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Love Brings Everyone Together: Luxury Villa Holidays Around the World

Posted on by Kelly Neubeiser

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

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

Paradise for Two in Bora Bora and Mauritius

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

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

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

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

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

Be Charmed by Marrakech

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

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

The Hole-in-one Villa in Punta Mita

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

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

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

Detox and Recharge (Yourself) in Hangzhou

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

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

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

Connect with Nature in the Serengeti 

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

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

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

Good Times for All in Koh Samui and the Maldives

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

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

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

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

Take Time with Friends in Bali

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

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

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

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

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Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake

4 Land Adventures to Try on Holiday

Posted on by Matthew Long

From driving the gold-tipped dunes of Doha to riding elephants through the jungles of Thailand, these activity holidays offer even the most seasoned traveller an adventure to remember.

“Adventure travel” is a term that’s thrown around a lot, but at its heart it is any extraordinary travel experience that surprises, delights or pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Some heart-pumping adventures take you up in the air while others are based in the water, but many can be enjoyed with your feet firmly planted on the ground—trekking across the Tanzanian savannah or racing across a desert landscape channelling your inner Lawrence of Arabia. Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world offer a variety of active pursuits, including these five exciting ways to experience Tanzania, Doha, Lisbon, Thailand and Vail on terra firma.

Set out on safari in Tanzania


Four Seasons Serengeti Masai Walking Safari

Track rare animals through a “camera trap” and observe native plants during an expert-led walking safari, one of the many options for exploring the bush at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.

Live the dream of tromping through the bush, observing nature’s most exclusive animals at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Here, there are several ways to delve into safari adventure and track the Big Five, including game drives aboard SUVs and forays on foot led by expert naturalists and local Maasai people.

For the ultimate experience, visit the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. There you’ll spend time in the best game-viewing location in all of Africa, looking for the endangered black rhino and learning about local life for the Maasai people.

Finally, enjoy bush dining at its finest with a gourmet meal prepared on the savannah as Maasai warriors guard the camp.

Go off-roading in Doha


Doha Sand Dunes

Master the curves and turns of the Arabian Desert’s towering sand dunes—some rising over 40 metres (131 feet)—through a tour arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Photography courtesy Joshua Wanyama

Photography courtesy Joshua Wanyama

Hold on to your hat as your SUV drives through astonishing dunes around Doha, their dramatic dips and steep slopes making for adrenaline-surging lifts and falls. This is the quintessential experience for anyone visiting Qatar, so be sure to spend a day out with the expert driver who will give you the overland thrill of your life.

Not only is this an exciting ride, it’s a photogenic one as well. Shutterbugs will have plenty of chances to capture the beautiful vistas that only a desert landscape can provide. Set up the escape via Four Seasons Hotel Doha, where you can arrange a gourmet packed lunch to enjoy on the dunes and a relaxing spa treatment upon return to the Hotel.

Tour Lisbon by vintage motorcycle


Lisbon Photography Vintage Motorcycle Sidecar Tour

A  motorcycle tour from Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon offers the chance to capture the storied beauty of Europe’s second-oldest capital city.

Photography courtesy Cheryl Howard

With your camera in tow, strap on a motorcycle helmet and get ready for an exhilarating four-hour photography tour of Lisbon as you’ve never experienced it before. Through a special partnership with Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, you’ll join a professional photographer on a fast-paced tour of Portugal’s historic capital by vintage motorcycle.

Slide into the sidecar, or climb behind your expert driver, and cruise down cobblestone streets and around leafy squares to discover the city’s most spectacular miradouros (lookout points): the 11th-century Castelo de São Jorge, the medieval alleys of Alfama, the bohemian Bairro Alto, the elegant Chiado district. At each stop, you’ll get professional insight of framing shots, capturing evocative scenes and working with Lisbon’s beautiful natural light. Once you have your shot, hop back on the bike for a scenic (and speedy) drive to the next attraction.


Explore the rugged wilderness in Vail


Vail Hike

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail can arrange a challenging expedition to one of the area’s eponymous “fourteeners,” Mount of the Holy Cross, named for its distinguishable cross at the summit’s middle.

Photography courtesy Maria Arsenlis

The allure of the Colorado Rockies, with its soaring peaks and abundant wildlife, has been calling to adventurers seeking activity holidays for generations. Don’t just look at the natural splendour that surrounds you in Vail—head out and become a part of it with the Hike a Fourteener Extraordinary Experience.

At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, join the Hike a Fourteener expedition into the Rockies and spend two luxurious but adventurous days in the Colorado wilderness climbing up a famous “fourteener”—one of the mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 feet (4,250 metres). Accompanied by sturdy llamas, you’ll enjoy gourmet meals and renowned Four Seasons services while ascending to the top of the mountains, a daunting but worthwhile endeavour.

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Four Seasons Hotel Doha

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Water Adventures Around the World From Four Seasons

Posted on by Matthew Long

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

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

Meet manta rays in Hualalai

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

Catch your next meal in Mexico

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

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

Defy gravity in the Maldives

Four Seasons Maldives X JetBlades

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

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

Glide through the ocean in Bora Bora

Bora Bora Underwater Turtles and Fish

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

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

Try yoga on the water in Maui

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

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

Additional reporting for this story done by Kelly Neubeiser.

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The Best Travel Photography on Instagram: 10 Accounts to Follow

Posted on by Nell McShane Wulfhart

Travelling vicariously through Instagram is a pleasure. Sometimes getting a peek at new places through someone else’s lens is nearly as good as going there yourself. Whether planning a getaway or simply hoping to escape momentarily to somewhere extraordinary, tap your way to the accounts of these 10 travellers, who inspire us with their beautiful travel photography and stories from around the globe. They go to all the destinations we love, and as expert travellers they know the best ways to spend time there.

Here, meet the Instagrammers behind the images as they show us their favourite photos from the road, and offer tips on what to pack and how to take the best photo once you arrive.

Lesley Murphy, @LesleyAnneMurphy

Lesley Murphy - Reflective Salt Flats, Bolivia

Argentina-based travel blogger Lesley Anne Murphy, of The Road Les Traveled, journeys around the world, visiting destinations as varied as Bali and Bolivia and capturing the beauty of each on her Instagram feed. Here, she explores Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.

Photography courtesy Lesley Murphy

Lesley Murphy - Las Casa Del Arbol, Banos, Ecuador

“Casa del Arbol will turn you into a kid again, making you feel on top of the world, young and invincible,” says Lesley, who visited the popular site when she was in Bañnos, Ecuador. “A giant swing takes you over the edge of a cliff, but once you’ve looked down, don’t forget to look up! The scenic mountain and volcano view to your immediate left is unforgettable. I don’t know what your play sets were like as a child, but this beats any of mine.”

Photography courtesy Lesley Murphy

Why we love her: Lesley is based in Argentina, and her travels take her from near (Brazil) to far (Israel) and nearly everywhere in between. Her feed offers a combination of beautiful destinations and fun travel snapshots, so you feel like you’re following a friend.

Her favourite destinations: “My favourite thing to do at any Four Seasons property is to get lost in my senses,” she says. “From the moment I walk in the door, so many aromas, sights and sounds overcome me in the best way possible. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, is especially good at creating a unique atmosphere for the sophisticated traveller.” Another favourite is Patagonia: “I’ve been four times since I moved to Argentina two years ago (once for each season), and it continues to impress me with its views, cuisine, vastness and friendly locals.”

Travel tip: Always pack a few scarves. “Not only can they make any outfit look elegant, but they’re so versatile—turn them into a makeshift pillow or an eye mask to block the world out for a few minutes of privacy,” Lesley says. “And comfy shoes. My Nikon camera and a sense of adventure cannot be forgotten.”

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

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Alex Strohl, @AlexStrohl

Alex Strohl in Alberta

Alex Strohl is a French adventure and travel photographer whose unique style is reflected in the beautiful images that fill his Instagram feed.

Photography courtesy Alex Stohl

Alex Strohl Norway

“This is my partner, Andrea Dabene, standing on the edge of the Preikestolen, 600 metres (1,969 feet) above the Lysefjord in southwestern Norway,” Alex says.

Photography courtesy Alex Stohl

Why we love him: Alex is most at home in Vancouver, and his shots of the great outdoors have an almost otherworldly quality. His feed is packed with enough stunning photos of snowcapped mountains, wild animals and isolated cabins to make even the most dedicated urbanite want to head for the hills.

What’s always in his bag: A mix of high-tech and old-school tools. “I travel with my noise-cancelling headphones, a Canon 5D Mark III, a Macbook Pro, two hard drives for photo backups, a Swiss army knife and a headlamp.”

Number-one tip for travellers: “When arriving in a new country I always hold off 24 hours before I start shooting. I prefer to see how life works there and how people interact. And I try to meet knowledgeable locals—it’s always a great experience to hear about their stories and secret spots,” he says. “I also like using Google Earth to scout for great photo locations.”

Where’s next on his travel list: “The Faroe Islands, because they are still wild and untamed, and tourism is still in development.”

Cole Rise, @ColeRise

Stairwell in Jordan

Whether posed and styled portraits or awe-inspiring shots of some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, Cole Rise’s Instagram images reflect his talent and perspective as a professional travel photographer.

Photography courtesy Cole Rise

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“This shot we did in November 2012 on the salt flats in Utah as a part of a series called ‘Distant Hills.’ It’s inspired by that cardboard-spaceship-making child in all of us, and what everyday people might imagine space travel to be (hence the shoes), set in otherworldly landscapes you can find right here on Earth,” Cole says. “I picked up the 1970s-era space helmet on eBay for the shoot. It now hangs in my living room.”

Photography courtesy Cole Rise

Why we love him: Cole’s feed combines the fantastic (people floating metres above landscapes) with the everyday (a cow in a field), but each photo has a sense of unreality that’s highly addictive. Plus there’s the occasional shot of a cute puppy.

Best souvenir: The ones you can’t buy. “I have a tiny sliver of rock—an early knife—shaped by human hands 9,600 years ago, found near the site of a Neolithic village on a recent trip to Jordan. That’s back when humans first left their nomadic lifestyle and learned to cultivate the land, the crux of a concept we call ‘civilisation.’”

Trey Ratcliff, @TreyRatcliff

Trey Ratcliff - Portrait (L); Wedding in the Forbidden City, Beijing (R)

Trey Ratcliff is known for his unique, almost unbelievable travel photography, captured using techniques that he shares on his blog, Stuck in Customs.

Photography Trey Ratcliff

Trey Ratcliff - Four Seasons Bora Bora

“Just before I took this photo, I was hand-feeding a puffer fish,” Trey says of this breathtaking Bora Bora shot. “It was one of the strangest things I had ever done. First, I picked up a sea urchin off the bottom and held it loosely in my hand. Then the puffer fish came over and started tearing into it! They have big and hard teeth, those guys. Right after feeding the fish, I looked up through the water and saw these crazy clouds. I got out of the water, nabbed my camera and shot away!”

Photography Trey Ratcliff

Why we love him: Trey’s sense of adventure comes through in every photo, whether he’s camping inside an enormous, jungle-filled cave in Vietnam or crossing the Antarctic ice in a Hägglund tank.

His favourite destinations: “One of my favourites is Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, because I was able to be there with my whole family for a week. I think my favourite times were the parts in between, when I was sitting there with my wife, looking at the amazing view, having a drink and doing absolutely nothing,” he says. “I also go back to Iceland again and again because it’s so rugged and beautiful there.”

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

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Pro photo tip: Forgot your tripod? “You can use a scarf as a makeshift tripod to get steady photos,” Trey says.

Erica Connolly, @TheOneWithWanderlust

Erica Connolly - Edinburgh, Scotland

Erica Connolly has travelled to 31 countries—from Malaysia to Singapore to Germany to China—and shares her experiences travelling abroad and living in Madrid on Instagram.

Photography courtesy Erica Connolly

Erica Connolly - Istanbul, Turkey

“I loved this view across the Bosphorus of the Karaköy neighbourhood in Istanbul,” Erica says. “These hills were full of so much flavour, heart and liveliness, and it killed me to know I wouldn’t have time to explore every one of Istanbul’s corners and side streets.”

Photography courtesy Erica Connolly

Why we love her: A Texas native and Madrid resident, Erica takes photos of Spain’s quirkier side—like peacocks in city plazas—that fit neatly alongside architecture shots of the city’s gorgeous buildings and castles in the countryside. Warning: Don’t scroll through unless you’re prepared to book a flight.

The destinations she can’t stay away from: “Growing up, I visited Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tucson, Arizona, dozens of times because I have so much family in both locations,” Erica says. “However, I love returning as an adult because now I see these once-mundane places as destinations with wild landscapes and endless corners to explore. They look completely different through my camera lens!”

Number-one tip for travellers: Be flexible. “When things don’t go according to plan, which happens a lot, it’s up to you to decide how to handle the situation. It’s always best to find the humour in every circumstance,” she says. “With a positive outlook, it will probably make for a good story to tell when you arrive back home. I once helped catch two of Penang, Malaysia’s most wanted criminals. That definitely wasn’t a fun day, but I made the best of a sticky situation and now it’s one of my favourite travel stories.”

What she never leaves home without: Her Converse shoes and Canon camera.

Katie Dillon, @LaJollaMom

Katie Dillon - Katie and her daughter at Four Seasons Hong Kong

Katie Dillon is based in California but has lived in Hong Kong and London, and is known for her expertise in luxury family travel.

Photography courtesy Keith Tsuji for Flytographer

Katie Dillon - Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong

“My daughter and I recently visited Hong Kong’s Po Lin Monastery,” says Katie. “While it is a popular tourist attraction, we were deeply moved by how the important religious site is still cherished by locals and devout Buddhists who travel long distances to worship here.”

Photography Katie Dillon

Why we love her: Katie’s a frequent contributor to Four Seasons Magazine and an expert in navigating travel with kids. Her photos of soup dumplings make our mouths water, and scenic shots of junks in Victoria Harbour are interspersed with charming scenes from her family life.

Where she shops for souvenirs: Tokyo. “When in Tokyo a few years ago we bought more bento supplies than we could carry. Most of them were from a store in Ginza called Tokyu Hands, about 15 minutes walking distance from Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi. On the same shopping trip, I loaded up on beautiful Japanese paper goods at Ito-ya, ranging from washi tape to hand-painted cards.”

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

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Travelling with kids? ”Schedule at least one thing a day that appeals to kids so that they are more patient with doing things you like to do,” Dillon advises. “I also never pack a day with back-to-back activities outside of the Hotel. My daughter needs downtime in the hotel room or at the pool in order to reboot from touring. Plus, if you’re staying in a Four Seasons, it’s a shame not to enjoy it!”

Kobe Chanel, @kobechanel

Kobe Chanel - Villefranche Sur Mer, France

Kobe Chanel always seems to be somewhere beautiful, and her Instagram feed is filled with images of some of the world’s most enviable destinations, from Paris to Capri to Bora Bora.

Photography courtesy Kobe Chanel

Kobe Chanel - The Maldives

“After arriving at the hotel by seaplane, you disembark onto a jetty surrounded by magical shades of blue that leads you to your personal island,” says Kobe of her arrival to the Maldives. “Each hotel in Maldives is its own island, and the service provided to you is ultimate luxury. The beauty you see here is not just above the water; a whole world [exists] below the water with a variety of species of fish, turtles, eels and sharks. Snorkelling here is a golden opportunity.”

Photography courtesy Kobe Chanel

Why we love her: Kobe’s Instagram feed is the stuff dreams are made of: turquoise waters, gorgeous accessories, mouth-watering cocktails and much more. They give us serious Insta-envy.

Pro travel tip: “If you are celebrating a special occasion, mention it! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, hotels always try to enhance your stay as much as possible when you are celebrating something special,” she says. And don’t forget to utilise your phone and its apps. “I use Instagram for everything from checking the weather at my destination to getting tips on how to get to out-of-the-way spots.”

Her favourite destination: “One of my absolute favourite travel destinations is Italy. From the ancient cultural sites of Rome to a hike along Cinque Terre, dining at Michelin-rated restaurants in the Amalfi Coast or boating at Lake Como, Italy has so much to offer for every kind of traveller—the museum-goer, the backpacker, or the luxury traveller,” she says. “In Maui, my favourite hotel is Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, because the property is absolutely stunning—beachfront with beautiful pools, including an infinity pool, and a view of Haleakala in the distance.”

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

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Matt Long, @LandLopers

Matt Long - Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan (L); Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia (R)

A photographer, blogger and writer specialising in luxury adventure travel, Matt Long shares his stories, tips and images on his blog, LandLopers, and on Instagram.

Photography courtesy Matt Long

Matt Long - Alberta, Canada

“Driving along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail, I expected to find plenty of ranches and cowboys, mountain foothills and rolling streams,” says Matt, “but I wasn’t prepared for the quiet moments of almost spiritual beauty like this one here. While on a morning horse ride I stumbled across this lone cabin on the Albertan frontier gazing bravely into the distance. It brought everything into perspective, especially the sheer size and magnitude of the region. There’s a beauty to be found in that massive expanse of space, and I found my own personal example of it that morning.“

Photography courtesy Matt Long

Why we love him: Matt calls Washington, D.C., home, but eye-catching photos of romantic German towns, the Northern Lights in Norway and pony-size Icelandic horses are what you’ll find in his colourful Instagram feed, along with the occasional goofy selfie.

His favourite destinations: South Africa and Australia. “South Africa is just a very special place, it has a spirit that’s impossible to define—it just has to be experienced to be understood,” he says. “Australia is interesting to me because it’s so very large. It would take a lifetime to see it all, and there are many interesting surprises in the least likely of spots.” Another favourite? Hawaii. “Four Seasons Resorts in Lana’i hold a special place in my heart, and returning to this beautiful island really is like going back home again.”

Best tip for travellers: Embrace spontaneity. “Don’t over-plan your trips—instead, allow the random moments to happen,” he says. “They’re usually the most treasured memories you’ll take home with you.”

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

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Olga Dubrovina, @olgadubrovina

Olga Dubrovina - Paris

Olga Dubrovina’s photography shows a distinctly feminine bent, with many of her shots on Instagram illustrating the irresistible and romantic nature of Paris.

Photography courtesy Olga Dubrovina

Olga Dubrovina - View of the Eiffel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe

“Paris is the most beautiful in the morning,” Olga says. “Still a little sleepy, it rejoices in the beginning of a new day and spruces itself up, getting ready to enchant.”

Photography courtesy Olga Dubrovina

Why we love her: Olga might have the most feminine travel feed on Instagram, and we can’t get enough of her flowers, desserts, sunsets and pink-hued everything.

What’s always in her suitcase: “When I’m going on a trip I always pack a pair of high-heeled shoes. No matter what the destination, whether mountains or sandy beach, I will always find a reason to take my shoes for a walk!”

Best souvenirs: It’s all about the scents. “Wherever I go, I always buy a new perfume and some local spices as souvenirs, so that when I come back home I can smell them and remember happy days. Smells are memories in a bottle.”

Her favourite destination: “The Côte d’Azur is the place I go back to again and again. Once you fall in love with Nice or Cannes, you will never forget it.” And we couldn’t agree more: The new Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, already has us dreaming of an escape to Provence.

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

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Kim Hopkins, @Kimhopkins

Kim Hopkins - Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi (L); Assisi, Italy (R)

Kim Hopkins is based in Abu Dhabi, but her summers take her to the Hamptons and Italy and her travels take her around the world—so there’s plenty of inspiration to be found scrolling through her Instagram feed.

Photography courtesy Kim Hopkins

Kim Hopkins - Four Seasons hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus Pool

“Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus has the most beautiful pool on the Bosphorus,” says Kim. “The views are stunning, and it’s far enough away from the restaurant to be private and relaxing.”

Photography courtesy Kim Hopkins

Why we love her: Kim is based in Abu Dhabi and knows how to travel in style. Her Instagram showcases her photos of camels and souks at home, summers in the Hamptons, and vacations in Italy, from tiny villages to the Boboli Gardens in Florence.

Ingenious travel tip: “On every flight, I take a twin-size fitted sheet to cover my seat. It fits perfectly, is flexible when the bed is flat, and covers any germs. It’s my best travel secret!”

Her favourite travel destination: Istanbul. “I have stayed at Four Seasons hotels all over the world, but one of my recent favourites is Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. It’s a magical location with breathtaking views of the Strait. Locals and tourists alike come for sunset drinks on the terrace.”

Her favourite travel companion: “My other ‘must-have’ on all of my trips is my stylish 6-year old son, Brady,” she says. “He has been to 17 countries and even has his own Instagram account.” Follow him @bradysworld.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

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Concierge

9 Family Vacations Recommended by Moms

Posted on by FourSeasonsMagazine.com

If the idea of taking your kids on vacation sounds daunting, consider that you have only a handful of holidays before your little ones become adults and start planning their own grand getaways. Make the most of family vacations by visiting destinations that will rejuvenate your love of travel, provide your family time to relax together and help you unplug from routine as you introduce your tiny travellers to the wider world.

We asked six savvy mothers to nominate destinations for the best family vacations based on real-world experiences with their kids. Here, these sojourning matriarchs offer insider tips and top picks for family-friendly holidays from Orlando to Hong Kong and kid-approved resorts from Hualalai to Sharm El Sheikh.

A hassle-free escape in Hualalai
Nominated by Amie O’Shaughnessy of Ciao Bambino


Hawaii Helicopter Tour

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Hawaii during a helicopter tour of the Big Island. Children will love watching an active volcano spill lava into the ocean, or weaving through jungle-filled valleys.

Photography courtesy Thinkstock

For a carefree vacation, I love Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu, where kids and parents alike can have the holiday of their dreams. Because the Resort is only 15 minutes from the airport, as soon as you arrive, you’re there—it’s logistic nirvana—and the programming at the Resort is so extensive you don’t have to ever leave the grounds. If you do venture out, try the full-island Hualalai helicopter tour—our son loved watching bubbling lava flow into the ocean. Hupuna State Park is nearby, with long sandy beaches and water that’s ideal for body-boarding.

At the end of the day, we found ourselves happily lingering on the grounds of the Resort. Our son enjoyed watching turtles nest along the beach, and playing near the shops as the sun set. He learned to snorkel without leaving the property and spent Kid’s Night Out watching movies on the lawn while my husband and I enjoyed date night. We learned hula and lei-making as a family at the Kaupulehu Cultural Center—the perfect way to expose our child to a new culture and spend quality time together.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

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Activities galore in Hong Kong
Nominated by Katie Dillon of La Jolla Mom


Four Seasons Hong Kong Pool

A family vacation in thriving Hong Kong combines thrilling visits to theme parks for the kids with cultural learning experiences, plus time to relax at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and take in the iconic skyline from the outdoor pool.

Photography courtesy Katie Dillon

Hong Kong is a surprisingly easy family travel destination. Public transportation is efficient, the airport is easy to navigate, and everything a family needs can be purchased within steps of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. While much of Hong Kong is a bustling city, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, enjoy the beach or spend time on the sea, so you can choose a pleasant mix of urban and outdoor activities for an active family. Two of the most popular family destinations are Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, where kids can be kids and parents can score major cool points. If you prefer to skip the packed parks, head up to Big Buddha on a glass-bottom cable car, or take a ride on the new waterfront observation wheel at twilight to watch the city sparkle.

While many parents worry about the food options in Hong Kong, this shouldn’t dissuade those with even the pickiest of eaters. Kids love the petite dim sum, and if all else fails, pizza and burgers are available all over the city. We used many of the Hotel’s family amenities, including the outdoor pool deck, where complimentary popsicles and treats are passed around periodically. If the siren call of the watering holes at Lan Kwai Fong beckons, book a nanny through the Concierge. Otherwise, stay back in your Harbour View Room and watch the Symphony of Lights laser show over the water. Word to those still strollering: The city’s uneven pavement and unavoidable stairs make pushing your tiny tots a tiny hassle.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

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A resort hideaway in Sharm El Sheikh
Nominated by: Heather Greenwood Davis of Globetrotting Mama


Beaches of Sharm El Sheikh

Egypt’s most underrated attraction might be the stunning white-sand beaches of Sharm El Sheikh, which disappear into the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.

Photography courtesy the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

You don’t often hear the words “Egypt” and “children” spoken together in the travel sphere. Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is an exception. From the moment we arrived at the Resort, we all felt at home. We spent most of our time at the property, which is large but well contained. Rooms feel like mini-cottages (with plunge pools in some!), and it only took a few hours for all of us to get to know the lay of the land.

Whether at the pool or on the beach, we enjoyed great views and attentive service, and the restaurants excelled at offering something for every palate. Mealtimes included options our children were familiar with as well as the chance to try new things, like the delicious Merguez sausage and hummus.

And the Resort’s Kids for All Seasons Club is small, but it makes up for its size with fun cultural activities, like learning to write your own name in hieroglyphics. The kids had to be pried away each day, and the talent show at the end of our stay had us all laughing. An unexpected perk of being at a Resort where there are many international travellers was that we made lasting friendships with other families.

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

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Food and fun in Austin
Nominated by: Heather Greenwood Davis of Globetrotting Mama


Barbeque taco from Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ food truck in Austin, Texas

Make a trip to South Congress to try Austin’s amazing food trucks, so everyone in the family can try something they want—from freshly made doughnuts to Tex-Mex tacos.

Photography courtesy Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Nominated by: Lori Lange of Recipe Girl

Austin is a terrific destination for active families. By far, the highlight of our trip was kayaking on Lady Bird Lake behind Four Seasons Hotel Austin. We loved cruising along together, and it was really cool to go under the bridge and hear the bats squeaking. If your children are a bit older, the Segway tour of Texas’ state capital is a great way to enjoy the city while keeping your child occupied and interested. (Be sure to check age restrictions.) And because the Hotel has so many amenities and fun things for the kids to do—they took part in the treasure hunt, played in the pool and watched bats at dusk—we were able to relax and soak in the sun.

Austin can be explored by your taste buds as well. One of the best ways to do this with kids is to try the food trucks of nearby South Congress. Children have fun running between options and trying unfamiliar cuisine, and you might even get them to fall in love with something new. The city also offers delicious tacos: Try the breakfast tacos at El Primo, or chow down at lunchtime on a Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ taco (both are food trucks), followed by one of Austin’s famous doughnuts. A personal favourite is Gourdough’s Donuts, where you can make a whole meal with variations on the tasty treats.

Four Seasons Hotel Austin

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Interactive exploration in Lisbon


Algarve, Portugal

Renting a car is a great way to get out of Lisbon’s crowds and explore the Algarve, one of Portugal’s stunning natural wonders and a fun place for the kids to run along the sandy beaches or swim in the gentle surf.

Photography courtesy Chris Ford

Upon arrival, we did a motorcycle and sidecar tour of Lisbon, which offered a fun, interactive way to see the city and to get a sense of the history and soul of the place. Next, we explored on foot. Keep in mind the amount of walking you’ll do in the city: There are plenty of hills to climb and cobblestone walks to hike down, but if you stay at Four Seasons Hotel Lisbon a massage at the luxurious Spa will quickly loosen tired muscles after a long day on your feet.

The Hotel offers a great breakfast buffet, the perfect, hassle-free way to start each morning before exploring the city anew. Mix it up with trolley or taxi rides when the kids get tired, or rent a car. We explored coastal Algarve by car, taking in the deep turquoise waters with twisted rocks jutting out peacefully towards Africa, as well as exploring the nearby towns at Europe’s end. Car rentals offer the opportunity to get out of Lisbon and into the history and culture of Portugal’s more rural areas. And if all else fails, our kids loved to play in the warm sand or run laughing through the gentle surf on one of Portugal’s beautiful beaches.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

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A museum haven in Washington, DC
Nominated by: Liz Borod of Travelogged


Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

A full day of exploration in Washington, DC—from introducing your child to the wonders of the world at a Smithsonian museum to taking in historical monuments—is best ended by relaxing in the comfort of your room at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC.

Washington, DC, is like an educational version of Disney World because there are so many great attractions and things to see and do with kids. Visiting the Smithsonian Museums is a must: Our 3-year-old enjoyed the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, and it was fun for us as parents to revisit those old favourites, too.

But the real highlight was the impressive Newseum, which looks at recent history through the lens of the media. Of course, after all of that museum-hopping, a trip or two around on the carousel at the National Mall is a perfect reward for good behaviour. After a busy day of sight-seeing, we were happy to go back and relax in our room at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, which is located in my favourite neighbourhood—Georgetown. Full of well-preserved Federalist architecture, Georgetown also has the best shopping and dining in the city. We managed to find time to stroll around the cobblestone streets, but my son had more fun back in the Hotel, enjoying the kid-friendly amenities.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

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A cultural introduction in Florence
Nominated by Amie O’Shaughnessy of Ciao Bambino


Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Park

Home to the largest private garden in Florence, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers an oasis in an otherwise crowded city: Admire architecture in the morning, and then spend the afternoon watching your children play outdoors back at the Hotel.

Florence is a busy metropolis, and the crowds and noise can be overwhelming. Luckily, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze has the largest private garden in the city—one of our favourite secluded hideaways, especially in summer. The oasis offers a pool; the vast garden itself, where the kids run; and a slice of calm and quiet without compromising proximity to Florence’s top sites.

From the Hotel, everything is walkable. My son loved climbing to the top of the Duomo and counting the 463 steps of the dark, ancient stairwell. The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Florence that are worth the climb, and gave our family one of our all-time favourite travel memories.

Although Florence is a city of Renaissance art and architecture, visiting with children offers the opportunity to see more of the parks, eat more delicious gelato and chow down on pizzas while experiencing the city’s attractions in an active, fun way. My son loved playing in the Santa Croce Piazza while we enjoyed superb people-watching in the shadow of the magnificent façade.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

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Endless excitement in Orlando
Nominated by: Colleen Padilla of Classy Mommy


Fun in Orlando

Orlando is not exactly a stranger to family fun. Earn a stream of smiles from your little ones at a theme park, or soak up the sun at the Resort pool, designed to be fun for both the young and the young at heart.

Orlando is a place worth visiting over and over again so that you can experience the many attractions while still allowing time to relax poolside at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort. Easy transfers from the airport to the Resort make travelling to this destination logistical bliss with children.

My best advice for experiencing Orlando and Walt Disney World® Resort is not to try to do it all in one visit. You’ll exhaust yourself and the kids will be cranky. Instead, prioritise a few activities each day so that you feel accomplished rather than overwhelmed. And because the Resort has a private luxury bus to take your group to and from the Disney Theme Parks, you can schedule half-day visits to ensure there’s time left over to enjoy the Resort pool.

If you’re tired of lines, take your tots to the Resort’s Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals, where you can get pictures with all the characters they love as well as score a nutritious meal. Once you’ve experienced everything there is to see and do at Walt Disney World®—Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, to name only a few of the must-see attractions—retreat back to Four Seasons and enjoy Explorer Island, a 5-acre (2-hectare) family playground. Complete with fountain-equipped splash zone, lakefront family pool, meandering lazy river for tubing, gaming arena, and courts for beach volleyball and basketball, Explorer Island has something for everyone.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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Something for everyone in Los Angeles
Nominated by: Katie Dillon of La Jolla Mom


Natural History Museum of Los Angles

Encourage your child’s love of learning with a visit to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, where the Dinosaur Hall’s massive fossils will impress children of all ages.

Photography courtesy the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

LA has ample attractions to make for a lively family vacation: With Disneyland only an hour away, the La Brea Tar Pits not far afield, and some of the world’s prettiest beaches and Santa Monica Pier nearby, there is no shortage of ways to entertain children of all ages. For an all-out family vacation, hit the Los Angeles Zoo, Universal Studios and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, where your kids can learn as well as play. For more of a local perspective, try the American Girl Place at The Grove for lunch in the café before doing a bit of shopping on Rodeo and Robertson. The LACMA children’s gallery offers interactive art and a fun way to get creative with your children.

LA has the widest range of cultural activities in Southern California, and I’m always a fan of widening my daughter’s scope of interest and knowledge by exposing her to new things. Food in LA is easy for the young, who never seem to tire of the city’s creative kid’s menus. Or dine in at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: The menu at Culina presents a vast number of choices, but if your child can’t find anything appealing, the Hotel can make something to suit his or her palate.

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

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