rebuild endangered coral reefs. Or accompany the Resort’s marine biologists aboard a research vessel, helping to record critical environmental information about the world’s largest known population of manta rays – and improve your free-diving technique as you plunge into the clear blue waters to swim alongside them.  

Explore new ecosystems in Maldives

3 Luxury Real Estate Hot Spots to Keep on Your Radar

The way people think about their living spaces has changed tremendously over the last few years. The rise of remote work has enabled us to live our lives untethered from the office (at least physically), which has stirred up an idea that most people dream about only when on vacation: What if we lived here?

Because of this newfound flexibility, some of the most alluring vacation destinations have quickly become something else entirely – booming real estate markets. And luxury buyers are taking note. Coastal areas like Cabo San Lucas and Fort Lauderdale are high on everyone’s list, especially for retirees, but modern and amenity-rich cities such as Nashville and Dubai are also making plenty of waves during the Great Relocation.

Thinking of making the shift to full-time vacation mode? (Or at least living in a place that feels like it?) Here are three real estate hot spots to keep your eye on for when you’re ready to live the dream.

A relaxation haven in Los Cabos

With its unique and rugged coastal landscape and rich marine life, Mexico’s Baja peninsula is one of the country’s most visited vacation destinations. So, it makes sense that it’s also home to one of its hottest markets, particularly for buyers from the U.S. and Canada who are just a quick flight away. In Cabo San Lucas, the ocean is your inspiration and your playground. This booming resort town offers plenty to see and do on both land and sea, the ideal place for those looking for a dynamic yet easy-going atmosphere where you can really unwind.

Homeowners can embrace a quintessential Cabo lifestyle at Four Seasons Private Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, where you can play golf barefoot on your terms, explore the Golden Corridor or spend your lunch break at the private Cove Club. Take your calls on your residence’s private pool deck or in your open-concept living room framed by ocean views; then head out to paddleboard, snorkel, or relax on the white-sand beaches once the work is done.

For even more seclusion, a place on the East Cape may be just what you need. With fewer tourists and more swimmable beaches thanks to its perch on the Sea of Cortez, this once off-the-grid location has become one of the area’s most up-and-coming communities. At the centre of this new development is Four Seasons Private Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. Homes here are beachfront, marina-side or ocean view, with access to two miles of swimmable beach – a rare find in Cabo – as well as plenty of water sports and a front-row seat to what Jacques Cousteau dubbed the “aquarium of the world.” There’s “something for everyone or every family at Costa Palmas,” says Ricardo Medina, Senior Director of Marketing at Irongate, the real estate firm that owns Costa Palmas.

The (Southern) comforts of home

Florida has long welcomed international travelers and snowbirds from the north for temporary winter stays, but the pandemic has made the state an even more appealing work-from-home option for the long term.

If you’re curious about the Sunshine State, vibrant Miami is always an option worth considering. Resting along the Atlantic Ocean in nearby Surfside, The Surf Club residences provide privacy on the water along with panoramic ocean views from every home, ranging from one to six bedrooms in size. Owners here also have access to private beach cabanas and all the amenities at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, including three pools, lush gardens, the Spa and The Surf Club Restaurant helmed by renowned chef Thomas Keller. If Old Hollywood glamour is your style, this historic property could be just what you’re looking for.

A little farther up the coast, you can live the yacht life on shore at Four Seasons Private Residences Fort Lauderdale, with the same turquoise Atlantic Ocean view. Everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer is at your doorstep. The Intracoastal Waterway is to the west, the Atlantic to the east, Taylor Birch State Park to the north, and Las Olas Boulevard, with all of its shops and restaurants and entertainment, is just a quick drive south. If the sea constantly calls your name, the “Yachting Capital of the World” may be the perfect place to dock your boat.

Moving inland may mean sacrificing ocean views, but gaining exclusive access to lakes, rivers and vibrant city life is often well worth it. In Austin, Texas, you can easily enjoy the perks of a big city along with the open spaces and laid-back charm of country living. A residential paradise awaits on Lake Austin, with a marina and clubhouse, 145 acres of pristine nature and 3,070 feet of private waterfront. Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin is only 20 minutes away from downtown, letting you mix city life and country living with unbelievable ease. At the end of the workday, there are few greater luxuries than a massage, a dip in the thermal pools or taking the glass-walled funicular down the hill to your own private lakeside playground.

Another Southern U.S. city you may want to keep on your radar is Nashville, Tennessee. Dubbed a “supernova city” because of its astounding growth, Nashville’s cosmopolitan vibes include amazing music venues, cutting-edge restaurants, and world-class artisans, all in a very walkable city. With more and more millennial homebuyers looking to live in places where everything they want and need is within easy reach, living in a place like Nashville makes a lot of sense. Here you can wake up overlooking the skyline and go out for an authentic hot-chicken dinner at the end of the day. “[Our residents] love that they have Nashville at their doorstep and Four Seasons at their service,” says Marie-Laure Frere, Director of Sales for Four Seasons Private Residences Nashville, home to one of the most sought-after new addresses in the city, located in the upmarket SoBro neighbourhood.

A luxe lifestyle along the Arabian Gulf

Gleaming metropolises along the sea are trademarks of the Middle East’s Arabian Gulf. Business is certainly booming here, but places like Dubai and the up-and-coming island country of Bahrain are also catching the attention of cosmopolitan travelers all over the world, and for more than just a quick visit.

“Since the launch of our standalone residential offerings in 2019, we have been looking for strategic opportunities to expand the Four Seasons luxury lifestyle experience in markets where homeowners want and demand the very best in serviced living,” says Bart Carnahan, President of Global Business Development and Portfolio Management at Four Seasons. “We have achieved this and beyond with Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah.”

The demand is clear: “All 28 units have already sold, marking a first in the over 35-year history of Four Seasons residential offerings – the first time a project has sold out without going to public sales,” continues Carnahan. “As homeowners look for luxury residential experiences of the greatest quality, Four Seasons continues to be the address of choice for discerning buyers worldwide.”

The Four Seasons Middle East portfolio will soon expand even further with some additional highly anticipated real estate offerings. Slated to open in 2023, the waterfront Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain Bay will feature an exclusive collection of 112 bespoke homes, with architecture by Gensler and interior design by celebrated London-based design firm Rive Gauche. In Doha, Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar is currently underway, with residences set on a private beach surrounded by landscaped gardens and pools, offering city and sea views. And over in Muscat, a relaxing mountain and seaside setting will await homeowners at the upcoming Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Muscat, Oman, located in the heart of an ancient city with a thriving culture.

Linebreak2

When you live with Four Seasons, it’s worry-free home ownership at its most intuitive. Each property has a dedicated residence team to tend to housekeeping, maintenance, concierge services, culinary requests, security and anything else you could possibly need. Your home – be it a second home or primary address – should be your sanctuary, wherever you decide to live. With vibrant metropolises, turquoise seas, private pools, luscious landscapes, culinary delights, and the epitome of service at their fingertips, homeowners can love where they live any time of year with Four Seasons Private Residences.

See what it’s like to live with Four Seasons

Cabo Is Ready for Its Spotlight

Located at the tip of the Baja California peninsula on Mexico’s west coast, Cabo has been a haven of relaxation and splendour since the golden age of Hollywood. The Rat Pack enjoyed escaping the glare of their public lives there, while John Wayne preferred fishing in Cabo San Lucas. Errol Flynn and Bing Crosby also enjoyed the laid-back Cabo lifestyle.

But besides its most famous jet-setters, Cabo is quickly becoming the destination of choice for people wanting an additional place to call home. In Cabo, the Mexican Riviera becomes so much more than a vacation destination. Here you can breathe in that Sea of Cortez air; access secluded stretches of swimmable beach from the comfort your own home; and live life at a slower, though no less exciting, pace. Pair that with the influx of luxury real estate to choose from, and the appeal of Cabo becomes undeniable.

Lcp 034

High-end relaxation made easy

Currently, about 90% of real estate transactions in Cabo are from U.S. and Canadian buyers, which speaks to the ease of purchasing property in Mexico. Developer real estate teams often help guide buyers through the Mexican purchasing process, working with U.S.-based escrow and title insurance companies to make the transaction as smooth and transparent as possible. It’s telling that many Four Seasons homeowners in Cabo also own homes at other Four Seasons properties, some having developed interest in other locations even before moving into their Cabo estates because of the ease of the process.

This piece of paradise may be particularly enticing for those based in the U.S., who can catch an easy flight from many places in the country. But the level of service, the quality food scene, the perfect weather and the overall vacation-vibe lifestyle are appealing to buyers worldwide. So how does a discerning buyer make the choice that’s right for them? With two distinct properties to choose from, Four Seasons Private Residences invites homeowners to experience the best of Mexico’s Baja peninsula, with the exclusive, rugged landscape of Four Seasons Private Residence Los Cabos at Costa Palmas or the village-style atmosphere right on the beach at Four Seasons Private Residences Cabo San Lucas.

“We look at where our customers want to be, and where we can deliver our brand promise to those who want to commit to living our brand lifestyle over and above vacationing,” says Paul White, Four Seasons Senior Vice President of Residential Development, Sales and Marketing. “We have two properties here [in Cabo], so it’s a very important spot for us.”

Four Seasons Private Residences elevates the home experience, providing all the amenities from the resort properties, which are also on site, plus a dedicated residential team to make sure even the smallest details are in place before a key is turned. It’s homeownership without the fuss.

Lcp 030

Calling Costa Palmas home

Homeowners can also embrace the quintessential Cabo lifestyle on the Sea of Cortez at Four Seasons Private Residence Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, where the tranquillity and natural landscape of the secluded East Cape are the perfect low-key escape from any hustle and bustle. This is, after all, the same stretch of sea that captured the interest of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, who referred to it as “the aquarium of the world.”

Homes here are beachfront, marina side or ocean view, and owners can select from four bespoke home designs that are made to blend seamlessly into the landscape, or buyers can design and build their own custom seaside villa. Either way, residents and their guests will have access to more than 2 miles of swimmable beaches among the rugged natural surroundings, while yacht owners will also be thrilled to find the Costa Palmas Marina and Yacht Club just steps from their front door.

Outdoor adventures such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming with dolphins or simply enjoying a lounge chair on the white sand are all within easy reach. And that’s in addition to access to the other amenities available at nearby Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, including pools, a Spa, two tennis courts and a state-of-the art Fitness Centre and Sports Club designed by internationally renowned fitness expert, Harley Pasternak. There really is something for everyone – and every family – at Costa Palmas.

Csp 003

Adventures abound in Cabo San Lucas

At Four Seasons Private Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, every room has a view of the Sea of Cortez, making it easy to sit back and watch the boats go by from your private terrace while you snack on fresh guacamole and chips prepared by the Four Seasons culinary team.

The lush landscape of the boutique village-style property sits right on one of the few swimmable beaches in Cabo, while the natural shoreline and rock formations offer an additional sense of discovery and adventure. You’ll find a mix of 61 private villas, residences and estates, each designed to evoke a soothing, elegant luxury, featuring nature-inspired colours and materials – wood ceilings, stone veneer columns and walls, and light marble floors that draw inspiration from traditional Mexican haciendas with a contemporary twist.

Here, homeowners can also buy into the exclusive Cove Club, providing discretion, camaraderie and a private-club lifestyle, plus access to some great restaurants. Paddleboarding and a variety of water sports and activities are also available on site, and private club members have some added perks that can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t feel like playing a full 18 holes at the acclaimed Jack Nicklaus–designed Cove Club Course? No problem. Care to go straight from the beach to the golf course, without having to pack your golf shoes? You can even play barefoot if you’d like.

The typical owner drawn to Cabo San Lucas is active and curious, always open to trying new things. With so much freedom and so many options, this could be where you discover a hidden talent for fishing or even a newfound love for pickleball, a sport you might never have thought to try before calling Cabo home.

Lcb 534

The Four Seasons treatment

Owners and their guests experience the high-level of service and hospitality you’d expect from Four Seasons from arrival to departure. You can also rest easy knowing that a dedicated team is taking care of your home at all times, whether you’re there or not. When an owner is away, the team ensures the home is cleaned and secured. Ready to head back? All you have to do is let the team know and they will open the home, adjust the temperature to your preference, freshen up the space, stock the refrigerator and have a pitcher of margaritas ready to make you feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door.

See what it’s like to live with Four Seasons

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

2021 Fs Fall Fashion V2 1400x2000

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.

2021 Fs Fall Fashion Collage1 1152x749

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

2021 Fs Fall Fashion 1152x749

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

2021 Fs Fall Fashion Image 1152x749

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

2021 Fs Fall Fashion Collage3 1152x749

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.

2021 Fs Fall Fashion Collage4 1152x749

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?

Nvc 025 1280x480

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.”

Flo Jessica Nabongo V2 970x540

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.

Flo 2023 Fs Florence 067 970x540

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.”

Flo 718 970x540

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.”

Fs Florence Collage V2 970x540

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

Ponte Santa Trinita