Set-Jetting With Four Seasons: From “The White Lotus” to “The Dark Knight”

Film has always had a way of sucking us into its (un)reality: Its stories stimulate emotion, its visuals titillate the senses. Recent research found that nearly two-thirds of travellers have considered planning a trip to a place they’ve seen in a film or TV show; 39% have actually booked a journey to a destination after seeing it on-screen – luxury travel (strongly) included.

Of course, travellers across generations have booked trips to the backdrops of favourite novels (think the Bath of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion”) or even paintings (like Monet’s Giverny gardens). But set-jetting to film and TV sites continues to gather momentum as a means of placing ourselves within the fantasy of our favourite storylines – with a little main character energy added for ourselves.

If you’re planning a vacation and find yourself wondering where was “The White Lotus” filmed, look no further. At Four Seasons, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to create some scene-stealing moments of your own.

Check into “The White Lotus” in Maui and Taormina

Actress Jennifer Coolidge cemented her place in TV history as Tanya McQuoid, the globe-trotting fan of the fictional White Lotus hotels and resorts, and guests at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, can walk in her footsteps.

At Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, where Season 1 of “The White Lotus” was filmed, you’ll quickly come to understand why Maui is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers, relaxation enthusiasts and foodies alike.

From the moment you set foot onto the pristine shores of Maui, you’re enveloped in a world of endless possibilities: Watch the sun rise from the summit of Haleakalā at 9,740 feet above sea level, or embark on an underwater adventure to explore vibrant coral reefs with battery-powered scooters. For a truly breathtaking experience, take to the skies on a private helicopter tour and behold the island’s lush landscape and vibrant blue waters from above. When it’s time to unwind, retreat to a private cabana surrounded by the stunning artwork of famed photographer Gray Malin, where you can lounge all day or swim to the edge of the adults-only infinity pool.

Enjoy a relaxing vacation in Maui

Season 2 of “The White Lotus” was filmed at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, the perfect seaside backdrop for taking the inherent romance of Italy and infusing it with an air of drama and intrigue. A former 14th-century convent perched high on a cliff above the Ionian Sea, San Domenico Palace feels like a Sicilian dream. It’s also where you’ll find some of Sicily’s best-kept hidden gems. Enjoy a private helicopter ride around Mount Etna, take an insider’s tour of Noto with celebrated designer Samuele Mazza, or pay a visit to the medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia to taste exceptional wines produced from the area’s fertile volcanic soil – just like Cameron, Daphne and Ethan did.

Experience the romance of Taormina

Channel “Emily in Paris” in Cap-Ferrat and Paris

“Emily in Paris” is filmed in picturesque settings all around the city, but some of the locations might look familiar to fans of Four Seasons. Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, played a role in Season 2, and Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, in Season 3.

Nestled within the pristine enclave of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the captivating Côte d’Azur, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, offers a retreat steeped in history. What was intended as a romantic getaway for Emily Cooper transforms into an enchanting escapade with her closest companions.

Here, surrounded by the timeless allure of the French Riviera, cherished memories are made: Take the glass funicular down the hillside to the legendary Club Dauphin and savour breathtaking views from the seawater pool. Indulge in the simple pleasure of toasting French rosé wine, followed by an enlightening astronomy lesson under the starry sky, courtesy of a world-renowned planetary scientist.

Relax in style in the French Riviera

Meanwhile, in Paris, Emily finds herself staying in the iconic Eiffel Tower Suite at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – with her boss. But that’s the joy of Paris: You can experience the City of Lights in the most rewarding way with colleagues, with friends or by yourself.

After marvelling at the city’s beauty in complete privacy from your panoramic terrace, stroll down to one of the Hotel’s three restaurants – with five Michelin stars among them – and relish an unforgettable meal.

Stay in an iconic Paris hotel

Steal a scene from “Money Heist” in Madrid

In the Emmy-winning Spanish series “Money Heist,” Season 5 shines a spotlight on Four Seasons Hotel Madrid as well as on Dani – its elegant and dynamic brasserie.

Just as the Professor meticulously plans his heist, Dani García’s Michelin-starred dishes and casual Spanish cuisine are crafted with precision and passion. From tantalizing tapas to lavish main courses – including foie gras spread with cherry gravy and Kombujime lobster in green pepper sauce – each dish at Dani is a masterpiece.

Whether you’re looking for some respite from the everyday hustle or are heading off for a special weekend away, enhance your stay with the Hotel’s gourmet tapas experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary scene of Madrid as you visit five tapas bars with a knowledgeable culinary tour guide, uncovering a blend of cuisine and live entertainment at every stop.

Enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine in Madrid

Stay in the hotel were “Pretty Woman” was filmed

Just like Edward and Vivian, you can embark on your own romantic getaway in the heart of Los Angeles. Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, which served as the film’s main setting, offers a “Pretty Woman” for a Day package that promises an unforgettable experience.

Start with a behind-the-scenes tour of Rodeo Drive’s famous fashion houses, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms, unlike Vivian’s earlier encounter in the film. Guided by your personal wardrobe consultant and stylist, you’ll prepare for an exclusive evening at THE Blvd, where the executive chef will prepare special menu items inspired by the film. Round-trip transportation in a Mercedes Sedan ensures that your experience is pure Hollywood glamour. To further treat yourself, unwind with a couple’s massage at the Hotel’s award-winning Spa.

Enjoy the food and fashion of Beverly Hills

Walk in the footsteps of “The Dark Knight” in Hong Kong

On your arrival at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, be sure to look up at the IFC tower that houses the Hotel – in “The Dark Knight,” Batman dives from the top to capture his foe.

Like director Christopher Nolan, you can capture unexpected visions of the city with a stay at Four Seasons. Aboard the Aqualuna Harbour Cruise, watch the city’s glittering skyline at night from Victoria Harbour. Journey from the Central Ferry Piers back to the Hotel and take a seat at Lung King Heen, the world’s first three-Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. There, Chef Chan Yan Tak will present an eight-course tasting dinner. Afterward, retreat to your suite to relax next to the same views as Batman.

Take in inspiring views in Hong Kong

Explore Istanbul like Charlie’s Angels

If you watched the 2019 reboot of “Charlie’s Angels,” you may have spotted the grandeur of a century-old landmark. At Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, the Angels saved the future of the world surrounded by the city’s storied past.

You too can step into the timeless elegance of the Hotel – without the weight of the world on your shoulders – at Süreyya Teras Lounge.

From the moment you arrive, you’re transported to a place where every corner tells a story and each sense is engaged. Lounge in the courtyard surrounded by the fresh scent of fragrant herbs or take a leisurely stroll to the iconic Blue Mosque.

Away from the Hotel, uncover Istanbul’s rich cultural tapestry on an exclusive Beylerbeyi Kuzguncuk Kanlica tour. Step off the beaten path and into the heart of this vibrant city as you discover unexpected neighbourhoods. A local guide will take you to the Asian side of Istanbul, sharing fascinating stories along the way, in the comfort of a private luxury minivan with a personal driver. Together, you can capture the beauty of Istanbul’s diverse landscapes and architectural wonders with your camera.

Experience history in Istanbul

Take a girls’ trip to the Bahamas inspired by “The Other Woman”

Like Emily Cooper’s trip to the French Riviera, “The Other Woman” is ultimately a story about female friendships and bonds. Serenity, it turns out, isn’t a distant dream when you have more in common with the people around you than you think – especially with a stay at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, where part of the movie was filmed.

In a secluded beachfront setting, relax in the privacy of your room with captivating views of the sea and the sky. Your oceanfront sanctuary comes with direct access to a private beach and azure waters.

Unwind together in the Bahamas

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Plan a vacation inspired by your favourite movie or TV show.

Expansive beach

5 Festive Winter Cocktails You Have to Try

Cozy interiors of wood and stone surrounded by fresh powder and expansive mountain views are always memorable. But they’re downright magical when paired with the perfect holiday cocktail. The same can be said of starlit nights by the beach and twinkling city skylines.

No matter where you choose to celebrate, here are some of our best winter cocktails, plus recipes for taking some of that festive magic home.

For fans of whiskey cocktails

This season, Ascent Lounge at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is celebrating the area’s iconic slopes and elevating the après-ski experience with a festive twist. Gather around the bar’s wood-burning fireplace or on the heated patio and raise a glass to your time exploring the back country – and to a local favourite: Wyoming Whiskey, produced in small batches in nearby Kirby, Wyoming, and aged in one of the distillery’s six rickhouses. The whiskey’s unique private barrel spices take centre stage in the Back Country Old Fashioned, balanced by house-infused brown sugar syrup with spices and orange.

For a unique après setting, head to the pool deck for complimentary s’mores by the fire and Fahrenheit Forty-Seven, the Hotel’s pop-up igloo champagne bar. Get cozy as you sip bubbly in the heated custom dome structure with wood flooring, golden accents, fur furnishings and awe-inspiring 180-degree views of the slopes.

Experience après-ski in Jackson Hole

For a sweet take on mezcal cocktails

If you prefer a drink that tastes more like dessert, you’re in for a treat with this one. The Mezcal Sipping Caramel can be found on the dessert menu at Cinder House, the downtown St. Louis restaurant helmed by James Beard Foundation Award–winning chef Gerard Craft on the eighth floor of Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

“Mezcal is a staple in Mexican bar culture, so it was a natural choice when we were creating this liquid dessert, given the Latin American–influenced menu of Cinder House,” says Tiffany Gilmore, Assistant Executive Pastry Chef at Four Seasons.

“The smokiness of the mezcal cuts through the sweetness of the components and enhances the deeper flavours of the caramel,” she says. “We paired it with alfajores, traditional South American shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche.” If you can’t get your hands on alfajores at home, your favourite holiday cookies will pair just as nicely.

Make dessert even sweeter in St. Louis

For elevating your champagne cocktails

Celebration is embedded in the heart of Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, the iconic private beach club turned chic seaside haven that originally opened its doors on New Year’s Eve, 1930. The feeling of vintage glamour can still be felt throughout the Hotel, especially at the palm-fringed Champagne Bar, where plenty of festivities are taking place this year.

No need to get up to order your holiday cocktails here, however. At The Champagne Bar, the cocktails come to you via a delightfully retro bar cart, complete with an expert bartender to mix up your beverage of choice tableside. “One of my favourite drinks from The Champagne Bar cocktail cart is the Fancy Champagne cocktail,” says Beverage Manager Ashish Sharma. It’s a kind of bubbly bourbon Negroni, notes Sharma, a unique spin for your champagne toast.

Elevate your champagne toast in Miami

For those wanting non-alcoholic cocktails

Bar Antoine – the jovial epicentre of the recently opened Pavyllon London at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane – is the place to meet up with friends on a chilly London night. It’s casual yet elegant – and perfect for catching up over a cool-weather, spirit-free cocktail like the White Forest.

Michelin-distinguished chef Yannick Alléno is well-known for his innovative approach to both food and drink, and the cocktail list at Bar Antoine reflects it. A collaboration between the culinary team and Head Mixologist Michele Lombardi, you’ll find reinvented classics as well as original creations, including Chef Yannick’s signature Allenotics (tonic mixers) and his spirit-free extractions.

The White Forest, one of Lombardi’s latest creations, blends sweet hints of apple and maple syrup with the enticing combo of saffron, orange blossom and Madagascar vanilla in the non-alcoholic Everleaf Forest aperitif. At Bar Antoine, the spirit is fat-washed in coconut oil to bring out a smooth finish and enhanced flavour, a technique that burgeoning home bartenders looking to impress holiday guests can try for themselves. Essentially, fat-washing infuses a spirit by mixing it with the fat of choice – in this case, melted coconut oil – and freezing it overnight, then straining the liquid in the morning.

Sip spirit-free cocktails in London

For the perfect mulled wine recipe

Looking for something to warm you up from the inside out? “Mulled wine is the ultimate winter elixir, where spices and red wine blend in perfect harmony to warm both body and soul,” says Philip Bischoff, Beverage Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River.

Bischoff has perfected this classic festive beverage, and with this recipe there’s plenty to go around. Invite your favourite people over to share it with you, or gather with friends old and new at BKK Social Club, where you can sip an expertly prepared cup of mulled wine or any of the seasonal bespoke cocktails crafted by Bischoff and his talented team. Tucked away within the riverside Hotel, BKK Social Club has been recognized as the #1 Best Bar in Thailand and the #3 Best Bar in Asia by the famed Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for 2023. Whether or not you’re in Bangkok, take heed of Bischoff’s advice when planning any holiday get-together: “You need the right place and need the right people to create a great party.”

And with these recipes, you can serve the perfect holiday cocktails, too.

Toast your time together in Bangkok

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Where will you enjoy your next festive cocktail?

view of London Park

The Trips You Need to Take This Spring

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

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

 

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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.”

 

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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

 

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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

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

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Get Fit With Four Seasons

Fs Fitness Harley Pasternak Portrait

Fitness guru Harley Pasternak’s innovative approach to efficient and effective full body workouts has earned him a notably large celebrity client roster. Now, as Global Fitness Advisor to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, he’s sharing that sought-after knowledge with guests.

In addition to reimagining the brand’s fitness facilities, Pasternak has designed a workout video series to help with five of the most common fitness challenges experienced by travellers. His Total Beach Body video provides a pre-vacation toning strategy, including how-tos for 10 simple gym exercises. Once you arrive at your destination, you can hit the gym and follow his strength-focused Out of Office Fitness routine or get a burst of aerobics with his Hotel Fitness Favourites video, which mixes strength exercises with intervals on the elliptical and treadmill.

Fs Mexico And Caribbean Resorts Running

Can’t shake your jet lag? Pasternak has some suggestions. His Jet Lag Rescue video offers straightforward advice: Get outside and get moving. He recommends hiking, jogging, doing repeats on stairs, and walking, running or combining the two.

“You don’t have to do an intense boot camp,” he says. “A nice walk will do the trick. If you’re in an urban city, go explore. If you’re at a beach resort, walk on the sand.”

Equipment-free exercises like planks, lunges, hip thrusts, push-ups and supermans can be done in the comfort of your hotel room, outdoors or at the gym, he says. As added motivation, Pasternak created the #FitWithFSChallenge, encouraging guests to share their workouts on social media. 

Here, Pasternak shares his gym innovations, gives tips for creating a travel-friendly approach to fitness and reveals his own secrets for staying fit on the road.

Fs Fitness Harley Pasternak Body Weight

How do you combat the effects of flying?

“Sitting on a plane for a long time is tough on your body. Try to get up at least once an hour and walk the length of the aisle. Stay hydrated and avoid salty food, caffeine and alcohol. Whenever possible, bring an extra pillow to make your lower back and your neck comfortable for the ride.”

What is the easiest way to keep up a fitness routine on the road?

“It’s a lot easier than you think: Walk. You can do it anywhere, any time, even in dress clothes. I don’t use the word ‘cardio.’ I don’t use the word ‘aerobics.’ I use the word ‘movement.’ We all need to move our bodies. I tell people to set a daily step goal, whether it’s 10,000 steps or 14,000 steps a day. Hit those steps and you’ll start to lose body fat.”

For someone who is vacationing at the beach and wants to take advantage of the setting, what exercises translate to sand?

“Running on sand absorbs the pounding that would otherwise go to your joints, and it challenges your body’s muscles differently than when running on a hard surface. Try doing repeats of sprinting for 15 seconds and then walking for 30 seconds. In between sprint intervals, add a jump squat. The sand is a great natural cushion to absorb the shock of the landing. Last but not least, try planking on the sand. What a great thing looking out at beautiful views of the ocean.”

Fs Fitness Harley Pasternak Sand

What are some of the innovations you’ve introduced at the gyms across
Four Seasons?

“As I revamp the gyms across the brand, I’m introducing the most state-of-the-art equipment, like HOIST Fitness ROC-IT weights, Lemond Series and Peloton bikes, Hydrow, which is like the Peloton of rowing machines, and Woodway Curve Trainers, which are essentially self-powered treadmills. Some of the changes are subtle, like swapping out traditional dumbbells for hexagonal dumbbells that won’t roll on the ground. At the forthcoming Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palma I’ll be introducing exclusive boot camps.”

How have you streamlined the gyms so that workouts at Four Seasons are more intuitive?

“I think a lot about flow and layout. I design my gyms so that guests will never have to wait to use a piece of equipment. We have stations set up so you can hop from one piece of equipment to the next and seamlessly complete a circuit. There are always options. For example, one pull-up machine might have seven variations to choose from. The Torq Power Cage is a favourite piece of equipment that allows you to do so much, from Olympic lifts to TRX exercises.”

How does your gym design reflect the setting of each hotel?

“I think about aesthetics a lot. Four Seasons Hotel Montreal has a sleek, sexy design, so I chose to have all of the gym’s weight equipment done in a custom black finish to reflect that look. At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, I added a stretch of grass-like turf to echo the green views outside. Guests can use the space to do sprints and push a weighted sled.”

How do you ensure you get a good night’s sleep?

“No caffeine in the afternoons is really important. You shouldn’t be reading stressful emails before you go to bed. Shut your technology off at least an hour before you turn in. In order for me to sleep well, I need to tire my body out, and I do that by walking or hiking. When you travel, request a blackout room in advance as well as your preferred style of mattress and pillow. I use a sound machine. Having ambient sound can help people relax and block noise that might wake them otherwise.”

Photography of Pasternak courtesy Megan Spelmen

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Concierge

Four Seasons By Design

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.


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Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi

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.


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Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

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

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

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.


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Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

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.


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Four Seasons Private Residences Fort Lauderdale

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.”


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Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos

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.

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Discover a new world of design.

Taxi sign in city