Tag: best views

The Fall Trips You Need to Take

Posted on by Brooke Porter Katz

When French philosopher Albert Camus wrote that autumn “is a second spring where every leaf is a flower,” he was onto something.

With the change from summer to fall, this beautiful time of year is perfect for weekend getaways and enjoying the outdoors in its full autumn glory. There’s something uniquely magical about the crisp, cool air, and the experts at Four Seasons know exactly how to help you savour it. Here are seven of our favourite places to visit in the fall to take full advantage of this special time.

 

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Catch a show in Austin

Scorching summer days in the Texas capital give way to perfect weather come autumn, a time of year for getting outdoors. You can easily stroll from Four Seasons Hotel Austin to Zilker Metropolitan Park, a sprawling 358-acre (145-hectare) space along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, and cool off in Barton Springs Pool, which maintains an average temperature of 68°F to 70°F (20°C to 21°C) year round.

At night, join filmgoers in the heart of downtown Austin at Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In, whose two screens showcase a variety of classics and newer releases. You can even go beyond popcorn, soda and candy and order from restaurants that deliver right to your car window.

Since this is the Live Music Capital of the World, you can catch some of Austin’s top musicians playing at the Hotel’s Live Oak lounge. Sip inventive cocktails while listening to live music and taking in some of the best views in the city. On the Hotel’s back lawn, you can also join friends for games including Jenga, ping-pong and cornhole, or simply find a patch of shade in one of the many Adirondack chairs or hammocks to sit back and relax.

Alternatively, you can also play your own music – the Hotel’s Guitar Concierge can arrange for you to borrow a premium guitar to use throughout your visit. Strum away in the comfort of your guest room or on the back lawn, or take it with you to other scenic locales around the city.

Enjoy music and movies in Austin

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Cruise the river in Prague

Prepare your palate for an autumn stay at Four Seasons Hotel Prague. Sip a glass of Prosecco aboard the Hotel’s charming wooden boat on the Vltava River. Surrounded by fairy-tale scenery, you’ll see Prague from a different angle as you indulge in your choice of breakfast, lunch or a light snack. Come November, you can also opt for a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate to keep you warm when the temperature begins to dip.

For an authentic Czech experience, discover a local craft rooted in hundreds of years of tradition: glassblowing. The Hotel’s private car service can whisk you to the world-famous Rückl glass factory in Nizbor, a picturesque village in central Bohemia, only a 45-minute drive from Prague. There, you’ll meet craftsmen and witness the magic of glass engraving. You can even choose to cut or blow glass yourself.

Back at the Hotel, pamper yourself with a personalized treatment at the Spa or enjoy some quality time with your loved one in the private couple’s treatment room, complete with your own private steam room.

Capture the magic in Prague

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Take a private helicopter tour in Beijing

Autumn is the best time to explore Beijing, with comfortably cool weather for climbing suburban mountains or people-watching in an outdoor café. The city’s countless attractions include Ditan Park, the Confucian Temple, the Guozijian Museum and, of course, the Great Wall.

From late September to early November is an especially good time to visit, when you can see the iconic landmark framed by rich autumn hues. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing offers two exceptional ways to see the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Let the Hotel arrange for a private car to take you to Mutianyu and embark on a private guided tour of the incredibly well-preserved section that was originally built in the Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550–557) but then rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368–1644) to strengthen its defensive potential. During the fall, the surrounding forest-covered mountains turn shades of red and gold. For a bird’s-eye view of it all, the Hotel can also arrange for a private helicopter experience. This adventure begins with a ride to Mutianyu in a private limousine, catered food and snacks, and a breathtaking 15-minute aerial tour of the Great Wall. Afterwards, set out on a hike with an expert guide to take in the wall’s history and architecture up close.

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Revel in fall colours in Kyoto

Kyoto is known for the vibrant colours of its leaves (koyo in Japanese) – especially impressive during the last two weeks of November – making it one of the best fall destinations. Like hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in spring, the Japanese also have a custom called momijigari (red leaf hunting) that was a popular fall activity among the 8th-century aristocracy and continues to this day. While the word specifically references the red leaves of the maple tree that make their appearance each fall, in practice, it means gathering together to see all of the season’s best foliage.

For this special season, the team at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto has created a map highlighting the best places around the city to witness this beautiful sight. The Concierge recommends visiting Kyoto’s temples at night for a different kind of leaf-peeping experience. A few favourites are Kodai-ji Temple, Entoku-in Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, all in the Higashiyama area and only 20 to 25 minutes by foot from the Hotel.

And last but not least, if you want to take in the rich autumn colours in a quiet and exclusive setting without any crowds, pay a visit to the Hotel’s own Shakusui-en pond garden.

See the colours of Kyoto

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Expand your palate in Bogotá

Year-round good weather means there’s never really a bad time to visit Colombia’s capital city, but autumn is the perfect time for unexpected journeys. The best way to discover the magic of Bogotá is to live the experience like a local.

One aspect of the city locals love? Graffiti. For those intrigued by the thriving art scene, Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá can help arrange for a private walking tour to see some of Bogotá’s most notable works. The colourful, towering murals that dot the city make for great Instagram backdrops – but they’re even more incredible when you see them first hand.

To enjoy a different kind of artistry, treat your palate with an unforgettable coffee experience. The Hotel can arrange for an exclusive coffee-tasting session led by local farmers at Cafetal de la Trinidad, a historic Colombian coffee farm located on a scenic hacienda just a couple hours outside the city. Here you’ll learn about the entire coffee-making process, from harvesting to preparation and even how to decipher the different flavours and aromas.

Experience art and coffee in Bogotá

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Find serenity in Seoul

With its cool, crisp days; pops of colourful foliage; and seasonal fruits such as apples, pears and persimmon on menus around the city, there’s plenty of reasons why fall is a favourite time of year for locals. Located right in the heart of Seoul, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is the ideal jumping-off point to explore the seasonal splendour.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just enjoy taking leisurely strolls, the Concierge team can help point you in the right directions to explore Seoul’s abundance of hiking trails. One can’t-miss route for couples is the walk up to N Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower. At the top, you’ll take in some of the best panoramic views in the city – and don’t forget to add your own “love lock” to the thousands of padlocks lovingly placed on the tower’s famous Love Lock Bridge.

As big a city as Seoul is, there are also plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. The most famous place to see the gold-hued magic of gingko trees in fall is Asan Gingko Tree Road, but for a closer option, the Concierge team recommends a visit to Seoul Forest Park. Be sure to also spend some time at Hill of Wind – the park’s highest point – to gaze at the mesmerizing fields of silver grass dancing in the autumn wind. For something further afield, the Hotel can arrange for an unforgettable day trip to the fairy-tale wonderland of Nami Island, a UNESCO treasure made famous in the Korean drama Winter Sonata.

Back at the Hotel, you’ll have your pick of dining options, from creative Japanese-Korean fusion at Akira Back to regional Cantonese specialties at Yu Yuan. For a nightcap, stop into OUL to sip your way through seasonal drinks that pay homage to Korea’s unique history of libation.

Stroll together in Seoul

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Harvest oysters in Boston

They say oysters are best enjoyed in months that contain the letter “r” – which makes fall the perfect time to indulge. At Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston, you can sample some of the freshest oysters around with a unique experience at the historic Island Creek Oysters farm. Located south of the city in Duxbury – and affectionately known as “The Napa Valley of Oysters” – Island Creek Oysters invites you to be an oyster farmer for a day with a private, interactive lesson on their 11-acre farm. You’ll begin in the hatchery to learn about the perfect conditions for oysters to grow and what they eat; then you’ll set out aboard the Nathaniel Winsor, a 27-foot Carolina Skiff, where you’ll learn how to shuck from the experts and hear stories over drinks.

At the end of the day, grab a seat at the farm’s bayfront raw bar for chilled wine or local craft beer, caviar and, of course, oysters. You’ll also be sent home with fresh oysters on ice to enjoy in the comfort of your room back at the Hotel, along with a bottle of champagne.

Explore oyster country in Boston

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Follow the Sun This Winter

Posted on by Lucy Maher

If your winter landscape of choice is a white-sand beach, your perfect beach holiday may include a full day spent with toes tucked in the sand – just add a good book and ice-cold frothy drinks. Or perhaps it’s thrill-inducing water sports you seek or luxury lodging for yourself and a dozen friends and family.

Whatever your objective, here are our favourite beach destinations for this time of year, with ideas for taking your seaside stay to the next level.


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Punta Mita: Call of the waves

Find your own eternal summer at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México, where surfers of all skill levels can catch a good break. November to March is peak season at this Mexican Riviera hideaway, says TropicSurf Program Manager Donna Scherer, who oversees the property’s surfing excursions from a beachside surf shack. The rest of the year, the waves are less steep and longer.

The Resort’s Manzanilla Beach, a three-minute walk from The Surf Shack lounge on Las Cuevas Beach, offers calmer waves so beginners can feel at ease. The Cove, five minutes from the property by boat, is more suitable for experienced surfers, as is La Lancha, a 15-minute boat ride from the Resort.

“The sought-after El Faro is probably the most advanced wave we take guests to,” Scherer says of the cove within walking distance. “El Anclote, 10 minutes away and known as the Mexican Malibu, offers very gentle longboarding that runs for ages and is named after the classic world-class Malibu wave. Burros is about 20 minutes away by boat and can be great if conditions suit.”

All guests who book guided tours or surf lessons with TropicSurf can rent board if they don’t have their own, says Scherer. And “depending on what’s best for the day and guests’ surfing levels,” car trips can be arranged to breaks up to 45 minutes away.

If you’d rather observe the waves than ride them, set out on the Four Seasons Explorer for a sunset cruise, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales as you sip your champagne and take it all in.

Surf the waves in Punta Mita

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Hualalai: The ultimate winter wedding destination

There are many reasons to love Hawaii: its Kona coffee, its traditional luau celebrations, its white-sand beaches and island greenery. It’s also home to the spectacular Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, where couples can tie the knot and extend the celebration across the property’s 800 acres.

“If you are picturing a wedding with a backdrop of lush island foliage, crystal-clear waters and unrivalled beauty by day and illuminated tiki torches, stellar sunsets and sparkly evening stars by evening, there is no destination more perfect than Four Seasons Resort Hualalai,” says Director of Special Events Melina Manchester. “Set on the exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast, it is what Hawaiian wedding dreams are made of.” Think ceremonies atop a black lava bluff and all-night receptions surrounded by royal poinciana trees, plumeria and red hibiscus.

“Hualalai is a little slice of paradise year round, but it’s especially magical during the winter due to warm temperatures and less crowded beaches on the Big Island,” says Manchester. “The quiet of the winter months makes the Resort feel intimate and worlds away from civilization – the perfect time to say ‘I do.’”

Say ‘I do’ in Hualalai

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Nevis: From sea to table

Experienced divers can easily rattle off a list of destinations where they’ve taken to the sea in search of the bluest waters and most exotic schools of fish.

The wise ones have spent time at Four Seasons Resort Nevis. “The calm waters of the Caribbean are perfect for a day on the water,” says Kishandra Williams, assistant pool and beach manager. “The turquoise blue waters right off our Resort’s shoreline are like having your own private aquarium. Pinney’s Beach is home to an abundance of colourful fish and sea life waiting to be explored, with everything from starfish, sea turtles and stingrays to colourful schools of tropical fish. It’s truly awe-inspiring.”

Head to the water-sports desk to borrow some complimentary snorkel gear and walk just a few short steps from the beach into the water, where you’ll experience a variegated world of undersea marine life.

Back on land, sample some authentic local cuisine at On the Dune. The beachfront restaurant’s revamped menu features 95% local Nevisian ingredients, including fresh seafood caught straight from the Resort’s shores, plus homegrown vegetables, fruits and other provisions from local partner Indian Castle Farm.

Snorkel and dine in Nevis

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Seychelles, Desroches Island: Sweet seclusion

If you’re really looking to unplug this winter, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is prime territory for a relaxing vacation. It’s the only resort on the island, which boasts 14 kilometres (9 miles) of white-sand beaches, and each guest suite and villa features a private swimming pool and daybed pavilion.

You’ll also have access to bicycles throughout your stay, meaning each day you can explore a new stretch of the coastline and find your very own beach. In addition to the two restaurants on-site, the Resort also offers The Deli, where takeaway picnic baskets can be prepared for each castaway day. Choose from cold cuts, pastries, sandwiches and desserts – and perhaps a bottle of wine.

Enjoy privacy in the Seychelles

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The Ocean Club: A romantic winter hideaway

Sometimes all you need is a little time for just the two of you.

Enter The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas. “Our property is made for private celebrations; intimate vow renewals and proposals are very popular here, especially on the beach while the sun is setting,” says General Manager John Conway. During the winter months, he says, couples can still count on 75-degrees F weather and warm ocean waters to swim in.

Enjoy a couple’s massage overlooking the ocean, a private yoga session on the beach or your private balcony, or paddleboarding on the water. Relax together at the adults-only Versailles Pool. Later in the evening, be sure to savour a martini at the legendary Martini Bar and Lounge before beginning your romantic dinner at DUNE by Jean-Georges.

Whether you’re commemorating a special occasion or simply celebrating your time together, a private dinner for two in either the Versailles Gardens or directly on the beach offers a truly unforgettable evening. “It’s a beautiful dinner, set up with many candles and fresh-cut flowers, a four-course meal, a bottle of champagne, dedicated servers, and tiki torches and lanterns surrounding the area,” says Conway. “Whenever guests walk up to their dinner they are always in awe of the beauty of their surroundings – it’s an amazing experience.”

Reconnect at The Ocean Club

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Maui: Celebrate in paradise

In Maui, you can enjoy sunshine and temperatures that hover in the 80s year round, making Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea a picture-perfect winter retreat. “Our island paradise truly provides a welcome warm break,” says Margaux Pfeiffer, director of Concierge and guest experience.

And while Maui is magical all year, the Resort elevates its offerings for the holiday season. From mid-December through early January, you can expect nightly Hanukkah festivities, Christmas tree room deliveries, Santa arriving via outrigger canoe, Kids For All Seasons themed night events and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party complete with fireworks, all bound to make lifelong memories with loved ones.

“Beyond our perennial sunny shores, the winter months mark the peak season for humpback whale watching on Maui,” notes Pfeiffer. These majestic creatures return every year to Maui’s warm tropical waters to breed and give birth, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to watch their awe-inspiring displays of breaching, tail-slapping and singing. “Whale watching is a not-to-be-missed winter activity on Maui, and we make personalized recommendations for our guests to experience the whales in whichever way best fits them,” says Pfeiffer. Whether it’s a luxury catamaran for smooth sailing with delicious food and drinks or a private kayak off the shores of Wailea Beach with Maui Undersea Adventures – Pfeiffer’s personal favourite – there is a perfect excursion for every whale watcher.

Spend the holidays in Maui

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Flying High: 7 Hot-Air Balloon Rides for Breathtaking Views

Posted on by Krysten Heberly

A ride in a hot-air balloon perfectly balances a thrilling adventure and a peaceful way to shift your outlook. Watch for wild animals from high above the iconic Serengeti savannah. Soar over the rolling hills of wine country in Napa Valley. Marvel at Mexico’s ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán. We’ve rounded up some of the most striking landscapes around the globe to enjoy by hot-air balloon.

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A Safari by sky in the Serengeti

When on safari, you occasionally have to be creative to get a good look at the wildlife. Why not try a new perspective? Your adventure begins at dawn: An hour’s drive from Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, a gondola will be waiting with a quick breakfast and a glass of champagne. Soar over the savannah of Serengeti National Park with an unobtrusive view of Tanzania’s creatures as they gather at the watering holes of the Mara River. After an hour-long flight, the pilot will land on the red oat grass so you can enjoy a full breakfast in the bush.

See wildlife roam in Tanzania

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Floating In Paradise

From Florence to Tuscany by hot-air balloon

As you wind through the 18th-century lemon groves beside Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, you may see the top of a colourful hot-air balloon that’s sitting in the middle of the garden. Rising from the only balloon launching point in central Florence, bask in the Florentine sun with a glass of champagne in hand as you float above the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the many vineyards, olive groves and small villages of the Chianti region. Your flight ends in a prime patch of Tuscan countryside, where your customized picnic features hors d’oeuvres, local artisanal cheeses and Prosecco.

Take off on a Tuscan adventure in Florence

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Tour de wine country in Napa Valley

Take in wine country from 3,000 feet in the air above Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. Join the Four Seasons team in the Resort’s vineyard before dawn, where a hot-air balloon waits for your hour-long ride above Calistoga’s scenic vineyards. Glide over the rolling fields of Napa Valley and the Petrified Forest, resting place of the largest petrified trees in the world. End your day peacefully with a full brunch, paired with a house sparkling wine, beneath the wisteria of Domaine Chandon Winery in Yountville.

See a new side of California wine country

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An ancient civilization in Mexico City

Just north of Mexico City lies Teotihuacán, an UNESCO World Heritage site that once boasted the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas. See the whole 8-mile city from your hot-air balloon, then descend for a walking tour of the pyramids and ruins. A guide from Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City will escort you through thousands of years of history, including the complex roots of the region and the unsolved mystery of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Following your archaeological exploration, savour an al fresco brunch featuring handmade tortillas and live music at a private hacienda nearby.

Explore the pyramids in Mexico

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Scope out the slopes in Megève

With several different skiing areas to choose from, a bird’s-eye-view of the trails can be a great way to find the best powder during your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Megève. Start your journey on the snow-capped peak of Mont d’Arbois, and your trained guide will steer you high above the Beaufortain Massif range for views of the Lac de Javen and the peak of the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc. Cap off your adventure with the perfect après-ski at Glass Bar.

Rise to meet Mont Blanc in Megève

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Catch the sun setting over Chiang Mai

If you’re spending time in Chiang Mai, the best place to view the sunset is above the ground. Start your journey in the emerald rice fields, where the crew from Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai awaits with your glass of champagne and an hour’s itinerary. As the sun sets upon the Rose of the North, view the bustling downtown of Chiang Mai, featuring the golden steeples of the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Buddhist temple and the far-off waterfalls of Doi Inthanon National Park.

Experience a Thai sunset in Chiang Mai

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Rise above the Red City in Marrakech

As the first light of dawn spreads across the golden sands of Morocco, join your guide from Four Seasons Resort Marrakech for a sunrise flight by hot-air balloon. From this vantage point, you’ll take in contrasting views of the vibrant city centre of the Red City and the Atlas Mountains, which were once believed to be the body of Atlas, the mythical Greek Titan tasked with holding up the sky. Following your journey, enjoy a full breakfast back at the Resort.

Fly high over the desert in Marrakech

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A new perspective awaits.

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The 7 Most Romantic Getaways

Posted on by Stephanie Jones
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A Helicopter Over Volcanoes in Oahu

In Hawaii, the two of you can strengthen your bond by sharing the Earth, Wind & Fire helicopter tour offered by Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina. Prepare for sensory abundance as you and your loved one fly past the verdant cliffs of Molokai, the green – yes, green – sand beaches of Papakolea, the Hamakua Coast’s misty waterfalls and even active volcanoes. “Each of the Hawaiian islands is so different from the next, so beautiful in its own way,” says Concierge Manager Ricarda Schellenberg. “This experience delivers all of the magical landscapes Hawaii has to offer.”

A high point of the journey takes place on the ground. “When you land at the Hawaii Legacy Forest on Big Island, you walk through waist-high grass and get your hands into the rich black volcanic soil to replant a native koa tree, giving back to the ‘aina,” caring for the land, Schellenberg says. “Afterwards, the awe of seeing the landscape from above becomes very real.” You’ll return to the Resort in time for a glass of Champagne at sunset.

Take Your Love to New Heights in Oahu

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A Private, Starlit Spa in Nevis

What could be better than stargazing together? Stargazing from a private volcanic-stone jetted tub in the heart of the Caribbean. The Spa Under the Stars experience at Four Seasons Resort Nevis transforms the Spa into an exclusive sanctuary for serenity and romance. You’ll have the entire space to yourselves – including a Japanese–inspired cold plunge pool and Spa Deck, surrounded by the privacy of a tropical garden. Your Nevisian massage begins with a foot bath in warm coconut milk infused with lemongrass, followed by a massage using a locally infused blend of oils inspired by the exotic scents and spices of the West Indies. End your evening with a candlelit dinner for two on the sala deck, overlooking Nevis Peak.

“Spa Under the Stars is inherently romantic, but I love when a guest goes the extra mile to make it a surprise for their partner,” says Spa Specialist Kevin Raymond. “And if you happen to be here during a full moon night, there’s just nothing like it.” Couples should also make sure to tour the ruins of the Hamilton Estate, a former sugar plantation once owned by the family of Nevis-born U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton – as in Broadway’s hit show Hamilton.

Celebrate your love in Nevis

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French Riviera cruise

The Coastal Byways of the French Riviera

When Grace Kelly and Cary Grant whirred along the cinematic coasts of the French Riviera in the 1955 Hitchcock movie To Catch a Thief, they became an example for generations to come. You can recreate the scene with the aid of Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel: Set out in your choice of classic luxury car – a Mercedes 190 SL, a Porsche 550 RS Spyder, or a Jaguar XK120 – and drive along cliff-edge roads overlooking the Mediterranean.

“What’s more romantic than a getaway to the French Riviera?” asks Chief Concierge Salvatore Esposito. “Between past and present, our landscape offers you breathtaking views overlooking the sea. You’ll drive a classic car from the Hotel straight to paradise.”

Find a road map to romance in Cap-Ferrat

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A Barefoot Beach Dinner in the Seychelles

The special quality of a candlelit meal is amplified when it’s served on a white sand beach illuminated by the moon. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles arranges that very dinner on Petite Anse Beach, ringed by flourishing coral reefs. If you can take your eyes off each other, you might spot fruit bats (they’re vegan) flying high overhead and hermit crabs meandering along the shore.

“Arrive around 6:30 pm, just in time for sunset and a glass of Champagne,” says Executive Chef Apostolos Dimou, who’s careful to note that the sun drops directly in front of the bay. “We can also work with couples to develop their own perfect menu, so the experience becomes even more personal.” The sky is the limit when it comes to the menu: savour local flavours, or really impress your partner by recreating dishes from your first dinner date.

Toast your time together in Seychelles

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Flower ritual Chiang Mai

A Pampering Session in the Garden in Thailand

Flowers have symbolized flourishing love for centuries. And they play an integral role in the two-hour Sunset Connection at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. The two of you first receive an intense, full-body massage with warm oil, and then retire to a warm bath infused with tropical flowers. You have your choice of soaking spots: the Spa’s al fresco tubs beneath the forest canopy, or the tub in your private villa’s spa-like bathroom. It’s a euphoric end to a day on the water, exploring the jungle-clad islands of Angthong Marine National Park.

Find blissful relaxation in Koh Samui

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A Taste of the Amalfi Coast in Miami

Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra stayed (separately) in the legendary Surf Club, reborn as Four Seasons Hotel The Surf Club, so romance comes with the territory. Along with every ounce of glamour from the past, the property now includes Le Sirenuse restaurant, an outpost of the beloved cliff-side original in Positano, Italy.

A Turkish hammam and a Champagne bar with the largest selection of bubbly in Miami make attractive choices for you, but sometimes the most memorable moments come about before the city wakes. “Watch the sunrise from your oceanfront balcony,” says Guest Relations Manager Mark Warren. “We’ll bring freshly brewed coffee and made-to-order breakfast straight to your room.”

Unwind in Style in Miami

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Sierra Nevada trip Bogotá

A Lost Mountain City in Bogotá

If your definition of a dream date includes a touch of Indiana Jones, look no further than Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá. Taking the Hotel’s Sierra Nevada day trip, you’ll board a private jet for the village of Santa Marta some 45 minutes away, and then hop on a helicopter to soar over Colombia’s lush Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, where the indigenous Kogi community has lived for centuries. Explore the thatch-roofed Mulkuakungui Village and connect with Kogi locals, learning rituals and receiving a handwoven piqué backpack. Lovebirds can keep an eye out for blue-bearded helmet crests, one of the 28 avian species that occupy only this region. (Colombia has the most diverse bird population worldwide.) As you fly out, take note of the circular terraces of Ciudad Perdida, or Lost City, which the Kogi built in AD 800.

In search of more sky-high adventure? The Hotel can arrange a helicopter expedition to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and the emerald-coloured Gustavita Lake, scene of the famed legend of El Dorado, or Villa de Leyva – a remote, colonial-era town where you can explore the beauty and fascinating history, culture and art of the Colombian Andes.

Explore Sky-High Adventure in Bogota

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Where will you and your love go next?

mountain views at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Make the Most of Golden Hour

Posted on by Scott Steinberg

A perennial favourite among photographers, “golden hour” – the hour after sunrise or after sunset – paints the world in warm, soft light. Everything simply looks better when seen in these rosy and golden shades, whether through a camera lens or in our outlook on life. You don’t need to be a shutterbug to appreciate this special time of day; in fact, you’ll appreciate it more if you step out from behind the camera and focus on being present in the moment.

From early morning runs past historic landmarks in Paris to famous bats in Austin, Four Seasons offers a variety of activities and experiences that make the most of this golden time. Here are a few of our favourite ways to start or end your day on a high note – we’re sure these daybreak and dusk adventures will leave you glowing.

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Stunning Views in Lanai

According to legend, a young warrior was so smitten by the beauty of a doomed Hawaiian maid that he leapt from Sweetheart Rock, or Puu Pehe, an 80-foot stone column jutting upwards from the sea. Today, the spot is a Lanai landmark along the island’s southern coast, between Manele and Hulopoe bays – an easy hike from Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

Start your day with picture-perfect views of this natural wonder during a 20-minute sunrise hike with a Resort guide, admiring the rocky pools and windswept coastline. Or observe the scene at sunset for a romantic look at Hulopoe Bay’s pristine white sand and crystal blue waters. For a new perspective, look at the site from the sea during a two-hour sunset cruise: Watch the sun sink over the Pacific as you sip cocktails and snack on pupus (appetizers) – and keep an eye out for spinner dolphins frolicking in the surf.

Plan your Lanai adventure

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Centre Yourself in Seychelles

It’s easy to believe you’ve found paradise at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: Gentle ocean breezes, turquoise waters and tropical greenery encourage you to slow down and be present in every moment. Discover a refuge of well-being at the Spa, perched high above Petite Anse bay, where you can greet the day with sunrise stretches and quiet contemplation. One of the Resort’s resident yogis will lead you in a private session at the outdoor yoga pavilion, or you might build your own yoga retreat to help you find the balance between stillness and adventure.

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Wing It in Austin

For many visitors, Austin is known for its outstanding food, great live music and quirky charm, from the murals and street performers of South Congress Avenue to the trails and waves of Lady Bird Lake. The city also has the unusual distinction of being home to the largest urban bat population in North America. Thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge, winging their way out at sunset from March through November.

At Four Seasons Hotel Austin, you’re perfectly positioned to catch a glimpse of these nocturnal creatures. Or head out on Lady Bird Lake on an evening paddleboat tour or a kayak to take in the show from the water. Afterwards, toast your experience with a frozen cocktail from the Hotel’s Trinity Point beverage trailer or a bat-inspired cocktail at the Hotel’s Live Oak – the tasty Did You See the Bats? is a made with vodka, house-made rosemary-hibiscus syrup, lemon, grapefruit and ginger beer.

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A New Look at Paris

Runners know that one of the best ways to see a city is while it sleeps. Nowhere is that more true than in Paris, where fitness enthusiasts at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, lead guests on early-morning runs through the City of Lights. The route will take you past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the Tuileries and the Louvre and down the Champs-Élysées for a unique look at the city while it is still waking up. Your cultural journey continues back at the Hotel with breakfast at La Galerie, surrounded by 19th-century art, or a session in the marble and mosaic-tiled Parisian hammam or the 30℃ (86℉) vitality pool at the Spa. After an invigorating morning of self-care, you’ll be refreshed and ready for a day spent exploring the city.

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A Soothing Evening in Hoi An

The evening belongs to you – as does the entire Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An – as part of an after-hours experience focused on self-reflection and well-being. Float traditional wishing candles on the Spa’s lagoon as the sun sinks in the sky, bathing you in golden light. Guided by Resident Singing Bowl artist Oanh Ngo, you’ll nourish body and soul with a three-course meal and then climb aboard a traditional Vietnamese basket boat to be paddled to a double Spa villa. There, take a 45-minute singing bowl lesson on a set of crystal bowls tuned to 432 Hz, believed to be the harmonic frequency of the universe, and a flower-filled lotus and rose aromatherapy bath. End your soothing journey with a four-handed massage to knead away any lingering concerns that could possibly remain.

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A Fresh Start in Costa Rica

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is the ideal launching point for a day of adventure, offering easy access to emerald-green waters, tropical jungles and airborne excursions. Get your heart pumping with a sunrise hike through the Resort’s extensive grounds – the 90-minute outing will take you up the hillsides and staircases that connect the property, including the Resort’s famed 700-step climb. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas and might even come face to face with some of the island’s inhabitants, like howler and white-faced monkeys. After this invigorating workout, you’ll be ready for all the island has to offer – guided bike tours, outrigger canoeing, paddleboarding or an exhilarating zip-line circuit above the trees.

After a day of exploration, turn your eyes to the sky for an exclusive stargazing experience: Get a detailed look at the moon through the Resort’s powerful GPS-guided telescope as you savour an out-of-this-world feast and sip Chilean Meteorito Cabernet Sauvignon – aged with a real meteor.

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Where will the spirit of discovery take you next?

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