Where Are Best Beach Vacations In the World?

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


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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.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

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Overwater bungalows

Plan The Perfect Wedding: 34 Ideas for Your Destination Nuptials

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unique wedding favours

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

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.

Travelling with Toddlers: A Guide

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 

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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.

Your Journey Begins Here

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Love Brings Everyone Together: Luxury Villa Holidays Around the World

There’s nothing like celebrating holidays around the world. It’s a way to reconnect with family and friends somewhere new and surprising, or to continue to make lifelong memories together in a place you’ve visited and grown to love. And with every detail being taken care of by Four Seasons, what better gift to yourself and your loved ones than a luxury villa?

Take your holiday to new heights by checking into a Four Seasons luxury villa. Each awe-inspiring villa is an inviting blend of unrivalled amenities and design that offers memorable experiences across the globe. From views of rare wildlife from your infinity pool in the Serengeti to private beachfronts in the Maldives, these villas bring the gift of travel to your front door.

Paradise for Two in Bora Bora and Mauritius

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A stunning palette of blues and greens, Bora Bora is a lovers’ paradise where turquoise waters kiss white sand beaches and tropical lagoons beckon. Admire all that this intoxicating destination has to offer from the One-Bedroom Deluxe Fenua Beachfront Villa at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. On a secluded beach featuring stunning views of Mount Otemanu, this spacious villa is the ideal place for couples looking to reconnect and recharge.

Find shade under towering coconut trees at your private pool. Or, after exploring the area on helicopter rides and exciting water excursions, retreat to a heavenly king-sized bed. Polynesian-inspired décor sets the scene for your island escape, and an oversized tub is the perfect place for a quiet hour—alone or together.

Bora Bora isn’t the only island escape that makes a perfect trip for two. The renovated Sanctuary Pool Villas at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita offer seclusion in a romantic setting.

Admire the lush private gardens and spread out in the roomy outdoor living and dining area, with enough space for four. Relax in your private, heated plunge pool, or read a book outdoors in the serene setting of your poolside daybed. From the beachfront Sanctuary Beach Pool Villa, take a stroll on the sand and look for tropical marine life. Watch the sun rise over the lagoon from the Sanctuary Ocean Pool Villa.

When it’s time to venture out, enjoy easy access to the beach, the Resort’s pools and its on-site activities, such as waterskiing, snorkelling and cycling.

Be Charmed by Marrakech

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Boasting four bedrooms, four marble bathrooms, traditional handcrafted Moroccan furnishings, spacious living areas, a private garden and an expansive pool, the exquisite Royal Villa at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is the solution to a cultural holiday with friends. On a private compound, the villa offers plenty of space and comfort to host and entertain close friends for a world-class Moroccan getaway. Venture from the elegant villa to the Resort’s lush gardens to take in an unforgettable sunset over the Atlas Mountains.

Beyond the Resort, captivating Marrakech beckons with vibrant souks, centuries-old landmarks and authentic dining experiences. Witness snake charmers and acrobats in the Medina’s bustling Jemaa el Fna city square before returning to the Royal Villa for a private poolside dinner party.

The Hole-in-one Villa in Punta Mita

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For many, golfing is a way of life. Fairways are second homes, and terms like birdie and bogey have a place in everyday conversation. Gather your fellow golf enthusiasts and embark on a trip for the love of the game to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

Book your group stay in the Coral Beach Home, the hole-in-one of holiday villas. With access to the Resort’s world-class courses, the villa, designed with Mexico’s rich regional style in mind, provides all the comforts of home amid stunning views of the Riviera Nayarit.

After a gourmet breakfast at the villa, make your way to either of the Resort’s two Jack Nicklaus–designed courses, where you can master challenging holes set against panoramic Pacific views. Tee off on the Bahia Golf Course, with its rolling fairways and greens, or sink a putt on the world’s only natural island green on the 81-hectare (200-acre) Pacifico Golf Course. Afterwards, discuss swings and strokes while relaxing on the villa’s private beach or soak sore muscles in its an ocean-facing freeform pool.

Detox and Recharge (Yourself) in Hangzhou

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In need of a digital detox from overflowing inboxes and endless video calls? Travel to the calming shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, China, where you can recharge yourself rather than your devices for a change. Lined with ancient temples and pagodas, serene forests and seasonal blooms, the lake is an inspiring blend of natural beauty and Chinese culture – the perfect place to forget any digital woes.

The best place to enjoy Hangzhou’s most enchanting attraction is from the magnificent Presidential Villa at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. This exclusive hideaway is ideal for those needing a secluded retreat from the buzzing working world, whether it’s a large family or a group of friends or colleagues. A private main entrance leads to the three-floor, Jiangnan-style villa, where three spacious bedrooms, modern comforts and landscaped gardens create the landscape for a worry-free holiday.

Sip on drinks from the villa’s elegant private bar, then settle in for a movie in the massive theatre room. If cycling West Lake isn’t appealing, get active at the villa’s personal gym or swim laps in the indoor swimming pool. After whichever activity you choose, spend a quiet hour in the sauna or venture to the Hotel Spa for a signature treatment inspired by Chinese tradition.

Connect with Nature in the Serengeti 

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Families or friends with an insatiable desire for adventure should set out on a Tanzanian getaway to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Here, embark on one of the Lodge’s air- or land-based safari experiences and witness the myriad animals at home in sprawling Serengeti National Park.

After an exhilarating day in the bush, come home to the grand Presidential Villa and reminisce on the sightings of the day from the villa’s private infinity-edge pool; views of a standalone watering hole mean you’re likely to spot more animals as they come to quench their thirst.

With three bedrooms, a full kitchen and a private gym, the authentic, thatched-roof villa provides ample space for large families or groups of friends to sprawl out and admire the rolling savannah. An exciting home base for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the villa also features around-the-clock butler service, ensuring your travelling companions’ needs are met.

Good Times for All in Koh Samui and the Maldives

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The most memorable vacations are spent with family and loved ones. For an escape with younger kids, head to the Family Pool Villa at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Little ones will love splashing around in the private infinity pool, and separate sleeping areas for children ensure a peaceful stay for parents in this Thai paradise.

Explore the Resort’s beach together for a sun-filled afternoon, or try one of the Resort’s family-friendly activities, which include cooking classes and beach sports and games. Kid-friendly spa treatments or the exciting Muay Thai for Kids programme will entertain little ones as you enjoy some adult fun: Take a private cruise to explore the Gulf of Thailand or enjoy a romantic picnic for two on a secluded beach.

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If you’re travelling with older children, consider a teenager-proof holiday to the Maldives. Stationed in the Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Bungalow with Pool at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, you and your family are just steps from new discoveries sure to keep teens interested and engaged.

In addition to the bungalow’s separated living areas, private pool and exclusive beachfront, older kids will also love the Resort’s action-packed activities. After waking up to ocean views at the bungalow, come face to face with aquatic animals at the Marine Discovery Centre or free-dive with rare manta rays. At the Water Sports Centre, there’s plenty of fun to be had windsurfing, snorkelling or kayaking, but it’s the revolutionary X-Jetblades and Hydro foils that will get adrenaline pumping and hearts racing.

Take Time with Friends in Bali

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There’s always time in your demanding schedule for a getaway with friends, and Indonesia’s most beautiful island is an ideal destination for your next much-needed retreat. Replenish and relax with a stay at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, home to a wealth of wellness offerings and the glamorous Two-Bedroom Royal Villa.

Step into your own island fantasy and enjoy lush gardens and an expansive pool just steps from the sea, as well as unmatched views of Jimbaran Bay from your sun terrace. Catch up over dinner made in your kitchen by a private chef, lounge around the villa’s expansive open-air space and lose yourself in the allure of Bali.

Venture outside the villa for some morning fun with the Play Eat Love combination that starts with a tennis game on the Resort’s world-class hard court followed by breakfast in the Spa Garden and a full body massage to cool down. For a more low-key activity, opt for the Nourish Your Spirit afternoon tea package that starts with a two-hour spa treatment before an exquisite three-tiered afternoon tea. Either way, you and your friends will end the day feeling detoxified and rejuvenated.

Trade the spa rooms for the sands of Jimbaran Bay during a night out at Sundara, Bali’s most chic hangout, which boasts handcrafted cocktails, music and glowing fire pits.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Select a destination and start exploring

Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake

Water Adventures Around the World From Four Seasons

Earth is often referred to as “the blue planet” for its oceans, yet humans spend most of their time of terra firma. Get out onto the blue side with these aquatic adventures designed to offer the best water-sports holidays from Hawaii to the Maldives.

Modern-day thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies know that life-changing adventures can be found both on and off solid ground. With hotels and resorts located in some of the most remarkable aquatic landscapes around the world, Four Seasons can expose venturesome travellers to some of the most inspiring (and unusual) marine adventures around – from “flying” underwater in Hawaii to spearfishing for octopus in Mexico.

Meet manta rays in Hualalai

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The waters around Four Seasons Resort Hualalai are home to a variety of creatures – green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, manta rays, reef fish, corals and more. Learn more about the island’s marine life with a private interaction with Kainalu, the Resort’s resident spotted eagle ray who lives in King’s Pond among over 90 different species of fish. Feed him shrimp and mussels as you get an in-depth understanding of his habits, history and species. Looking for a more adventurous marine expereince? “Fly” through the waters around the Resort with the Subwing watersport board as a boat pulls you along.

Catch your next meal in Mexico

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Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México, brings new meaning to the concept “hook and cook.” Through the Resort’s new Octopus Catch & Cook programme, guests embark on a thrilling culinary experience that includes diving and spearfishing.

After arriving by boat in Bahía de Banderas—an underwater wonderland where stingrays, tropical fish and even dolphins mingle in colourful coral reefs and underwater caves—guests will free-dive in search of octopus. Back at the Resort, an expert chef helps prepare a variety of signature dishes with the freshly caught prize. A delicious three-course lunch of octopus salad, grilled octopus and dessert rounds out the afternoon.

Defy gravity in the Maldives

Four Seasons Maldives X JetBlades

Strap on the X-JetBlades in the Maldives to enjoy the water like a bird of prey, hovering over the waves and moving in all directions like the Rocketeer.

For the ultimate aquatic adventure, thrill-seekers need look no further than Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. The Resort’s Water Sports Centre provides action-packed activities for all ages, from wakeboarding to shark safaris. Get your adrenaline pumping from new heights when you try the X-JetPacks. Equipped with the latest hydro-flight technology, these jetpacks enable the brave to fly freely through the air in any directions and dive as far as 5 metres (16 feet) below the surface. Expert tips and training will even have you mastering tricks and turns before your session ends.

Glide through the ocean in Bora Bora

Bora Bora Underwater Turtles and Fish

Move gracefully through the calm, life-filled waters of Bora Bora on a Seabob, taking in the fish, turtles and plant life that populate these warm waters. Photography courtesy Marc Carveo

A French Polynesian paradise, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora also helps guests experience the island’s natural adventures, from sport fishing to shark feeding. Explore the beauty of the South Pacific below the surface during a submarine scooter dive: The Seabob is a motorised device that allows you to glide through Bora Bora’s colourful lagoons, mastering the curves and turns of the ocean’s bottom along the way. Exotic fish and other marine life linger nearby as you enjoy a fast-paced underwater ride. Surfacing periodically, then going under for as long as you can hold your breath, you’ll be immersed in a high-speed world, enjoying the sea with dolphin-like agility.

Try yoga on the water in Maui

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Yogis know that the practice of yoga requires mental and physical strength. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea puts a contemporary spin on this ancient art with its latest wellness offering, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Yoga.

Island views create an idyllic backdrop as you paddle out into warm tropical waters for the latest water challenge. During each morning class, you’ll use the ocean’s calming waves to steady your breathing, focus your mind and test your body’s strengths with poses suited for any skill level. “Practicing yoga on the water demands an increased focus,” says SUP Yoga instructor and expert Amber Lee. A true test of balance and flexibility, SUP Yoga is designed for fitness fanatics and adventure-seekers alike.

Additional reporting for this story done by Kelly Neubeiser.

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