Souvenirs Worth Sharing

The most memorable journeys don’t depend on what you pack but on the connections you bring home. The best way to share these discoveries with others? Souvenirs – tangible symbols of the places we’ve been and the experiences we’ve had.

Here, Four Seasons experts reveal their favourite local treasures to give as gifts – and reminders that they’re thinking of friends and loved ones whether near or far.

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A vibrant piece of history in Tokyo

“With a history going back 13,000 years, traditional Japanese ceramics make ideal souvenirs and gifts: They’re beautiful and meaningful, while also being useful in everyday life,” says Chief Concierge Sanae Abe at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. “Each of Japan’s 47 prefectures produces its own unique ceramic ware, giving you a dizzying array of choices. My personal favourite is Kutani-yaki, pottery with overglaze painting in vivid colours, made in Ishikawa Prefecture. Head to Antique Mall Ginza for vintage designs, or to Akomeya for modern interpretations of this classical craft. Located in a side street in Ginza, the shop curates Kutani-yaki with bright pops of colour and fresh patterns – a perfect piece of Japan to take home.”

For more recommendations in Tokyo, click here.

Explore Tokyo’s history

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Something to savour in Seattle

“Seattle is often considered the coffee capital of the U.S., home to micro-roasters and well-known coffee brands. Luckily, Fonté Coffee Roaster is located just around the corner from Four Seasons Hotel Seattle,” says Hotel Manager Ryan Grande. “It’s a hip, modern café and my favourite place to grab a cup. If you’re looking for hand-roasted specialty blends, head to Fonté’s Master roaster in the city’s Georgetown neighbourhood. You can pick up a bag of coffee to take home – pair it with some treats from Fran’s Chocolates, located in the Hotel lobby.”

For more recommendations in Seattle, click here.

Get a taste of Seattle

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Fragrances from Abu Dhabi

“Embrace Emirati culture and heritage via a curated line of perfumes from local perfumery Tola – available exclusively in Al Meylas, our lobby lounge,” says Olivier Thomas, general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. “The Four Seasons Signature is my favourite because it is grounding – and also because it reminds me of home. It features notes of oud, which is a fragrant wood intrinsic to the region.”

For more recommendations in Abu Dhabi, click here.

Plan your visit to Abu Dhabi

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Local art in Punta Mita

“Every Sunday from November through April, the La Cruz Sunday Market shows off its colourful stalls, enticing food and live entertainment by local musicians,” says Alejandra Peña, assistant front desk manager at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. “You’ll find amazing souvenirs and gifts, including authentic artwork like paintings, sculptures, Huichol art and more. Everything is handmade and unique, with the touch and love that each local artisan prints on their piece.”

For more recommendations in Punta Mita, click here.

Shop for unique gifts in Punta Mita

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The gift of healing in Bali

“I often visit nearby Ubud, where I can treat myself to energy rebalancing from one of the local healers. When I want to buy a restorative gift, I go to The Pure Land Gallery, which is also in Ubud, “says Wellness Mentor Heni Ferawati at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. “There, you can purchase handmade local jewellery and art, as well as Buddhist Tibetan instruments like singing bowls. The only thing that tops the feeling of being surrounded by so many spiritual tools is playing them – and customers are encouraged to try them out to find the perfect one.”

For more recommendations in Bali, click here.

Find balance in Bali

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A personal touch in Cairo

“Tucked in the heart of Old Cairo, Abdel Zaber Bookshop is just across the street from Egypt’s oldest market, Khan El Khalili. The store presents timeless, handbound art books that make wonderful keepsakes and gifts to take home,” says Gianluca Visani, executive chef at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. “You can choose from handmade leather notebooks, photo albums and passport holders that can be hand-painted and personally customized with a monogram.”

For more recommendations in Cairo, click here.

Explore the art of Cairo

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will the spirit of discovery take you?

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Your Ticket to Adventure

Meditate as the sun sets in Serengeti, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mauritius, go back in time at the Taj Mahal and be inspired by community in Bali: Reconnect with yourself and loved ones over shared moments as these captivating destinations unfold on newly added departures of popular Four Seasons Private Jet journeys taking off in 2023 – a record year for the Private Jet, with eight expertly curated itineraries slated to help Four Seasons guests seamlessly explore the world.

Plan your Private Jet Journey

African Wonders takes guests on a 13-day family-friendly adventure to seven destinations, while Timeless Encounters, a 24-day journey around the globe, stops at nine destinations. Over 23 days, discover International Intrigue in nine destinations. Experience the legendary wonders of the world like never before during the 24-day Ancient Explorer trip, or set off on a captivating voyage through the Southern hemisphere on the 21-day Uncharted Discovery expedition. World of Adventures highlights the world’s natural beauty during rare experiences on four continents. Each trip – added to the slate of 2023 itineraries by popular demand – offers unique opportunities to get up close with history, nature and culture at some of the world’s most intriguing locales. The experts at Four Seasons have curated itineraries that take you on exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, after-hours visits and cultural exploration – once-in-a-lifetime experiences sure to send you home inspired by your global adventures.

Along the way, you’ll forge new friendships with your fellow travellers as you see the world in a new light. Toast your time together with Champagne as you lift off for a new destination, or gather backstage in the Private Jet’s lounge area – the new custom-outfitted Airbus A321LRneo, set to take flight in 2022, has been designed with your comfort in mind. Settle in to one of just 48 handcrafted seats, constructed with soft Italian leather and offering 6.5 feet (2 metres) of personal space to lie fully flat, or stretch out with the addition of a plush ottoman. Travel in luxury with Four Seasons team members – including a dedicated on-board physician, on-board concierge and executive chef – to handle all the details, leaving you free to enjoy every moment of your journey.

African Wonders: December 28, 2022 – January 9, 2023 (wait list only) & August 1 – 13, 2023

Explore seven far-flung destinations over 13 remarkable days with loved ones – majestic wildlife experiences, ancient historical treasures and breathtaking natural wonders that will awe travellers of all ages. This family-friendly journey begins on August 1 in Athens, where guests can step back in time during visits to ancient sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon and soak up the sun on the glamorous Athens Riviera. The trip through history continues in Egypt with a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the enigmatic Sphinx. From there, it’s off to the Serengeti, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the vast savannah during a hot-air balloon ride, then Mauritius, where you can explore the island’s protected lagoons by kayak or on a world-class snorkelling expedition. Rwanda, or the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” comes next and includes a trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of mountain gorillas and endangered golden monkeys. At Victoria Falls in Zambia, you’ll take in the world’s largest waterfall – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Your African journey concludes in dynamic Johannesburg, South Africa’s historic and cultural hub.

International Intrigue: March 2 – 26, 2023 (wait list only)

Discover a variety of destinations – remote islands, vibrant cities, vast grasslands – in one remarkable journey. Over 23 days, you’ll visit nine destinations, diving deeply into local cultures and landscapes to gain a unique perspective on the world around you.

Your journey begins March 3 in Seattle with a welcome dinner for you and your fellow travellers, set beneath the stunning glass sculptures of famed artist Dale Chihuly. Next, you’re off to Kyoto to learn the secrets of samurai sword fighting and a visit to ancient temples and shrines. Get an authentic taste of Vietnam during a festive market dinner in Hoi An, featuring the city’s street food specialities. Live like a castaway on the Maldivian island of Kuda Huraa, a private coral island in the middle of the Indian Ocean – snorkel to colourful reefs or lounge on pristine sand. Encounter a different kind of paradise in the heart of the Serengeti, where you’ll discover a sanctuary where animals roam free. Travel back in time in Marrakech, where you can explore the ancient medina and uncover gilded treasures in a private souk excursion. From there, it’s off to the romantic city of Budapest – often called Central Europe’s most beautiful city. Sample strudel, browse its vibrant art and soak up the city’s laid-back café culture – or go deeper with a private guided tour of a medieval crypt at the storied Matthias Church. End this once-in-a-lifetime journey in Paris, where you can reflect on your experiences and raise a glass to your time together during a farewell dinner.

Timeless Encounters: March 26 – April 18, 2023
& April 17 – May 10, 2023

Craving even more time away with loved ones? Expand your horizons on the Timeless Encounters journey. Starting April 17, you’ll spend 24 days winging your way to nine destinations across the globe.

Start in Hawaii, on Oahu’s sun-soaked western coast, with a hike to a remote nature reserve or a cruise along an oceanside mountain range, and celebrate the beginning of your journey with a traditional Hawaiian luau. Then it’s off to Bora Bora, the pearl of the Pacific, where you can swim with manta rays and try a submarine scooter. Next up: Sydney, a city that blends outdoor adventure and a vibrant food scene with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then set off to discover the cultural heart of Bali – soul-stirring temples, renowned cultural traditions and a rich heritage of spirituality.

The halfway mark of your journey is the jungles of Chiang Mai, where you can learn the secrets of Thai cuisine in a cooking lesson from a Four Seasons chef, ride a tuk-tuk to the ancient temple of Chedi Luang and explore the bustling stalls of Warorot Market. Or opt for a two-night stay in the Four Seasons luxury tented camp in the famed Golden Triangle, in the heart of a tranquil bamboo forest. You’ll rejoin the group for a one-day stop to explore the Taj Mahal – flying by private jet offers the exclusive opportunity to touch down in Agra itself for a guided tour of this majestic monument. Sip in-flight cocktails as you discuss this incomparable experience with your fellow travellers on the way to Dubai, where you’ll arrive just in time for a sunset dinner or a thrilling 4×4 ride through the golden dunes. In Florence, enjoy access after hours to a private showing of Michelangelo’s David and the Piazza del Duomo, and lunch at a winery in the Tuscan countryside. End your around-the-world adventure in the historic centre of London with a celebratory group dinner – or extend your stay with guided tours of the city’s most beloved landmarks or a trip down the River Thames aboard a steamboat.

By popular demand, another Timeless Encounters journey has been added to the roster of 2023 trips. Departing on March 26, this 24-day includes stops in Kona for an awe-inspiring helicopter tour of the coastline and swim in sparkling waterfall pools and in Prague, where you’ll sip Champagne as you enjoy a private string quartet concert of Mozart favourites at the Estates Theatre, where the composer himself once performed.

Ancient Explorer: August 16 – September 8, 2023

Massive rock statues on Easter Island, gilded temples in Bangkok, the Pyramids of Giza: The ancient world is yours to explore on when the Four Seasons Private Jet lifts off on August 16 for the Ancient Explorer journey. Over the next 24 days, you’ll visit 10 captivating destinations – and experience the legendary wonders of the world like never before.

Embark on your journey around the world in Miami, with a welcome dinner for you and your fellow travellers. Your next stop: Mexico City and a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan to see some of the best-preserved pyramids from Mesoamerican civilizations. Then it’s off to remote, mysterious Easter Island, home to massive moai statues sculpted to honour the ancestors off the native Rapa Nui people. After watching the sun rise over the giant stones, head to Bora Bora for a swim with manta rays in the turquoise blue waters of the island’s lagoons. The underwater exploration continues at two of Australia’s natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Then it’s back to dry land in Bangkok, where you can visit the city’s gilded temples and the colossal golden statue of Buddha at Wat Pho. In the heart of the Jordanian desert, follow a Four Seasons guide to the iconic Lost City of Petra. The Private Jet also stops in Egypt for a day to explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As the trip winds down, soak up the medieval architecture and authentic flavours of Sicilian life in Taormina, or hike Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey concludes in Madrid – flamenco dancing, world-class art museums and a tapas-style meal with your newfound friends.

World of Adventures: September 8 – October 1, 2023

Nine stops. Eight countries. Four continents. Twenty-four unforgettable days. The World of Adventures itinerary makes the most of every moment, from observing rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda to the bright sights, sounds and flavours of Marrakech. The journey begins September 8 in with a welcome dinner in Seattle, and then you’re off to Kyoto. Explore sacred temples and shrines, admire modern Japanese landscaping during a private visit to Tairyu-Sanso Garden – usually closed to the public – and learn the secrets of samurai sword fighting, drawing posing and swinging your katana like an ancient Japanese warrior. Immerse yourself in the deep spirituality of Bali’s culture, where you can experience a traditional water purification ritual, performed by a Balinese priest at Tirta Empul to cleanse mind, body and spirit. Your time in a tropical paradise continues in Seychelles, surrounded by white sand and sparkling blue waters. Join a Four Seasons chef for a cooking class covering the flavours of ingredients of Creole cuisine, or centre yourself in the moment with sunset yoga and meditation overlooking the ocean. Trade the blue seas for green jungles in Rwanda: Hike up the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of rare mountain gorillas and watch them interact with one another in their natural habitat. Your next stop? A full sensory experience in Marrakechfor an authentic taste of the Red City, board a horse-drawn carriage headed to the lively Jemaa el Fna, a vibrant square famous for its snake charmers, entertainers, souks and food stalls. Next, feel the rhythm of Colombia during a private salsa lesson, or browse the trendy shops in Bogotá and explore the city’s historic landmarks. Don’t miss the chance to sip the country’s most famous product while learning about its rich history during a visit to a family-run coffee farm. The penultimate stop on your journey can’t be reached aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet. Instead, set sail on a private ship for a three-day expedition to the Galápagos Islands. Watch sea lions frolic on the beach, cruise along dramatic cliffs, and be on the lookout for green sea turtles, penguins and flamingosthe Galápagos offer landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Say farewell to your fellow travellers in Miami as you toast your experiences over a dinner infused with the Central and South American flavours that make the city so unique.  

Uncharted Discovery:
November 30 – December 20, 2023

See the Southern hemisphere from a new perspective aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet, with stops from the Americas to Antarctica. The adventure begins on Nov. 30 in New Orleans; over the next 21 days, you’ll visit a total of 7 exciting destinations. Embrace the pura vida lifestyle in Costa Rica as you soar through the forest canopy on a zip line tour, taste premium Latin American chocolate and rum during a demonstration with local experts, and gaze in wonder at the stars during an exclusive stargazing party. Board a private train with an expert guide and discover the legendary archaeological treasures of Machu Picchu. Then it’s off to Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America,” for private tango lessons, a backstage tour of the famed Teatro Colón, and a day trip to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, you’ll set off for Antarctica via a private luxury polar ship for four unforgettable nights filled with ultra-remote landscapes, remarkable wildlife and breathtaking views. After this thrilling expedition, catch your breath with several days in Bogotá – take a guided tour of the city’s famed street art, join a renowned chef for a culinary demonstration, and enjoy a masterful performance by the Bogotá Philharmonic during a private concert. End your adventure in the Bahamas and a day lounging on pristine white sand, a soothing spa treatment, and a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Looking to travel sooner? A few seats remain on several 2022 itineraries: Ancient Explorers offers departures in September 2022 and October 2022, while Uncharted Discovery has openings on its December 2022 voyage.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will the spirit of adventure take you on the Four Seasons Private Jet?

Cityscape

Reconnect and Rediscover: Urban Getaways Tailored for Two

A sunset cruise through Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, a bird’s-eye view of Mexico City’s ancient pyramids from a hot-air balloon, a helicopter tour of Toronto: The experts at Four Seasons have carefully curated a collection of unique experiences to help you discover a new perspective on some of the Americas’ most exciting cities – and bring you and your partner closer together.

Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding adventure or a romantic evening out on the town, Four Seasons can arrange exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime activities and create moments you’ll treasure forever. All you have to do is decide how you’d like to spend your time together. Here are a few of our favourite suggestions:

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Soar through the clouds in Mexico City

Teotihuacán was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas, established in a sub-valley of the Valley of Mexico in 100 BC. Though it’s believed the city was sacked in AD 550, the site remained important in the region for centuries longer. Today, you can get an unparalleled look at the UNESCO World Heritage Site from a hot air balloon: A tour guide from Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City will lead you on a morning of archaeological discovery, exploring the unsolved mysteries of ancient landmarks like the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and discovering why the Aztecs called the city “the place where the gods were created.” After experiencing the site by air and by land, celebrate your trip back through time with an al fresco brunch for two, served by Four Seasons in a private traditional hacienda – it’s a flight to remember.

Take flight in Mexico City

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Take to the sea in Baltimore

Sail into the sunset – or start your day with a bracing boat ride – at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, where a luxurious 40-foot (12-metre) catamaran is docked just steps from your door. Take in the sights of the Inner Harbor – the iconic Domino Sugar sign, Fort McHenry, the Key Bridge – and downtown Annapolis, with the revered Naval Academy. After a day out on the water, return to the Hotel to unwind with a spa treatment for two; for the ultimate enchanted evening, your dedicated Romance Concierge can arrange for you to have the spa all to yourselves. The Night Spa Experience includes a delicious dinner for two, flowers and a bottle of Champagne. Soak up this time together with a candlelit rose-petal drawn milk bath as you gaze out over the harbour, then end your evening with a couple’s massage with warm oil.

 

Find Romance in Baltimore

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Roam among the redwoods in San Francisco

California is home to some of the most dramatic scenery on the West Coast: cliffs towering over the Pacific Ocean, wine country’s rolling green hills, Yosemite’s epic granite formations. And, of course, the bright red Golden Gate Bridge, instantly recognizable even when it’s foggy in San Francisco. Explore this iconic landmark – and the spectacular redwood trees of Muir Woods – on a road trip from Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. Cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge in a classic car, and then walk along paved paths winding around awe-inspiring redwoods. Be on the lookout for northern spotted owls and river otters – and the perfect spot for a picnic, prepared for you by the Hotel’s chef.

Plan your visit to San Francisco

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Enjoy a night on the town in Toronto

Take your romance to new heights at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, where a helicopter will whisk you away for a thrilling tour of the city. The sky is the limit: Soar above the skyline, marvelling at the city beneath you, and then return to the Hotel for a six-course Chef’s Table dinner at Café Boulud, including expertly selected wine pairings. The romance continues in the spa, where you and your love will enjoy a decadent couple’s treatment and an exclusive night swim experience with a glass of Champagne. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? The Concierge can plan the perfect night out in the city – perhaps art exhibits, dinner and dancing to live music. Wherever you go, you’ll arrive in style thanks to the Hotel’s Maserati Quattroporte.

The sky is the limit in Toronto

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Roll through history in New Orleans

Brass bands, twirling parasols, rhythmic drumbeats: New Orleans is famed for its second lines, described as “jazz funerals without a body.” These boisterous parades started as neighbourhood celebrations but have become vital parts of the city’s weddings, festivals and Mardi Gras. Join a joyous dance line as you make your way from the new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans to your private streetcar, ready to clang its way down the historic St. Charles line, in operation since 1835. You’ll be joined on your ride by a local historian, who will lead you through the sights and sounds of one of Crescent City’s most charming neighbourhoods, and a photographer who will capture the day’s special moments in an online album for you. Back at the Hotel, raise a glass to your time together over a dinner at Miss River, acclaimed chef Alon Shaya’s “love letter to Louisiana.”

Experience the best of New Orleans

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your spirit of adventure take you next?

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Raise a Glass with Four Seasons

Toasts of revelry. Toasts of remembrance. Toasts to mark the closing of one year and the beginning of a new one. No matter the reason you raise your glass, the moment – and the people you’re sharing it with – should be honoured by a memorable libation. At Four Seasons, both the experiences and the beverages come in equally impressive measure. So drink to cherished time with your loved ones in one of these outstanding epicurean settings, and ring in the new year sipping like a sommelier.

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Experience the grape-to-glass process

Wine lovers and those still developing their palates will feel equally at home at the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. In acres of rolling hills and scenic grapevines in historic Calistoga, you’ll find yourself in the very heart of a working winery for a one-of-a-kind, immersive grape-to-glass experience. From harvesting to sorting to ageing to tasting, you’ll have a front-row seat for the entire winemaking process at Elusa Winery, just steps from your guest room, suite or private villa.

Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown takes a minimalist approach to crafting Elusa’s bold Cabernet Sauvignons, which allows the unique terroir of the Calistoga American Viticultural Area to shine through in every sip. The same appreciation of terroir-driven wine can be seen throughout the Resort’s curated wine list, including selections of everyone’s festive favourite: Champagne. Morgan Gray, CMS Advanced Sommelier at the Resort, recommends a bottle of Pierre Gimonnet & Fils for your next féte. “Located in Cuis Premier Cru in the Côte de Blancs of the Champagne region in France, Pierre Gimonnet & Fils really focuses on the key grape of that subregion – Chardonnay. Precise, focused and incredibly expressive, it’s the perfect Champagne to enjoy with a nice holiday meal or just relaxing by the fireplace,” Gray says. “We also carry their 2014 Special Club, which is their top bottling from key sites only made in special vintages.”

Explore Elusa Winery in Napa

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A secluded cellar in Megève

With its gabled chalets, medieval cobblestone streets and the snow-capped Mont d’Arbois front and centre, the charm factor in Megève is overwhelmingly high. But the delights of this picturesque French alpine village aren’t limited to the great outdoors. At Four Seasons Hotel Megève, a glass-and-metal spiral staircase leads down to one of the most impressive wine collections in the Haute-Savoie region. Housing 15,000 bottles – including all the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage vintages, such as the legendary 1869, 1898 and 1920 vintages of Château Lafite – the Wine Cellar provides an exclusive and intimate setting for a wine tasting for you and your guests. Sample some of the finest wines from France and beyond, paired with the rich and unexpected flavours of Michelin-starred chef Annie-Sophie Pic’s Savoyard menu at the Resort’s newest restaurant, La Dame de Pic – Le 1920.

A seat beneath the Wine Cellar’s glass chandelier can make any celebration feel extraordinary, and the perfect bottle for the occasion is likely within arm’s reach. “One of my favourite party wines is a Château-Chalon with a few years in the bottle,” says Paz Levinson, Head Executive Sommelier. “They are not only wines with aromas reminiscent of autumn and mushrooms, but they are also extraordinary to accompany festive dishes such as poultry, foie gras, truffles, Comté and Beaufort.” When it comes to New Year’s Eve, Levinson says you can’t go wrong with a Champagne from Krug or Salón: “They both pair well with caviar, but also truffles, cheeses and oysters.”

Sip in Style in Megève

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Taste test in Kyoto

Certain flavours or aromas can transport us to a specific place and time. In a city like Kyoto, where buildings and traditions seem untouched by the passing of hundreds of years, the connection feels even closer. Sipping sake – a Japanese wine made from fermented rice – while looking out onto the same 12th-century Shakusui-en pond garden that was written about in the Japanese epic Tale of the Heiki, is one of those transportive moments. The sleek and airy Sukiya-style tea house and lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto sits within the Hotel’s 800-year-old pond garden and serves local sweets, tea, Champagne and, of course, sake.

During the Heian Period – the same period when the pond garden was created – sake was consumed during ceremonies, celebrations and drinking games. Follow the pathway through the garden and cross the glass bridge to discover a modern take on that tradition at Fuju. Opt for the Kyoto Sake Tasting Trio to sample the smooth flavours of three local sakes selected by the Hotel’s Sake Sommelier, or try a taste test to discover how the time-honoured beverage contrasts with the bubbly effervescence of Champagne, its Western counterpart.

Sip sake in Kyoto

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Unexpected experiences in Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea boasts an incredibly robust team of next-generation sommeliers – or somms, as they are often called – with nearly 20 introductory, certified and advanced sommeliers working across the property. Led by Resort Sommelier Brendan O’Leary, the team works to create emotional connections through wine experiences, providing guests with lifelong memories as they taste thoughtful and personalized selections both on-property as well as during unforgettable culinary outings – for example, the Fire & Wine experience pairs guest with Yeshua Goodman, an advanced sommelier and owner of Kiawe Outdoor, for a next-level tour of Maui’s tastes and tales that includes a helicopter tour of the island; an exclusive visit to Haiku House, a former sugar plantation; and a locally sourced dinner cooked over an open flame by Goodman and paired with wines you discover during an interactive blind tasting.

The wine experiences continue for guests staying in the Resort’s three Elite Suites, offering access to some of the world’s most hard-to-find bottles through an in-suite wine bar featuring an exclusive wine list curated by Christian Navarro, president and principal of Wally’s Wine & Spirits. O’Leary and his Resort team can also curate becspoke Ultimate Pairing Dinners, complete with menus tailored to each guest’s personal wine preferences. As for O’Leary, his tastes tend to lean Italian: “If I had to pick one wine out of the hundreds that we carry, it’s La Scolca Gavi dei Gavi Black Label,” he says. “It’s an amazing food wine with alpine acidity and minerality, but it’s also a great stand-alone glass as well. The region of Piemonte, Italy, where Cortese (the grape in Gavi) is grown, produces my favourite reds as well – the Gaja Sperss Barolo is a great example.”

For festive season, however, his current drink of choice might be a surprise – it isn’t a glass of wine.

“We’re rolling out a holiday cocktail called ‘Harvest Moon.’ It’s a rye-based cocktail with chai tea, Cardamaro, fresh ginger, honey, lemon and fresh-pressed apple cider,” he says. “It comes with an apple round garnish with star anise, making it look like a snowflake. All the flavours and aromas are holiday baking spices. The sensory experience reminds me of putting ornaments on the family tree growing up.”

Find a new favourite in Maui

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Rare rosé in French Riviera

Rosé may have become one of the trendiest wines over the last few years, but its origins are far from new. Many of the first wines ever recorded, in fact, were rosé, which gets its rosy hue when the skin of red grapes sit in contact with the juice for only a short period of time. At Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, you’ll enjoy rare access to one of the French Riviera’s most prestigious producers, Domaines Ott. A helicopter will carry you to Château de Selle, one of the three storied estates of Domaines Ott, where you’ll sip the vineyard’s distinguished rosé as you learn about its history and join the winemakers for a behind-the-scenes look at the viniculture cycle. Depending on the time of year, you might even be able to help with the harvest. Stop by the tasting room to sample vintage rosés and red wines, then end your visit with a picnic prepared by the Hotel’s Michelin-starred chef – and a limited-edition vintage from the Château de Selle to take home.

Looking for a rosé alternative? Head Sommelier Joël Rolland can mine the Hotel’s 600-label collection for something to fit your mood and taste in a way that is decidedly French. “I’d say 99.9% of our wines are French,” he says. “Creating a local wine experience is very important for our guests. They’re arriving from all over the world, and they want to drink France.” Some of Rolland’s personal favourite wines of the region include whites from Burgundy and the Loire Valley and reds from Burgundy and the Rhône.

Toast vintage rosé in Cap-Ferrat

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Where will your next sip take you?

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Comfort Cuisine

Few things have been proved to be as good for the soul as the familiar flavours of beloved dishes – foods that envelop us with a sense of nostalgic comfort, reminding us of special moments and good times. Sometimes these dishes are indulgent: meaty pastas, creamy cheeses, rich stews. Other times, they’re meals we associate with the security of childhood: poached eggs like Mom used to make, Grandma’s chicken soup, warm crusty bread.

Four Seasons chefs understand the power of food to boost our moods, and they’re always looking for ways to elevate traditional comfort foods for your plate and palate. Here are a few ways they share their experiences with guests.

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Delicious desserts in Chicago

Growing up in Cartago, Colombia, Pastry Chef Juan Gutierrez loved making brownies with his mother on Sunday mornings. “My mom would always have two spatulas – one for her and one for me, so we could both lick the batter,” he says. “Now, when I smell rich brownie batter or take a bite of one fresh from the oven, I am filled with warm memories of my childhood. It’s these special, personal and nostalgic moments like this that make a dish comfort food.”

Gutierrez tries to infuse that sense of comfort and belonging into his desserts at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. “Living abroad, a sense of home is dear to me. I want to make people feel like they are at home,” he says. For a taste of home at the Hotel’s new Adorn Bar & Restaurant, he suggests the Milk Chocolate and Coffee Profiterole. The coffee mousse, malted vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate sauce are childhood favourites all grown up. “We’re elevating these ingredients in a way that gives guests a new experience,” he says, “while keeping the personal connection and the meaning of the flavours intact.”

 

On the menu in Chicago

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A taste of home in Lisbon

There are two dishes that remind Chef Pedro Pena Bastos of his childhood home in the Ribatejo region of Portugal. “Dishes like molhenga – a thick tomato and onion soup served with toasted bread, poached eggs, fresh oregano and green olive oil – is one of the highlights of my childhood and reminds me of late, hot summer nights, eating family dinners around a large table,” he says. “We also ate petingas assadas – tiny sardines covered in corn flour on a bed of olive oil, garlic and fresh bay leaves, roasted until brown with a splash of aged vinegar for a hint of freshness paired with the punchy fish flavour – which is even better three or four days later, served on a slice of cornbread with coriander leaf on top.”

He draws on these culinary roots when crafting his menus at CURA at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. “These memories influence the creative process when I build a new dish or flavour profile – using simple ingredients but seasoning them properly and letting them shine,” he says. “I love to bring the same flavours from my past and present them in different ways but keeping the taste and memories the same.”

Other chefs at CURA are also embracing sentimental flavours. Pastry Chef Diogo Lopes is testing recipes to add his favourite comfort food, French toast, to the dessert menu. “In Portugal, we usually eat French toast during the festive season, but my mom would make it year-round, especially on weekends.” Lopes says his mother would let the bread dry out overnight so that it would better soak up the milk in the morning. “She would surprise us with it – I would jump out of bed in the morning on the first scent of freshly fried French toast. The sweet smell plus the sugared cinnamon we dusted on top – few things make me happier.”

He’s playing with recreating that sense of happiness with churros – traditionally made of fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar. His version for CURA would include boletus fungi and pine sugar. “It’s a different flavour, but the inspiration is there.”

Savour the flavour of Lisbon

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Simple pleasures in Athens

“I consider pasta my first love, after my wife, Charlotte,” Chef Luca Piscazzi says. His favourite pasta? His mother’s spaghetti alle vongole – pasta with clams – which he especially loved cold from the fridge the next day.

Clearly pasta is his comfort food of choice. “You can eat pasta every day for lunch and dinner,” he says. “It can be a different dish every time, but it’s always an Italian classic.” Guests at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens can find a dish inspired by his mother’s recipe on the menu at Pelagos: The Spaghetti With Caviar is served cold – just the way Piscazzi likes it – with a clam emulsion. He added the caviar for rich umami flavour, or “the wow factor that makes the dish unforgettable,” along with an almond sauce and bronze fennel and chives from the Hotel’s garden.

“The beauty of life in Greece and the Mediterranean is that simple pleasures lie at the core of everything,” he says.

Enjoy a taste of Athens

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Flavours of family in Austin

For Chef Gerardo Lopez at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, family time as a child in Mexico City meant going out with his parents and siblings for tacos al pastor, made from pork shoulder marinated in achiote paste with orange and pineapple juices and roasted on a vertical charcoal pit. It’s one of the few dishes that can be found any time of day in Mexico City – “one of the reasons it’s so comforting to me,” he says.

To interpret his memory in Austin, he created Quail al Pastor for the menu at Ciclo. “Our version is made with Texas quail, presented on a skewer with fresh pineapple and red onion – these represent the trompo skewer of the traditional charcoal pit – and roasted over mesquite charcoal,” he says. “It’s served with two fresh corn tortillas and pineapple compote, fresh red onion, avocado and a green tomatillo salsa cruda.”

The sizzling meat is delivered to the table on a spit – an interactive feast for the senses and for the soul.

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