Author: Colleen Mitchell

High-Tech Living & Sustainability in Austin

Posted on by Colleen Mitchell

On the surface, real estate development and environmental stewardship may seem almost antithetical. But for Jonathan Coon, they could not be more intertwined. As the CEO of Austin Capital Partners, Coon is the visionary developer and driving force behind the much talked about Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin, a new luxury residential community located just 20 minutes from downtown Austin.

Set on a secluded hillside overlooking a particularly scenic bend in the lake, it’s hard not to be enchanted by the view. Here the dark-blue waters of Lake Austin, the iconic Pennybacker Bridge, the Austin Country Club PGA golf course, the downtown skyline and 145 acres (59 hectares) of pristine natural landscape all stretch out before you. It’s this view that initially inspired Coon to develop this dream home setting (a place he plans to call home himself) and to be thoroughly invested in making it a sustainable one.


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Where sustainable design and technology meet

Taking cues from modernist architecture that strives to complement its natural surroundings, these 179 residences and nine standalone villas – ranging from 1,900 square-foot (175 square metre) apartments to four- bedroom residences with gardens and pools to sprawling penthouses with 3,000-square-foot (275 square metre) terraces – are all built to last.

But when it comes to environmentally conscious design, the most well-rounded perspective to have is one that looks to the past and the future. None of the buildings, for example, face west – a tried and true way to eliminate being baked by the setting Texas sun. All the residences also feature a floor-through design with deep balconies on either side, a simple and effective way to incorporate natural light and promote cross-ventilation that also keeps the windows in the shade during most of the day.

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While the use of natural materials and products is another hallmark of sustainable design, so too is technology. High-efficiency indoor air filtering, a campus-wide water filtration system and in-home automation to reduce energy consumption are just a few of the many ways that the Lake Austin residences are working to keep the health and well-being of its residents and the environment in mind. Proving that sustainability can be fun and beneficial, Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin will also be leading the transition to electric watercraft with an Arc One, a fully electric boat designed and built by former SpaceX and Tesla engineers.


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A holistic take on residential living

In some high-tech homes, it can be easy to forget that we as humans are in fact a part of nature as opposed to separate from it. That’s certainly not the case on Lake Austin. Here, the landscape is an integral part of the overall lifestyle that’s designed to flow in effortless lockstep with the world around it.

Anchored by the Garden Plaza, the Lake Austin community features a laundry list of resort-style amenities all managed by Four Seasons. As a standalone property – meaning that there is no hotel attached to it – everything is designed with the residents in mind. At The Orangerie, homeowners will have access to their own verdant year-round sanctuary dedicated to health and well-being. Inside, an 82-foot (25-metre) indoor pool sits surrounded by an orchard-like collection of greenery and flowering orange trees. This tranquil space also features ample room for movement, yoga and meditation, as well as access to a 60,000-square-foot (5,500-square-metre) Wellness and Athletic Center outfitted with two golf simulators, a full-size indoor basketball court, an indoor clay tennis court, an outdoor tennis court, four dedicated indoor pickleball courts, two squash courts and a children’s gym and play area.

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Outside, owners will have their pick of scenic places to take in the pink-hued Texas sunsets. One option is the 300-foot (91 metre) infinity-edge pool perched at the edge of the cliffside overlooking the 90-degree bend in the lake, along with its adjoining Clubhouse. Or they can make their way down the hill in the glass-walled, air-conditioned Funicular, taking in stunning views all the way down during the two-minute descent. At the bottom, the Lake Clubhouse, Owner’s Boating Club and private lounges above the boat slips offer comfortable places to enjoy the water.


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The importance of community

As with any great endeavor, you really can’t (or at least shouldn’t) do it alone. The plan for the residences has not only been approved by the city, but supported by the property’s neighbours, which is quite the feat for any new development. And a big reason for that approval is that while many developments highlight the exclusionary, Coon intends on making this property an integral part of the community at large.

“Responsible environmental stewardship to preserve and protect this iconic location has been central to our vision for this project,” said Coon. That includes creating safe and accessible public parking for a popular overlook and cliff located at the edge of the property that thousands of people already visit every year. By making it safer and easier to access, both the residents and the public win. But Coon also has big plans for the protected landscape that fills most of the property.

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“In addition to donating half of our lakefront property to the city, we will continue to invest in the responsible development of the project’s green space, creating the first new park on Lake Austin in decades,” adds Coon. The developers have already pledged to preserve 90 of the 145 acres (that 60%) to become dedicated green space and parkland, along with crafting 1.5 miles of landscaped trails to help preserve the surrounding nature and encourage both the public and the residents to savour the great outdoors.

This constant consideration of high-end design, the environment, community and creating a curated amenity-rich lifestyle for future homebuyers is what makes
Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin stand out in a sea of luxury developments. As Coon once told PaperCity, “Other developers have 10 projects – I have one.” When someone like Coon puts their focus on something, you know it’s bound to be special. Pair that with the legendary service and attention to detail that Four Seasons is famous for, and you’ve got the makings of something truly spectacular.

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Bring Wellness Home With Four Seasons

Posted on by Colleen Mitchell

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives,” wrote Annie Dillard. But replace the “how” in this equation with “where” and you have the predominant thought running through the minds of most potential homeowners.

More and more, luxury real estate buyers are looking for amenities that exist as an extension of a residence to determine whether it’s the place for them. That includes everything from a place to do daily exercise to access to nature and the quality of the air and light both inside and out. Because it’s not just a home you’re buying, it’s also the environment and lifestyle that come with it. The approach is a holistic one that centres wellness and joy just as much as everything else.

From a serene indoor garden outfitted with private thermal pools and a spa on the shores of Lake Austin to an organic farm-to-table restaurant in Belize, Four Seasons Private Residences offer world-class wellness amenities, privacy and a dedication to intuitive, personalized service in Residences throughout the world. Wellness-minded buyers take note – here are some of the most impressive features and amenities you’ll find at Four Seasons.

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The Garden Plaza sits at the centre of Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin.

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An air-conditioned, glass-walled funicular will take residents down the cliffside to the water’s edge.

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Owners at Lake Austin have access to an incredibly array of curated amenities, all easily reached via scenic walking paths.

A sustainable community on Lake Austin

Having a place in the country looks a little different than you might expect at
Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin. This standalone residential property – meaning it’s not attached to a hotel or resort – is perched high up on a secluded cliffside overlooking Lake Austin, with views of downtown Austin just a glance away. Developer Jonathan Coon has a singular vision for this beautiful stretch of 145 acres (59 hectares) in Texas Hill Country, one where sustainability, high-end design and environmental stewardship all work together to create a curated, frictionless lifestyle.

To achieve that vision, the amenities here are just as big a selling feature as the incredible setting. Residents at Lake Austin will have access to private wellness, spa, beauty and fitness experiences on-site, along with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Orangerie, a lush indoor garden featuring an 82-foot (25 metre) pool plus ample areas for yoga and meditation, leads to a state-of-the-art Athletic Center with private training rooms, two squash courts, a full-size indoor basketball court, an indoor clay tennis court, an outdoor tennis court, four dedicated indoor pickleball courts, two golf simulators, and a children’s gym and play area. A private spa and beauty salon are also on-site.

Outside, the main draw is the waterfront. Residents can hop on a glass-walled funicular for a two-minute, air-conditioned ride down to the lake and private marina, a setting so untouched that this is the only way you can access it. Once there, a 3,500-square-foot private Lake Clubhouse and owners-only boat slips help facilitate your lakeside fun. On Lake Austin, getting out of the city comes with so much more than peace and quiet (though you’ll have that, too).

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Villas at Four Seasons Private Residences Caye Chapel, Belize, open up onto private poolside terraces.

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Water, sun and a cool sea breeze help relaxation come easy.

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Bound by six miles of pristine beach, Caye Chapel is the first private Four Seasons island in the Americas.

Your own private island paradise in Belize

A private island with Four Seasons service? Yes, please! Set on 280 pristine acres (113 hectares) featuring six miles of white-sand beaches, Caye Chapel is the first private island managed by Four Seasons in the Americas. Here you’ll find a brand-new resort – slated to open in 2024 – along with private residences, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, a marina and the on-site Fabien Cousteau Nature and Conservation Institute, all surrounded by nationally protected marine wildlife reserves.

A dedication to conservation is at the heart of this island community, and owners at Four Seasons Private Residences Caye Chapel, Belize, can enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them while also investing in its protection and its future. Sustainable practices such as replanting native flora, a solar electricity program, sustainably caught seafood and an on-site organic garden that supplies the island restaurants with fresh produce all serve to nurture a healthy, mutually beneficial relationship between the community and the island itself. Residents can explore and learn about incredible dive sites such as the Great Blue Hole; try out a variety of water activities; or take it easy with yoga sessions, a day at the spa or a relaxing afternoon on the beach enjoying in the fresh island breeze. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, absorb the healing properties of water and tap into the island way of life, Caye Chapel is a tropical escape you can feel good about.

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Many of homes at Four Seasons Private Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol feature private terraces that look out onto the Sea of Cortez.

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Homes draw inspiration from traditional Mexican haciendas with a contemporary twist.

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Cabo’s mountainous landscape provides plenty of opportunities for adventure on land.

Connect with nature in Cabo del Sol

Just a quick flight away from many major U.S. cities, Cabo San Lucas remains on the hot list for luxury buyers. The pace here is fun-loving yet laid-back, providing a refreshing break from the typical day-to-day. Four Seasons Private Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol aims to give residents the tools they need to create a more intentional way of life guided by nature and a sense of adventure. Comprised of 61 private residences, its village-like layout features access to one of the most swimmable beaches in the area on one side, along with a rugged mountain landscape on the other. This setting, coupled with attentive Four Seasons service, makes it easy to settle into a feeling of wonder and well-being.

Like at every Four Seasons Private Residence, all the details are taken care of for you, such as pre-arrival grocery shopping and transportation assistance. This luxury of time frees owners up to experience Cabo San Lucas to the fullest. Recharge with a customized spa treatment either in the spa or in your villa, indulge in farm- and sea-to-table cuisine, challenge yourself to try a new sport, or just take a moment to sink into gratitude as you sip your morning coffee on your private terrace overlooking the Sea of Cortez.

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The 800-year old pond garden offers owners at Four Seasons Private Residence Kyoto a unique and quiet place for contemplation.

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The artfully designed residences incorporate touches of old world Japanese charm.

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Owners can stop into the Tea House for a traditional tea ceremony.

Serenity finds you in Kyoto

If it’s tranquility you seek, Four Seasons Private Residences Kyoto offers a unique setting to achieve it. This collection of 57 exclusive residences was designed to maximize the art of kutsurgoi, a state of pure relaxation, by blending contemporary Japanese style with old-world charm along with panoramic views of the nearby Kiyomizu Temple and the 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden.

Practicing mindfulness here is easy, whether it’s sitting on your terrace admiring the cherry blossoms in the spring, wandering the tree- and water-lined paths of the pond garden, or savouring every moment of a traditional tea ceremony at Shakusui-tei in the Tea House. Owners also have access to all of the amenities and dining options at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, including the Michelin-starred Sushi Wakon where you can sample dishes at the 8-metre long sushi counter, handcrafted out of a single piece of Japanese cypress some 200 years ago.

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Penthouses at Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain Bay open up to chic rooftop terraces overlooking the water.

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The residents-only theatre puts an elevated spin on family movie night.

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Residents also have access to all the amenities at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, located just across a private bridge.

Resort-style living in Bahrain

So much of wellness has to do with balance, and Four Seasons Private Residences Bahrain Bay gives owners an ideal mix of privacy and proximity to big city life. These residences occupy an enviable setting right on the waterfront of Bahrain Bay, a secluded enclave that feels like a world apart from the city that it overlooks. But nothing here is far out of reach. Owners can unwind at a residents-only outdoor pool, take in the views from the double-height windows as they exercise in the gym or relax with friends and family during a movie night in the private theatre.

The interiors themselves were designed to bring that oasis-like setting inside, amplifying the feeling of being connected to nature through double-height windows and the use of rich materials such as locally sourced mother-of-pearl inlay, marble and verde Guatemala stone. Furthering that balance of home and five-star hotel, all the resort-style amenities at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay are located right across a private bridge. A spa, world-class dining, family-friendly activities and a private beach are just a quick chauffeur-driven golf cart ride away.

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The new Four Seasons Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty will be set within the verdant grounds of the Great Park.

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Villas will feature private pools and expansive decks.

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A signature Four Seasons soaking tub offers a relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day.

A green oasis near Cairo

Like in Bahrain, a home in a city setting doesn’t have to mean nature is out of reach. Four Seasons Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty plans to make the most of its surrounding park land: Its brand-new residences will feature expansive shaded private terraces while villas will be outfitted with their own private pools and spacious decks. Soaring ceilings, spa-like bathrooms and artistically minded interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon also help to cultivate relaxation and reflection.

Residents can stroll through the gardens and along lakeside walkways en route to the private spa, stopping to find a quiet space to meditate or simply gather their thoughts before indulging in a wellness treatment. For those interested in more active ways to find their centre, residents can also enjoy the first-class sports facilities including a tennis court and multi-sport court (think basketball, handball and paddle tennis), as well as a high-tech gym, fitness classes and a dedicated aerobics area.

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Your home should be your sanctuary. On top of all of these resort-style amenities,
Four Seasons Private Residences take care of all the details of homeownership in order to provide you with the most hassle-free living experience. When you have the time and space to focus on you, tending to your wellness needs can become the priority it should be. You focus on you and let Four Seasons focus on the rest.

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Wellness Is on the Menu

Posted on by Colleen Mitchell

At its core, wellness has much to do with what we feed ourselves. That includes the things we watch, read, think about, surround ourselves with and, of course, what we eat. All of these play a role in our general well-being, but perhaps nothing as impactful as what’s on our plate.

When you’re travelling, eating a balanced meal can become an afterthought. Sticking to your health goals or making sure you have access to options that fit your needs (and wants) can be harder to do when you’re on the go or far from home. Add to that the fact that many vacation memories are formed during meals shared with family and friends, and it can be a challenge to find the right choices for everyone. But food shouldn’t be stressful – especially not when you’re on vacation.

Four Seasons knows how important it is to feel good about what you eat. From menus filled with vegan options to on-property farms and gardens to health-conscious cooking classes, you’ll find many ways to eat well with Four Seasons. Here are just a few examples:

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Tamai Pool Bar is just one of the restaurants at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita where you can sample vegan chef Leslie Durso’s plant-based creations.

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Durso’s mushroom tinga tacos make for a light and flavourful lunch.

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Be on the look out for seasonal dishes like Durso’s jackfruit enchiladas with traditional mole and squash blossoms.

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Enjoy fresh Mexican fare on the outdoor terrace at Dos Catrinas.

Plant-based menu options for vegans and non-vegans alike

“I believe the key to a long, healthy, joyful life begins with what you eat,” says plant-based chef and healthy-living educator Leslie Durso. “I create healthy dishes using recognizable foods in unexpected ways to support that.” It’s this philosophy that has led Durso to make Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita one of the most vegan-friendly resorts in the world.

For many vegans and vegetarians, travelling comes with the extra step of making sure there will be something in their destination that they can eat and enjoy. Since coming on as the culinary team’s resident vegan chef, Durso has created more than 250 unique, seasonal dishes at the Resort. The idea was to have plant-based options available across all 10 of the Resort’s restaurants and bars. It was also to make sure that the plant-based dishes feel right at home on the menu and can appeal to anyone – like coconut ceviche at Dos Catrinas and plant-based, Asian-style bowls at Tamai Pool Bar. Many of Durso’s dishes are also allergen-friendly, making each menu even more accessible to people with various health and dietary requirements.

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The green gazpacho at Folia at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeriah Beach features avocado, tomato and radish sprouts.

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Tables at Folia are surrounded by greenery.

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Looking for comfort food? Matthew Kenney puts a plant-based spin on pizza and flatbreads at Folia.

At Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the sentiment is similar. “Eating healthy does not have to result in a compromise on pleasure,” says Vincent Chasseignaux, director of food and beverage. Folia, the Resort’s fully plant-based restaurant, offers guests the chance to try dishes such as watermelon poke or a wild mushroom pizza, filled with vibrant and sometimes unexpected flavours from celebrated chef Matthew Kenney. “Matthew Kenney is one of the world’s most successful chefs at making healthy, green cuisine that anyone can appreciate,” Chasseignaux says. The setting at Folia is just as green, with tables surrounded by blooms and lush leaves that perfectly complement Kenney’s plant-based creations.

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The on-site herb and vegetable garden at Four Seasons Resort Hot An (The Nam Hai) grows more than 43 seasonal varieties.

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Dishes served at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel often feature fresh, seasonal produce from the Hotel’s garden.

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The permaculture vegetable garden serves as a source of inspiration for chefs at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat.

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Rim Thai Kitchen invites guests at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai to immerse themselves in Thai cuisine.

The fresher the better

One of the easiest ways to eat more nutritiously is to consume whole foods. Minimal processing – if any – is best, and the closer to the source you are the better. This focus on natural, fresh ingredients is also something chefs of all disciplines can agree on. In fact, a number of Four Seasons chefs take the idea of farm-to-table quite literally.

At Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, the kitchens are filled with ingredients sourced directly from the on-site permaculture vegetable garden, keeping menu options local, seasonal and incredibly fresh. The seafood served here is also sourced from local fishermen who supply the team with wild turbot and other fresh-caught delights found right off the Mediterranean coast.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) both have their own on-site herb and vegetable gardens that help provide produce and garnishes for their restaurants. This not only makes sure fresh ingredients are being utilized, it also allows each property to cultivate its own varieties, allowing guests to sample dishes created with ingredients grown the way they have been for centuries. These gardens also provide an immersive way for guests to experience local cuisine. Both resorts are home to cooking schools – Rim Thai Kitchen and the Nam Hai Cooking Academy, respectively – with classes that invite you to join a chef in their own garden to examine indigenous ingredients and embark on a hands-on, multisensory culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.

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The menu items at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village are thoughtfully curated, such as Coin & Candor’s seasonal zucchini flowers served with kale, tomato, mache, purslane, avocado, toasted almonds and mango sorbet.

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Interactive cooking classes at the Center for Health & Wellbeing teach health-conscious techniques to help make home cooking more balanced.

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The open-air Sokasi Cooking Academy at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is set within fragrant herb and vegetable gardens beside the sacred Ayung River.

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To get an authentic taste of Balinese cuisine, opt for a traditional megibung dinner featuring ancient Balinese recipes made using hard-to-find ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

Bringing it all back home

Having healthy dining options curated for you can be incredibly valuable. But learning how to cook these dishes for yourself can help nourish your body and your mind. The Center for Health & Wellbeing at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village takes a holistic approach to wellness through immersive, person-centered retreats. These often include personal consultations with nutritionists as well as cooking classes hosted in the Center’s dedicated Wellness Kitchen. The variety of interactive cooking classes are helpful regardless of how well you know your way around a kitchen, showing cooks of all skill levels how to put a spin on daily cooking with health-conscious techniques. Taking it one step further, you can also opt for a grocery store tour with a Registered Dietitian who will walk you through a local grocery store giving you tips on how to find and choose healthier products that are right for you.

Over at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, cooking classes are all the more intriguing thanks to the sublime riverside setting of the Resort’s Sokasi Cooking School. Here you can take a deep dive into Bali’s rich local culture while tapping into your inner chef. The plant-based cooking class highlighting healthy and light cuisine inspired by Ubud is bound to inspire at-home dinners for years to come.

Four Seasons has long made it their mission to give guests the best and highest-quality experience possible, no matter where they’re staying. That dedication to every guest’s well-being extends to each thoughtfully curated menu. Because if living well is the ultimate luxury, travelling well should be, too. Bon appetit!

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Eat balanced no matter where you are.

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