Our Beaches, Your Ideal Getaway

After a subdued year at home, many travellers are looking for an epic escape to a tropical paradise. What better way to rest, recharge and reconnect than playing castaway on a secluded island? For some, a proper beach holiday means a full day spent with toes tucked in the sand – just add a good book, frothy drinks and, later, a four-course, white tablecloth affair. Others search high and low for thrill-inducing watersports or luxury lodging for themselves and a dozen friends or family members.

Whatever your objective, read on for five ways to take your seaside stay to the next level.

Certain life events – be it a retirement, a milestone birthday or a family reunion – necessitate going big.

Enter Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. Its three-bedroom Presidential Suite, located at the very tip of the Resort’s private island, is tropical sanctuary. Sleeping six comfortably, the suite offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Indian Ocean lagoon and beach, a covered patio, two private  infinity pools and three outdoor showers. You’re just steps from Bambou Beach, and everything from in-villa dinners, poolside barbecues and pop-up movie screenings or spa parties can be arranged in the suite itself.

“For me, one of the highlight features of the Presidential Suite has to be the master bedroom,” says Marie Chaverny, Director of Rooms. “It leads out to a private pool terrace that faces east and overlooks the lagoon. Guests need not even step foot out of bed to watch the sun rise over the ocean.”

For action along the shoreline, head to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, where surfers of all skill levels can catch a good break. November to March is peak season at this Mexican Riviera hideaway, says TropicSurf Program Manager Donna Scherer, who oversees the property’s surfing excursions from a beachside surf shack. The rest of the year, the area sees longer, less-steep waves.

The Resort’s Manazanillas beach, a three-minute walk from The Surf Shack lounge on Las Cuevas Beach, offers calmer waves so beginners can get their feet wet. The Cove, five minutes from the property by boat, is more suitable for experienced surfers, as is La Lancha, a 15-minute boat ride from the Resort.

“The sought-after El Faro is probably the most advanced wave we take guests to,” Scherer says of the cove within walking distance. “El Anclote, 10 minutes away and known as the Mexican Malibu, offers very gentle longboarding that runs for ages and is named after the classic world-class Malibu wave. Burros is about 20 minutes away by boat and can be great if conditions suit.”

No gear? No problem. Guests who book guided tours or surf lessons with TropicSurf can rent boards, says Scherer, who also offers car trips to visit breaks up to 45 minutes away “depending on what’s best for the day and clients’ surfing levels.”

There are many reasons to love Hawaii: its Kona coffee, its traditional luau celebrations, its pristine islands sporting white-sand beaches dotted with lush, green flora. It’s also home to the spectacular Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, where couples can tie the knot and extend the celebration across the property’s 800 acres.

The unique and diverse topography provides endless backdrops for photos, says Jaclyn Jerstad, Director of Weddings and Special Events. Think sweeping banyan trees, waves crashing on lava rock and manicured gardens galore.

“It’s truly special. Because of the wide range of options, couples don’t have to leave the property,” she says. “We also provide a wedding cart on the day of, so they’re able to enjoy all areas of the Resort for photos without having to worry about walking.”

Experienced divers can easily rattle off a list of destinations where they’ve taken to the sea in search of the bluest waters and most exotic schools of fish.

They’d be wise to spend some time at Four Seasons Resort Nevis. There, during a dive in the Caribbean, guests use a handmade lasso to catch elusive spiny lobster. Then, back on land, relax with a cocktail on the pier before a private beach barbecue that includes an interactive cooking demonstration.

“The smell of the charcoal grill and the fresh ocean breeze in the background makes anyone excited for what’s to come,” says Sous Chef Rodelle Rawlins. “Our guests get to enjoy their catch accompanied by some fun local salads and side dishes they also help to make. After a long day of diving, cooking and eating, it’s best to spend the rest of the day being pampered in the beach cabanas until the sun sets on the horizon.”

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is prime territory for going off the grid. It’s the only resort on the island, which boasts 14 kilometres (9 miles) of white sand beaches, and each guest suite and villa boasts a private swimming pool and daybed pavilion.

Guests also have access to bicycles throughout their stay, “meaning each day they have the opportunity to explore a new stretch of the coastline and find their very own beach,” says Debbie Duval, Director of Public Relations and Communications.

“In addition to the two restaurants on-site, the Resort also offers The Deli, where takeaway picnic baskets can be prepared for each castaway day,” she says. “Choose from cold cuts, pastries, sandwiches and a selection of desserts – you can even bring along a bottle of wine.”

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