Tag: art and design

The Trips You Need to Take This Spring

Posted on by Scott Masters Pierce

Spring is the season of new beginnings, so why not see it in a new place, or see a familiar place in a new light? Here are five Four Seasons destinations that call for exploration this spring.

Horses and History in London

London loves the spring. “It’s the best time to explore the popular sights and the city’s many green spaces, from public gardens, parks and commons to hidden terraces,” says Head Concierge Raphael Lelaure of Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge. To see the season in full bloom, he recommends a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show – held this year from May 24–28 and billed as the “world’s greatest flower show.” If you’re craving a little more action, don your best hat and head to the Royal Ascot from June 14–18 – the horses might be the winners of this storied race, but the fashion and food on offer are a close second.

The season is also the ideal time to experience the city. Thanks to the Hotel’s central location, you’re perfectly positioned to explore iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, just a short walk away. You’ll have them to yourself during an after-hours viewing of the stunning Crown Jewels collection, part of a private tour available only to Four Seasons guests. The Hotel’s address at Ten Trinity Square is itself an important piece of London’s history: the gentle hill where the building now sits was first used more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans as the site of the settlement of Londinium. The building opened in 1922 as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority and in 1946 served as the site of the inaugural reception for the UN General Assembly. Four Seasons is celebrated Ten Trinity Square’s 100th anniversary with a variety of special events and experiences, including guided tours and a display of artefacts on loan from the Museum of London Archaeology that were uncovered during the careful redevelopment of the site.

After a day spent exploring the city, return to the Hotel and celebrate one of the most cherished English traditions: afternoon tea, served beneath the beautiful domed ceiling of the Rotunda Lounge.

Celebrate the season in London

Discover More

Hiking and Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

In the garden- and temple-filled city of Kyoto, spring is synonymous with sakura (cherry blossom) season, when the city is awash in shades of pale pink. One particularly famous spot for admiring the blooms is the tree-lined road along the Kamogawa River, but you don’t have to stop there. “My hometown is near Ginkakuji Temple on the north side of Kyoto city,” says Kanako Morita, Concierge Team Leader at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. “When it was sakura season, my father and I used to walk Philosophy Path among the beautiful cherry blossoms and then go up to Mount Daimonji for a half-hour of hiking,” he says. Looking down at the view of Kyoto city from the top of the mountain in spring weather with my family is an absolute favourite memory.”

The Hotel itself has 37 of the flowering trees in its pond garden, and a number of ways to salute the season, such as the delightful Floral and Honey Afternoon Tea.

See spring in full bloom in Kyoto

Discover More

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PhotoFeed (@photofeed_1)

Botanicals and Beauty in India

Come spring, the bright flowers that give India’s Silicon Valley its other nickname, the Garden City, put on a spectacular show. You’ll see the asymmetrical mauve and pink blossoms of the purple bauhinia, as well as Indian laburnum, or golden shower trees, with their cascading branches of bright yellow flowers.

“A morning walk in Lalbagh Botanical Garden or Cubbon Park is always wondrous,” says Siddhant Chalke, Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru. “Just strolling through the trees – some of which are very interesting and ancient – brings joy.”

To help guests celebrate this season of renewal, the Hotel has launched a special wellness experience. The Flower at Four Seasons program is “inspired by fragrances of marigold, rose, geranium and jasmine, which you might encounter on the garden walks in Bangalore’s iconic neighbourhoods,” says Spa Manager Minu Budhatoki. “The treatment is a full-body massage that guests adore. It starts as a sensuous journey and leaves you feeling joyfully uplifted. Our wellness experts can release knotted muscles but also help heal stress in a serene environment.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sunshine (@sunshine.glam)

Baseball and Blooms in Chicago

To hear Kristen Klus, Guest Manager & Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, tell it, the Windy City is completely transformed when winter ends. “Spring is my favourite season, as the sunshine invigorates Chicagoans and gets the city inspired,” she says. “You see this resurgence of vitality – people are biking, walking and kayaking on the lake.”

The season is on full display at the Hotel, where a special afternoon tea offers a botanical escape high above Michigan Avenue. Enjoy elevated bites and sweet treats crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Juan Gutierrez – winner of the Netflix special School of Chocolate.”

Spring can be seen and heard in other areas of the city: The roar of snow plow motors is replaced by the cheers of White Sox and Chicago Cubs fans, rooting for their favourite teams. And by early April, visitors can see a bold wave of colour along Michigan Avenue as the season’s tulips blossom and greet the world.

Feel refreshed in Chicago

Discover More

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stephen Lloyd (@stephen_lloyd)

Spring Renewal and Whale Watching on Lanai

Spring is all about renewal. Nourish your mind and body at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. The brand’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat aims to start guests on a journey to greater well-being with the help of Sensei Guides and customized programming, including wellness consultations, spa treatments in a private hale, fitness classes, lectures and healthy meals. Whether you’re looking to rest or recharge after a momentous occasion, reset your health or spend quality time with loved ones, Sensei’s botanical art gardens and tropical mountain setting are the ideal backdrop, offering a unique place for discover and renewal.

Focus on wellness on Lanai

Check Rates & Availability

At the oceanfront Four Seasons Resort Lanai, fine-tune your golf game with a Trackman session at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course. Or enjoy a beverage and delicious pupus – appetizers – aboard the Resort’s catamaran, during a sunset cruise along the scenic coastline. It’s also a chance to spot spinner dolphins, turtles and humpback whale spouts. “Through April, the channels that run between Lanai, Maui and Molokai are some of the best waters in the world for whale watching,” says Captain Ricky Etrata. “The crew even has a hydrophone on board so guests can listen as the whales sing to each other.”

Play outside on Lanai

Discover More

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

What’s your ideal spring break?

Cityscape

On Top of the World: Get a Glimpse
into Four Seasons Penthouses

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

It’s no secret that some of the best views are from the top. The ideal spot to get a bird’s-eye look at the world? From a Four Seasons Private Residences penthouse. From Mumbai to Los Angeles, Four Seasons penthouses offer enviable amenities and breathtaking vistas, plus the privacy, security and comfort you expect from Four Seasons. These penthouses are the crowning glory of a property, offering bespoke finishes, luxury furnishings, personalized services and, of course, show-stopping panoramas.

Tap or click a photo to launch slideshow

A landmark address in Los Angeles

Legendary Beverly Hills, the sun-drenched Hollywood Hills and the Pacific Ocean: The views from the penthouse at Four Seasons Private Residences Los Angeles are nothing short of spectacular.

But this Private Residence isn’t just perfectly positioned for stunning views. The home’s location in the heart of the city means live entertainment, outdoor adventure and fine dining are all within easy reach, from the world-class shopping of the Melrose District and the city’s notable art museums to the iconic Santa Monica Pier and the trendy bars and restaurants downtown. Surrounded by the city’s iconic landmarks, the 12,600-square-foot penthouse is the height of Southern California living – a private sanctuary in the sky, offering a blank canvas for the homeowner to make their own. Also included: exclusive direct elevator access, a private six-car garage, and a private 6,000-square-foot Richard Neutra-inspired rooftop garden boasting a swimming pool and 360-degree look at the city below. The professional-grade kitchen, four balconies and a dedicated Four Seasons team make entertaining – or simply enjoying the view – effortless.

Tap or click a photo to launch slideshow

Sky-high luxury in Mumbai

Centrally located in the heart of the exciting Worli district, Four Seasons Private Residences Mumbai is surrounded by some of the city’s most sought-after landmarks – the Mahalaxmi Race course, the Willingdon Golf Course, the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Overlooking it all is the penthouse, a secluded haven.

Spread over 6,500 square feet, the penthouse floor plan can be customized to suit every member of the family. The living area’s 25-foot ceilings offer stunning 360-degree views of the city and the majestic Arabian Sea – the ideal spot to watch the sun set over the skyline. The large master bedroom is a calming oasis in the centre of the city, spaciously secluded from the penthouse’s other bedrooms, with a spa-like master bathroom. The soundproof, low-emissivity façade, with large openable windows in every room and a deck attached to the living area, offers natural light and ventilation across the entire apartment. The penthouse also offers access to world-class amenities, including an urban garden surrounding the tower, in the style of a traditional Persian walled garden and featuring an elevated pool, outdoor barbecue area and a children’s play garden. Other amenities include an on-site art gallery; a Residents Club with a lounge, a media room, a gym and a private boardroom/dining room; and a luxury yacht-inspired rooftop lounge and outdoor cinema. Four Seasons Private Residences Mumbai – and its crowning achievement, the penthouse – set a new standard for luxury living in the city.

Tap or click a photo to launch slideshow

Historic elegance in San Francisco

From the top floors of the 510-foot tower rising over the city, the penthouses at Four Seasons Private Residences at 706 Mission, San Francisco are an artful escape overlooking the renowned Yerba Buena Gardens. The residential-only property puts the focus on homeowners, who enjoy privileged access to The Club, the tower’s amenity floor, with its lounge, outdoor terrace, dining room, game room, library and wellness centre. A Wine Program Director is on hand to host private wine chats, while the property’s Art Program Director is available for a guided tour of exhibitions at the nearby Museum of Modern Art – the personalized service expected from Four Seasons.

Inspired by the historic Aronson Building, which anchors the property, the four storeys of penthouses at 706 Mission reflect the glamour of 1930s craftsmanship. With four penthouses per floor, each home offers room to spread out – and corner views from all the main living areas. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled views of the gardens below, while sprawling terraces transform rooftops into retreats, ideal for sunning or socializing. The pinnacle of these elegant homes: the two-level Grand Penthouse, with 10,000 square feet of living space and 4,000 square feet of outdoor space – a design first for the city’s penthouses.

Tap or click a photo to launch slideshow

A new spirit in Nashville

Southern hospitality meets art and culture in Music City. The new Four Seasons Private Residences Nashville is perfectly positioned to oversee the growth of “new” Nashville – a growing downtown offering upscale experiences, a burgeoning foodie scene, booming business growth, vibrant live music and entertainment.

Take it all in from the top in the Grand Penthouse: Spread across the entire 40th floor, this extraordinary 9,284-square-foot space boasts 360-degree views of the city, two outdoor terraces, meticulous craftsmanship and rare finishes. Gaze out over the city from the living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows or relax with in-residence food delivery. A Residential Concierge is on hand to take care of all the details, from arranging housekeeping to stocking the kitchen – it’s urban living at its most luxurious.

Tap or click a photo to launch slideshow

Oceanfront luxury in Fort Lauderdale

On South Florida’s beautiful Atlantic shores and just north of Miami lies Fort Lauderdale, described as the “Yachting Riviera” because of its easy access to the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Four Seasons Private Residences Fort Lauderdale is just moments away from prestigious deep-water marinas and other attractions, like the buzzy boutiques and trendy restaurants found on palm-lined Las Olas Boulevard.

They’re all just steps away from the 19,000-square-foot penthouse – though its private gym, home theatre, and 7,000-square-foot private rooftop park with pool and putting green might be reason to stay in. Designed by Miami-based architect Kobi Karp, the space offers room to work and to play, complemented by plenty of natural light and accented by British designer Tara Bernerd’s signature use of colour and texture. Fort Lauderdale’s laid-back yachting lifestyle is evident in the fully equipped designer kitchen, with custom lacquered millwork cabinetry and antique bronze fittings. The signature service that Four Seasons is famous for is evident, with a dedicated Concierge available around the clock to take care of the penthouse – and the owner’s yacht, arranging catering, maintenance and ground transportation to or from the vessel. Closer to home, a Four Seasons Beach Butler is on hand in the sand to offer a towel or refreshing drink.

Find your perfect private residence

Discover More

Perfectly Private

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

As a new season arrives, many of us are longing to explore new places: snow-covered mountaintops, tropical jungles, sun-warmed beaches or bustling cities. And whatever destination or timetable you may have in mind, opting for Four Seasons Villa & Residence Rentals offers the chance to focus more fully on savouring your experience and your time with family or friends. Our curiosity about the world beyond our doorstep may call each of us to travel in different ways and at different times, but whether you’re packing now, planning for a bit later or just pondering the possibilities for an epic future journey, Four Seasons can tailor a private getaway just for you.

Bal 1310 970x540

Wake to breakfast in a traditional Balinese villa.

An Easy Escape

Urban staycation or resort holiday. Costa Rica or Kyoto, Bali or Bora Bora, or as close to home as you like. One bedroom or seven. As families and friends look for inspiring and easy-to-book opportunities to get away or reunite, Four Seasons villas and residences welcome guests to settle into the perfect privacy of a vacation home brought to life by legendary service. Before and during your stay, your on-site team will handle all the details; you can opt to have them stock your kitchen with your favourite foods and arrange everything exactly as you like. You’re free to explore the property and destination or have tastes of the place brought directly to you.

Kyo 770 970x540

Gaze out across the garden sanctuary from your secluded luxury residence in Kyoto.

Bor 1513 970x540

Easily step from your bungalow to the beach in Bora Bora.

Cor 065 970x540

Raise a glass to your time together in Costa Rica.

A long private pool and lounge area lined with tropical trees

Spend the day by the tranquil waters of your infinity pool in Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

Uniquely Yours

From sunset cocktail parties to chef-prepared dinners and spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, the Four Seasons Villa & Residence Rentals collection offers all the privacy and comforts of home you need to reconnect with family and loved ones. Enjoy total relaxation at Villa Rose-Pierre in Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat: The private villa, tucked away in the pines and overlooking the Mediterranean, comes with a full staff to help you make the most of your stay. You and your guests can spend the day lounging by the villa’s private pool, sunbathing in the garden or playing a round of tennis on the private court. Then end the day with aperitifs on the rooftop terrace, toasting the time you spent together.

Ghf 1828 Ghf 1755 970x540

Enjoy the glamour of the French Riviera at Villa Rose-Pierre in Cap Ferrat.

An Urban Oasis

Your residence is the ideal starting point to explore one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Set out from Ten Trinity Square – a landmark address in the heart of London – to experience the city’s historic past and its exciting future. Explore Tower Bridge and the Tower of London – including an exclusive tour of the Crown Jewels – sample flavours from all over the world at Borough Market, one of the oldest food markets in London, and check out the buzzy South Bank, home to London’s best arts and culture venue: You’re perfectly positioned to experience the best the city has to offer. Afterwards, return home to sip afternoon tea under the beautiful domed ceiling of the Hotel’s Rotunda Bar or savour a Michelin-starred meal in your private dining room. Other cities to explore include Houston and Hangzhou.

Tri 946 970x540

Your residence is perfectly positioned among the landmarks of London.

Hfs 1001 970x540

Experience Texas hospitality just a stone’s throw from Houston’s major sporting and cultural venues.

Han 103 970x540

Sample traditional flavours during a tea ceremony in the water garden of your private villa, or set out to explore West Lake by bike: Hangzhou is yours to explore.

An Adventure Awaits

Picture yourself and your family relaxing après-ski by the stone fireplace in your spacious mountain-view retreat in Vail. After a day spent outdoors in the fresh air and natural beauty, the kids sip hot cocoa while the adults warm up with a mixologist-led discovery of rare whiskeys from the Resort’s Private Barrel program. Tomorrow you can sample an adventure that captures your curiosity, perhaps snowshoeing or snowmobiling across backcountry terrain. With personal ski services and a dedicated Concierge, you’ll have time to see and do as much (or as little) as you like. Other options include private residences in Jackson Hole and Whistler.

Whi 863 X Bop 511 Collage

Sip a cup of hot cocoa in your luxury mountain residence in Whistler.

Discover Paradise

If your thoughts drift instead to an oceanside sanctuary, imagine an escape to Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, comfortably secluded yet only minutes from South Beach and a half hour from downtown Miami. Embrace indoor-outdoor living and unwind with your loved ones amid the calming blue and green coastal tones of interiors by sought-after designer Joseph Dirand. Relax with a spa treatment on your expansive balcony or with floor-to-ceiling windows bathing you in warm light and ocean views. To explore land- and seascapes beyond the Hotel, sail off on a private yacht excursion. Prefer a West Coast retreat? Soak up a SoCal feel in the coastal community of Carlsbad, a half hour from San Diego, at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara.

Mfl 635 970x540

Savour the glamour of The Surf Club in an oceanfront residential suite.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will you discover next?

Hotel on beach

The Healing Power of Sleep

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

There’s a good reason we spend up to a third of our lives in bed: a direct link between sleep and health.

Long before science confirmed the health benefits of sleep, cultural traditions around the world recognized the healing properties of rest. For instance, Ayurvedic medicine, a centuries-old practice rooted in India, links overall happiness with your quality and quantity of sleep, says Dr Michael Breus, a Los Angeles–based clinical psychologist and fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

If standard sleep hygiene practices like limiting screen time, caffeine and alcohol before bed aren’t working for you, ensure your space is optimized for sleep – our signature collection has been refined over decades in partnership with experts – and try embracing some of these rituals from cultures around the globe. 

 

Ayurvedic Spa 970x540

India

The practice of Ayurveda embraces the idea that each person has a unique constitution made up of three doshas (energies): vata, pitta and kapha. It would follow that each of us has different sleep habits, Breus says. In Ayurvedic medicine, sleep problems often arise from an imbalance of energies in the body. Insomnia is caused by excess vata and pitta energies. Excess kapha is associated with oversleeping. And when pitta is out of balance it can lead to intense dreaming. Learning your dominant dosha by working with an Ayurvedic practitioner can provide insight into your sleep habits.

“In Ayurveda, nidra (sleep) is considered to be one of the three key pillars of life,” says Sunil Narang, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. “Ayurvedic bodywork is an ancient, powerful tool to achieve a state of well-being by bringing forth a harmonious balance of body, mind and soul.” The Spa at the Hotel offers two Ayurvedic treatments that aid in a good night’s sleep. Uzhichil is performed on the traditional Ayurvedic wooden massage table. This ancient technique uses warm, medicated Triphala oil in long, soothing strokes to relieve aching muscles and encourage sound sleep. The classic Ayurvedic therapy Shirodhara commences with a relaxing back and shoulder massage, followed by a warm oil poured on the forehead.

“Herbal oil being gently poured over the forehead in a steady stream or flow is a widely practiced treatment in Ayurveda that helps in improving sleep quality,” Narang says. “It is typically used to relax the nervous system and treat stress, anxiety and insomnia.”

Fsh 1932 970x540

Egypt

Ancient Egyptians used to soak their blankets in water before bed to keep cool at night. “Lowering the body temperature at night helps you fall asleep and stay asleep,” Breus says. “Rising temperature signals the body to move into a state of alertness in the morning.” If you’re going to take a hot shower, do it two to three hours before bed so your body has time to cool. To follow up, he suggests a cooling mattress pad and quality sheets and blankets: “Natural fibres are best and most comfortable.”

As for those wet blankets, though it may be hard to imagine finding them comforting, Breus says the weight of a soaked blanket could induce a sense of calm: “Studies have shown that weighted blankets help reduce anxiety and stress and can create a sense of relaxation that helps people fall asleep.”

Inspired by ancient Egyptian body rituals, the Cleopatra Bath Ritual at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is a luxurious milk bath. Honey, rose petals and essential oils soothe and ease muscle tension and prepare the body for a massage and a peaceful, deep sleep.

A woman being given a massage

China

Scientific studies have shown a direct benefit for sleep from reflexology, an ancient form of touch therapy in which pressure is applied to points on the body. “Pressure points also connect to different physiological functions, including sleep,” Breus says. Specific reflex points related to sleep include the top of the toes, a point on the outer side of the big toe, the ridges of the toes and a point at the ball of the foot.

In addition to reflexology techniques, the Spas at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen and Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake use a massage oil based on eaglewood, the dark resinous heartwood of Aquilaria trees. “Eaglewood was prized in ancient China for its calming qualities,” says Nicole Ni, Spa Supervisor at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen. “We use it in our spa treatments to help relax and alleviate stress, resulting in calmer and longer sleep.”

Sleep Story Bath 970x540

Bali

Studies show a 30-minute afternoon nap combined with moderate exercise in the evening helps improve sleep. “There’s a biological reason you’re usually tempted to take naps in the afternoon,” Breus says. “Our bodies are designed to take long stretches of sleep at night, followed by a brief midday rest. The best time to take a nap is between 1:00 and 3:00 pm, when your body temperature drops and your melatonin levels rise.” Nappers, he says, reap the benefits of greater concentration, enhanced memory, better mood and improved physical performance.

Ibu Fera, Wellness Mentor at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, created a signature experience called The Sacred Nap. Instead of snoozing in bed or in a poolside lounger, you’re suspended from the ceiling of the bamboo Dharma Shanti Bale in an aerial silk hammock, cocooned in the tranquillity of the Sayan Valley. You’ll feel your entire body relax and rock gently to sleep in the womblike cocoon as Fera tells you a bedtime story about the life of Buddha. “I was inspired to create the Sacred Nap while I was rocking my own baby to sleep,” Fera says. “Most of us have forgotten how good it felt to be rocked to sleep and have somebody read you a bedtime story or sing a lullaby. I combine this with telling the life story of Buddha and chanting various mantras that I learned when I was a Buddhist nun for seven years. The soothing sound of the singing bowl offers more sacred energy for this experience.”

Woman walks through a hallway holding a tray with a mural on the wall

Mexico

In many parts of the world, dreamtime is a special place where the body and mind go on a healing journey. Luis Molina, Spa Director at Apuane Spa at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, says the Sueño (Dream) Journey is based on the ancestral belief that we live two lives – one while awake and one while dreaming – with a strong connection between the two. This 100-minute ritual replicates the dream sequence, creating a harmonious and peaceful experience.

At Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas™, the Spa’s signature Restore Your Mind treatment balances energy points and chakras by utilizing relaxing massage techniques during a full-body exfoliation. The treatment ends with Shirodhara – the Ayurvedic pour of warm herbal oil onto the forehead’s “third eye” chakra – followed by a gentle scalp massage, inviting a sense of holistic balance and inner peace. “A good night’s sleep is the foundation of overall well-being,” says Lina Morales, Spa Director at the Resort. “It allows the body to recover and cells to renew, and it improves the immune system – which is especially important right now.”

 

Phl 385 970x540

Four Seasons By Design

Posted on by Scott Masters Pierce

Over the past decade, the aesthetic of Four Seasons has evolved from a more traditional design language of flower patterns and chintzes to a contemporary, clean-lined look that evokes serenity.


Tokyo Fs By Design 1024x683

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

The catalyst for the shift: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi. Toronto-based firm Yabu Pushelberg eschewed excessive colour and pattern when designing the Hotel in 2002 and instead embraced Japanese minimalism. The clean sensibility of the rooms created a feeling of calm that resonated with travellers seeking home-away-from-home comfort.


Toronto Fs By Design 1024x683 Copy

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

In 2013, Yabu Pushelberg drew on that minimalism when it masterminded the look of Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. The room was deeply restful – rich in materials, quality and execution – with a neutral palette. That Hotel was the continuation of a design journey to create the room of the future, something that speaks to all guest needs. 

The design team consulted scientific research to better understand how a guest feels in a room, and used that information in a thoughtful interpretation of luxury. The traditional rectangular desk was replaced by a round activity table with two chairs, because most people now work from laptops or iPads while lounging in their room.

A master light switch was placed beside every bed so that a guest wouldn’t have to get up out of bed to turn off lights. Each guest room would feel like a sanctuary – a place to rest and recharge – whereas public spaces, such as restaurants and bars, would energize guests and encourage conversation. 


Vail Design

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

To likewise enliven its space, the lobby bar at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail was moved from a corner hidden behind the concierge desk to the centre of the lobby in the Hotel’s main entry. The move transformed a rarely used space into a social hub, not just for guests but also for the community.

 


Private Jet Design

The New Four Seasons Private Jet

Renderings courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; Illustration courtesy Sylvain Mariat

Similarly, the new Four Seasons Private Jet, a custom-outfitted Airbus A321neo, will offer its 48 passengers the energy of a standing social area where guests can connect with one another as well as with a rotating crew of mixologists, chefs and other experts. On a flight from Geneva to Paris, for example, a master sommelier could introduce guests to rare vintages from the regions on the itinerary.


Philadelphia Fs By Design 1024x683

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

The design ethos today is more minimal, but it’s far from cold and spare, and a high priority is a sense of place. Set atop the 1,121-foot (341-metre) Comcast Technology Center, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center has been a fixture of the city’s skyline only since 2019.

Designed by Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the Hotel reminds guests of the city’s long-standing reputation as a hub of art and ideas. Extending across the ceiling and up the stairs, artist Jenny Holzer’s For Philadelphia is a moving installation of nine electronic displays; the words of poets, architects, visionaries and children express the spirit of the city and flow colourfully throughout the space. In the vast atrium is the largest public art commission by British artist Conrad Shawcross, Exploded Paradigm, in which the artist explores the pyramid-shaped tetrahedron and its possibilities.


Ftlauderdale

Four Seasons Private Residences Fort Lauderdale

Rendering courtesy Tara Bernerd & Partners

The Fort Lauderdale and Los Cabos properties, as well as the restored hotel in Athens, are now the standard-bearers for fusing the new design vision with roots in place and history. Longtime Four Seasons interiors collaborator Meyer Davis has been tasked with bringing Athens’ landmark Astir Palace back to its 1960s heyday.

British designer Tara Bernerd was chosen to design Fort Lauderdale for her ability to engage the guest with beautiful yet surprising, quirky touches while hitting all the notes of functionality. Since Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the southern United States, Bernerd drew on nautical inspiration as a framework. The coastal area is set to become Miami’s Riviera, and the design scheme for the building has to be timeless.

“We harkened back to the golden age of Chris-Craft yachts and capri pants, where we sought to evoke the elegance and sophistication of the era,” Bernerd says. “This led us to choose a patterned travertine floor with exquisite polished joinery details paired with mid-century furniture and a calm, fresh palette. However, the key here is not to be too literal with any of our influences, so that the design feels more organic, as if it has been there forever.”


Loscabos Fs By Design 1024x683

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

The new Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas feels like a natural extension of its surrounding landscape and respectfully reflects Mexican architectural tradition – no terracotta tile roofs or plaster walls. “All of the work draws from a distillation of the building culture – especially the materiality and integration of plantings and colour,” says Scott Glass of Guerin Glass Architects. His team used geometry and texture to harness the local landscape and the views of the sea and mountains, deliberately keeping the scale of the buildings small to better integrate with the topography.

The goal is for the design to enrich the travel experience. At Four Seasons, every hotel and resort is designed with intention, anchored in place, comfortable for guests, effortlessly luxurious and seamlessly wired for the modern traveller.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Discover a new world of design.

Taxi sign in city