The Culture Cut: A Museum Opening, the Return of Gold, and Other Spottings from Around the World

Heads up: there’s a new gold rush coming; the Middle East is the hot place to be for art lovers; and Hawaii has two just-opened, must-try sushi restaurants. Here’s what’s on our radar from the world of art, culture, style, and fine dining.

See

Richard Serra in Qatar
Serra’s East-West/West-East sculpture.  Photograph by Iwan Baan, courtesy of Qatar Museums.

Art in the Desert: Extraordinary public art pops up all over Qatar’s capital city of Doha—home to both Four Seasons Hotel Doha and Four Seasons Resort and Residences at the Pearl-Qatar. But two unexpected monumental sculptures are worth seeking out in the country’s remote desert. Richard Serra’s steel monoliths loom over the sands of the Brouq Nature Reserve, while Olafur Eliasson’s Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day in Al Zubarah uses mirrors and metal rings to create a disorienting yet dazzling experience. —Nicola Chilton  

Cascading Roses at the Frick
Porcelain roses at the Frick. Photograph by Joseph Coscia Jr./The Frick Collection.

The Frick Collection: The storied New York City museum has emerged from a glorious renovation of its Beaux-Arts building and gardens, welcoming visitors to the second floor for the first time and featuring an exhibit of porcelain flower works by sculptor Vladimir Kanevsky. Located on East 70th Street between Madison and Fifth avenues, the esteemed museum is just blocks away from Four Seasons Hotel New York City. 

Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum

Grand Egyptian Museum: After a partial debut last fall, the GEM celebrates its highly anticipated full opening this November. Housing more than 100,000 artifacts, including a colossal statue of Ramses II, and affording panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza, the archaelogical institution located outside Cairo will finally unveil the Tutankhamun Galleries, featuring thousands of items laid to rest with the boy king (he was nine years old when he assumed the throne) and displaying them together under one roof for the first time. —NC 

Eat

Komo at Four Seasons Resort Maui
Komo at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Island Fresh: Two sublime sushi spots recently debuted in Hawaii. Graced with the Hawaiian name for a subspecies of the black noddy seabird, the Big Island-based Noio is an intimate space perched above Four Seasons Resort Hualālai’s ‘Ulu restaurant. Chef Nuri Piccio’s delectable creations range from Japanese Wagyu tempura and sake-steamed chicken to the crown jewel, a seven-course omakase experience. For the new restaurant Komo—inside Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea—the Tokyo-born chef Kiyokuni Ikeda flies in a selection of fresh seafood each week from Japan’s Misaki Megumi Suisan. Komo’s signature Mystery Box is a choice way to experience Ikeda’s masterful, precise method with nigiri while enjoying the element of discovery. 

Shop

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1908
Rolex’s Perpetual 1908

Gold Watches: After years of stainless steel being the metal of choice for luxury watches (think steely examples of the Rolex Daytona, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and Patek Philippe Nautilus), the tide is shifting to designs crafted in precious metals, especially gold. At this year’s Oscars, Timothée Chalamet, Sebastian Stan, Kieran Culkin, and Robert Downey Jr. brandished gold timepieces on the red carpet, and sale prices of pre-owned gold watches are on the rise. In Switzerland at the recent Watches and Wonders fair, standout watches gleamed in timeless gold, among them Rolex’s stunning new Perpetual 1908 dress watch and Chopard’s latest L.U.C model featuring a sublime astronomical moon-phase display. —Degen Pener 

Versace La Vacanza
Sneakers from Versace’s new summer collection

Versace’s La Vacanza Collection: Seaside chic enjoys a maximalist interpretation in the Italian label’s new summer fashions. Dario Vitale, the brand’s chief creative officer, has rendered iconic Versace motifs in sea and sand hues to create must-haves, like the Mercury M_VS_01 Sneakers (shown), that epitomize casual glamour. Versace supports the reef restoration efforts of the Coral Gardeners nonprofit in French Polynesia. —Laurie Brookins 

Saint-Louis Twist Collection
Saint-Louis’s Twist collection

Elegant Stemware: Saint-Louis—crystal glassmaker since 1586 in France’s Moselle département—has released a collaboration with Nicolas Julhès, co-founder of Distilllerie de Paris, which crafts gin, vodka, and rum in the French capital. The new Twist 1586 collection includes a decanter and long-stemmed glasses with Venetian ribs that guide the liquid to the mouth. —LB  

Spa

Four Seasons Bali at Sayan
A sacred nap at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Bali Bliss: The Indonesian island known for yoga retreats and spa escapes is more attuned to well-being than ever before, thanks to a new six-night immersion across two distinctive Four Seasons resorts. The escape draws inspiration from the fundamental Balinese concepts of sekala, the tangible or visible, and niskala, the intangible or invisible. “I see it as an awakening journey,” says regional director of spa Luisa Anderson in reference to The Seen to the Unseen, which takes guests from the oceanfront Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay to Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, located in a river valley near Ubud. The physical body is the primary focus at Jimbaran Bay, where classes and treatments at the Healing Village Spa include AntiGravity yoga, Pilates, massage, volcanic mud masks, ice baths, and infrared therapy. After a transfer to Sayan, guests have their spirits soothed at the Sacred River Spa with chakra ceremonies and mystical therapies, among them the gentle Restu Bumi ritual featuring Balinese instruments such as the gong and the sacred genta bell. Says Anderson, “It feels like Mother Bali cradling me in her arms.” —Kathryn Romeyn 

Weekend Getaways for Couples, Friends and Solo Travellers

Sometimes you only need a quick escape to relax, recharge and find adventure. A few days away can be as refreshing – and low-stress – as an extended holiday, if you know how to plan. Our recommendation: Select a destination within your reach and explore a specific aspect of that place that interests you. Have a history weekend in Washington, DC, or spend two days browsing the antique and vintage shops of Paris. By focusing your short holiday, you’ll spend less time wandering and more time doing what you love.

For inspiration, we’ve selected our top weekend getaways for couples, friends and solo travellers. Pick the one that’s right for you, and all you have to do is pack.


High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is home to a renowned collection that includes 19th and 20th century American and decorative art, modern and contemporary art, European pieces, and African and folk art.

Add to your art collection in Atlanta

Georgia’s capital is known for creativity, and with music moguls, fashion designers and fine artists calling this southern U.S. city home, it’s no wonder the art scene is booming. Stroll through one of Atlanta’s many art festivals and find unique pieces to add to your home collection. Only a few blocks from Piedmont Park, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta puts you within walking distance of two legendary events: the Piedmont Park Arts Festival in late summer and ELEVATE, held in September and October in locations around the city. Contemporary and fine-art galleries are the main attractions in Castleberry Hill and the Westside Arts District. In downtown Atlanta, you could easily spend a full day at the High Museum of Art, one of the country’s leading art museums.

Find your new favourite artist in Atlanta


National Theatre in London

The National Theatre showcases new plays and classic works in its three distinct theatres on London’s South Bank.

Steal a scene from a blockbuster movie in London

London has been the backdrop for countless films and television shows, which means you can easily spend a weekend tracing the steps of your favourite stars. Head to the River Thames for a James Bond–inspired RIB boat ride. After you’ve worked up an appetite, have lunch at the modern brasserie OXO, where scenes from the movie Thor: The Dark World were filmed. Finish the evening with a live performance in West End or at the National Theatre. For a true movie-star experience, let Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane chauffeur you for the weekend in a Rolls-Royce.

Feel like a movie star in London

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The inner courtyard of Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City offers a soothing oasis just steps from the bustling Paseo de la Reforma.

Go bold in Mexico City

Vibrant colours, historic details and futuristic façades are just some of the things you’ll see when exploring Mexico City’s iconic architecture. The verdant inner courtyard at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, a hacienda-style urban oasis along the bustling Paseo de la Reforma, is an excellent place to start. From there, you have at least three unbeatable choices: Set out to explore Luis Barragán’s modernist masterpieces, such as the colourful Casa Gilardi and the architect’s own Casa Luis Barragán. Walk the historic hallways of the 18th-century Castillo Chapultepec, now home to the Museo Nacional de Historia. And take in the shimmering Museo Soumaya, with plenty to marvel at both inside and out.

Tour Mexico City’s icons


Cheese and balsamic vinegar during a wine tasting at Vincigliata Castle, Florence

Make the most of a quick Italian vacation by taking in all of the flavours of Florence during wine tastings, food tours or cooking classes.

Taste Tuscan flavours in Florence

Artistic masterpieces and historical wonders abound in this Renaissance city, but it’s also the perfect place for a culinary escapade. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze can arrange tours of the city’s food markets, Italian cooking classes and even a day trip to countryside vineyards for wine tastings. The food, wine and romance of this city make it an ideal weekend getaway for couples.

Plan a romantic meal in Florence

Barrels In Distillery

Go behind the scenes on a tour of a local distillery and try your hand at blending your own bottle of traditional Tennessee whiskey.

Connect with your creative spirit in Nashville

Nashville is a city of makers. Whether it’s food and drink, design, art or – of course – music, the spirit of creativity can be felt wherever you go. Located in downtown’s SoBro neighbourhood, the new Four Seasons Hotel Nashville (open for booking in November 2022) is the perfect jumping-off point for your weekend getaway. Unlock your own inner artisan when you learn how to blend your own bottle of Tennessee whiskey with a master distiller. Live out your dreams of music stardom by collaborating with a local musician to write your own song. The Hotel can arrange for a recording session to capture the finished product.

Experience the Nashville music scene


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Uncover Sydney’s hidden gems by exploring its vibrant neighbourhoods on foot.

Go on an urban walkabout in Sydney

Sydney’s emerging art scene, trendy shopping districts and legendary coffee culture are well worth exploring, but there are also plenty of gems tucked away among the city’s storied streets that are best experienced on foot. Have the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney arrange for a private guided walking tour of the historic Rocks district and its charming alleyways. Or grab a sandwich to go from the family-owned Fine Foods Store and stroll over to the site of the original Dawes Point Battery under the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a quiet view of the stunning harbour. Another can’t-miss spot: The Grounds of Alexandria, close to the arts district of Surry Hills, serves up some of the city’s best coffee and farm-to-table fare. To end your day with a flourish, schedule a private helicopter ride over the harbour.

Explore Sydney on foot

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A weekend spent in Singapore exploring its deliciously diverse culinary scene is a foodie’s dream come true.

Indulge your senses in Singapore

Care for some savoury Hainanese chicken rice from a stall at Maxwell Food Centre? How about the vegetarian-friendly (and massive) paper dosai at Komala Vilas in Little India? Singapore’s eclectic food scene offers plenty of delicious ways to fill your weekend. Have the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore put together a custom itinerary for your epicurean excursion. And don’t forget to stop by Garden@One-Ninety for its breezy atmosphere, inspired by the nearby Singapore Botanical Gardens, and the fragrant craft cocktails expertly poured by Head Bartender Sophia Kang.

Eat well in Singapore


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Four Seasons Hotel Miami is home to an impressive collection of art that can be seen throughout the Hotel, including pieces by world-renowned Spanish artist Antonio Dominguez de Haro and many more.

Explore the booming Brickell City Centre in Miami

Spend the weekend at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, which is well situated for art and design fans looking to spend time browsing the trendy district’s boutiques, contemporary furniture stores and modern art galleries. Before heading out to cultural mainstays like the bayfront Pérez Art Museum, take in the vibrant art collection at the Hotel, reflecting the city’s mix of influences, from local painter Hernan Bas to Colombian sculptor (and auction favourite) Fernando Botero. Be sure to stop by indoor-outdoor modern steakhouse EDGE Steak & Bar for an aperitif or dinner, and then dance the night away in nearby South Beach, where art deco architecture still dominates the skyline.

Spend a stylish weekend in Miami

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Where will you spend your next weekend away?

Bar Margot in Atlanta