Tag: adventure travel

Why Your Next Great Adventure Is on the Water

Posted on by Erin Biba

Why spend your entire vacation experience on solid ground? Four Seasons resorts around the world are extending their unparalleled hospitality with luxury dive boat charters. Whether it’s snorkelling or sunbathing you’re after, or both, we’ve compiled the ways you can change your perspective on paradise.


Koh Samui yacht

Thailand’s Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is home to 42 uninhabited islands ripe for exploration.

Koh Samui, Thailand

On Samui Island, guests at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui can extend their range with its two yachts. The Minor Affair, a 19.5-metre (64-foot) Sunseeker yacht, accommodates up to 12, with two cabins and a master suite. Its hydraulic swimming platform has a built-in shower, and a Bose sound system is ready to supply your sailing soundtrack.

The Resort’s 12.8-metre (42-foot) charter, the Siam Seas Explorer, has an outdoor deck where you can lie still in the sun. It also happens to be an island-hopping speedboat that can reach up to 44 knots (about 50 mph). The crew – a personal assistant and a deckhand – can provide picnics, full meals and, of course, champagne.

Trips aboard each yacht are fully customizable, but the Resort suggests several itineraries, such as a jaunt to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park – 42 uninhabited islands great for snorkelling, with a chance to dive through a cave to the saltwater Emerald Lake. The yachts also offer sunset cruises and tours around Koh Samui or to Thailand’s southernmost island, Koh Phangan, where every month up to 30,000 people flock to dance at its Full Moon Party.

“Our guests really enjoy the yacht trips to the Ang Thong marine park – it is a beautiful destination with a nice trek and secluded beach,” says Sean Mosher, General Manager of the Resort. “What’s equally impressive is the experienced and knowledgeable crew, especially our captain.”

Go island-hopping in Koh Samui

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Explore Lanai’s southern coastline aboard Lanai II, the Resort’s sloop-rigged sailing catamaran.

Lanai, Hawaii

When guests at Four Seasons Resort Lanai board Lanai II, a 65-foot (20-metre) sloop-rigged sailing catamaran, they’ll experience the pristine waters surrounding Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island in complete luxury. Set off for a three-hour snorkel sail to Kaunolu on the southern shore. This heritage site was King Kamehameha’s summer retreat, and the waters were a favourite fishing spot of his royal entourage. Swim along coastal reefs teeming with brilliantly coloured fish and wildlife – and perhaps catch a glimpse of humpback whales that frequent the waters seasonally, from December to mid-April. Snorkel gear, wetsuits and stand-up paddleboards are all provided, as is a picnic lunch on board before heading back to shore.

For an unforgettable evening, take Lanai II out for a two-hour sunset cruise to sip cocktails as the sun falls below the horizon, enjoy delicious pupus (appetizers) and watch schools of spinner dolphins frolic in the surf. Guests can also book a private charter on Lanai I, the Resort’s 50-foot (15-metre) sailing catamaran, to snorkel, scuba-dive, fish, whale-watch, or just relax and take in views of the beautiful Lanai coastline.

“An ocean adventure is one of the best ways to explore the southern coastline of Lanai,” says Captain Kamalani Ranis of Lanai Ocean Sports. “Just minutes from the harbour are some of the best dive sites in the world, resident spinner dolphins and some of the highest sea cliffs in the world. All experiences with our Lanai-based crew are unique.”

Watch spinner dolphins frolic in Lanai

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A private boat makes its way around the coast of Bora Bora

The Resort’s Andreyale Bateaux Taxis were modelled after 1920s New York City commuter boats.

Bora Bora, South Pacific

At Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, up to 20 people can embark on two-hour excursions aboard a custom-built, 11.8-metre (39-foot) Andreyale Bateaux Taxi. The taxi boats – Heinoanoa, Leana, Poeiti and Vaihani – were inspired by New York City commuter boats that, in the 1920s, transported Wall Street executives from Long Island to New York’s Financial District. But the 21st-century models are made with mahogany, teak and stainless steel, and they stick to the South Pacific.

The Andreyales serve as transfers between the Resort and Bora Bora Airport, and are also available for private charters to take guests snorkelling with rays and sharks, deep-sea fishing, or touring the area with a local guide. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has its own fleet for one-hour to full-day excursions. The latter choice is easily the most popular.

“A private Sunset Sushi and Champagne Cruise is an incredibly romantic experience,” says Romain Chanet, General Manager of the Resort. “Not only do you get to see the beautiful colours of Bora Bora’s lagoon and sky change with the sunset, but you get to do so with your loved one while enjoying the perfect pairing of fresh sushi and champagne. It’s truly one of Bora Bora’s most memorable experiences.”

Set sail at sunset in Bora Bora

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Start planning your next great adventure.

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Travel With Purpose

Posted on by Shannon O'Donnell

Six curious faces looked up at my niece and me as we walked into the Big Brother Mouse bookstore in Luang Prabang, Laos. With a quick wave, we approached a group sitting at the large table, each person holding a well-worn notebook and pen. A curious young monk invited us to sit with them, excited to have native speakers join the bookstore’s daily English conversation class.  

 When I was planning this trip, the Big Brother Mouse organization’s grassroots mission to improve literacy in rural Laos captured my attention. So did its pitch to travellers: Make a difference by volunteering to help interested locals learn English. My 12-year-old niece and I were now travelling across Southeast Asia together in search of ways to use travel as a force for good. We revelled in the beauty of Cambodia’s ancient temples, Thailand’s iconic turquoise waters and the jagged karst rocks of northern Vietnam – while forming deeper connections with local cultures and supporting important conservation efforts.  

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The English class at the Laos bookstore was just right for our abilities: In two short hours, my niece helped the young monk troubleshoot the pronunciation of the “th” sound and I helped the group decipher the nuances of a recent news article. In that time, we two gained a fresh perspective on Laotian culture – and our new friends recommended new ways to see their city, including an awe-inspiring sunset boat ride along the Mekong River.  

This was the first deeply meaningful occasion we experienced on our trip, and it motivated us to spend the weeks of our trip helping to empower disabled artisans in Cambodia, supporting Burmese refugees near the Thai border and working with elephant conservation groups in northern Thailand. These experiences gave us a deeper understanding of other people and cultures, as well as a better understanding of the world. And while some of our volunteer work took days, many of the most rewarding activities required just a few hours – easy to work into any itinerary.  

Looking to go beyond must-see spots and immerse yourself in your destination? Four Seasons can help you maximize your experience there while also benefiting its people and culture.  

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Walk With Elephants

Watching elephants joyfully bathe in a local river is a highlight of any trip to Southeast Asia. My niece and I loved seeing wide, happy arcs of water sail through the air as elephants sprayed themselves (and the occasional spectator). Rescued from abuse and overwork on the streets of Thailand, the elephants at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle now live a life of luxury at the property’s Elephant Camp. Through a partnership with the Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation, guests have helped adopt and care for more than 20 elephants, providing food and veterinary care through monthly memberships. For a hands-on experience, join the on-site mahouts and help bathe, feed and walk the gentle giants, or set out on one of three jungle excursions to see them in their natural jungle habitat. End your day with the tinkling sounds of traditional Thai folk music as you enjoy a candlelit al fresco dinner at the Elephant Camp. 

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Encourage a Love of Learning

The gift of learning starts with the love of a good book, and guests at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo can help spark a lifelong passion for reading among local students. Through partnerships with Creciendo Juntos and Libros Para Todos, guests can collect and donate backpacks filled with school supplies – and your favourite books – to area schools. If school is in session, the Resort can arrange in-person assistance, from painting buildings and cooking for students and teachers to playing sports with the children and reading to them. The Resort can also connect you with local families to play, cook or visit with them, as well as ways to donate medical supplies and food. The deep connections you’ll make will help turn memorable moments into meaningful ones.  

 

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Strike a Sustainable Balance

Dreamy beaches, lush jungles, ancient temples, deep spirituality: Bali will leave you breathless. Help protect this paradise at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, where cultural conservation is front and centre. Join students at the nearby School for Special Needs for a workshop in dance, Balinese gamelan music, painting, wood carving or pottery. Want to focus on your idyllic environment? Collect trash and debris on a beach walk to sell to Sampah Jujur, a group founded by jeweller John Hardy to show how recycling can be profitable. Or learn about composting, snail farming and tree planting with Zero Waste to Ocean, which responds to environmental challenges facing coastal communities. After a day of good deeds, unwind back at the Resort with an inventive zero-waste cocktail at Sundara, where Head Mixologist Sufian Mahmoud has embraced a philosophy of “minimum waste, maximum flavour.” Each drink features fresh aromatic herbs grown in the Resort’s garden.   

At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, get a hands-on look at one of Bali’s oldest traditions: Spend a day in the life of a local farmer in the bucolic rice fields along the Ayung River. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in a bale, or pavilion, then learn how the farmers plant and harvest rice. Celebrate a job well done with water from a fresh coconut picked and cut just for you and a bathing ritual at the Spa, including an invigorating river-stone scrub and soothing Balinese massage.  

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Protect African Wildlife

I was delighted to spot the Big Five – leopards, lions, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo – but during my once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian safari, watching a mama cheetah frolic across the African savannah with two cubs in tow shines bright in my memory. Guests at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti should snap extra photos of cheetahs during their excursion into the savannah – one of the least-disturbed and best-studied areas in Africa. At the Lodge’s Discovery Centre, guests can share their images with the Serengeti Cheetah Project, which uses crowdsourced wildlife photos to help identify and track the felines. Each cheetah has its own unique spot pattern, and the photos help researchers record the animals’ movements. And they’re not the only big cat of interest: Set out with a guide to set up remote-camera traps, then spend an afternoon monitoring and classifying animals captured on film with help from The Serengeti Lion Project. 

World of Wonder

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

From rolling green hills to staggering peaks and sparkling blue seas, the world is full of beautiful places. But some spots are truly spectacular – with awe-inspiring beauty and gravitas that stop us in our tracks and leave us forever changed.  

Whether it’s a visit to one of the Wonders of the World – new, natural or ancient – or a step back through time at a UNESCO World Heritage site, Four Seasons can help you discover some of the world’s most bucket list–worthy landmarks. Get a bird’s-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. 

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The Great Wall of China

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’s 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 of the iconic landmark during a private helicopter tour arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Beijing – the perfect way to fully take in the majestic structure’s scale and grandeur. Afterwards, hike the area’s verdant woods with an expert guide, who will explain the wall’s rich and complicated history, and end your adventure with a picnic lunch served atop the Great Wall itself.  

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Hoi An: A UNESCO Trifecta

The ancient seaport of Hoi An is perfectly positioned in the heart of Vietnam’s history. Wander the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient City; explore the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, one of the region’s most important Hindu temple complexes; and discover the sprawling Imperial City of Hue: The UNESCO World Heritage sites are all within easy reach of Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai). Tour Hoi An’s Central Market with a local guide, stopping to appreciate the assembly hall of Phuoc Kien, built in 1692 by Chinese merchants in honour of sea goddess Thien Hau, and learn the stories of the pagoda-covered Japanese Bridge, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. At My Son Sanctuary, venture into the valley to see 71 monuments spread across the valley, flanked by the three holy mountains and the sacred river. Tour this ancient place of worship – the burial place of Champa kings – and then head to the triple-walled Imperial City of Hue, once Vietnam’s political, cultural and religious centre. Marvel at the octagonal Thien Mu Pagoda, or 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. 

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The Lost City of Petra

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’s Wadi Rum desert. When you emerge from the narrow, winding canyon known as the Siq and catch your first glimpse of Petra’s iconic Treasury protruding from the rock, you’ll understand why the lost city is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Whether you’re using Four Seasons Hotel Amman as your home base, or are passing through on the Ancient Explorer itinerary aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet, you’ll 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 favourite way to admire the stunning scenery? A Bedouin-style dinner around a fire, marvelling at the star-studded desert sky. 

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The Colourful Baa Atoll

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’s home to one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean – and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. 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’s Marine Discovery Centre as they help repair the reef, track manta rays and rehabilitate Maldivian sea turtles – hands-on opportunities to help preserve this unique and vital ecosystem. The reefs alone are populated by more than 1,000 species of fish.  

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The Storied Acropoli

Imagine standing in one of the world’s 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 Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. 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 Pelagos, named for the Greek word for ocean and serving a bounty of fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean Sea.

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The Pyramids of Giza

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

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A World Geopark

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’s 190 species of birds: When you stay at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, you’re never at a loss for adventure. Nestled within Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark – defined as geographical areas where important sites and landscapes are managed with an eye on protection, education and sustainability – the Resort can arrange experiences on land, sea and air at its Geopark Discovery Centre. The centre’s on-site team of naturalists can fill you in on the region’s 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. 

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Why Pick Just One?

Unforgettable moments await when you lift off aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet. Travel the globe in style, following carefully curated itineraries that take you to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Explore Easter Island, Petra and the Great Barrier Reef – all UNESCO World Heritage sites – on the Ancient Explorers 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 African Wonders trip. Or explore the Americas and Antarctica on Uncharted Discovery, with stops at both a New Wonder (Machu Picchu) and a Natural Wonder (Iguazú Falls). Whenever you tap into your sense of wonder, the entire world becomes ripe for exploration. 

 

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your sense of wonder take you next?

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9 Best Places to Snorkel in the World

Posted on by Casey Siemasko Moore

There are few better ways to escape the daily grind than by snorkelling – effortlessly floating through tranquil waters, a kaleidoscope of vibrant fish and mesmerising sea creatures all around.

With up to 80 percent of all earthly life located in the seas, there’s no shortage of remarkable creatures to encounter. And memorable aquatic adventures can be had near shore with a mask, fins and snorkel. Snorkellers can experience the intense natural beauty of the underwater world without heavy equipment or time-consuming certification – which means no matter what your level of experience, the ocean’s beauty is within reach.

To help you make plans to swim with sea turtles or mingle with manta rays, we reveal our top nine places to snorkel in the world.

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Baa Atoll, Maldives

Why it’s special: Swim with manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve

Nearly 1,200 picture-perfect coral islands come together in the Indian Ocean to form the magical Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers the unique opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles, docile reef sharks, vividly coloured fish and even the occasional dolphin.

The indescribable experience of snorkelling amid the giant, notoriously rare manta rays and whale sharks is not to be missed. Join a marine biologist from the Resort for an escorted snorkelling and manta ray adventure, or hop aboard the Four Seasons Explorer for a magical boating foray into the ocean around the Maldives.

Dive into adventure

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Maui, Hawaii

Why it’s special: Unique lava rocks and secret coves abound

With its abundance of tranquil beaches, sheltered coves and crystal-clear water, it’s no wonder Maui is a classic family favourite for fun in the sea. You’ll find an abundance of snorkelling sites around the island, but don’t miss a visit to the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Get the gear you need at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, just a stone’s throw from the nature reserve and right on Wailea – a great place for beginners.

Watch for signs for the reserve on Makena Road, just past Big Beach. From here, look for Waiala Cove, an ideal spot just 100 yards (91 metres) into the reserve. The nooks and crannies of the lava rocks make perfect homes for a vast array of exotic fish, coral, eels and sea turtles. The site is easy to access; you need only go a few metres into the water before swirling schools of fish arrive to nibble at your feet.

Explore a vibrant underwater world

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Koh Tao, Thailand

Why it’s special: The Japanese Gardens’ one-of-a-kind granite boulders, home to spectacular coral and aquatic life

Surrounded by tranquil, cerulean water and dotted with enchanting bays and beaches, the small island of Koh Tao, Thailand, is synonymous with world-class diving and snorkelling, and only a short jaunt from Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

After exploring the Japanese Gardens, named for its spectacular boulders covered with ornate hard and soft coral, continue your adventure at Aow Leuk, one of Koh Tao’s most beautiful beaches. Baby sharks, clownfish, triggerfish and blue spotted rays all come out to swim in this underwater playground.

Find beautiful beaches

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Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Why it’s special: 76 world-class dives within a short boat ride

Abundant reefs, colourful fish, historic shipwrecks: The Red Sea is a spectacular playground for divers and snorkelers. Spot turtles, sharks, lionfish, rays and eels among the coral gardens and clear waters, and with a variety of sites so close to Sharm El Sheikh, snorkellers of all skill levels can find their ideal depth. The House Reef at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect place for beginners to get their feet wet; the private and secluded spot ranges in depth from 5 metres to 40 metres, and is easily accessible from the Resort’s swimming jetty,

The underwater adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Don’t miss the opportunity for a chance to explore the reef under the light of a full moon – even without lights, visibility reaches an impressive depth of 10 metres. It’s an otherworldly evening, made even more enchanting by the glow of bioluminescent plankton.

Explore an underwater playground

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Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Why it’s special: The world’s largest coral reef and more than 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays

The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps the most iconic diving and snorkelling destination in the world, and the exceptional beauty of this natural wonder warrants the reputation that precedes it. The easiest way to experience the grandeur of this underwater marvel is to join any of the boat tours that take snorkellers to various spots along the reef. Most snorkellers and divers choose to base themselves in Cairns, but Port Douglas and Townsville also offer easy access to beautiful swims.

If you prefer to stay as close to the action as possible, try a visit to the small but lovely Heron Island, a coral cay located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with 60 percent of the species of fish that live along the Great Barrier Reef. Easy-to-access snorkelling spots right off the beach are notable bonuses.

After exploring the world under the waves, head down the coast to Four Seasons Hotel Sydney for an adventure on top of them – the famous swells at nearby Bondi Beach are perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Catch the perfect wave

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Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

Why it’s special: Drift snorkelling with the current, and crystal-clear water abounding with majestic manta rays

Bali is frequently referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” and it’s a fitting name. But what many travellers don’t realise is that extraordinary biodiversity and pockets of calm water surround Bali. A day trip from Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay will take you to one of the best snorkelling sites just off the island: Nusa Lembongan.

Spot more than 250 species of fish, along with sharks, coral and mesmerising manta rays. The crystal-clear water and calm bays are ideal for all levels of skill. For further exploration underwater, hire a private boat from the Resort and head to Manta Point, Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point, three popular snorkelling sites around Nusa Lembongan.

Dive beneath the water’s surface

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Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Why it’s special: Feeding sharks at the Lagoonarium

If you yearn to get closer to sharks, a visit to Bora Bora should be at the top of your bucket list. In this Polynesian paradise, a close encounter with blacktip reef and lemon sharks is almost a given, along with rays, turtles, dolphins and colourful coral teeming with reef fish.

Stay in a beachfront villa at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and slip into the water right off your bungalow to explore the underworld through your mask. Join a local guide on n motorized outrigger canoe – a tribute the traditional Polynesian seafaring vessel – and visit three spectacular snorkelling spots: see dreamlike coral structures at Coral Garden; swim with stingrays in the lagoon’s shallow waters; and the Pacific Ocean, where schools of blacktip reef sharks and lemon sharks roam.

Explore more water adventures in Bora Bora >

Swim with stingrays

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Punta Mita, Mexico

Why it’s special: Rock formations and waterways near an uninhabited island, and underwater swim-through tunnels

While many covet sand space in Cancún, the Riviera Nayarit – and more specifically the sleepy fisherman’s village of Punta Mita – remains one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Right at the heart of this gem is Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the perfect jumping-off point for aquatic adventures in the region, even offering prime snorkelling for beginners near the Resort.

The clear blue water and distinctive rock formations along the coastline provide chances to swim with eagle rays, moray eels, starfish and seahorses. You can also expect vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves and the occasional visit from a friendly pod of dolphins.

Dive into clear blue waters

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Floating Above A Coral Reef

Florida Keys

Why it’s special: Spectacular coral and diverse marine life in the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.

The sublime underwater landscape in the Florida Keys supports a vivid array of colourful coral and sea sponges, along with marine life such as sharks, turtles and multitudes of tropical fish. And it’s all an easy day trip from Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

In Key Largo, home to the immensely popular Molasses Reef, you can swim among some of the Keys’ healthiest and most colourful coral, along with stingrays, eels, Goliath grouper and various shark species. Farther south, the charming village of Islamorada is a secret sweet spot boasting numerous patch reefs (isolated platforms of coral) where you’ll encounter barracudas, sea turtles, and – if you’re lucky – hammerhead sharks.

Explore the Florida Coast

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Select a destination and start exploring

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The Transformative Power of Travel

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

The best trips are the ones that resonate long after our suitcases are unpacked, because they’ve changed us in a profound way. We’ve returned home different from the way we were before we left. We see the world – and ourselves – in a new way.

This new outlook on the world is due, in part, to the way we interact with it during our journeys. That’s where Four Seasons comes in, offering unique and immersive experiences that engage all the senses so you can more deeply connect with the destination. Whether you’re looking to dive into local culture or history or to find a new way to relax and recharge, these Four Seasons activities will help you see with fresh eyes.

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Adventures That Shift Your Perspective

Even the smallest moments can lead to a big shift in our outlook – so imagine the impact of the gentle giants who live in the jungle that surrounds Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Accompany a mahout guide through grasslands to the river, where the elephants play. Watch them splash about as you learn their stories – many were rescued from Thailand’s crowded city streets – and discover their distinct personalities, a lesson in building trust and letting go.

Meet the Tented Camp elephants

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Step back in time at the new San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel: The Palace itself was originally a 14th-century convent, and its ancient architecture and rich character are on full display, with traditional cloisters, choir stalls, restored frescoes, and artefacts and relics on exhibit in the Galleria. Take in panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, and then see more with a guided tour of Sicily’s varied history. Observe the influence of a series of cultures in landmarks like the ancient Greek theatre, the Palazzo Corvaja and Piazza IX Aprile, all engaging connections between the past, present and future.

Explore the island’s rich history

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Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is surrounded by some of America’s most rugged peaks, celebrated ski runs and breathtaking scenery – the gateway to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The sky is the limit when it comes to adventure – literally: The Ski Concierge will have your gear ready and waiting as you hop into a private helicopter for a full day of skiing or snowboarding at 12,000 to 15,000 vertical feet. Get a new perspective on the world as you gaze down at fresh, untracked powder stretching as far as you can see, challenging you to embrace heart-pounding adventure.

Get ready for year-round adventure

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Cultural Immersion That Stays With You

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Step into any of Madrid’s tablaos and you’ll discover the city’s wildly popular pastime: flamenco dance. But to truly understand the rhythm of this Andalusian dance form, try its steps yourself – let the Concierge at the new Four Seasons Hotel Madrid arrange private flamenco lessons. Stamp and tap your way to a new level of cultural understanding, set to the fiery chords of a Spanish guitar.

Find your rhythm

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Escape the noise of everyday life and discover the vast stillness of the Agafay desert, about 45 minutes from Four Seasons Resort Marrakech. Set out with a Resort guide on camels to experience the desert’s faded orange landscape. As your surroundings shift from rocky flats to half-melted hills, you’ll discover time for introspection. Afterwards, return to the Resort, nibble on ghoriba cookies and sip tiny glasses of mint tea as you reflect on the clarity that comes from a day outdoors.

Enjoy the beauty of the desert

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Rejuvenation That May Also Heal Body and Mind

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Harness the power of the herd at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe: The Equus Experience pairs guests with horses for leadership training and personal and spiritual growth through equine interaction. Soak in breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you break down boundaries and interact with the animals, learning to coach and guide without fuss or drama. As you learn more about working with the horses, you’ll discover you’re learning more about yourself, and you might just come away with fresh insights that can affect how you love, live and lead once you’re back home.

Indulge in a holistic wellness retreat

Discover Santa Fe

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Hidden in the lush jungle greenery overlooking the Ayung River Valley, the thatched-roof Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a serene, nurturing environment ideal for restoring balance to body, mind and spirit. Traditional Balinese chakra ceremonies are meant to align you with the energy of the Earth: The Muladhara ceremony will use singing bowls and deep, slow massage to cleanse your root chakra, said to bring inner peace and help you embrace your full potential. The Swadhisthana ceremony combines meditation and massage to balance the sacral chakra, helping you tap into your creativity and to encourage connection.

Balance your mind, body and soul

Discover Bali

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will your explorations take you?

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