7 Pet-Friendly Escapes:
The Dog Diaries

There are nearly 4.4 billion pet owners worldwide – more than half of the global population. Most consider their animals part of the family. And because any passionate pet owner considers their furry friend a familiar comfort, Four Seasons does everything possible to welcome them with five-star service in some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

A woman in a straw hat sits with a black dog on the beach

Jennifer Nelson, front office manager at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, has been a Four Seasons team member for 22 years. Her dogs, Bernard, a Shih Tzu, and Charlie Ann, a rambunctious boxer, have reaped the benefits.

“They are some spoiled pups,” Nelson says. “Charlie and Bernard visited Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Vail, San Francisco, Scottsdale and Dallas. Your pups always have a cosy Four Seasons doggy bed awaiting them – and no, they do not need to share, they each get their own. If you order In-Room Dining, ask for the puppy menus, as most Four Seasons have a special menu just for your pups.

“Nothing brings me more joy as the front office manager than when a guest checks in with their furry friends. You see the staff instantly light up. It is not just a convenience and luxury for the guest, it also brings the team instant smiles daily.”

If your pet can’t tag along on your trip, Four Seasons provides plenty of opportunities for you to meet and interact with other cuddly creatures during your stay.

Here are seven stays for pets and pet lovers.

 

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Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Bentley, a fox red English Lab, frequents the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, so often that he has his own Instagram account, @bentleyatthefour, that shares highlights of his stays. Upon arrival, four-legged guests are welcomed with pet beds, bowls and personalized treats made by the Hotel’s pastry team. Running maps highlight the best area dog walks that pass DC’s famous monuments. And children who might have had to leave Fido at home can get their puppy fix with Fiona at Four Seasons. A welcome amenity for kids, this adorable, illustrated children’s storybook chronicles a golden doodle’s pampered stay at the Hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg

“There’s a difference between pet-friendly and pet hospitality,” says guest Shastri Moonsamy, proud parent of French bulldogs Harvey and Hugo. In addition to a personalized pet arrival letter, furry guests receive a bed and bowls for food and water so they can feel right at home. “We ensure room allocation is perfect for our four-legged friends to enjoy some outdoor sun,” says Tsepho Lekaje, Guest Service Agent at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg. “Our room had a spacious outdoor terrace that allowed the dogs to stretch their legs and unwind,” Moonsamy says. A highlight of Harvey and Hugo’s stay was blankets and dog bowls that were delivered at turndown. “We were also offered a dog-sitting service – very impressive,” Moonsamy says.

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg

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Four Seasons Hotel Megève

Guests at Four Seasons Hotel Megève can build a special relationship with dogs in the wilderness. “I find our dogsledding activity to be much more than just a riding experience: You get to see the herd from within, understand the hierarchy among those furry athletes, as they get ready to run,” says General Manager Stéphane Gras. “Then, sitting low and cuddling in the sled, the adrenaline keeps on increasing as the pace picks up; after a few seconds of adjustments, you just enjoy the beautiful white surroundings – do not get surprised if you start shouting with joy. 

“At the end of the ride, you get to assist the expert musher as he checks on the herd and gets ready to feed them – sun gets down, a bit of yapping, the herd is getting ready to sleep in the middle of the birch grove.”

Four Seasons Hotel Megeve

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Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

Starting in April, Fort, a certified therapy dog, will be the latest addition to the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach team. In addition to warmly welcoming guests, this adorable Australian labradoodle will also become a member of the local community, visiting organizations from schools to hospitals to provide human friends with affection, compassion and comfort.

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

 

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Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida

The Hotel’s resident Lab mixes, Hank and Freddy, grew up at Four Seasons Hotel The Surf Club. “The dogs do their property rounds and head from department to department to cheer up the staff and keep them company,” says Communications Manager Natasha Dodd. Resident and visiting pups are treated like VIPs. “The Pawsh Life,” a dedicated pet menu, offers house-made meals, along with a selection of healthy biscuits and cookies from the Barkery. Pet owners don’t have to go far to walk their pup. The property has two designated dog parks, both enclosed in greenery and outfitted with pet stations. And when guests head to dinner, Four Seasons team members ensure their beloved pets are looked after. One of the Hotel’s dog-loving supervisors has been known to take selfies with visiting dogs and share the photos with pet parents to put them at ease while they’re away.

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

 

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Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

“When I look at our treats, I cannot help but think of Oliver, who visited us from New York City,” says Carolina Avaria, Chef Concierge and past president, Les Clefs d’Or Canada. “His human was so happy to know that while he was away on business, Oliver was more than comfortable and safe within his suite. Oliver loved his setup, especially his plush dog bed, treats, fresh water and, of course, belly rubs in the lobby. Every time I meet a four-legged VIP, our treats make us immediate best friends.” Guests Daniel and Julio Reyes says their dog, Canela, is just as excited to stay at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto as they are, thanks to the personalized pet attention. “From the thoughtful snacks to a dedicated area all to herself in the room, it’s truly a luxurious experience for us all,” they say. “It’s important to know that we can trust the Hotel to ensure that our little family feels pampered and taken care of in the best way possible.”

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Dog sled mushes through snow

If you’ve had to leave your dog at home, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail has you covered. “One of my favourite guest experiences is dogsledding with Winterhawk Dog Sled Adventures,” says General Manager Meredith Macfarlane. “This is an unbelievable experience. You have the opportunity to meet the Alaskan husky pack prior to the sledding adventure, and then you’re whisked through the forest and fully surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, with unbelievable views of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s tallest peak. Following the adventure, hot cocoa is served to the guests while the staff photographers share the images they captured.”

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England

Guest Lauren Amiri lives in Europe and says it’s been a struggle to find pet-friendly luxury in the U.K. Then she discovered Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. “It feels like a home away from home, and one of the most luxurious dog-friendly hotels we have experienced,” she says. “Upon arrival to our beautiful suite, we found Beignet had been left bowls, some bottled water, treats and a food sachet along with a sumptuous tartan and corded bed that he dived into immediately. We were able to take him for long, scenic walks and enjoy the library area for tea all together afterwards with him curled up on the rug and the staff going the extra mile to accommodate him. It’s also lovely to see the other guests enjoy having a dog around. So many people came up to us to pet him and enquire as to his breed.”

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Pets are part of the family. Discover the world with them.

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Settle In:
Extend Your Stay

Whether settling in to work and learn remotely or disconnecting on a sabbatical, life fills with opportunity when you extend your stay at Four Seasons.

A long weekend or week-long vacation provides time to relax and renew. But stays of 30 or more days truly allow guests to make Four Seasons destinations their home away from home.

Effortlessly Zoom with the office while your children carry on with supervised school sessions. Then take advantage of unforgettable experiences you’ve always put off, like learning to freedive or mastering the French language. Work and play have never been easier to combine, now that you can extend your stay.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Channel your inner Jacques Cousteau in Costa Rica. This vibrant country is heralded for its lush, wildlife-rich rainforests, but its marine life is equally spectacular and diverse. You could view the sea through the lens of a snorkel, but the team at Four Seasons can teach you to experience it like a fish.

“Learning to freedive allows you to leave your comfort zone, literally, by immersing yourself in an unknown environment,” says Miguel Sanchez, Director of the Papagayo Explorers, the Resort’s in-house adventure centre. “You must start by first letting go of your fears and breathe through any discomfort. Once you learn to relax and be fully present, you will begin to enjoy this rich experience, and you will see your progression from one dive to the next. Our holistic approach is designed to be at one with nature.

“As you improve your skill, you will become addicted to the endless natural encounters in the Gulf of Papagayo, from the Catalina Islands to Santa Rosa National Park, diving alongside Pacific mantas, turtles, nurse sharks and some of the most stunning marine life imaginable.”

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

Guest Experience Supervisor Danielle Carp has worked with extended-stay clients towards achievements in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. But her favourite educational adventure? Ice climbing.

“I have assisted our guests in curating adventure-based programs that have allowed them the opportunity to overcome adversity and to put their trust in a team, guide or leader,” she says. “These experiences allow guests to improve their communication skills and build their confidence.

“Personally, I have an affinity for ice climbing. You are provided with an ice axe, a harness and crampons. Your guide places ice screws into an ice wall, you climb the wall while the guide is belaying you on your way up. It’s similar to a pulley system. The climber must fully trust their guide as they climb the ice wall. The views are extraordinary, and the overall experience is truly like nothing on earth.”

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

The new partnership between Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and WiseOceans has been a hit with longer-stay guests. Travellers with less time can enjoy a complimentary snorkelling tour. When they have more flexibility, they can combine recreation with education and embark on a Private Lagoon Discovery Tour. This private, guided experience is an amazing way to learn about the marine environment while aboard a private chartered boat. Guests then join the Resort’s marine biologist, Louis Sabadel, under the surface.

“There’s a very special connection that guests and I share when we’re out on and under the water together,” says Sabadel. “We experience the magic of the marine environment as one, and we also become more aware of how we can each contribute to conservation efforts no matter where we are.”

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

Soak in the French culture with a long-term stay at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. General Manager François-Régis Simon recommends booking the Villa Rose-Pierre as your home away from home. “Nestled within one hectare of lushly landscaped garden facing the Mediterranean Sea, our Villa Rose-Pierre offers the intimacy of a private villa with an easy and direct access to the Hotel facilities, including our restaurants, Spa, the Club Dauphin and all our Four Seasons services,” he says.

“The Villa’s dedicated private assistant can share some of the Côte d’Azur’s best-kept secrets and arrange personalized activities that make guests feel like a local.” For full French immersion, he can set up French lessons, arrange a tour of the local market with our chef, and give guests pétanque lessons on the villa’s bowling ground.”

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

The open oceanfront layout of the Resort make Hualalai the ideal environment for a long getaway. Guests in residence for an extended time are able to explore the Resort’s extraordinary Only at Hualalai experiences, providing exclusive access to the people and places on Hawaii Island.

“The ‘iliahi (sandalwood) tour encompasses the education and cultural immersion available during a longer stay at Hualalai,” General Manager Charlie Parker says. Guests who book the ‘iliahi tour are able to visit Háloa Áina’s native Hawaiian ‘iliahi forest on the slopes of Mauna Loa.

They’ll witness first-hand how sandalwood oil is extracted and learn about the healing properties of this native tree. After the forest tour, resident spa intuitive Maryanne Rose will lead a vibrational forest essence session, focusing on energy work with a sound bath, followed by an ‘iliahi body cocoon and sandalwood oil massage.

Four Seasons Resort Whistler

The team at Four Seasons Resort Whistler can customize long-term-stay experiences to fulfil guests’ dreams.

Possibilities include meeting with the chef to create a bespoke menu and arranging a personalized wellness journey with the spa team. When one family told Guest Experience Manager David Marissink they wanted to experience Whistler like true locals during their month-long stay, he made it happen.

“To create a mountain of memories you need to start on top of a mountain,” Marissink says. “We set up daily skiing lessons for both the parents and the kids with local ski guides, who truly know the hidden gems of our backyard.

These were followed by cultural and culinary itineraries all around town: the best places for a Canadian Caesar, the best cheese fondue, Crockpot customized dinners prepared by our kitchen team. Our team members also shared their local tips, and the family loved their insights. It was truly rewarding to watch these guests sharing interests and developing a bond that will last a lifetime.”

Luxury of the Workcation

You don’t have to wait for vacation to reward yourself with sunset treks on a deserted beach, fresh tracks at a ski resort or private cooking classes with a Michelin-starred chef.

Workcations have emerged as one of the top travel trends for 2021 – and for good reason: They allow us long-term stays in beautiful destinations with the benefits of work-life balance.

Four Seasons makes working from paradise even easier with services and amenities, including professional IT support, poolside Screen Doctors and office beach cabanas. Make the most of flexible schedules by getting away with friends or family and indulging your passions, with choices like skiing, golf, diving and relaxing on the beach.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies

Who hasn’t dreamed of working from a Caribbean island? Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies, makes the dream achievable with new perks such as executive lunch offerings and beach cabanas that can be converted to private workstations with ocean views. The Resort’s collection of more than 50 homes ranges from one to seven bedrooms each, so you can come with colleagues or bring the family and take advantage of the Resort’s new “schoolcation” programs. With dedicated ambassadors for daily needs or special requests, custom-tailored pre-arrival provisioning services, private in-home experiences, and full access to all Resort services and amenities, you’ll have more time for both work and play.

Start your day with a personalized sunrise yoga session overlooking the sea, and use your midday break to master a new skill during a golf clinic or hot-sauce–making class. Leaving out a long commute means more time after work to play foot golf on the Resort’s new championship course and enjoy sunset happy hour at On the Dune.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

If you’ve dropped into Hong Kong for business before, you probably didn’t have time to discover the city’s multifaceted cultural scene and fantastic hiking trails. Now is an ideal opportunity to explore beyond the board room.

The new Escape to Reconnect room package at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong beckons travellers to come for a workcation with 25 percent off room rates, inclusive of daily breakfast, and an additional 10 percent off in-room dining and The Lounge. Based on Hong Kong’s storied Victoria Harbour, you have a front-row view of all of the action. Before you power on your laptop, get out for a run along the waterfront or a swim in the Hotel’s outdoor lap pool.

Need to relax after video calls? Turn to the Hotel’s self-guided meditation app to help calm your mind and reset, or roll out your in-suite yoga mat for a few rounds of sun salutations. The talented therapists at the Spa are on call to help you achieve mind-body balance during your stay. Activate your creative side with an art therapy session, or shut down the laptop early to enjoy a half-day Well Feeling spa ritual that includes a guided meditation, a massage, a facial and a nutritious lunch on the pool terrace.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Embrace mountain living at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. Framed by evergreen forests at the base of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, the Resort puts you steps from the slopes, making it easy to field work calls from the gondola or sneak in first tracks ahead of the workday.

All rooms feature desks, seating areas or dining tables, plus balconies so you can enjoy an alpine view as you take video video calls. Short-term meeting room rentals are complimentary, and audiovisual support is always a call away. The Resort’s Ski Concierge can handle all of your mountain logistics, from ski rentals and fittings to guides and lessons. After a day on the slopes, soak in the heated outdoor pool or one of three hot-spring–style whirlpools.

Then either retreat to your room for an in-residence slow-cooker feast or dine at one of the Resort’s two reimagined restaurants. SIDECUT, its fireside steakhouse, has been newly renovated and features prime hand-cut steaks seasoned with Chef’s Classic Rubs, and Braidwood Tavern has been designed to evoke the warmth of a family mountain cabin.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Fresh off a multi-year, multimillion-dollar renovation, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is a 52-acre coastal respite. Sprawling beaches, large pools with pre-reserved loungers, two Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses and winding nature trails give guests plenty of ways to enjoy nature without having to join a crowd. And Four Seasons App and Chat technology gives guests the option of contactless engagement with Four Seasons team members. The Resort’s Villa & Residence Rentals makes working from a private hacienda-style villa or beach home a breeze. A personal host is dedicated to taking care of every detail throughout guests’ stays, from groceries upon arrival to special in-villa activities like poolside yoga sessions or tequila tastings.

Three-, four- and five-bedroom villas and beach homes are ideal for family getaways. While Mom and Dad work, kids can enroll in the Resort’s Schoolcations program. Hire a professional tutor to help your kids with chemistry and algebra, or rent the kids a study cabana outfitted with Wi-Fi, headphones, and energizing snacks like smoothies and popsicles. Travel can be the best learning opportunity: Spanish classes, folkloric ballet lessons and other activities immerse kids in Mexican culture, and sea foraging and sea turtle release excursions double as environmental education classes. At day’s end, families can come together on their private patio and grilling area, savour a seafood barbecue, and take a dip in their private pool.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

A sanctuary that feels truly away from it all, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the perfect setting for you to restore the mind, rejuvenate the body and refocus while working. A multimillion-dollar enhancement has made the Resort even more attractive for longer stays and family getaways.

A new bungalow consisting of six oceanfront guest rooms, including a suite with a private pool, will be built adjacent to Kumukea Beach on the Resort’s northern edge, and the top three villas at the Resort – Hawaii Loa, Makaloa and Ho‘onanea – will each acquire a second storey.

The golf experience will be taken to the next level with the addition of the Hualalai Golf Hale. This 3,000-square-foot (275-square-metre) instruction and practice facility doubles as an entertainment venue with games, audiovisual flexibility, and food and beverages. Up-to-the-minute technology and expert instruction make it the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts of all ages.

The Resort makes it easy to maintain or enhance your fitness routine. Two private fitness studios can be reserved for personal training sessions or one-on-one yoga classes, and throughout the year the Resort offers sports camps led by elite athletes such as triathlete Dave Scott. You can reward your efforts with a Lomi Lomi massage in one of the spa’s 18 outdoor treatment rooms. The Resort’s creative programming gives the whole family new skills and knowledge to take home. A dedicated Culinary Academy will be added above ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge, hosting interactive cooking experiences and guest chefs. And the newly renovated King’s Pond now has a dedicated Marine Activity Center where the Resort’s five on-site marine biologists run educational pastimes like feeding fish.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

You don’t have to be a ski bum to live out your fantasy of hitting the slopes every day. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail has introduced a new Extended Stay package that allows guests to work, stay, play and après. The 24 private residences in the Resort’s Villa & Residence Rental portfolio include two to six bedrooms. Fresh mountain air combined with the pristine natural beauty of the White River National Forest create a scene both relaxing and energizing. In addition to the epic mountain adventures for families including skiing, riding, sleigh rides, dogsledding and snowshoeing, the Resort also has a Kids For All Seasons room and dedicated Teen Centre.

Four Seasons Resort Vail is home to the premier après location in Vail, The Remedy Bar. With high-top seating, tables and chairs, couches near the fireplace, and firepits on the terrace, The Remedy is an excellent place to get work done between ski runs while taking in unmatched views of Vail Mountain. “It’s an ideal time to come to the Colorado Rockies, enjoy the fresh mountain air, relax, revive, and enjoy time with their friends and families in this sublime alpine location,” General Manager Meredith Macfarlane says. “The dedication and commitment of our exceptional staff, combined with their passion for Vail, create a familial atmosphere that allows our guests to feel as if they are at home, and an extension of our family here at the Resort.”

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Stay awhile. You’ll be glad you did.

Boat and pier on beach

Eat Like a Local: New Orleans

Po’ boys, beignets, gumbo, étouffée: New Orleans is famous for its unique culture and cuisine.  Locals like to say that food is part of every aspect of life in the Big Easy, with dishes that reflect the city’s rich heritage, influenced by French, Cajun, West African and Spanish influences.

Explore the flavours of New Orleans

Get a taste of the city at the new Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, where two acclaimed local chefs have created signature restaurants that celebrate Louisiana’s diverse flavours. Explore the region’s finest ingredients – like crawfish and oysters – paired with knowledgeable service and eat like a local in impeccable Four Seasons style.

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LOCAL FAVOURITES AT MISS RIVER

Chef Alon Shaya’s new restaurant, Miss River, is “a love letter to Louisiana,” he says, offering elevated takes on local favourites. It’s a departure from the James Beard Award–winning chef’s usual fare; his acclaimed Saba restaurant highlights his Israeli heritage. But at Miss River, every aspect – from the menu to the décor – celebrates New Orleans: a colour palette reflecting the hues of the Garden District, ironwork accents that bring to mind the French Quarter, art by local artists lining the walls.

The ingredient-driven menu draws on Shaya’s extensive network of fishermen, farmers and other local purveyors, showcasing his unique perspective on beloved local dishes. Try the Clay Pot Dirty Rice, served with seared duck breast, duck egg yolk and scallions, or the Salt-Crusted Gulf Red Snapper, with rosemary, lemon and extra-virgin olive oil. Other can’t-miss menu items: Duck and Andouille Gumbo – a dark roux, filé, Louisiana rice and potato salad – and the Carved Buttermilk Fried Chicken – light but crackly crisp, carved tableside. “Food is the world to me,” Shaya says. “I’m paying respect to and celebrating the incredible flavours and traditions of this magical place.”

 

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The bar seats 30 and offers an inventive cocktail menu, as well as an expansive wine list that includes sparkling wines from around the world. At the intimate Sommelier Table, up to five guests can enjoy curated tastings guided by the restaurant’s wine expert. The real showstopper: the Food Stage, where guests can watch the extravagant plating of the restaurant’s dishes. “Miss River is a place for celebration,” says General Manager Mali Carow, “where incredible food, drink and ambiance combine for unforgettable dining experiences.”

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A SENSE OF PLACE AT CHEMIN À LA MER

Discover a “pathway to the sea” at new restaurant Chemin à La Mer, where Chef Donald Link prepares Louisiana flavours with classic French technique, set to rare panoramic views of the Mississippi River. The celebrated chef hails from Cajun country – or South Louisiana – where his great-grandparents were rice farmers. His grandparents taught him to prepare mainstays like rich gumbo, boudin and smothered pork. “The region is in my DNA,” he says.

The eclectic menu is inspired by Link’s Cajun roots, as well as his travels around the world. For a sampling of his range, try the impressive Le Grand Plate de Mer, influenced by his time in the French Antilles: oysters on the half shell, steamed Louisiana shrimp, West Indies crab salad, snapper ceviche. Trips to Paris and the Burgundy regions influenced dishes like Ora King Salmon with French Lentils and Pan-Seared Jumbo Shrimp With White Beans and Pistou. For a dramatic dinner for two, opt for the bone-in côte de boeuf, expertly carved at your table. And, of course, the menu captures the character of New Orleans: seafood gumbo with okra and Louisiana rice, a raw bar serving oysters from nearby Bayou La Batre and Dauphin Island.

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“Chef Link’s concept here is a personal reflection of who he is, not only from what you find on your plate but in every detail,” says Carow.

The space itself is inspired by its unrivalled riverside location and the natural landscape of Louisiana. The oak walls and oak walnut floor are reminiscent of a ship’s deck – and a reminder of the river’s importance in the history of New Orleans – offset by the luxe Scala marble tabletops and bar. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the river and city, stretching out into the distance.

“It was very important to me to honour the sense of place,” Link says. “This space reflects its name, ‘pathway to the sea,’ as the Mississippi River plays such a vital role in the fabric of New Orleans, from its commerce at the port to fishing and hunting along its basin to irrigation for crop production to serving as the greatest backdrop for a celebration of food.”

7 Ways to See the World From the Sky

Thrill-seekers know the formula for an epic adventure: a little adrenaline, clear skies and the promise of awe-inspiring views. Few things compare with soaring over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter near Las Vegas or catapulting through the atmosphere during a skydiving expedition in Dubai. Of course, not all airborne experiences require nerves of steel. Board the Four Seasons Jet and you’ll see how relaxing a bird’s-eye view can be.

To satisfy all varieties of travellers, we’ve rounded up seven of the world’s most breathtaking destinations and the most exhilarating ways to see them from the sky. From Dubai to Whistler, follow our guide to taking flight.

Hot-air ballooning in the Serengeti

Hop aboard a hot-air balloon to see the natural beauty of your surroundings from an ideal vantage point. This gentle hot-air balloon safari, arranged by Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, allows for the ultimate scenic view – an unobstructed 360-degree panorama – so it’s no wonder hot-air ballooning is a favourite pastime in other wilderness expanses as well, such as the American Southwest. The Serengeti, with its golden savannahs and rich wildlife, may be the world’s best destination to lift off and float the morning away.

Zip-lining in Costa Rica

Woman rides a zip-line over a lush jungle

The Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour sends you flying above the unique dry forests of Papagayo Peninsula, home to rare birds, animals and plants like toucans, monkeys and orchids.

Strap into a harness and sail through the jungle canopy of Guanacaste Province on a zip-line tour arranged by Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Spot tropical birds, tree frogs and howler monkeys up close, and soar above gorgeous waterfalls as you glide from platform to towering platform. Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour, with its 24 platforms and three suspension bridges, offers some of the best views of Costa Rica’s landscape.

Skydiving in Dubai

Parachute in Dubai

Skydive Dubai offers tandem dives with expert instructors as well as a training program for those who wish to take the plunge solo.

Ranked a top drop zone, and the host of one of the world’s biggest skydiving championships, Dubai – home of Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Dubai International Financial Centre – draws both experts and beginners with glimmering views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Flying above the fan-shaped archipelago of Palm Jumeirah is your photo-worthy moment.

Touring Maui by helicopter

A helicopter flies over green peaks in Maui

Soar above towering waterfalls and lush rainforests before peering into Haleakala, a dormant volcano that composes 75 percent of Maui.

Admire the island’s green peaks, plunging waterfalls and grand dormant volcano during a private helicopter tour with Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Touch down at ONO Organic Farms for a private tour and exotic fruit tasting led by the farm’s long-time owners. Afterwards, set out to explore the famed town of Hana before returning to the Resort for a personalized multi-course dinner featuring your favourite fruits from the ONO farm.

Soaring to natural wonders around Las Vegas

Trade bright city lights for a sprawling desert landscape during an experience available exclusively to guests of Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. A private helicopter carries you to the Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, where you’ll see rare petroglyphs and sandstone rock formations. Next you’ll venture to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, following the bend of the Colorado River, and touch down for a private lunch beside one of the world’s seven wonders.

Seaplane surfing in the Maldives

Two surfers dive off of a seaplane into the ocean

Tropicsurf guides can help surfers of every skill level drop into world-class waves at Kuda Huraa, situated among the area’s most celebrated surf breaks.

Experience the Indian Ocean from sea and sky during a seaplane surfing excursion with Four Season Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. You and your surfing guide will board a seaplane and cruise the Maldivian atolls searching for prime waves. When the timing is right, you’ll touch down, dive into crystal blue waters and surf to your heart’s content.

Flying Over a Glacier in Whistler

A helicopter landing on a snowy mountaintop in Whistler

Accessible only by helicopter, Whistler’s remote thermal baths sit amid snowcapped mountains.

The Pemberton Backcountry, home to British Columbia’s largest ice field, is both your fly-by scenery and your destination during an exclusive Whistler helicopter tour with Four Seasons Resort Whistler. Touch down for an ice-cave tour, and then soar to the region’s remote hot springs for a private spa experience in dramatic, unlikely place. Follow us into the ice cave and see photos from inside this kingdom of cold >

Your Journey Begins Here

Choose the site of your next adventure and awe-inspiring view.

Hotel on beach