Destinations: Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

Find Your Adventure:
American Road Trips You Need to Take

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

Discover corners full of natural beauty outside classic American destinations. Our expertly curated itineraries will help you create unforgettable stops in between Four Seasons destinations in Texas and Florida. Experience the wildlife of the Everglades and savour Texas barbecue – all at your own pace – with Four Seasons.

TEXAS

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Andres Ramirez, Concierge at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Steven Beasley, Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, and the Concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Houston combined their insider data to craft a quintessential Texas road trip between the three properties.

Dallas to Austin

TRAVEL TIME 3 hours by car

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose
“A perfect activity that allows for physical distancing, there’s a scenic drive through this attraction, where about 1,100 exotic and endangered animals roam free,” Beasley says. “If you prefer animals of the prehistoric variety, Dinosaur Valley State Park is also in Glen Rose and features real dinosaur tracks, and there’s the Paluxy River for a quick, cooling dip.”

 

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Stop for Kolaches in West
Kolaches – a fruit-topped pastry – are perfect road trip snacks. There are several kolache shops in West, where many Czechs settled after moving to the New World in the 19th and 20th centuries. Beasley recommends the Czech Stop, where you can fill up the tank, devour some kolaches and add to your polka CD collection at the same time. Ramirez is a fan of Little Czech Bakery. “Their menu includes everything from savoury to sweet kolaches, fruit pies to cookies, and more, and they are open 24/7,” he says.

Magnolia Market in Waco
Here’s a good stopping point halfway, with places to shop, play and eat out on the sprawling lawn. “Waco has been transformed in recent years by HGTV’s Fixer Upper stars, Chip and Joanna Gaines,” Ramirez says. “You can spend an entire day visiting their empire, starting with shopping and outdoor games on the lawn at Magnolia Market and Silos, followed by lunch at their restaurant, Magnolia Table. Swing by the bakery for a cupcake to enjoy while you tour the city, visiting homes that were featured on their show.”

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Austin to Houston

TRAVEL TIME 2 hours 45 minutes by car

Southside Market & Barbeque in Elgin
“Make a pit stop for traditional Texas fare at this institution, which started selling BBQ from the back of a wagon in 1882,” Beasley says.

Antique Shopping in Round Top
“This area is a hotspot for antique shopping, especially during their spring and fall shows,” Beasley says. The fall 2021 event is planned for October 25 to October 30.

 

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Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham
Founded in 1907, Blue Bell is the second-best-selling ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Visit the original creamery to learn about its history, more than 100 years long. Factory tours include sample scoops.

Lavender Farm in Chappell Hill
The Concierge team at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston suggests a stop in the quaint little Texas town of Chappell Hill. You’ll find family-run restaurants, kolache bakeries, wineries and antique shops. Pick up lunch to go at Bever’s Kitchen and have a picnic at Chappell Hill Lavender Farm – if you like the scent of lavender, this is where you want to be.

FLORIDA

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Sandra Ferrarese, Chef Concierge at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, shares family-friendly stops on the way to Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and some unique attractions further along towards the Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

Orlando to Palm Beach

TRAVEL TIME 2 hours 30 minutes by car

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

Stretch your legs with a climb up the 105 steps of the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Built in 1860, the landmark tower is the oldest structure in Palm Beach County. The lighthouse crowns a 120-acre area that has been federally designated an Outstanding Natural Area, one of just three in the country. Scenic hiking trails meander through different habitats – Florida scrub, tropical hammock and mangrove swamp – and lead to an observation tower overlooking a manatee refuge.

 

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Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

If you are looking for a mindful pause, Ferrarese says, do not miss the Japanese gardens at Morikami Museum. The gardens are inspired by traditional gardens in Japan, and they have a great bonsai exhibition. If you have time, spend some of it at the coffee shop overlooking the gardens.

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

Henry Flagler built Whitehall, a 75-room, 100,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion as a wedding gift for his wife. When it was completed in 1902, the New York Herald called it “more wonderful than any palace in Europe.” Today, it is open to the public. “Do not miss the music room,” Ferrarese says.

 

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Palm Beach to Miami

TRAVEL TIME 1 hour 10 minutes by car

Flamingo Gardens

This botanical garden is home to exquisite tropical and subtropical plants. It’s also a wildlife sanctuary for rare, threatened and endangered native animals, 90 species of them – the largest collection of native wildlife in the state.

 

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Everglades Tours

Enjoy a thrilling airboat ride in the Florida Everglades at Sawgrass Recreation Park. Private tours on smaller boats allow you to go deeper into the Everglades. Alligators, turtles and great white heron are among the wildlife most often sighted.

Butterfly World
This is the largest butterfly park in the world, and the first park of its kind in the western hemisphere. The facility houses around 20,000 live butterflies, and visitors can also admire plenty of birds and bugs.

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TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE

Not in the United States? Consider renewing your sense of adventure with a European escape between storied destinations.

View inspiring perspectives of rolling hills and romantic castles near Budapest. Gaze out on Lisbon’s winding streets and azulejo-studded buildings before savouring fresh seafood beside the Atlantic. Partake in an insider experience of Bohemian crystal glassmaking in Prague. Saddle up for a horseback excursion to a spectacular winery in a 12th-century monastery near Madrid.

This season, take the scenic route with Four Seasons.

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What will you discover?

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10 Food Festivals Worth Travelling to Find

Posted on by Alia Akkam

Of course you always seek out a seat at the best bars and restaurants when you travel. But for a deeper dive into the culinary scene of your chosen destination, align your trip with a food festival. From a multi-stage music fest showcasing the best of a city’s eats to gatherings focused on a particular regional dish, the stops on our smorgasbord tour abound with local cuisine and culture.


Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival

The Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival attracts culinary talent from around the globe.

Photography courtesy Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival

Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival

As if Florida isn’t seductive enough in winter, the Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival adds yet another excuse to head South in December. This lauded culinary event attracts powerhouse chefs like Daniel Boulud, Mike Lata and the Sunshine State’s own Michelle Bernstein to a number of local venues, including festival home base
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. Beyond the capstone Grand Tasting, buoyed by book signings and the sounds of a DJ, there are multi-course wine-paired dinners revolving around themes such as sustainable seafood and modern Southern cuisine.

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

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Big Apple BBQ

Every June for the past 16 years, 16 top pitmasters from California to New York have taken over Madison Square Park for a two-day-long backyard barbecue right in the middle of Manhattan. Meat and smoke are the main ingredients for the Big Apple BBQ, which will be relocating elsewhere on the island in 2019 (no word yet). The venue may be changing, but greats such as Sam Jones, Rodney Scott and John Stage will no doubt still be prodding the fire. Move from tent to tent sampling Eastern Carolina pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis–style ribs, Texas brisket and jalapeño-tinged sausage. Serious foodies who want to talk shop with their BBQ heroes know to swing by Thursday night when the mouthwatering aroma of hot coals and slow-roasting swine starts to fill the air. Can’t muster the motivation to move after the feast? Both
Four Seasons Hotel New York and Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown are just a cab ride away.

Four Seasons Hotel New York

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Tokyo Ramen Show

For 11 days in October/early November, the many flavours and styles of Japan’s most buzzworthy noodle soup come together at the Tokyo Ramen Show in Komazawa Olympic Park. The steaming comfort food comes not just from Tokyo purveyors, but from ramen makers in Hokkaido, Kagoshima and everywhere in between. Make Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi your home base, and stay awhile: 18 vendors ladle soup for the first six days and an entirely new cast takes over for the final five. Ramen is known for its wildly varied flavours and ingredients, which differ from city to city, town to town. You can taste for yourself a kaleidoscope of regional variations like miso-based broth with horsehair crab and dashi with dried bonito flakes and sea kelp. And don’t miss the mash-ups – ramen shops collaborating with one another to create completely new dishes only available here.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

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Outside Lands

Gone are the days of sad and soggy music festival fare. Melon salad, Malaysian lamb curry, samosas and stir-fried veggie glass noodles are among the menu choices when 70 or so of San Francisco’s best restaurants set up al fresco kitchens at the Outside Lands music festival in August. About a dozen food trucks are on hand, as well as, in true California fashion, a Cypress Grove pop-up slinging artisan cheese plates. Oh, and there’s music too: If you like your meals paired with the stylings of Florence & The Machine, The Weekend, Beck and Bon Iver, this fest’s for you. Rest and recover at the centrally located Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

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Chef Fest, Hawaii

If cosying up to an intimate group of all-star chefs in one of the most exquisite natural settings in North America is your idea of a memorable holiday, make your way to
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in October for Chef Fest. Interactive cooking classes with such experts as Hugh Acheson, Brooke Williamson and Andy Ricker at the Resort’s outdoor kitchen are the main draw, but beach cookouts, al fresco tastings with local farmers and pre-brunch paddleboarding excursions further enhance the tropical environs. Treat yourself to the cocktail showcase at the Resort’s Palm Grove Pool and toast to the most tasteful of beach getaways.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

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Salon du Chocolat, Paris

Held each fall at the Porte de Versailles expo centre about 15 minutes from
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Salon du Chocolat is one of several such shows around the world – but this one’s in Paris, a city famous for its sophisticated confections. The truffles and ganache here are enough to exhilarate any chocophile, but the centrepiece is the Salon’s unusual fashion show: Designers and chocolatiers collaborate on haute-couture outfits embellished with or delicately spun from chocolate.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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Prague Food Festival

Chances are a visit to Prague will lead to its majestic castle, a ninth-century marvel that is home to St Vitus Cathedral and the Renaissance-era Royal Garden. Here, just across the Vltava River from Four Seasons Hotel Prague, the Prague Food Festival unfolds each May. Don’t pass up a chance to consume the best dishes from Czech chefs – steak tartare and lamb ragout with bread dumplings, or perhaps sushi or empanadas – with the added zest of a fairy-tale dining spot.

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

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Taste of Sydney

Taste of Sydney pairs delicious bites with an al fresco setting.

Photography courtesy Taste of Sydney

Taste of Sydney

For four days in early March the all-encompassing Taste of Sydney festival takes over Sydney’s verdant Centennial Parklands, minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Wine tastings and demos in butchery and baking add an interactive element, and an artisan marketplace of locally made ingredients and wares means you can savour the festival long after it’s over. More than 60 dishes from notable Sydney chefs like Mark Best and Nelly Robinson are the main attraction. Sample barbecued octopus, shrimp toast okonomiyaki and lamb skewers, then retreat to a glamping tent with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

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Desserts at Dubai Food Festival

A chef prepares miniature desserts at the Dubai Food Festival.

Photography courtesy Dubai Food Festival

Dubai Food Festival

The Dubai Food Festival in February and March reflects the city’s rich diversity, attracting chefs like Jun Tanaka, Nikita Gandhi and Tim Read. Throughout the celebration, at various locations near Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, local restaurants roll out limited-edition menus sure to evoke extreme Instagram envy. Sit down in one of their dramatic dining rooms, or head to a food truck or al fresco pop-up at the festival’s Etisalat Beach Canteen. Learn a little something at a chef master class, tour an urban farm and nosh at a street food bazaar – all part of this robust 17-day event.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

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Ubud Food Festival

From tofu to turmeric, the Ubud Food Festival – sister event to the Ubud Writers & Readers and Bali Emerging Voices festivals – puts Indonesia’s vast culinary landscape front and centre each April. Start by reading the story of the woman who adopted Bali as her home and launched this annual festival, located minutes from Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Then master macarons with Bali’s Prince of Pastry, Rafi Papazian; make the healing herbal drink jamu; cook with clay pots and wood-fired stoves in a traditional paon (Balinese kitchen); and breathe deeply at a fiery sambal cook-off. Beyond the kitchen, consider the intro course on Indonesian language and culture, led by an instructor from the Cinta Bahasa Indonesian Language School.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

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Where Are Best Beach Vacations In the World?

Posted on by Lenise Willis

Whether you prefer an aquatic adventure, the most colourful sunset or the tranquillity that comes from serene crystal waters, the world is full of opportunities to revel in paradise.

In seeking the best beach vacations in the world, we’ve compared your favourite stretches of sand, as displayed on social media, with our own beloved picks, from Bora Bora to Vietnam. These 12 beaches, selected from six regions around the world, are ideal for your next tropical getaway.

Best Beaches in the Pacific Islands

Amid away-from-it-all volcanic islands, the beaches of Indonesia and French Polynesia boast sapphire waters surrounded by emerald mountains.

Traveller’s Pick: Bora Bora

 

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On Instagram, Bora Bora is repeatedly deemed a favourite escape, even called the land of “50 shades of blue.” In addition to the seemingly endless waters, guests can soak in the sight of Mount Otemanu. The recently enhanced overwater bungalow suites at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora take the beach vacation to the next level, offering 360-degree views and complete immersion in the aquatic life.

Editor’s Pick: Bali at Jimbaran Bay


Sundara, Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Sundara, lauded as the best beach club in Bali, sets this escape apart from the rest. Enjoy live music, sundown cocktails and fresh Jimbaran seafood while you lounge beachside.

The lure of the exotic leads us to another one of our favourite tropical escapes: the beach of Jimbaran Bay. With volcanic mountains visible in the distance, soft white sand and year-round warm temperatures characterize the Bali beach.

After relaxing in the sun, get active with catamaran spilling, stand-up paddle boarding and surfing Bali’s famous breaks. Linger for Jimbaran’s magical sunsets with a drink at Sundara beach club and fresh seafood at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

Best Beaches in Latin America

Though typically known for its vivid rain forests, South America and Central America can also claim some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Traveller’s Pick: Costa Rica

 

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No setting sun is more gorgeous than one dozily sinking behind the ocean, which is why Costa Rica is one of your favourite beaches at day’s end. With warm gulf waters, pristine white sands and tropical trees swaying inland, the Gulf of Papagayo is a premier setting for beach photos – day and night.

Editor’s Pick: Punta Mita


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The Marieta Islands just off the coast of Mexico have hidden beaches perfect for a secluded escape.

With nearby golf courses and opportunities for surfing, Punta Mita is one of our favourite beaches for those who want to do more than just relax.

For a day excursion, visit Islas Marietas National Park, just a few miles west of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and relax on one of the world’s most unusual beaches. The islands, formed by volcanic activity, are rich in natural wildlife. From December to March, marvel at the power and grace of humpback whales during their migration through the bay.

Best African Beaches

Home to some of the best lesser-known snorkelling and diving spots, the islands off Africa are excellent options for your next beach getaway.

Traveller’s Pick: Seychelles

Just off the coast of East Africa lie Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, home to numerous beaches and nature reserves. Nature is awe-inspiring here. You may even catch a glimpse of a rare giant Aldabra tortoise.

“Nothing can beat Seychelles sunsets,” says traveller Tania Gae Mllitello. Besides the beautiful close of the day, she also loves the relaxed atmosphere and the great surfing waves. “On a Sunday afternoon you can go there and find many Seychellois and tourists together catching waves or having a picnic by the beach.

Editor’s Pick: Mauritius


Hidden enclave by ocean

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and basking in nearly year-round sunshine, Mauritius is an island paradise.

The island of Mauritius, blissfully stranded in the Indian Ocean, beckons travellers who seek the serenity of being one with nature. At Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita guests can enjoy three private beaches, with their choice of a beach sofa, palm tree hammock or sun lounger on Ile aux Cerfs, the Resort’s exclusive private island.

Sail the turquoise sea, marvel at giant tortoises on the beach, play golf on a championship course, or just gaze at the glinting water outlined by the Bambou Mountains in the distance.

Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

With some of the world’s most varied coral reefs and year-round tropical climate, the “East Indies” offer travellers some of the most picturesque scenes for their beach vacation.

Traveller’s Pick: The Maldives

Guests seeking stillness and tranquillity often turn to the beaches of the Maldives, a nation made up of more than 1,000 coral islands known for their blue lagoons and underwater scenery. Katharina Horstmann claims the Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru as her favourite beach because “it reveals the perfect beauty of nature.”

“For me, [true happiness] is when I walk alone on the beach through the coral sand, while the shallow turquoise water tickles my toes.”

For the ultimate in peaceful seclusion, escape to Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll.

Editor’s Pick: Hoi An, Vietnam


Beach at Hoi An, Vietnam

Enjoy direct access to Ha My Beach from your suite at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Lying in Vietnam’s cultural heartland, the tranquil kilometre-long stretch of beach in Hoi An has been deemed one of the world’s best beaches, and it’s also a relaxing perch from which to explore the country’s rich history.

In between bouts of lazing in the sun, take an excursion to any of the three UNESCO heritage sites nearby: Hue’s imperial city, the temple sanctuary of My Son and Hoi An’s enchanting lantern-lit streets.

Best Beaches in the United States

Whether you’re looking to ride a gnarly wave, sail the Atlantic or escape to the peaceful exotic, the United States of America has a beach for you.

Traveller’s Pick: Lanai, Hawaii

Though Lanai begs to be photographed for its Hawaiian sunsets, swaying palms and sweeping views of the Pacific, its starry night sky is what moved Mark Edward Harris to share the beauty of what has been long celebrated by guests as a favourite American beach destination.

Spend the day playing in the white sands of the secluded “Shipwreck Beach,” accessible only by 4×4 jeep, and snorkelling in the waters of Hulopoe Bay, a protected marine preserve. Then hike to Pu’uPehe (Sweetheart Rock), 20 minutes from Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and stare into the glittering nighttime.

Editor’s Pick: Palm Beach, Florida


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Make Palm Beach, Florida your perch to enjoy natural views and beach tranquillity.

With 47 miles of pristine golden beaches, Palm Beach, Florida, has a setting for everyone – from romantically private stretches of sand to family-friendly beaches with playgrounds, nature centres and beach parks that offer snorkelling, windsailing, fishing or paddleboarding. Catch a gleeful glimpse of a loggerhead turtle, or relax in a cabana with the complimentary service of personal beach staff at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.

Best Caribbean Getaways

Southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, the tropical Caribbean is home to more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. How do you choose the best?

Traveller’s Pick: Nevis

 

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Called a “hidden gem” by guests, Nevis offers lovely beaches that are almost never crowded. “We spent every evening on this beach watching the beautiful sun set into the ocean,” says Anna Ng, who selected Nevis as her favourite beach getaway. “You truly feel like you’re on a quiet, remote island away from the rest of the world.”

On the north side of the island is a sweet spot, Lovers Beach, virtually hidden from the road. Its secluded location ensures guests optimal privacy. Locals agree that the best beaches on the island are on the northern and western shores. A more popular spot is Pinney’s Beach, running for about three miles near Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

Editor’s Pick: Anguilla


Anguilla hammock

Relax in your choice of a hammock or beach lounger while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere in Anguilla.

From hidden coves to long stretches of powdery sand, Anguilla is home to 33 breathtaking beaches. And with no cruise ships or casinos allowed, you’re promised a relaxing scene for unwinding. Bask in the low-key spirit of the British Overseas Territory while locals share their passion for boat racing, Caribbean music – and food.

Its impeccable scenery combined with a coastal dining scene like no other, Anguilla easily makes it to the top of our list of best beach vacations in the world. Its silky sand is highlighted by more than 100 restaurants, from rustic to luxurious, several of them right on the water. Enjoy a rum punch, a local lobster delicacy and the everlasting allure of the sea at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.

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Overwater bungalows

Plan The Perfect Wedding: 34 Ideas for Your Destination Nuptials

Posted on by Anne Chertoff

Planning a wedding gives couples the opportunity to express personal sentiments and traditions in the details: a silver bracelet inherited from a great-grandmother, a bouquet of wildflowers reminiscent of a first-date hiking spot, a favourite homemade family dessert instead of a cake.

For everything else, couples can sometimes divine their best ideas from other people’s weddings. To help spark your creativity, we’ve pulled together some of the most beautifully creative touches from weddings at Four Seasons properties around the world. See something you love? Click through to the wedding’s full photo gallery for even more inspiration.

 

Bouquets for every bride

Your bridal bouquet is your most prominent wedding-day accessory, so when deciding what it will look like, keep in mind a few style details:

  • Choose a colour that coordinates with the rest of the wedding palette, or opt for white blooms for a more traditional look.
  • Make sure the bouquet is fashioned in proportion to your body, so it doesn’t look too big or too small when you’re holding it.
  • Think about the mood and overall look you want for your wedding and work with your floral designer to choose the most appropriate blooms. Lush roses can be traditional or romantic, while a simple bundle of calla lilies can be quite modern.

Here are six bridal bouquets in a variety of styles, thanks to a mix of flower types, colours and stem wrappings.

A Christmastime wedding at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole had a winter-wonderland feeling, with rustic romance as the theme. Romantic details included the bride’s bouquet of pink and white roses interspersed with pink calla lilies and dusty miller.
See more photos from this rustic-themed Jackson Hole wedding >

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Mixing Chinese and Western wedding traditions, this wedding at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing included vintage and quirky elements. The bride carried a bright burgundy-and-green arrangement that complimented her bridesmaids’ dresses and provided a pop of colour against her white wedding dress.
See more East-meets-West Beijing wedding photos >

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Modern elegance was the theme at this Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta wedding, and the pastel colour palette found fresh expression in a bouquet of lush roses and anemones in shades of pink and white.
See more photos from this elegant Atlanta wedding >

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To help create an ethereal mood for her wedding at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, the bride chose a white rose bouquet finished with satin ribbon and crystal-and-pearl embellishments.
See more photos from this traditional-meets-contemporary San Francisco wedding >

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A wedding at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico, featured bright blue and orange hues. Balanced against that palette, the bride carried a simple bouquet of white calla lilies, traditional in colour but quite modern in silhouette.

See more Punta Mita oceanfront wedding photos >

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Inspired by the Hawaiian setting and venue, the bride at this Four Seasons Resort Lanai destination wedding carried a cascading bouquet of magenta and cream-coloured orchids that perfectly complemented the groom’s lei.
See more photos from this Hawaiian wedding >

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Wedding cakes, from classic to contemporary

Among the most central and delicious of wedding details, wedding cakes come in all shapes, sizes and flavours. Choose a classic bridal-white cake, or add colour, patterns and even flowers to these towering confections. Here are a few delectable styles.

Photography courtesy Southern Light Photography

Lace, ruffles and lush, pastel blooms were in abundance at this wedding at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, even on the multi-tiered buttercream-frosted wedding cake dressed with lace appliqué made of sugar, fondant ruffles and clusters of sugar flowers.
See photos from this Dallas celebrity wedding >

Photography courtesy Lindsey Brittain, Lindsay Shea Photography; Kat Harris

A wedding reception at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, featured a four-tiered white wedding cake decorated with gold confetti and topped with a gilded custom cake topper with the names of the newlyweds.
See more photos from this surprise wedding party in Washington, DC >

Photography courtesy L. Hewitt Photography

With flowers woven into almost every detail, this wedding at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto included a four-tiered wedding cake dressed with a cascade of fresh pink flowers and pearl buttercream accents.
See more photos from this bloom-filled Silicon Valley wedding >

Photography courtesy Junshien International Photographers

A dreamy pink-and-white wedding at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara featured a four-tiered wedding cake decorated with pink and white roses.
See more photos from this Southern California wedding >

Photography courtesy Mi Belle, Inc.

Choosing the right location

The setting of a wedding sets the mood and character of your special day. As you say “I do,” would you prefer a backdrop of an ocean sunset, a city skyline, a horizon of rolling hills or an interior with textured details? Here are several Four Seasons destinations around the world that offer breathtaking wedding settings.

A traditional Polynesian ceremony at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora took advantage of the destination’s pristine beaches and magnificent sunsets – and even included a photo session with its sea life.
See more Polynesian wedding photos from Bora Bora >

Photography courtesy Andreas Kronauer Photography

The setting was English garden–meets–modern romance – created inside the ballroom – at a Four Seasons Hotel Miami wedding and reception. The elegant décor and twinkling lights provided an intimate dining setting.
See more Tuscany wedding photos >

Photography courtesy Rochelle Cheever

The setting was English garden–meets–modern romance – created inside the ballroom – at a Four Seasons Hotel Miami wedding and reception. The elegant décor and twinkling lights provided an intimate dining setting.
See more indoor English garden wedding photos >

Photography courtesy Rodrigo Varela

Flowers set the stage

Flowers add colour and texture to a matrimonial event well beyond the bouquet, of course. At these three weddings, couples created dramatic floral décor elements that added chic statements to their outdoor settings.

Towering vases of deep purple hydrangeas and orchids line the courtyard for a wedding at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, providing bold colour against the ceremony’s black backdrop.
See more photos from this Parisian wedding >

Photography courtesy Dominique Cabrelli, Studio Cabrelli

A wedding at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach evoked an atmosphere of the American South thanks to touches like an antique-style birdcage filled with roses and hydrangeas. Votive candles in green holders completed the vibrant look.
See more photos from this country-chic southern Florida wedding >

Photography courtesy April Belle Photos

For an outdoor ceremony on the lawn overlooking Lady Bird Lake at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, the floral designer decorated a white and crystal chandelier with green and white hydrangeas mixed with soft-pink roses. The arrangement was placed over the altar where the couple exchanged their wedding vows.
See more photos from this Texas Hill Country outdoor wedding >

Photography courtesy Tyler Schmitt, The Mill Photography Studio

Signage as décor

For weddings and receptions, help your guests find their way with signs that entertain with a cute saying or that elegantly display your names or monogram.

At a surprise wedding at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, a custom marquee-style lighted sign was the first hint that guests would be attending the couple’s nuptials rather than their engagement party.
See more from this surprise Washington, DC wedding >

Photography courtesy L. Hewitt Photography

In addition to the rings, the tuxedo-clad ring bearers at this formal Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta wedding also carried a sign announcing the arrival of the bride at the ceremony.
See more photos from this black-tie Atlanta wedding >

Photography courtesy Paris Mountain Photography

This couple’s custom monogram was highlighted at a Hollywood-inspired wedding held at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. It showed up in several of the day’s details, including as a light decoration projected onto the venue’s wall.
See more photos from this Seattle wedding venue >

Photography courtesy Joe and Jill Hein, Studio Joe + Jill

Stunning tablescapes

While centrepieces have long been a star of reception décor, event designers now see the entire table as a canvas. Reception tables of all shapes and sizes are another medium for expressing your style: Dress them up or down with flowers, linens, candles, china, crystal and flatware to further enhance your wedding’s theme and design.

For an autumn wedding, the ballroom at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze was converted to a garden setting, with a mix of high and low centrepieces and more than 2,000 candles that emulated an Italian al fresco evening for guests.
 See more photos from this Italian destination wedding >

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A Hollywood-inspired black-tie wedding at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle featured a metallic and red palette. The floral designer set the couple’s “sweetheart” table with three clusters of deep red roses placed into metallic silver vessels, surrounded by candlelight.
 See more photos from this Seattle black-tie wedding >

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Inside the elegant dinner tent at this Four Seasons Hotel Austin wedding reception, tables were set with simple yet sophisticated white floral arrangements dotted with a single pink bloom. The long banquet table featured a mix of high and low floral accents and candles, while the round tables featured only low centrepieces.
See more photos from this romantic Texas wedding >

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To enhance the romantic ambience of this Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach wedding, tables were set with wooden boxes filled with lush green and coral-coloured blooms. Candles in mercury glass votives added tableside glow while crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead.
 See more photos from this romantic Palm Beach wedding >

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Tables at a dreamy California wedding reception at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto were dotted with high and low arrangements of roses, hydrangeas and dahlias set in glass and reflective vessels – each illuminated by candlelight.
See more photos from this East Palo Alto wedding >

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Guests at an outdoor wedding reception at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North sat at long dining tables set with high and low floral centrepieces of green hydrangeas and pale-pink and ivory roses, with floating and votive candles throughout. Sequined chair covers and chevron-patterned table runners provided sparkle.
 See more photos from this rustic Scottsdale wedding >

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Unique wedding favours

Tasty treats always makes popular wedding favours – something guests can enjoy in the moment or later.

Whistler wedding welcome bags

Guests at a Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler wedding made mini s’mores at a bonfire set up just outside the ballroom and were given welcome bags with hot-cocoa mix and local snacks among other treats.
See more winter-themed ideas from a Whistler wedding >

Photography courtesy Liz Banfield

A family recipe was included in the favours at a wedding at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach: Bakery boxes containing mini pecan pies handmade by the bride’s mother were handed out with a copy of the recipe and a custom illustration of the couple.
See more photos from this celebrity Palm Beach wedding >

Photography courtesy April Belle Photos

Creative seating cards

When you have more than a couple dozen guests at a wedding, it’s helpful to assign seating – and seating cards provide one more opportunity to get creative! Work with your stationer, floral designer and event planner to come up with imaginative ways for guests to find their seats.

Inspired by the beachfront location, the traditional hand-calligraphy place cards used at a wedding at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México, were anchored in sand and accented with starfish.
See more photos from this beach-themed Mexico wedding >

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At a destination wedding at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, seating card assignments attached to compasses pointed guests to their tables and served as handy keepsake wedding favours.
 See more photos from this Costa Rica oceanfront wedding >

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An autumn wedding at Four Seasons Hotel Austin included pumpkins in a variety of the day’s details. Hand-painted white and gold mini pumpkins held guests’ names and seating assignments.
 See more photos from this fall Texas wedding >

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A romantic wedding at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto featured seating cards attached to pink carnations, creating a colourful and lush display.
See more romantic Palo Alto wedding ideas >

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A heart-shaped seating card display at a Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara wedding featured guests’ names and table assignments listed on paper arrows.
See more photos from this romantic Santa Barbara wedding >

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The country-chic theme at a Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach wedding included seating cards whimsically hung from wire with clothespins and surrounded by small floral arrangements in the wedding’s colours.
See more photos from this celebrity Palm Beach wedding >

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Travelling with Toddlers: A Guide

Posted on by Amanda Blakley

As a seasoned traveller, my wanderlust runs deep. Whether for backpacking or business travel, I have circled the globe numerous times. Now, as a mother of two, I am passionate about cultivating a love of travel in my children and placing importance on collecting experiences over things.

My husband and I have travelled extensively with our two sons, Atticus and Archer, and some of our most treasured memories have been made while on the road as a family. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing though, and along the way we’ve learned from experience what works and what doesn’t when travelling with toddlers. I hope that by sharing some of our family’s rules for the road, we can inspire your next getaway and arm you with the tools you need to make it a success.

Flying with toddlers 

Toddler travelling on airplane watching iPad

Flying with a toddler is easier when you have toys, electronics, snacks and entertainment on hand to distract from the monotony of the journey. Photography courtesy Thinkstock

Our rule of thumb for a day of travel is the “no rules” rule. The ultimate goal is to arrive at your destination alive and sane. With that in mind, our philosophy of “anything goes” works well. Normal rules about screen time, junk food and schedules go out the window when we travel. Whatever it takes—until we arrive at our final destination. Then it’s back to business.

Check into discounted fares for children under 2 on most airlines, and indicate special needs you may have for your young passenger, such as a specific meal or a front-row seat with space for your child’s bags. On many airlines, you can check a stroller at the gate, so moving around inside the airport before your flight is a breeze.

Build a toddler travel survival kit

Amanda Blakley always keeps art supplies in her toddler travel survival kit: Kids Coloring at Kids For All Seasons at Four Seasons Bahrain Bay

To make travelling with a young child easier, build a travel survival kit that includes art supplies, new toys and snacks—all designed to keep your kid content and entertained whether you’re on the plane, at a restaurant or in line at the children’s museum.

Every parent knows that there is no way to travel light when travelling with the young. These are some of the items we never leave home without when travelling with our tots.

A lint roller comes in handy for picking up crumbs left in your airline seat or at restaurants, and also takes care of glitter, Cheerios and any other droppings a toddler leaves in his or her wake. I fill a toddler-size backpack with special snacks (packets of dried seeds, dried fruit, cereal), a water bottle (flimsy airline cups are forever being knocked over), toys they haven’t seen in a while, simple crafts or colouring projects and a few new toys. When they get to the brink of a breakdown or just need a new distraction, we pull something else out of the bag.

For 21st-century parents, an iPad is a traveller’s lifesaver. Our son is allowed to use the iPad and watch movies on it when we travel. And since we restrict the use of screens in our household under normal circumstances, he savours every second of this time. On a recent flight to Los Angeles, Atticus watched Frozen for the first time (twice). He did not make a peep for the entire flight—except when he spilled my husband’s hot coffee in his lap when we got up to use the restroom. Note to self: Bring screw-top bottles for the adults as well.

Keep your itinerary light and loose

Boston Children’s Museum

You don’t have to be a hotel hermit just because you have toddlers with you on vacation. Instead, get out and enjoy family-friendly sites like the Boston Children’s Museum, parks, gardens and zoos. Photography courtesy Robert Benson courtesy Boston Children’s Museum

The fewer expectations you have for yourself and your travel companions, the more flexible you can be. Toddlers require routine as a general rule, so we try to keep things like naps, mealtime and bedtime similar to the way they’d be on an ordinary day at home. When we’re on the road, we usually plan only one activity per day; this might be an excursion, an activity or a museum visit. When fatigue sets in, breakdowns are inevitable—and this we like to avoid at all costs!

We recently spent a weekend in Boston. Pre-kids, we would have made reservations at multiple restaurants for each day, had lists of boutiques to check out and exhibits to visit. But because children (in general) are ticking time bombs, we consider their needs while planning our days (pat on back for proactive parenting). The first day we did a bit of walking and exploring after a large breakfast and then went back to the hotel for a nap. That afternoon we took the boys to the Boston Children’s Museum, which was a hit.

A stone’s throw from the museum is Sportello, a family-friendly Italian eatery whose approach to fresh fare will please even the pickiest eater. For dinner, we grabbed some bar seats along the large and winding counter (“Sportello” is Italian for counter service), and all four indulged in Chef Barbara Lynch’s menu of classics (I recommend the bolognese), which are crafted from only the most local and seasonal ingredients.

After that eventful day, we still had them bathed and in bed by 8:00 pm! It’s all about being realistic, which is sometimes a tough pill to swallow while on holiday.

Choose your destinations wisely

Kids for All Seasons at Four Seasons Dubai

Available at most Four Seasons hotels and resorts, the Kids for All Seasons programme offers entertainment, cultural activities and day camps for kids, allowing parents time for romantic and adventurous excursions.

Determine what type of holiday you want to have—beach, city, mountain, adventure or relaxation—and then find a property that offers fitting amenities and landscapes. We like to book a Four Seasons property that offers either a Kids for All Seasons programme or babysitting services—that way everyone in the family can enjoy the holiday. Resort holidays, with their self-contained environments and partitioned children’s areas, make for perfect vacations with toddlers. At most resorts you’ll find large, open, grassy areas where toddlers can practice crawling, walking or tumbling, and the pools feature a shallow area perfect for introducing your kids to water, like the kids’ pool at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

On a recent visit to Mexico, the Concierge at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México, arranged a babysitter (for a fee) so that my husband and I could slip out for a quick workout, followed by dinner and drinks in an up-and-coming neighbourhood. These little escapes—no matter how  brief—can make the difference after a long day spent entertaining the kids at the beach or poolside.

Finding toddler-friendly foods while travelling

Four Seasons Children’s Menu

For days when there is no negotiating with your little one to try something new, many restaurants at Four Seasons hotels and resorts offer children’s menus stocked with kid favourites like macaroni and cheese, as well as simplified local dishes like vegetables and steamed rice in Hong Kong or a cheese quesadilla in Punta Mita. Photography courtesy Brandon Barre

Eating on the road can pose interesting challenges. To coax our kids to try new things, the finger-food trick generally succeeds. From dumplings to duck, cutting it into small pieces and adding familiar dipping sauces (ketchup is a sure bet) can work wonders.

We also have a likeness tactic that can convince our kids to try something that may not appeal at first glance. A quesadilla in Punta Mita becomes a “Mexican pizza,” a ramen bowl in Tokyo becomes “Japanese spaghetti.” And in our estimation, it’s always worthwhile to choose restaurants that cater to the little ones as well as adults. In Hong Kong, for instance, The Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong offers a full children’s menu for those days when only chicken fingers will do.

Because dinner out with kids can sometimes be challenging, we love to have a nice family meal at lunchtime when our boys are in better spirits. Afterwards, we can easily wander back to the room for naptime, and if we’re lucky, my husband and I may even get an hour to ourselves for reading on the patio.

Discovering necessities while on holiday

Children’s Amenities at Four Seasons Hangzhou

Four Seasons destinations strive to offer superior services for parents and their little entourage. Snacks, diapers, baby-proofing and cribs are available to make your stay more comfortable.

Pack a little less by ensuring you have toddler necessities at your destination upon arrival. Many cities have a rental and delivery service for things like high chairs, strollers, toys and even diapers. Baby’s Away services 27 U.S. states, Baby Vallarta is best for the Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita area of Mexico, and Renting for Rascals is our go-to for the U.K.

Or call ahead to your Four Seasons hotel or resort to inquire what kid-friendly amenities they might offer. We were surprised to discover that our room at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach had been childproofed (padded furniture corners and all) prior to our check-in. It was equipped not only with a crib, but also with extra diapers and wipes, bath toys, a miniature robe and even a Diaper Genie. All of these little details meant we could get to the task at hand (relaxation) sooner!

Night-time with toddlers on vacation

Four Seasons Guest - Young Girl, Bedtime

Bedtime is a breeze when children are comfortable and calm. Keep your toddler’s normal bedtime routine, coupled with the children’s amenities at the hotel, and you’ll wake up to one happy toddler in the morning.

Like most new parents, we obsessed over the bedtime routine with our firstborn. We were militant about the timing of a nightly bath, books and bed. As a result of this—or, perhaps, luck—we could put our toddlers to bed anywhere. Now we always bring our favourite books from home, and a special car or truck often makes its way into the bed as well. Consistency is key.

Of course it never hurts to tucker them out in the sand at places like Four Seasons Resort Nevis or on the slopes at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler during the day so they can barely muster an excuse when the time comes to head off to dreamland.

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