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Love Brings Everyone Together: Luxury Villa Holidays Around the World

Posted on August 31, 2015June 3, 2025 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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Safari Holidays: 7 Days in the Serengeti and the Seychelles

Posted on August 7, 2015May 14, 2019 by Syeda Ali

There’s something mystical about being in the Serengeti, surrounded by a striking silence that’s interrupted only by the wind whistling through your hair, or the roar of a lion in the distance. A short distance away, another untamed paradise awaits. Leave the vast calm of the Serengeti for an island adventure in the Seychelles, a remote archipelago blessed with pristine beaches and lush jungles—the perfect location to complete your holiday in Africa.

A few days on safari followed by an indulgent stay on the beach is the classic African holiday pairing. Experience these two distinct facets of the continent through the seven-day Safari Unplugged itinerary, set in two of the most picturesque Four Seasons retreats. Follow a stint at the luxurious Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti in Serengeti National Park with some pampering on the beach at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: From otherworldly Tanzanian sunrises to kaleidoscopic Indian Ocean sunsets, a Serengeti-and-Seychelles sojourn showcases Eastern Africa at her best.

Day one: Stalking the Big Five in the Serengeti

On African safari, the big five are the must-see animals. Lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo abound in Serengeti National Park.

The drive from the airstrip to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is an adventure in itself: “The 45-minute transfer through the park can sometimes turn into a two-hour game drive. It’s not uncommon to see three or four of the Big Five [lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino] before guests have even reached the lodge,” says Oliver Dreike, manager of the Lodge Discovery Centre. “If migration is under way, it might take even longer—lines and lines of wildebeest cross the road, creating natural roadblocks along the way.”

Once at the Lodge, soothe your weary bones at the Spa, where the signature Kifaa massage incorporates Tanzanian baobab oil to help you re-energise. If there’s still time before your afternoon game drive, go for a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the watering hole—you might even see a few animals from the pool.

Then embark on a thrilling quest to track wildlife in their natural environment. While the famed plains of the Serengeti are aglow in the late-afternoon sun, your skilled guide will point out animals you didn’t even realise were lurking nearby and share personal experiences that will give you a new-found appreciation for the natural realm.

End your evening with a buffet dinner at the Boma Grill, an open-air firepit where you’ll feast on grilled meats and fish or a Zanzibar lobster curry.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

See all you can experience at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

Day two: Exploration on the savannah

Watching the first rays of daylight trickle across the African wilderness as you thrash through the bush on a quest for a wildlife sighting is one of the most meditative experiences you’ll ever have. For a comprehensive vantage point, begin the day with a hot-air balloon safari at dawn.

Once back on solid ground, enjoy breakfast on the savannah before returning to the Lodge, where a visit to the Discovery Centre, the place to learn about the Maasai people and the surrounding wildlife and history, is a must. Stretch your legs with an afternoon guided walking safari to get a closer perspective on the animals than you did in the morning, then end the day with a sunset meditation experience at the Spa.

Day three: Follow the migration

Dining in the Serengeti is a first-class affair during the Bush Dining experience.

Get up bright and early the next morning for an all-day game drive that will take you farther afield than you’ve travelled thus far. Staff will pack you a picnic lunch before you set out in your Land Cruiser at first light.

The direction of the drive depends on the migratory patterns of the season—you might head south, to the expansive Serengeti plains where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth each February; or west, to watch them try to cross the crocodile-populated Grumeti River in April or May; or north to the border with Kenya’s Masai Mara region for the legendary Mara River crossings in August and September.

For your final evening in the Serengeti, the Lodge can arrange a romantic bush dinner under the stars.

Day four: Relaxation

Relax by the pool in the morning and enjoy lunch at Maji Bar and Terrace. Afterwards, embark on a final game drive en route to Seronera Airstrip for a short, scenic flight over the Tanzanian Plains to Arusha, where a relaxed evening amongst the picturesque coffee plantations awaits.

Day five: Paradise bound

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Retreat to an island paradise in the Seychelles, where turquoise waters rejuvenate the body after a few days in the bush.

After a few days in the wild, you’ll be ready to explore some of Mother Nature’s other creations: her finest ocean beaches. Catch sight of Africa’s highest mountain as you board a short flight to Nairobi from from Kilimanjaro Airport. Once in Nairobi, a connecting flight will take you to the Seychelles, arriving at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles by late afternoon.

Here, you’ll stay in one of 67 tree house–inspired villas on a hill verdant with mango, jackfruit and coconut trees—picture a dense jungle cascading down towards sugary white sands. Those sands and the azure waters beyond are, of course, the main event in the Seychelles. As delicious as the Resort’s plush villas (each with its own plunge pool), Spa and restaurants may be, the property’s finest features are the sweeping views that slope to the ocean.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

See all you can experience at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Once you’ve checked in, head straight for the water. Try stand-up paddleboarding or surf lessons, book a diving course, or just go snorkelling. If you’re not ready to get wet just yet, try teeing off instead: At sunset, the Resort’s beach transforms into a driving range where you can sip a cocktail while sending specially designed, biodegradable balls full of fish food flying into the Indian Ocean.

Day six: R&R on the beach in the Seychelles

While your time in the bush was hallmarked by exploration, discovery and activity, the sojourn in the Seychelles is calming, reflective and introspective.

Start the morning with yoga on the beach or at the Spa, followed by a languid breakfast buffet at Zez Restaurant, which is perched on a stunning hillside to offer unobstructed vistas.

To ensure you take home a memorable keepsake, book a painting lesson with local artist Nigel Henri well in advance of your stay. Henri will guide you on a 15-minute hike to the top of a granite plateau, where he’ll help you create your own landscape painting of the ocean expanse below. You can save the canvas as a souvenir, and have postcards made to send home.

Options abound for the rest of the day: Loll by the beach or pool, or, if you’re up for a culinary adventure, try your hand at a Creole cooking class, where Chef Sherla Mathurin will show you how to make octopus salad, Creole fish curry and other local dishes.

Take in the sunset with a cocktail and canapés atop the Spa’s roof, and end your night with a romantic dinner on the beach.

Day seven: Memorable excursion to Mahé

Coco de Mer trees in the Jardin du Roi gardens on Mahé

Trade the baobab trees of the Serengeti for coco de mer trees in the Seychelles.

Spend your last full day on an excursion arranged by the Resort: Choose either a day-long tour of Mahé island in a BMW SUV, which includes a driving tour of the charming capital of Victoria, or a tour of St Anne Marine National Park.

End your stay with dinner back at the Resort’s Kannel, where globally inspired options include Thai beef salad, chicken biryani rice and Singapore-style chilli crab.

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Where is the World’s Best Surfing Destination?

Posted on March 26, 2014October 31, 2019 by Brion O'Connor

Trying to determine the world’s best surf spots is akin to asking a child what his or her favourite ice cream flavour is, often resulting in a resounding “All of them!” Those who love riding the waves can easily find hundreds of great places around the globe to do so. And each region has a prime season, so intrepid surfers must keep on the move to find the “endless wave.”

See our picks below for the best places to hang ten, and then share your own in the comments section below.

North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

Best surfing spots: North Shore in Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu’s North Shore also ranks among the premier surf destinations in the world, thanks to 7 miles (11 kilometres) of pristine beach and astonishingly diverse conditions.