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
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
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
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
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
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 >
