{"id":153133,"date":"2022-01-16T17:45:52","date_gmt":"2022-01-16T22:45:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/?p=153133"},"modified":"2025-06-03T10:48:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T14:48:09","slug":"world-of-wonder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/discover\/world-of-wonder\/","title":{"rendered":"World of Wonder"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From rolling green hills to staggering peaks and sparkling blue seas, the world is full of beautiful places. But some spots are truly spectacular \u2013 with awe-inspiring beauty and gravitas that stop us in our tracks and leave us forever changed. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s a visit to one of the Wonders of the World \u2013 new, natural or ancient \u2013 or a step back through time at a UNESCO World Heritage site, Four Seasons can help you discover some of the world\u2019s most bucket list\u2013worthy landmarks. Get a bird\u2019s-eye view of the Great Wall of China in Beijing or reflect on the mysteries of the ancient Sphinx in Cairo as you dine like Egyptian royalty: Four Seasons offers exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will give you a new perspective on the world.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Great Wall of China<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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Begun in the seventh century BC as a defence against nomadic groups and expanded over the centuries by subsequent emperors, the Great Wall of China today stretches 21,196 km (13,170 miles) across China\u2019s forest-covered northern borders and mountains. Declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wall is a staggering feat of architectural engineering. One of the best-preserved sections is the Mutianyu segment, constructed of slabs of granite and featuring 23 watchtowers fully restored to their Ming dynasty glory. Get a rare aerial glimpse<\/a> of the iconic landmark during a private helicopter tour arranged by <\/span>Four Seasons Hotel Beijing<\/span><\/a> \u2013 the perfect way to fully take in the majestic structure\u2019s scale and grandeur. Afterwards, hike the area\u2019s verdant woods with an expert guide, who will explain the wall\u2019s rich and complicated history, and end your adventure with a picnic lunch served atop the Great Wall itself. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Hoi An: A UNESCO Trifecta<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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The <\/span>ancient seaport of Hoi An is perfectly positioned in the heart of Vietnam\u2019s history. Wander the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient City; explore the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, one of the region\u2019s most important Hindu temple complexes; and discover the sprawling Imperial City of Hue: The UNESCO World Heritage sites<\/a> are all within easy reach of <\/span><\/span>Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai)<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span> Tour Hoi An’s Central Market with a local guide<\/span>, <\/span>stopping to appreciate the assembly hall of Phuoc <\/span>Kien<\/span>, built in 1692 by Chinese merchants in <\/span>honour<\/span> of sea goddess <\/span>Thien<\/span> Hau<\/span>, and learn the stories of the pagoda-covered Japanese Bridge, one of the city\u2019s most photographed landmarks. At My Son Sanctuary, <\/span>venture into the valley to see <\/span>71 monuments spread across the valley, flanked by the three holy mountains and the sacred river. <\/span>Tour this<\/span> ancient place of worship <\/span>\u2013<\/span> the burial place of <\/span>Champa<\/span> kings<\/span> \u2013 and then head to the triple-walled Imperial City of Hue<\/span>, once Vietnam\u2019s political, <\/span>cultural<\/span> and religious <\/span>centre<\/span>. Marvel at the octagonal <\/span>Thien<\/span> Mu <\/span>Pagoda, or<\/span> opt for a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River. Afterwards, return to the Resort and reflect on your day of discovery as you gaze over the East Sea from the tiered infinity pool.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \"Petra <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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The Lost City of Petra <\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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Few places are as aesthetically dramatic as Petra, an ancient city carved with exquisite detail into the towering red sandstone walls and sweeping sand dunes that ripple through Jordan\u2019s Wadi Rum desert. When you emerge from the narrow, winding canyon known as the <\/span><\/span>Siq<\/span><\/span> and catch your first glimpse of Petra\u2019s iconic Treasury protruding from the rock, you\u2019ll understand why the lost city is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Whether you\u2019re using <\/span><\/span>Four Seasons Hotel Amman<\/span><\/span><\/a> as your home base, or are passing through on the Ancient Explorer itinerary<\/a> aboard the <\/span><\/span>Four Seasons Private Jet<\/span><\/span><\/a>, you\u2019ll experience unparalleled access to this 2,000-year-old city and the surrounding desert. Enjoy a thrilling 4×4 excursion through the dunes, or opt for a slower pace with a ride on a camel. Our <\/span>favourite<\/span> way to admire the stunning scenery? A Bedouin-style dinner around a fire, marvelling at the star-studded desert sky.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Colourful Baa Atoll <\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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To complement your adventures on land and in the air, turn to the sparkling blue waters of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It\u2019s home to one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean \u2013 and <\/span><\/span>Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru<\/span><\/span><\/a>. Swim with whale sharks and manta rays, explore the vibrant reefs, and even work towards PADI Open Water certification with the help of expert scuba instructors. Or join a team of passionate marine biologists from the Resort\u2019s Marine Discovery Centre<\/a> as they help repair the reef, track manta rays and rehabilitate Maldivian sea turtles \u2013 hands-on opportunities to help preserve this unique and vital ecosystem. The reefs alone are populated by more than 1,000 species of fish. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Storied Acropoli<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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Imagine standing in one of the world\u2019s most famous archaeological sites, surrounded by history: The Acropolis in Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy, medicine and art, and the mythical home of the gods. Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city, the 2,500-year-old Acropolis includes several iconic structures, like the Parthenon and the temple Athena Nike. See them all during a private tour with an archaeologist from the Acropolis Museum, arranged by <\/span><\/span>Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.<\/span><\/span><\/a> Explore the museum, then enjoy an exclusive visit to the historic compound. Afterwards, return to the Hotel for a spa treatment inspired by the ancient teachings of Hippocrates or a Michelin-starred dinner at <\/span>Pelagos<\/span>, named for the Greek word for ocean and serving a bounty of fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean Sea.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Pyramids of Giza <\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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As the sole survivor from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids of Giza are on most <\/span>travellers\u2019<\/span> lists of must-see destinations. Mysterious and majestic, the pyramids are a legendary symbol of Egypt\u2019s 7,000-year history. Venture into the desert for a dinner fit for a pharaoh, arranged by <\/span><\/span>Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza<\/span><\/span><\/a>: Watch colourful lights play over the Sphinx and the pyramids<\/span> before you head to a private tent for a meal tailored to your tastes<\/a> and served by a Four Seasons chef. Live performances of some of Egypt\u2019s greatest musical works and a private<\/span> show of the whirling tanoura dance round out this unforgettable evening. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A World Geopark <\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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Ride the steepest cable car in the world, paddle a kayak through a tangle of mangroves, hike the rainforest in search of dusky leaf monkeys or one of the island\u2019s 190 species of birds: When you stay at <\/span>Four Seasons Resort Langkawi,<\/span><\/a> you\u2019re never at a loss for adventure. Nestled within Southeast Asia\u2019s first UNESCO Global Geopark \u2013 defined as geographical areas where important sites and landscapes are managed with an eye on protection, education and sustainability \u2013 the Resort can arrange experiences<\/a> on land, sea and air at its <\/span>Geopark Discovery Centre<\/span><\/a>. The centre\u2019s on-site team of naturalists can fill you in on the region\u2019s diverse habitats and rock formations, as well as the flora and fauna that call them home. At the end of a full day, retreat to your private Malay-style pavilion or villa, stop first at or the beachside Quiet Pool to refresh and recharge.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Why Pick Just One? <\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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Unforgettable moments await when you lift off aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet<\/a>. Travel the globe in style, following carefully curated itineraries that take you to some of the world\u2019s most iconic landmarks. Explore Easter Island, Petra and the Great Barrier Reef \u2013 all UNESCO World Heritage sites \u2013 on the <\/span>Ancient Explorers<\/span><\/a> journey. Head to Victoria Falls in Zambia (one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World), the pyramids of Giza and the glories of Athens, stops on the <\/span>African Wonders<\/span><\/a> trip. Or explore the Americas and Antarctica on <\/span>Uncharted Discovery,<\/span><\/a> with stops at both a New Wonder (Machu Picchu) and a Natural Wonder (Iguaz\u00fa Falls). Whenever you tap into your sense of wonder, the entire world becomes ripe for exploration.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE<\/h2>\n

Where will your sense of wonder take you next?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\"Three <\/picture>\n

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