Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Archives - Page 2 of 6

Extraordinary Villas and Residences for Your Summer Getaway

Posted on May 9, 2023August 15, 2025 by Colleen Mitchell

We all have those summers that stand out in our memory: The first time you visited your now-favourite city, the family beach vacation when everyone was finally able to come along, or that time you and your friends embarked on an epic trip to Thailand that you’ll never forget. No matter your travel style, the Four Seasons Villa & Residence Rentals collection of more than 800 vacation homes lets you explore the world on your own terms, while providing the space, privacy and amenities you need to focus on spending time with the people around you.

A breezy beachfront villa. A picturesque mountain hideaway. A luxurious penthouse overlooking the city. Wherever your getaway takes you, make the most of your time together with a Private Residence or Villa rental experience tailored to your needs and interests. Come together in your private living room for one-of-a-kind family time, or celebrate your bond with an intimate dinner for two on your private terrace, catered by a Four Seasons chef: You have the space to be yourselves.

You’re also free to be fully in the moment, knowing that your villa or residence is managed by Four Seasons, with a dedicated team always at hand via the award-winning Four Seasons App. All you have to do is relax, savour your time together, and create a lifetime of memories.

Staying in a Private Retreat at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo makes it easy to settle into the pura vida lifestyle.

A new tradition

Experiencing something together for the first time can be especially bonding. At Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, unique experiences the whole family can enjoy are at the heart of every stay. Settle into your two- to six-bedroom villa or residence and let your private residential assistant take care of all the details. With so much to do in and around the Resort, having someone on hand to help organize agendas and schedule adventurous outings makes it easier to spend quality time together. Bring a taste of Costa Rica right to your pool patio with a tasting session filled with local rums, chocolate or coffee, or a sunset cocktail-making class. Travelling with kids? The in-house recreation team can put together inventive in-villa games for children of all ages. They can watch movies from a “dive-in” theatre in your private pool, go for a treasure hunt or play laser tag around the house – and parents, of course, are always welcome to join in.

Enjoy relaxing family dinners with the Côte d’Azur as your backdrop when you spend your summer in a private villa at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel.

Built for space

Spend your summer in a villa on the Côte d’Azur and get a taste of the “diffused magic of the hot sweet South” that F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote about. The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, already has one iconic villa on its premises, the pink-walled Villa Rose Pierre. Now the Hotel has added two villas to their Villa & Residence Rentals collection, perfect for summer stays. In the five-bedroom Villa Beauchamp, unwind after a day on the water in the villa’s sauna, hammam or state-of-the-art entertainment centre featuring an in-home cinema. If you’re travelling with teenagers or a group of friends, the Pavilion – a separate, fully equipped two-bedroom guesthouse adjacent to the Villa – offers even more room and privacy. Or opt for a stay in the more intimate two-bedroom Villa Clair Soleil, with its mid-20th-century charm and a spacious terrace that includes a private pool for those glorious days spent lounging in the Riviera sun.

Retreat to your very own tranquil hideaway in the heart of Kyoto with a stay in a private Residential Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto.

Relax together

Carefully designed to maximize kutsurogi – the Japanese art of relaxation – Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is a tranquil hideaway in the heart of historic Kyoto. Prepare a family meal in your Residential Suite’s fully equipped kitchen or get cosy in your luxuriously appointed living room; there’s room for everyone in Kyoto’s largest in-suite entertaining spaces. The youngest guests are in for a treat: Your dedicated Four Seasons team can set up a tent in your child’s bedroom for an evening of indoor camping they’ll remember forever. Adults will enjoy a variety of exclusive amenities, like a private geisha performance in the Hotel’s sukiya-style Tea House, set in the historic Japanese Garden. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you’ll enjoy the space and flexibility of a private home while you explore the beguiling city of Kyoto.

In Punta Mita, a pristine, private beach is just steps away from your oceanfront vacation home.

Best of both worlds

Four Seasons Villa & Residence Rentals offers the perfect privacy of a vacation home, brought to life by the world-class service and amenities you expect from a stay with Four Seasons. At Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México, your Concierge can arrange a variety of experiences to be enjoyed in your private home – celebrate like a local with a poolside piñata party, or sample Mexican wines and spirits with a tasting on your terrace. As a Villa & Residence Rentals guest, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to amenities like the Resort’s pools and private, pristine beach, as well as locally inspired spa treatments, fitness classes and two Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses. Afterwards, gather with friends and family on your private terrace for a sunset dinner al fresco or a starlit swim in your oceanfront pool, set to the soothing sound of waves lapping the beach.

Each private residence at Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas™ comes with its own private pool and outdoor terrace, perfect for entertaining.

At Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas™, you’ll receive a warm welcome from your Personal Residential Assistant, who can stock your home’s kitchen with your favourite foods before your arrival and arrange personalized excursions and in-residence experiences, making sure every aspect of your stay is tailored to your needs and interests. Have a question, or need housekeeping services? Use the Four Seasons App to get help and luxury amenities around the clock. Explore the East Cape’s hidden waterfalls and world-class snorkelling from your private boat charter, nap in the sun on the Resort’s private beach, or set out on an off-road adventure over rolling desert dunes on ATVs: Whether you’re seeking high-octane thrills or serene bliss, a two- to four-bedroom residential villa is your ideal home base for an unforgettable summer in Los Cabos.

Plan an idyllic island getaway to Mauritius to reconnect with family and friends.

Reunite and reconnect

The bustle of everyday life can make it hard to find quality time together. Escape to a tropical playground where you’re free from distractions and free to focus on each other. Play castaway and lounge on the pristine white sand, dive beneath the turquoise blue waters for a world-class snorkelling experience, or tee off for a round of golf on the oceanfront, Ernie Els–designed 18-hole course: Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is the ideal home base for you and your loved ones during your island getaway. Start each day with breakfast on your patio, pay a visit to the on-site WiseOceans Marine Educators to learn about the marine life at home in the Resort’s lagoons, set out for a paddle boat tour of the island, or join the Resort’s resident chef for a Mauritian cooking class in your private kitchen: Your luxury vacation home and once-in-a-lifetime experiences are designed to bring you closer together.

The lush tropical landscape that surrounds your Thai-style private residence in Chiang Mai invites you to connect with nature and each other.

Peace of mind

Emerald green rice fields, verdant tropical gardens and soothing ponds offer an idyllic backdrop as you discover a sense of inner calm, balancing mind, body and soul. Your well-being is at the centre of your stay at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. Laid out in the style of a traditional Thai village and nestled among the bright green rice paddies of the Mae Rim Valley, this hidden haven is the ideal place to slow down, recharge and find fulfilment. Practice asanas and breathwork with the resident yogi, rejuvenate with spa rituals focused on releasing negative energy, or work up a sweat with a lesson in Muay Thai kick-boxing or a TRX workout: Your live-in mae baan, or personal assistant, will arrange it all with a careful attention to detail that will ensure each moment is effortless. Whether you’re travelling with friends or family, Chiang Mai invites everyone to connect with nature, yourselves and each other.

That effortless experience extends to the digital world, where the App puts the world of Four Seasons in the palm of your hand. All your activities and itineraries are available at a glance, and you can easily schedule spa treatments or activities and make dinner reservations. If you need assistance, your dedicated Four Seasons team is available around the clock via chat for a contactless experience throughout your stay – a health and safety benefit enhanced by the Lead With Care program. You can relax knowing you’ll experience impeccable Four Seasons service with the trappings of home, from arrival to departure. Whether you’re wanting to recreate some of your favourite memories or make some brand-new ones, Four Seasons can tailor a private getaway just for you and yours.

Wellness Is on the Menu

Posted on January 27, 2023February 1, 2023 by Colleen Mitchell

At its core, wellness has much to do with what we feed ourselves. That includes the things we watch, read, think about, surround ourselves with and, of course, what we eat. All of these play a role in our general well-being, but perhaps nothing as impactful as what’s on our plate.

When you’re travelling, eating a balanced meal can become an afterthought. Sticking to your health goals or making sure you have access to options that fit your needs (and wants) can be harder to do when you’re on the go or far from home. Add to that the fact that many vacation memories are formed during meals shared with family and friends, and it can be a challenge to find the right choices for everyone. But food shouldn’t be stressful – especially not when you’re on vacation.

Four Seasons knows how important it is to feel good about what you eat. From menus filled with vegan options to on-property farms and gardens to health-conscious cooking classes, you’ll find many ways to eat well with Four Seasons. Here are just a few examples:

Tamai Pool Bar is just one of the restaurants at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita where you can sample vegan chef Leslie Durso’s plant-based creations.

Durso’s mushroom tinga tacos make for a light and flavourful lunch.

Be on the look out for seasonal dishes like Durso’s jackfruit enchiladas with traditional mole and squash blossoms.

Enjoy fresh Mexican fare on the outdoor terrace at Dos Catrinas.

Plant-based menu options for vegans and non-vegans alike

“I believe the key to a long, healthy, joyful life begins with what you eat,” says plant-based chef and healthy-living educator Leslie Durso. “I create healthy dishes using recognizable foods in unexpected ways to support that.” It’s this philosophy that has led Durso to make Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita one of the most vegan-friendly resorts in the world.

For many vegans and vegetarians, travelling comes with the extra step of making sure there will be something in their destination that they can eat and enjoy. Since coming on as the culinary team’s resident vegan chef, Durso has created more than 250 unique, seasonal dishes at the Resort. The idea was to have plant-based options available across all 10 of the Resort’s restaurants and bars. It was also to make sure that the plant-based dishes feel right at home on the menu and can appeal to anyone – like coconut ceviche at Dos Catrinas and plant-based, Asian-style bowls at Tamai Pool Bar. Many of Durso’s dishes are also allergen-friendly, making each menu even more accessible to people with various health and dietary requirements.

The green gazpacho at Folia at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeriah Beach features avocado, tomato and radish sprouts.

Tables at Folia are surrounded by greenery.

Looking for comfort food? Matthew Kenney puts a plant-based spin on pizza and flatbreads at Folia.

At Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the sentiment is similar. “Eating healthy does not have to result in a compromise on pleasure,” says Vincent Chasseignaux, director of food and beverage. Folia, the Resort’s fully plant-based restaurant, offers guests the chance to try dishes such as watermelon poke or a wild mushroom pizza, filled with vibrant and sometimes unexpected flavours from celebrated chef Matthew Kenney. “Matthew Kenney is one of the world’s most successful chefs at making healthy, green cuisine that anyone can appreciate,” Chasseignaux says. The setting at Folia is just as green, with tables surrounded by blooms and lush leaves that perfectly complement Kenney’s plant-based creations.

The on-site herb and vegetable garden at Four Seasons Resort Hot An (The Nam Hai) grows more than 43 seasonal varieties.

Dishes served at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel often feature fresh, seasonal produce from the Hotel’s garden.

The permaculture vegetable garden serves as a source of inspiration for chefs at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.

Rim Thai Kitchen invites guests at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai to immerse themselves in Thai cuisine.

The fresher the better

One of the easiest ways to eat more nutritiously is to consume whole foods. Minimal processing – if any – is best, and the closer to the source you are the better. This focus on natural, fresh ingredients is also something chefs of all disciplines can agree on. In fact, a number of Four Seasons chefs take the idea of farm-to-table quite literally.

At Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, the kitchens are filled with ingredients sourced directly from the on-site permaculture vegetable garden, keeping menu options local, seasonal and incredibly fresh. The seafood served here is also sourced from local fishermen who supply the team with wild turbot and other fresh-caught delights found right off the Mediterranean coast.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) both have their own on-site herb and vegetable gardens that help provide produce and garnishes for their restaurants. This not only makes sure fresh ingredients are being utilized, it also allows each property to cultivate its own varieties, allowing guests to sample dishes created with ingredients grown the way they have been for centuries. These gardens also provide an immersive way for guests to experience local cuisine. Both resorts are home to cooking schools – Rim Thai Kitchen and the Nam Hai Cooking Academy, respectively – with classes that invite you to join a chef in their own garden to examine indigenous ingredients and embark on a hands-on, multisensory culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.

The menu items at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village are thoughtfully curated, such as Coin & Candor’s seasonal zucchini flowers served with kale, tomato, mache, purslane, avocado, toasted almonds and mango sorbet.

Interactive cooking classes at the Center for Health & Wellbeing teach health-conscious techniques to help make home cooking more balanced.

The open-air Sokasi Cooking Academy at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is set within fragrant herb and vegetable gardens beside the sacred Ayung River.

To get an authentic taste of Balinese cuisine, opt for a traditional megibung dinner featuring ancient Balinese recipes made using hard-to-find ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

Bringing it all back home

Having healthy dining options curated for you can be incredibly valuable. But learning how to cook these dishes for yourself can help nourish your body and your mind. The Center for Health & Wellbeing at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village takes a holistic approach to wellness through immersive, person-centered retreats. These often include personal consultations with nutritionists as well as cooking classes hosted in the Center’s dedicated Wellness Kitchen. The variety of interactive cooking classes are helpful regardless of how well you know your way around a kitchen, showing cooks of all skill levels how to put a spin on daily cooking with health-conscious techniques. Taking it one step further, you can also opt for a grocery store tour with a Registered Dietitian who will walk you through a local grocery store giving you tips on how to find and choose healthier products that are right for you.

Over at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, cooking classes are all the more intriguing thanks to the sublime riverside setting of the Resort’s Sokasi Cooking School. Here you can take a deep dive into Bali’s rich local culture while tapping into your inner chef. The plant-based cooking class highlighting healthy and light cuisine inspired by Ubud is bound to inspire at-home dinners for years to come.

Four Seasons has long made it their mission to give guests the best and highest-quality experience possible, no matter where they’re staying. That dedication to every guest’s well-being extends to each thoughtfully curated menu. Because if living well is the ultimate luxury, travelling well should be, too. Bon appetit!

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Eat balanced no matter where you are.

7 Ideas to Add to Your 2023 Travel Bucket List

Posted on December 21, 2022June 16, 2025 by Katie Dillon

Every traveller is different, and the reasons we travel are just as varied. But travel brings people together and strengthens relationships in a way that Zoom and FaceTime simply can’t. Whether you’re still daydreaming about where to visit or are about to enter the planning stages of your next big trip, one thing’s for certain: Sharing your bucket-list experiences with the people you love most will make them all the more memorable.

Maybe living the island life is calling your name this year for a relaxing family vacation. Or perhaps you’re thinking about where your next culinary escapade should be – like the one you and your friends had in Italy last summer. Either way, planning itineraries to suit a variety of needs is an art form Four Seasons has mastered. Here are seven destinations worthy of a spot on your short list, along with ideas for what to do when you get there that will make everyone in your group happy.

Punta Mita: Meet on the beach

A quiet fishing village in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita is famous for its tranquil coastline, snorkelling, dive sites, surfing and golf. At Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the Concierge team can design group itineraries with the perfect mix of relaxation, culture and activity.

Charter the Resort’s private yacht to discover the wonders found in and around the Bahia de Banderas.

A private beach dinner at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

Spend the day on the private Las Manzanillas Beach, then enjoy a family-style candlelit dinner.

A prime Bahia de Banderas location makes chartering the Resort’s private yacht an ideal group excursion. The 17-metre (55-foot) ship is available for snorkelling charters to the protected Marietas Islands, seasonal whale watching and sunset sails. You can even take the yacht’s WaveRunner for a ride once the boat is anchored.

Back at the Resort, the private Las Manzanillas Beach offers an idyllic setting for an intimate family-style dinner served at a candlelit table in the sand. The low light leads to fantastic stargazing as ocean breezes rustle through the manzanilla trees. And once you’re ready to settle in for the night, you can take a moonlit stroll along the beach back to the five-bedroom Coral Beach House. With its completely private location directly on the sand, multiple terraces, personal media room, breezy layout and infinity-edge pool, this hacienda-style house is one of Punta Mita’s finest. You’ll have access to everything the Resort has to offer in addition to upgrades such as private full-time attendants, golf carts for getting around, and meals cooked by Four Seasons chefs in your own gourmet kitchen.

Meet on the Beach in Punta Mita

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Vail: Gather in the great outdoors

A mountain resort is a great place to have fun boosting your adrenaline, whether it’s awash with snow or with wildflowers. And few do it better than Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail.

Exploring Vail’s rugged mountain landscape is a great way to connect with each other and with nature.

Gather around the fireplace in your Private Residence at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail and reminisce about the day’s adventures together.

Between December and April, enjoy an epic snowmobile tour with your group in Vail Valley through outfitter Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals. Great for beginner and intermediate riders, set out on a scenic groomed ride on a two-seat Trail Sled, or book a Powder Sled if you’re an advanced rider looking to carve your own path across the mountain’s steep and deep terrain. In summertime, white-water rafting is an exciting bonding experience, as groups work together to steer their raft safely over rapids.

Agreeing on where to eat can be a challenge for any large group, which is why pairing a restaurant with an adventure can appeal to the whole crowd. For an off-piste dining excursion, book a reservation at The 10th, an on-mountain restaurant located at MidVail atop Gondola One. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, The 10th offers updated classics in a modern alpine lodge. When the snow melts, groups can go on a one-hour horseback ride, led by an experienced wrangler, up to Beano’s Cabin. This log cabin is known for its farm-to-table fare with seasonal items ranging from a foie gras and black truffle tart to elk tomahawk.

After an adventure-packed day, the Resort’s Private Residences are ideal for relaxing together by the fireplace for warm evening chats or connecting over a meal on the outdoor terrace next to mountain views. Ranging from one to six bedrooms, these elegant alpine retreats offer plenty of space so you can all relax indoors after your great outdoor adventures.

Make mountaintop memories in Vail

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Hampshire: Escape to the English countryside

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a restored Georgian manor just an hour’s drive from London and 35 minutes from Heathrow Airport. Set on 500 acres of beautiful English countryside, this is where the hustle and bustle of daily life is happily traded in for a bit of quintessential English country living.

The stately Georgian Manor House that’s now home to Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire was originally built in 1728.

Spend an afternoon on the Basingstoke canal sipping champagne on the Hotel’s private canal boat.

Running right through the estate grounds is the beautiful Basingstoke Canal, where you can hop aboard the Hotel’s private canal boat for an afternoon champagne and canapé picnic complete with a stop at a local pub. Adventurous groups can tackle the on-property highwire and zip-line courses, ride horses, or learn the art of falconry during a Hawk Walk. The latter involves accompanying a Harris’ hawk around the estate under the guidance of an expert falconer as you learn all about the majestic creature.

Come dinnertime, connect with each other and nature during a barbecue supper in the historic Walled Garden, which has beautiful gates, dovecotes and some much-valued privacy. Enjoy a dinner specially prepared by Four Seasons chefs and a spot of croquet in the nearby orchard.

Three wings of rooms and suites furnished with English countryside décor adjoin the 18th-century Georgian Manor House at the centre of the Hotel. Groups can work with the Concierge to choose a wing that suits them best. Large suites in the East, South and West wings provide sweeping views over the Estate’s grassy fields, and the spacious Royal Suite on the ground floor of the West Wing features a balcony for appreciating sunsets over the countryside. But history enthusiasts might prefer staying in the restored Manor House itself. Built in 1728, it has seen many lives, and was even used to billet Dutch and Polish airmen during World War II.

Experience English country life in Hampshire

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Hangzhou: Experience an ancient culture together

“A voyage on West Lake offers more refreshment and delectation than any other experience on earth,” declared Marco Polo when he visited Hangzhou in the 13th century. Checking in to the intimate Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake – a serene oasis set right on the fabled lake – lets you fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and stunning beauty of this ancient city.

A private pool at Four Seasons Hangzhou Westlake

The Three-Bedroom Presidential Villa at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake features a private light-filled indoor pool.

Host a special dinner in one of Jin Sha’s private dining rooms overlooking the lagoon.

Bespoke group activities such as outdoor tai chi and guided birdwatching tours make the most of the Hotel’s magnificent gardens and lakeside location. Head off-property and go cycling together around West Lake, one of China’s best bike trails, or take a private tea plantation tour for quieter quality bonding time.

Planning your visit around a special milestone? Jin Sha restaurant’s 11 private dining rooms surround a picturesque garden lagoon and make for intimate settings to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions over Chef Wang Yong’s award-winning Zhejiang cuisine paired with wines suggested by the sommelier.

For a sanctuary within a sanctuary, the Hotel’s three-storey Jiang Nan–style Three-Bedroom Presidential Villa features its own entrance, a private landscaped garden, a grand indoor pool and plenty of space for everyone to spread out. If a big family reunion is on the calendar, you can also buy out the entire hotel (81 rooms) to enjoy dedicated attention by the whole Hotel staff.

Find serenity together in Hangzhou

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Mauritius: Embrace island life

It may be small in size, but Mauritius brims with things to do. A year-round tropical climate makes it the perfect destination to enjoy beautiful beaches, water sports and golf at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

Spend the day relaxing on a private stretch of beach on the nearby Ile aux Cerfs.

Enjoy a private plunge pool, full kitchen and stunning views of the nearby lagoon in a Five-Bedroom Royal Residence Villa.

One can’t miss activity: A sailing excursion to a secluded cove on Ile aux Cerfs, exclusively available to Four Seasons guests. Famous for its white-sand beaches and serene turquoise lagoon, this island is just a quick speedboat ride away from the Resort’s jetty. Once you arrive, beach attendants are on hand to help you find your perfect spot, while the Beach Bar and Grill serves up fresh-caught seafood brought in daily by local fishermen, shareable plates, local beers and refreshing cocktails and juices so you can play castaway all day long.

While we wouldn’t blame you for never wanting to leave the beach, the Resort’s Five-Bedroom Royal Residence Villa is quite the place to come home to. Set on a stunning peninsula with mesmerizing lagoon views, its infinity and plunge pools, full kitchen, and multiple communal areas make it the ultimate tropical oasis for comfort and seclusion.

Get on island time in Mauritius

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Chiang Mai: Indulge your taste buds

Travel and trying new foods go hand in hand. And digging in to a destination’s local cuisine is one of the best (and most delicious) ways to experience its culture first hand. Nestled among fields of vibrant green rice paddies, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is not only a tranquil haven for reconnecting with family and friends, it’s also an excellent place to experience Thai cuisine.

The exterior of the Private Resort at Four Seasons Chiang Mai

At Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, you and your group can stay in an expansive Private Residence, complete with a private pool and a dedicated personal host.

Immerse yourself in the unique flavours of Thai cuisine with the help of expert Four Seasons chefs.

At Rim Thai Kitchen – part restaurant, part cooking studio – you can learn the principles of Thai cuisine in a Thai teak house, then enjoy the fruits of your labour in the open-air pavilion overlooking a waterfall. Cooking class participants spend the morning investigating the Chef’s secret garden for ingredients and then return to the cooking school for a hands-on lesson in creating authentic Thai dishes.

Or leave it to the experts and let the Resort’s culinary team treat your group to a custom meal in the Orchid Nursery, a private dining space that mirrors the lush tropical landscape of Northern Thailand and sets an unforgettable stage for a private family brunch, afternoon tea or a themed reception amid a kaleidoscope of fragrant exotic orchids in bloom.

When you’ve had your fill, head back to you private residence to relax or spend some more quality time together. The Resort’s Private Residences offer spacious indoor-outdoor accommodations that families and groups of friends will love. Create lifelong memories with game night, yoga lessons on the pool deck, friendly cooking competitions, dinner, or a private performance for you and your group, all arranged by your full-time personal host.

Savour Thai cuisine in Chiang Mai

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Sharm El Sheikh: Seek adventure by the Red Sea

Looking to visit somewhere truly unique this year? Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh makes it possible to explore the dry, exotic landscapes of the Sinai Desert and the magnificent underwater world on the same day. In fact, the Red Sea resort is situated right next to the world’s warmest sea.

Get a new perspective of the Red Sea shoreline with a ride along the beach atop a camel.

Four Seasons Sharm el Shiekh private chalet living room.

Stay in a Four-Bedroom Villa at the Resort and enjoy authentic Egyptian décor and private pool.

Be sure to pay a visit to the famous Ras Mohamed Protectorate, a naturally preserved dive site whose coral reefs are considered among the world’s best. Swim together alongside hawksbill turtles for an experience you’ll all bond over for years to come.

Then, at the end of the day, grab a seat beneath the stars for a private Bedouin-style feast on the Resort’s beach, complete with live entertainment, authentic Egyptian dishes and even a chance to take a nighttime camel ride along the shore.

Of the residential suites, the Four-Bedroom Villa offers the most space. Furnished in rich Middle Eastern style, that space includes a private pool, fully stocked kitchen and expansive terraces.

Dive deep in Sharm El Sheikh

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Come together and plan your next group getaway.

Get a New Perspective on the Planet With Farm-to-Table Experiences

Posted on April 20, 2022April 25, 2022 by Ellise Pierce

One of my favourite spots to eat in Florence might be a surprise to you. It isn’t a Michelin-starred restaurant – it’s a tiny stand near Piazza Santa Maria Novella that serves delectable sandwiches made with locally foraged truffles. In Spain’s Costa del Sol, I strolled along the beach and took in stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, but it wasn’t until I savoured tapas made of octopus caught fresh that morning that I felt I appreciated the destination. Culinary experiences are a big reason for travel – we often remember the new dishes and flavours we tried more than the things we did.

In honour of Earth Day on April 22, I recommend taking your quest for new tastes one step further: Discover where regional favourites come from, how they’re grown and prepared. Get closer to the earth and go to the source – meet the farmers and producers and learn how they are planting, growing and harvesting the ingredients you find on your plate. Join an expert in a Tuscan forest and help dig up rich, earthy truffles. Explore the ancient roots of Bali’s water-delivery system and how it impacts the country’s rice fields. Wade into the water in Punta Mita and help snare your seafood supper. Four Seasons offers unique opportunities to forge a deeper connection with your destination through the food you’re enjoying – and develop a new appreciation for the bounty of the earth.

Forage for fresh truffles in Florence

No matter the season, there’s something to be found well-hidden in the earth around here: the highly prized white San Miniato truffles in the fall, Marzuolos in the winter and knobby black Scorzones in the summer. Venture from Four Seasons Hotel Firenze into the woods with expert hunters – and their dogs –in a search for coveted truffles, discovering the patience and care required to find and unearth the coveted morsels. Afterwards, savour the fruits of your labour during a traditional Tuscan four-course lunch.

Experience a different taste of Tuscany in the olive-tree-covered hills near Chianti during a visit to a working farm. Pick olives, gather freshly laid eggs and pluck tomatoes from the vines, then join the chef in the kitchen for a meal made with your harvest. A highlight of your day as a farmhand? The chance to feed the region’s Cinta Senese pigs, whose name comes from the white stripe around their black bodies – “cinta” comes from the word cintura, Italian for belt. The breed is found only in Italy and has been raised there since the 1300s, earning protected status.

Savour time in Florence

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Help harvest rice in Bali

Bali’s rice fields are visually stunning – tiers of water-filled terraces, lush with emerald green stalks, stretching out towards majestic palm trees and rolling hills. But they aren’t just for show: The uniquely designed irrigation system – recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site – dates to the ninth century and is a lifeline for generations of farmers.

At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, pull on knee-high rubber boots and wade into history, joining local rice farmers to plant seedlings or hand-harvest Serang rice, also known as Balinese white rice. As you take a break to sip water from a fresh coconut picked and cut just for you, you’ll learn about the farmers’ growing practices. For a taste of the harvest, make your way to the banks of the fast-flowing Ayung River for a Balinese-style farmer’s lunch of urab salad, with local vegetables and freshly grated young coconut dressing; steamed rice; and satay liit, a traditional dish of minced chicken or pork, spices, and lemongrass. End your day with a soothing river-stone treatment and massage with warm ginger paste in a riverside spa bale.

Get a taste of history in Bali

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Savour the flavours of Geneva

Geneva is an epicurean delight – especially in autumn, with its savoury game stews, rich soups made with the region’s abundant produce, and aged cheeses. Taste the city for yourself at Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva, which offers a carefully curated menu of experiences highlighting the area’s distinct terroir, evident in its wine, cheese and mushrooms.

Start with a visit to the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces on Lake Geneva’s north side. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates to the 11th century and today produces some of the country’s most prized wines, like the Chasselas Swiss wine – a dry white varietal with a honeyed, mineral flavour. Enjoy a private tour of one of the region’s estates and learn about organic farming practices, then sip a selection of wines as you soak up spectacular views of the vineyard and lake. Next stop: Lake Geneva’s rugged forests, the ideal setting for fall fungi. Accompany the Hotel’s mushroom forager, basket in hand, to learn how to identify edible types – oyster, chanterelle, hedgehog – and which ones to avoid. Once you’ve collected your fill, return to the Hotel for a cooking class and a hearty lunch made with your fresh finds.

Of course, no visit to Geneva is complete without a taste of Switzerland’s most famed food: its cheese. Get an up-close look at the art – and science – of cheesemaking, from milk to maturation, during a tour led by an expert artisan cheesemaker. End the lesson with a taste test that includes iconic Gruyère, the country’s AOP-designated nutty mountain cheese.

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Sip the perfect cup of coffee in Bogotá

Can’t start your day without a strong cup of coffee? Head to Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá for an authentic bean-to-cup experience that starts – and ends – with the brew you need.

Set out from the Hotel for a ride through tropical forests to the Andes Mountains, where you’ll find Cafetal de la Trinidad, a Colombian coffee plantation that’s been run by the same family for five generations. Mount one of the farm’s horses for a guided tour of the fieldss and visit the plantation’s historic coffee factory, where you’ll learn about the different types of coffee beans found on the farm, including the nearly 100-year-old Trinidad Bourbon varietal. Watch as the beans are harvested and processed, then discover how different brewing techniques can affect flavour.

Back at the Hotel, make your way to the Spa to discover new ways to appreciate coffee – the Colombian Green Coffee Wrap uses natural coffee enzymes to improve skin appearance.

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Dive into freshness in Punta Mita

Situated within a 400-acre nature reserve in Mexico, on a white-sand beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is surrounded by verdant palm trees, clear blue waters and a rich local culture – your own piece of paradise. Hike along the various trails, soak up the sun on the pristine sand, or dive beneath the waves to discover a whole new world – and an ocean full of fresh ingredients.

Join Executive Chef Jorge González in the warm waters and help him collect seaweed and sea urchins for a foraged feast on the beach. For a true ocean-to-table experience, learn proper diving and fishing techniques from certified diving instructors, then transform your fresh catch into signature dishes during a hands-on cooking class with a Four Seasons chef. You can also join the Resort’s chefs on the beach to help them choose from a variety of fresh seafood direct from local boats. Taste the freshness for yourself at dinner, where you’ll enjoy special dishes prepared using your selection.

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Four Seasons Hotel Bergues Geneva, Switzerland

9 Best Places to Snorkel in the World

Posted on December 28, 2021March 8, 2022 by Casey Siemasko Moore

There are few better ways to escape the daily grind than by snorkelling – effortlessly floating through tranquil waters, a kaleidoscope of vibrant fish and mesmerising sea creatures all around.

With up to 80 percent of all earthly life located in the seas, there’s no shortage of remarkable creatures to encounter. And memorable aquatic adventures can be had near shore with a mask, fins and snorkel. Snorkellers can experience the intense natural beauty of the underwater world without heavy equipment or time-consuming certification – which means no matter what your level of experience, the ocean’s beauty is within reach.

To help you make plans to swim with sea turtles or mingle with manta rays, we reveal our top nine places to snorkel in the world.

Baa Atoll, Maldives

Why it’s special: Swim with manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve

Nearly 1,200 picture-perfect coral islands come together in the Indian Ocean to form the magical Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers the unique opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles, docile reef sharks, vividly coloured fish and even the occasional dolphin.

The indescribable experience of snorkelling amid the giant, notoriously rare manta rays and whale sharks is not to be missed. Join a marine biologist from the Resort for an escorted snorkelling and manta ray adventure, or hop aboard the Four Seasons Explorer for a magical boating foray into the ocean around the Maldives.

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Maui, Hawaii

Why it’s special: Unique lava rocks and secret coves abound

With its abundance of tranquil beaches, sheltered coves and crystal-clear water, it’s no wonder Maui is a classic family favourite for fun in the sea. You’ll find an abundance of snorkelling sites around the island, but don’t miss a visit to the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Get the gear you need at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, just a stone’s throw from the nature reserve and right on Wailea – a great place for beginners.

Watch for signs for the reserve on Makena Road, just past Big Beach. From here, look for Waiala Cove, an ideal spot just 100 yards (91 metres) into the reserve. The nooks and crannies of the lava rocks make perfect homes for a vast array of exotic fish, coral, eels and sea turtles. The site is easy to access; you need only go a few metres into the water before swirling schools of fish arrive to nibble at your feet.

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Koh Tao, Thailand

Why it’s special: The Japanese Gardens’ one-of-a-kind granite boulders, home to spectacular coral and aquatic life

Surrounded by tranquil, cerulean water and dotted with enchanting bays and beaches, the small island of Koh Tao, Thailand, is synonymous with world-class diving and snorkelling, and only a short jaunt from Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

After exploring the Japanese Gardens, named for its spectacular boulders covered with ornate hard and soft coral, continue your adventure at Aow Leuk, one of Koh Tao’s most beautiful beaches. Baby sharks, clownfish, triggerfish and blue spotted rays all come out to swim in this underwater playground.

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Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Why it’s special: 76 world-class dives within a short boat ride

Abundant reefs, colourful fish, historic shipwrecks: The Red Sea is a spectacular playground for divers and snorkelers. Spot turtles, sharks, lionfish, rays and eels among the coral gardens and clear waters, and with a variety of sites so close to Sharm El Sheikh, snorkellers of all skill levels can find their ideal depth. The House Reef at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect place for beginners to get their feet wet; the private and secluded spot ranges in depth from 5 metres to 40 metres, and is easily accessible from the Resort’s swimming jetty,

The underwater adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Don’t miss the opportunity for a chance to explore the reef under the light of a full moon – even without lights, visibility reaches an impressive depth of 10 metres. It’s an otherworldly evening, made even more enchanting by the glow of bioluminescent plankton.

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Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Why it’s special: The world’s largest coral reef and more than 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays

The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps the most iconic diving and snorkelling destination in the world, and the exceptional beauty of this natural wonder warrants the reputation that precedes it. The easiest way to experience the grandeur of this underwater marvel is to join any of the boat tours that take snorkellers to various spots along the reef. Most snorkellers and divers choose to base themselves in Cairns, but Port Douglas and Townsville also offer easy access to beautiful swims.

If you prefer to stay as close to the action as possible, try a visit to the small but lovely Heron Island, a coral cay located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with 60 percent of the species of fish that live along the Great Barrier Reef. Easy-to-access snorkelling spots right off the beach are notable bonuses.

After exploring the world under the waves, head down the coast to Four Seasons Hotel Sydney for an adventure on top of them – the famous swells at nearby Bondi Beach are perfect for beginners and pros alike.

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Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

Why it’s special: Drift snorkelling with the current, and crystal-clear water abounding with majestic manta rays

Bali is frequently referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” and it’s a fitting name. But what many travellers don’t realise is that extraordinary biodiversity and pockets of calm water surround Bali. A day trip from Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay will take you to one of the best snorkelling sites just off the island: Nusa Lembongan.

Spot more than 250 species of fish, along with sharks, coral and mesmerising manta rays. The crystal-clear water and calm bays are ideal for all levels of skill. For further exploration underwater, hire a private boat from the Resort and head to Manta Point, Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point, three popular snorkelling sites around Nusa Lembongan.

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Young Woman Snorkeling The Coral Reef In Tropical Sea

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Why it’s special: Feeding sharks at the Lagoonarium

If you yearn to get closer to sharks, a visit to Bora Bora should be at the top of your bucket list. In this Polynesian paradise, a close encounter with blacktip reef and lemon sharks is almost a given, along with rays, turtles, dolphins and colourful coral teeming with reef fish.

Stay in a beachfront villa at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and slip into the water right off your bungalow to explore the underworld through your mask. Join a local guide on n motorized outrigger canoe – a tribute the traditional Polynesian seafaring vessel – and visit three spectacular snorkelling spots: see dreamlike coral structures at Coral Garden; swim with stingrays in the lagoon’s shallow waters; and the Pacific Ocean, where schools of blacktip reef sharks and lemon sharks roam.

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Punta Mita, Mexico

Why it’s special: Rock formations and waterways near an uninhabited island, and underwater swim-through tunnels

While many covet sand space in Cancún, the Riviera Nayarit – and more specifically the sleepy fisherman’s village of Punta Mita – remains one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Right at the heart of this gem is Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the perfect jumping-off point for aquatic adventures in the region, even offering prime snorkelling for beginners near the Resort.

The clear blue water and distinctive rock formations along the coastline provide chances to swim with eagle rays, moray eels, starfish and seahorses. You can also expect vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves and the occasional visit from a friendly pod of dolphins.

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Florida Keys

Why it’s special: Spectacular coral and diverse marine life in the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.

The sublime underwater landscape in the Florida Keys supports a vivid array of colourful coral and sea sponges, along with marine life such as sharks, turtles and multitudes of tropical fish. And it’s all an easy day trip from Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

In Key Largo, home to the immensely popular Molasses Reef, you can swim among some of the Keys’ healthiest and most colourful coral, along with stingrays, eels, Goliath grouper and various shark species. Farther south, the charming village of Islamorada is a secret sweet spot boasting numerous patch reefs (isolated platforms of coral) where you’ll encounter barracudas, sea turtles, and – if you’re lucky – hammerhead sharks.

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Meet on the Beach in Punta Mita

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Find serenity together in Hangzhou

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Savour time in Florence

Get a taste of history in Bali

Try new flavours in Geneva

Take a coffee break in Bogotá

Savour fresh flavours in Punta Mita

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Dive into adventure

Explore a vibrant underwater world

Find beautiful beaches

Explore an underwater playground

Catch the perfect wave

Dive beneath the water’s surface

Swim with stingrays

Dive into clear blue waters

Florida Keys

Explore the Florida Coast

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