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A Picture-Perfect Austin Tour – Plus What Your Phone Can’t Capture

Posted on January 7, 2019February 29, 2024 by Stirling Kelso Neff

There’s no shortage of shareable moments to be had in Texas’ quirky capital. What with street murals, the ever-changing skyline and restaurants serving up fare as photogenic as it is delectable, many of the best snaps are within walking distance of Four Seasons Hotel Austin, which is even more camera-ready these days thanks to a recent renovation.

Four Seasons Hotel Austin

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We tapped Four Seasons staffers for insider tips. Here, their recommendations on what to see, do, eat and shoot on your next Austin getaway – including a 1916 Italianate villa and the best bratwurst in town – as well as the experiences photos can’t do justice to.

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1. South Congress Avenue

This pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, just a stroll across Congress Bridge from
Four Seasons Austin, is full of insta-worthy spots. “From the funky murals to the street performers, there truly is nothing else like it,” says Assistant Guest Services Manager Blaire Roberts. While most gather – even stand in line – for photos in front of street art that reads “I love you so much,” we also love the “Willie for President” mural, a storey-high tribute to Willie Nelson, one of Austin’s favourite musicians, on the side of clothing boutique Stag Provisions. The capitol building and skyline, captured from a South Congress crosswalk, compose a stunner in square form.

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South Congress is one of Austin’s top shopping streets. Here you’ll find ByGeorge, which carries top brands like Marni, Saint Laurent and Stone Island. Across the street, jeweller Kendra Scott, who got her start in the Lone Star State capital, displays her colourful baubles in a freshly opened flagship store with a café and an outdoor mural.

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2. Central Library

There’s a lot more to snap than bookshelves at the new Central Library, a Lake Flato–designed building that’s already at the heart of Austin’s evolving identity. Newcomers stand in wonder –with camera phones at the ready – in the atrium, where gravity-defying bridges and staircases connecting the building’s six storeys conjure scenes from Hogwarts. Travelling with kids? Don’t miss readings in the children’s wing, which has a toy room and educational computer games.

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“Stick around for lunch or a cocktail at the Cookbook Café,” says Executive Assistant Christine Bloemsma. The airy restaurant on the library’s second floor has floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio. The fun part: Every dish on the menu comes from the celebrated chefs’ cookbooks that can be borrowed from the library.

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3. Lady Bird Lake

Whether you’re walking or jogging along the water’s edge, the hike and bike trail around Austin’s Lady Bird Lake – known to locals as Town Lake – is one of the best places to people-watch. While some of the waterway’s most photogenic spots are steps from Four Seasons Austin, the trail’s east side, expanded in 2014 to the tune of $26 million, sees fewer cameras. Its contemporary overwater boardwalks afford striking skyline views.

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Want to get out on the water? Stop by Live Love Paddle, just south of the hike and bike trail’s boardwalk, to rent kayaks or Austin’s preferred mode of water-bound transport – stand-up paddleboards.

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4. Clark’s Oyster Bar

A polished nautical theme is well executed throughout this neighbourhood restaurant. Waiters sport Taylor Stitch Oxfords and striped waist aprons, and the dinnerware is a replica of the U.S. Navy’s mess hall china. You’ll want to snap pictures of the oysters, flown in daily from both coasts, and even the bread plate – sourdough served with Maldon salt and slices of bright red radishes – before diving into the Gulf red fish, served with a smoked caper and paprika vinaigrette. Request a front terrace table, shaded by a striped yellow awning that bears the restaurant’s nautical coordinates.

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Around the corner from Clark’s you’ll find the flagship for Outdoor Voices, an activewear brand that got its start here in Austin and now has shops in New York’s SoHo and Georgetown in DC. Browse leggings, running shorts and tops that look as fitting in a coffee shop as they do mid-marathon.

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5. Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin

This adobe-style sanctuary at the Blanton Museum of Art, on the edge of the University of Texas at Austin campus, matches Houston’s Rothko Chapel in vision and civic significance. “It’s the only building Kelly ever designed, and it stands as the ultimate presentation of his love of light and colour,” says Hotel Concierge Steven Beasley. No two pictures of the serene interior space are alike thanks to contemporary stained-glass windows that reflect, glitter and silhouette, depending on the light and the weather.

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Book and film lovers can’t miss a trip to the University of Texas’ Harry Ransom Center, where drafts and manuscripts by writers such as James Joyce and Norman Mailer are preserved and exhibited. The centre is also home to a 1455 Gutenberg Bible.

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6. Laguna Gloria

This 1916 Italianate villa is now an extension of the Austin Museum of Art (AMOA). The waterfront grounds are dotted with sculptures by the likes of Tom Friedman and Wangechi Mutu, many of which make a whimsical addition to any photo. “Don’t miss the guided tour about the original owner, Clara Driscoll,” says Assistant Guest Services Manager Blaire Roberts.

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“While you’re in the area, take a drive up to another scenic spot, Mount Bonnell,” Roberts says. It’s a short hike to this Hill Country lookout, and you’ll be rewarded with views of the river and the growing downtown skyline.

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7. Forever Bicycles

Pedal one of the Hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes to document this installation, a towering piece by Ai Weiwei. “Something of an optical illusion, the 32-foot-high [9.75-metre] artwork includes nearly 1,200 bikes and is meant to represent a part of Weiwei’s everyday life and culture in China,” Concierge Elise Longueve says. To many Austinites, the work has an added meaning, honouring the city’s passionate bike culture.

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Pop into Alta’s Café, just down the hill from Forever Bicycles, for a post-ride smoothie or glass of wine. The eatery’s expansive porch, a launch pad for crew teams, overlooks Lake Austin.

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8. Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden

Housed in a pair of historic buildings, this popular beer and brat house has a snap-worthy backyard with social picnic tables under strings of twinkling lights. Beer aficionados will also appreciate the suds selection: “I always order a beer I haven’t tried before,” says Marcus Knox, who drives the Hotel’s house car. “There are more than a hundred on tap, so that’s not as hard as it sounds.”

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Banger’s is located on Rainey Street, a popular neighbourhood for nightlife where residential bungalows have been converted into bars and restaurants. Start the night off with an old-fashioned at Half Step, just two doors down from Bangers.

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9. The Austin Bats

Austin has the unusual distinction of being home to the largest urban bat population in North America. Over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the city’s central Congress Bridge, and flood out above an army of iPhones at dusk from March through November. You won’t be the only person posting a picture of this phenomenon, but you can avoid the crowds by jumping on an evening paddleboat tour and taking in the show from the water.

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Head back to the Hotel for an cocktail en suite. Your bartender will roll in the property’s margarita cart and shake up your drink sofa-side. There’s no effort required on your part, but you do have to answer one important question: Salt, or no salt?

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My Perfect Weekend: Chef Samantha Sanz’s Ultimate Scottsdale Itinerary

Posted on January 6, 2019June 21, 2019 by Brittany Johnson

Samantha Sanz – a James Beard Award nominee and the top toque at Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale – takes you on a three-day tour of the Arizona thrills she can’t get enough of.

Chef Samantha Sanz studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale and honed her palate in Paris.

Courtesy of Four Seasons

Recently nominated for a James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year Award, Samantha Sanz – chef at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon Nort h – is something of a wunderkind. When she took the helm of the Resort’s Talavera restaurant at 28, she was among the youngest chefs ever to oversee a Four Seasons restaurant kitchen. Sanz, however, has been steeped in the food scene from birth – her family has owned a restaurant for more than 60 years in her home town of Nogales, Mexico. Her experience shows in the worldly inventiveness she imparts to Talavera’s boundary-pushing menus, which meld Mediterranean and Latin flavours in dishes such as grilled Galician octopus and Picon tapas.

“I’m constantly playing around,” says Sanz of her menus, and that spirit of joyful discovery informs her weekend hit list for Scottsdale and Phoenix. Here are her tips for what to do, where to eat and the place to find the best prickly-pear frosé.

Four Seasons Residence Club Scottsdale at Troon North

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Friday Evening: A Garden-Fresh Dinner

Ramon Navarro bowl

Courtesy of Pa’la

“Pa’la used to be an old house, and now it’s a little restaurant with a wood-fired oven,” Sanz says of the boîte in midtown Phoenix. The restaurant combines Mediterranean and South American fare in its menu, which changes daily based on what’s freshest. “Order the Ramon Navarro bowl – it has all these wholesome grains cooked to al dente perfection, seasoned with high quality vinegar,” Sanz says. “Chef Claudio always keeps it fresh with all the local produce, and quite honestly it’s the best meal after a hike.”

The wood-fired grill and Bavette steak with mushrooms and tomatoes at Pa’la

Courtesy of Pa’la

Friday Night: Best of Brews

Big Spill Pils with Nelson hops

Courtesy of Wren House Brewing Company

A couple of doors away in a 1920s bungalow, Wren House Brewing Company is one of Sanz’s go-to spots for a tipple. “I love beer,” she says. “My favourite beer of all time from them has to be the Berries and Cream, which is a sour India pale ale that has raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. It’s brewed with some milk sugar and malt, which gives it a nice mouthfeel and is very refreshing for the spring here in Arizona.”

The taproom and a glass of Kingsnake imperial stout at Wren House Brewing Company

Courtesy of Wren House Brewing Company

Saturday Morning: Local Caffeine

Courtesy of Press Coffee Roasters

“We serve Press Coffee Roasters at the Hotel – it’s locally owned by a husband and wife, and they’re so sweet,” Sanz says. “They do all their own roasting, and do an amazing job.” The coffee shop, with locations in the Scottsdale Quarter mall, Tempe, Phoenix and beyond, sources beans directly from farmers in Ethiopia, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Devotees will appreciate the regular hour-long Coffee 101 Tasting classes, which take you from seed to cup as you sip.

Courtesy of Press Coffee Roasters

Saturday Afternoon: Hiking and Shopping Trips

Pinnacle Peak

Courtesy of Four Seasons

Sanz likes to get her endorphins pumping by hiking the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometre) round-trip trail at Pinnacle Peak Park, in the backyard of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. “The earlier you can hike Pinnacle Peak, the better – it gets hot over here,” says Sanz, who urges guests to bring plenty of water. “You’ll see birds – cardinals, quail – and iguanas. It’s out-of-this-world scenic.”

Her next stop? Phoenix General, in an area brimming with cocktail bars, lifestyle shops and buzzing gastropubs. “It’s a small boutique with some really unique finds,” Sanz says of the airy storefront, which sells everything from juniper incense to decorative powder-coated iron horseshoes in rainbow hues. Clothes, too: “I’m obsessed with the clothing lines they have collaborated on with local artists, such as the Fortoul Brothers.”

Fs Mag Phoenix General Fortoul Brothers Detail

Courtesy of Phoenix General; courtesy of Fortoul Brothers

Saturday Night: Supper in Style

Courtesy of Jia Yue

As dusk falls over the landscape, Sanz beelines to Tratto – helmed by James Beard Award–winning chef Chris Bianco – for dinner. “My biggest love there is the chicken livers on toast,” Sanz says. “Chef Cassie does an outstanding job and serves them with the seasonal jam she makes. I crave this constantly.” And you really must order a cocktail, Sanz says: “The cocktail program there is outstanding, thanks to Blaise Faber – he makes his own house-made vermouth – but I do enjoy my glass of Sorelle Bronca Prosecco.” Finally, “End the meal with some rich dark chocolate and one of the many amaros they have on the list.”

Beets with ricotta and homemade pasta at Tratto

Courtesy of @michelevenlee; Jia Yue

Sunday Morning: Mexican-Style Brunch

The dining room at Ghost Ranch

Courtesy of Shelby Moore

Sanz starts her day with a brunch at Ghost Ranch in nearby Tempe, run by Mexican cousins Chef Rene Andrade and Chef Roberto Centeno. “They have chilaquiles,” Sanz reports with pleasure – the Mexican comfort food dish that slathers fried corn tortillas with salsa and cheese. “The best thing is that the eggs they use are from local farmer Two Wash Ranch. And if you are indecisive like me about red chile or green, you could ask for both.” Yet another of her favourite orders is the prickly pear frosé. “It’s a combination of a margarita and rosé,” she says – “so delicious.”

Fs Mag Ghost Ranch Chilaquiles Pear Frose

Chicken chilaquiles and prickly pear frosé at Ghost Ranch

Courtesy of Shelby Moore

Sunday Afternoon: Art Hours

Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum

For an afternoon well spent, Sanz heads to the sleek Phoenix Art Museum, where more than 19,000 works of art are housed in a building originally designed by Alden B. Dow, a protégée of Frank Lloyd Wright. “There is always an amazing exposition to catch there, and it’s never super crowded,” she says. “They had an exhibit by Mexican artist Carlos Amorales where an entire wall was mounted with 25,000 black paper moths and butterflies – awesome.” On exhibition through February 9, 2020: “American Scenes/Americas Seen,” with work from the 1930s and ’40s by artists such as Diego Rivera and Alice Trumbull Mason.

Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum

Sunday Night: Twilight in the Desert

Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

“We have the best sunsets, especially at the Desert Botanical Garden,” Sanz says of the 140-acre (57-hectare) grounds, where visitors can glimpse thousands of species, including organ pipe cactus, teddy bear cholla and 186 types of agave. Walk around and relax, Sanz says. It’s a peaceful way to round out your weekend.

Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

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The Hawaiian Islands as You’ve Never Seen Them Before

Posted on January 3, 2019March 11, 2020 by Alison Miller

Hawaii is a land of perpetual enchantment, and even for an island native, there are new ways to discover its secrets. That’s what Kauai-born Chelsea Yamase found when she dove into Hawaii by Four Seasons, which combines exclusive experiences on four Hawaiian islands into one 12-day itinerary. She and the equally intrepid Sam Kolder helicoptered through clouds of smoke over an active volcano, took a sunrise hike to Sweetheart Rock and picked exotic fruit on an organic farm with an executive chef. Flying high and diving deep, Yamase and Kolder immersed themselves in the rich culture and dramatic geography of this Polynesian paradise for an experience you won’t want to miss.

Volcano Helicopter Tour

To devise a private aerial tour of the Big Island, Four Seasons turned to revered Hawaiian kumu (teacher) Kamakaonaona “Uncle Earl” Regidor, manager of Ka’upulehu Cultural Center, which is on the same site as Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. He designed the ride to showcase the sheer forces of nature still sculpting the Big Island. The helicopter picks up passengers on the 14th fairway of the Hualalai Golf Course and then flies them into the steamy sky above Mauna Loa, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. From there, guests touch down at a secluded black-sand beach and spend the afternoon exploring Halema‘uma‘u Crater, recently reshaped by the 2018 eruption of neighbouring Kilauea.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

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“We were very blessed to fly over Mauna Loa and the adjacent fissure when the flow was at the height of its activity last year,” Yamase says. “Seeing rivers of molten lava forming brand-new land gave me this overwhelming sense of awe. Even hundreds of feet away the heat hit us like a wall. We flew around columns of smoke, and you could smell the sulphur and hear the crackling and crunching of hot meeting cold. It’s a very primal experience. The colours and sights were stunning from the helicopter – it’s really the only way you can fully grasp what you’re seeing.”

Sunrise Hike and Cave Diving

The terrain on Hawaii’s secluded “pineapple island” is so diverse that guests invariably end up designing their own experience within the larger itinerary. Riding through upland trails and valleys on horseback, diving into Hulopo‘e Bay from the side of a luxurious catamaran that’s yours alone – there’s a thrill for every kind of adventurer. Kolder and Yamase kicked off their stay at Four Seasons Resort Lanai with a sunrise hike to Puʻupehe (Sweetheart Rock), an 80-foot (24-metre) rock formation rising from the waters that separate Mānele and Hulopoʻe bays.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

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“Mornings in Hawaii, particularly on Lanai, are so quiet and peaceful,” Yamase says. “We decided to do the short walk up the cliff. My favourite moment was when we were up high on the edge, watching the sun make its way over the distant Maui mountains. It transformed the ocean from a reflection of gold to a deep turquoise and painted Sweetheart Rock ochre red. Seeing these same cliffs, as well of the rest of the coastline, from the deck of the catamaran later that day was a delightful mix of luxurious, relaxing fun. We lazed in net hammocks in the sun and did a bit of cave diving near a rocky island that juts out from the water like a shark fin.”

Extend Your Aloha Lanai Sweetheart Rock Grid

Hula Performance

A hallowed tradition older than the written word, hula keeps the history of ancient Hawaii alive. Through movement and chants, dancers – who train by climbing lofty palm trees and swimming with boulders – recount the stories of this divine land and its people. On Ka‘ena Point, the westernmost tip of Oahu’s wild western coast, guests at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina experience a mesmerizing display of storytelling with physical strength. Here, Kumu hula La‘akea Perry shares the story of this spot, also known as Leaping Rock, a sacred setting where mortal souls jumped from earth into the realm of the gods.

Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina

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“One of my favourite things about growing up in Hawaii is how meaningfully people engage with the land here,” says Yamase. “For me, it’s always been true that perception of a place can change with one’s knowledge of it. The myths and history of Ka‘ena Point added a layer of sacredness to the hike and to the trip overall. The chance to interact with a kumu hula as knowledgeable as La‘akea is a rarity even for someone like me who was born and raised in the islands. Hearing his oli [chant] gave me goose bumps.”

Farm Visit and Personalized Dinner

For this hands-on culinary adventure, Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea joins guests on a helicopter ride above Maui’s coast. The flight path sweeps over Haleakala and lands at ONO Organic Farms, where lifelong farmer Chuck Boerner blazes an edible trail on the verdant hillside. As Dryhurst returns to the kitchen to spin the fresh-picked ingredients into dinner, guests head to Hana, terminus of the scenic Road to Hana and site of many sought-after food trucks (think fish tacos and barbecue chicken). You’ll choose what’s next – floating through lava caves or hiking through a bamboo forest in search of serene waterfalls. Either way, you’ll make it back to the Resort in plenty of time to feast on an unforgettable meal prepared from the farm basket you picked only hours earlier.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

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“The dinner on the beach was closer to a sumptuous feast, with ingredients collected primarily from that ahapua‘a [parcel of the island],” Yamase says. “That whole day was one delight after another. The thought put into that meal and experience is something I’ll cherish forever.”

For more information about Hawaii by Four Seasons, visit our website or contact our reservations team.

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How Gratitude Inspired a Global Quest

Posted on December 23, 2018July 19, 2019 by Keisha Paul

When A.J. Jacobs told his son they should be thankful to the farmer who grew their food, his son challenged him to thank the farmer in person. The idea sparked his new book, Thanks a Thousand (November, Simon & Schuster). Tracing the path of his morning cup of coffee, he learned not only that coffee sleeves are called zorfs and have been around for centuries across cultures, but also how incredibly connected we all are.

Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed and dried.

Why did you start your gratitude journey with something so seemingly insignificant?

Coffee is not insignificant! Without it, I’d be a zombie. That said, I wanted to start with something small because I wanted to show that even the simplest items require hundreds of people—designers, biologists, miners, politicians, financiers, truckers, goat herders. I chose coffee because I’m an addict. But it could have been anything. I could have chosen to follow the gratitude trail for my socks, toothpaste, light bulbs, you name it.

What was the most surprising discovery?

That it takes the world to make the smallest things in our lives. I could have spent years travelling the globe and thanking folks for my coffee. I could have gone to Chile and thanked the miners who get the copper for the wires in my coffee roaster. I could have gone to China to thank its manufacturers for making the special bricks in the steel factory that can withstand extreme heat. I bet I could have visited almost every nation on earth.

Dried coffee seeds (or “beans”) are then roasted and ground.

You say a crucial part of gratitude is the act of noticing. Travel is, of course, an ideal time to do this. How do we cultivate this ability even when in familiar territory?

Even at home, I try to have a travel mindset. I try to pretend I’m a tourist and notice the small things, like the cool light bulbs in my local café. I know we’re all rushed, but maybe let your food stay on your tongue for five seconds longer—just five seconds—and notice the interplay of flavours, the sweetness, the acidity, the texture.

What’s the difference between feeling and being grateful?

To me, the big difference is between feeling grateful and acting grateful. Both are good. But feeling grateful is more of a one-way street, whereas acting grateful makes it a two-way street. Both you and the other person come away happier. Acting grateful could be a small gesture. It could be just saying “thanks,” looking the person in the eye, giving them a non-fake smile. Acting grateful is the opposite of a vicious cycle; it’s a virtuous cycle. You thank the other person and they act kinder, then you act kinder, and eventually you are hugging each other. Well, maybe not hugging. But you are both happier.

The type of roast and grind determines flavor.

Your gratitude quest followed the coffee bean’s journey backwards – from the café back to the farm. Why?

I like starting small and then following the ever-expanding circles. It lets you go down unexpected paths, and there are hundreds of them. But starting small makes it manageable.

How can someone plot their own gratitude quest? How do they choose between all the different paths they could follow?

First, choose something you’re really grateful for. Maybe wine or chocolate or even Coca-Cola. That way you know where you’ll end up—in a vineyard, a cacao farm or Atlanta’s Coke factory. Then make a list of all the parts that go into your product. There will be hundreds. Choose what interests you. There’s no wrong way to go.

Distributors help small coffee farmers supply your favorite roasts and beans to coffee shops around the globe.

Here, A.J. recounts his top three travel experiences while reporting the book – plus, where his gratitude might take him next.

I loved visiting Colombia, where I went to a farm where my [coffee] beans are grown. It’s in a tiny town in the southwest of the country. I was driven to the farm on a series of winding mountain roads, but it was worth the scary hairpin turns. The view of the fog-shrouded mountains was astounding. And there were the biggest chickens I’ve ever seen – the size of adult pit bulls!
I also flew to Chicago and drove two hours to a steel mill in Indiana. It was fascinating to take a tour of the factory. It looked like the Fourth of July – the showers of sparks resembled an extended fireworks display.
I live in New York City and drove 100 miles north to the Catskills. It’s a gorgeous area – and home to the reservoirs that give New York its water. The reservoirs are actually open to the public – you can hike and fish and rent boats there.

Up Next

In the spring, our family is taking a vacation to Japan. There will certainly be a lot of thanksgiving on that trip. My kids are huge Nintendo fans. Since the company is based in Kyoto, we’re going to thank as many Nintendo employees in person as possible.

A.J. Jacobs is a journalist, a lecturer and the author of It’s All Relative and My Life as an Experiment, among other titles. He lives in New York, where his Thanks a Thousand journey began.

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Making Waves: Inside Four Seasons
Pop Down Miami

Posted on December 19, 2018April 8, 2026 by Natasha Wolff

Every December, the art world congregates in South Florida for two jam-packed weeks of cultural and aesthetic indulgence, during which a veritable Who’s Who roster takes over Miami. On December 7, many of them could be found onboard the 300-foot (95-metre) superyacht KISMET for the third Four Seasons Pop Down, the event concept specifically designed to offer guests an immersive brand experience beyond the walls of hotels and resorts. Sixteen Four Seasons mixologists and chefs hand-selected from around the globe ensured that those in attendance were well-cared-for, while Questlove, ensconced in a second-floor DJ booth, provided the soundtrack.

Ethereal florals greeted Pop Down guests at Island Gardens Marina, where KISMET was docked.

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The seven-storey superyacht KISMET provided the perfect venue.

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From left: Executive Pastry Chef Chris Ford (Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel), Le Sirenuse Miami Chef de Cuisine Antonio Mermolia (Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club), Head Bartender Valentino Longo (Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club) and Executive Pastry Chef Angel Betancourt (The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort) kicked off the evening with a toast.

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Head Mixologist Karen Arceyuth (Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo) serves up her signature libation.

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Questlove provided the musical stylings for the evening from KISMET’s second floor.

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Chef de Cuisine Antonio Mermolia of Le Sirenuse Miami (Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club) adds a finishing touch.

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Transportive Sips

Exquisitely crafted cocktails and culinary delights are a Four Seasons hallmark, and Pop Down Miami was no exception. Wherever you went on the seven-storey KISMET (the personal vessel of Four Seasons Hotel Toronto owner Shahid Khan), offerings abounded. And their credentials were impeccable: Participants for each Pop Down are selected out of more than 100 submissions from across the Four Seasons global portfolio. A few of the evening’s master mixologists included Fatima León of
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, Keith Motsi of Four Seasons Hotel Beijing and Ashish Sharma of Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The colours, the people and the cocktails were inspiring for me. – Fatima León

León shook up the complex and tropical Surrealismo, a crowd-pleaser made with tequila, guava and cotton candy, topped with a butterfly confection. “The experience of being in Miami for Pop Down was amazing,” León says. “The colours, the people and the cocktails were inspiring for me” – so much so that she’ll be revamping the menu at her own Fifty Mils bar, and adding her creation, next year.

Guests were invited to create custom fragrances with Atelier Cologne.

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Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud served caviar, crab and lobster gelée.

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Head Bartender Keith Motsi of Four Seasons Hotel Beijing created a pineapple-infused cocktail.

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Head Bartender Valentino Longo of Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club charms the crowd.

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Guests mingled with Four Seasons masters of craft, including Executive Pastry Chef Chris Ford of the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel.

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Michelin-Starred Eats

Michelin-starred chefs Daniel Boulud, of Café Boulud and d|bar at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, and Mauro Colagreco of the newly reimagined Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach showcased their mutual talents in the form of caviar, crab and lobster gelée; egg cups stuffed with truffle, mushroom and foie gras bavarois; and a warm mushroom tart with Parmesan and black truffles. Speaking of Florie’s, his new post just up the coast in Palm Beach, Colagreco compared it to Mirazur, his lauded oceanfront restaurant in Menton, France. “It’s an amazing project, a very beautiful oceanfront resort, so there’s lots in common,” he says. “We have a pizza oven, a tandoori, a yakitori – many methods of cooking with fire.”

Artful Immersion

On KISMET’s lower deck – also known as the spa level, complete with barbershop, sauna, pedicure station and hair salon – the sensorial experience continued as guests, surrounded by citrus trees, were invited to create customized perfumes from French fragrance house Atelier Cologne. Also on board: two-storey video walls displaying time-lapse images of the artistic process of Spanish artist Ignasi Monreal, whose digital paintings are featured in
Four Seasons: The Art of Hospitality, a new coffee-table book from Assouline.

And that wasn’t the only artwork on view. At Island Gardens Marina, where the superyacht was docked for the occasion, attendees were greeted by Glass Horizon, the latest Skynet installation from artist Patrick Shearn and studio Poetic Kinetics. The sculpture, 35 feet (11 metres) high, was constructed using rope, monofilament net and approximately 67,000 holographic Mylar streamers, spanning 10,800 square feet (1,003 square metres). No invitation was needed to take in its iridescent charms, on display throughout the weekend.

Next up? In early 2019, the global series moves to Hong Kong. Watch this space for more.

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Samantha Sanz – a James Beard Award nominee and the top toque at Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale – takes you on a three-day tour of the Arizona thrills she can’t get enough of.

Four Seasons Residence Club Scottsdale at Troon North

Your Journey Begins Here

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Your Journey Begins Here

Your Journey Begins Here

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE