The Fall Trips You Need to Take

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

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.

Get a new perspective in Beijing

 

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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

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

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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Where will you choose to spend your favourite season?

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Exclusive and Extreme Adventures: 7 Adrenaline-Fuelled Activities You Have to Try

Whether you opt for sandboarding over the dunes in Dubai, hydrofoiling above the ocean in the Maldives or swimming with bull sharks in Los Cabos, Four Seasons offers a broad range of exclusive, adventure-packed experiences. And after a day of exploring some of the world’s most intriguing natural wonders, unwind over a multi-course gourmet meal and your favourite beverage in a setting straight out of a magazine. Here are seven ways to explore the boundaries of your comfort zone and have the kind of epic adventures you’ll only find at Four Seasons.

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Soar above the ocean in the Maldives

What if you could actually glide above the ocean? Imagine your feet hovering just over the water’s surface, your ankles damp with salty spray. Get your adrenaline pumping with the exclusive eFoil Extreme experience at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. This adventure sport – also known as hydrofoiling – combines surfing, skateboarding, flying and snowboarding, and Four Seasons was the first resort in the Maldives to offer hydrofoiling experiences. On a hydrofoil board, a hydrodynamically powered fin with wings, you can soar thrillingly close to the water’s surface without needing to be as skilled as a pro surfer. The friendly experts at the Resort’s in-house Water Sports Centre will be on hand to guide you through it all.

Ride the waves in the Maldives

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Raft down Bali’s longest river

Expand your appreciation of the natural wonders of Bali with a stay at either Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay or Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Both offer a private voyage along Bali’s longest river.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through rice farming villages where you can marvel at the Subak irrigation network (rice terraces), a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Following your private two-hour guided rafting excursion, embark on a journey over Class II and III rapids through a lush jungle and past majestic gorges. There’s even a chance to get out of your raft and into the water to float through a natural tunnel formed by a canopy of trees. Your journey concludes back at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, where you’ll disembark by the scenic riverside. Come nightfall, unwind with a private meal on your villa’s terrace or head to Riverside to enjoy grilled fresh fish or ceviche next to beautiful open-air views of the jungle at night.

Go on a river adventure in Bali

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Dive into the world’s aquarium in Los Cabos

See why legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called Cabo Pulmo, the oldest of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America, the “aquarium of the world.” Depart from Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas – the only Four Seasons property with a private marina – on a diving expedition to Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, available only to Four Seasons guests. Led by expert guides, you’ll swim alongside hundreds of schooling jacks, mobula rays, sea lions, turtles, whales and bull sharks. The creatures there make up 39% of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of its marine cetacean species – and you’ll get to experience them all up close.

Dive into nature in Los Cabos

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Off-road adventures in Costa Rica

Leave the road on a private UTV tour through the wilderness of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. The expert team of naturalist guides at Papagayo Explorers, the in-house adventure outfitter at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, will design a custom immersive experience just for you. Zip around the Palmares Estuary and then over to the northern shore to explore the secluded beaches of Zapotillal and breathtaking ocean views. This is one of the best ways to experience the diverse ecosystems found only in Costa Rica.

Veer off the beaten path in Costa Rica

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Seven days in the Serengeti

“Safari” may be synonymous with the Serengeti, but did you know that it means “journey” in Swahili? And a journey is exactly what you can expect when you escape to Tanzania. Trek across the same land as the earliest humans at Olduvai Gorge, where archaeologists found evidence of their existence, observe wild game while walking through the savannah, or glide across Serengeti skies in a hot-air balloon at sunrise. The Seven Days in Serengeti experience at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti lets you add these extraordinary activities and more to your adventure-of-a-lifetime checklist. Curated by the experts at the Lodge, each itinerary can be fully customized, creating an unforgettable experience that is completely tailored to you.

Go on safari in the Serengeti

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Discover the magic of the desert in Dubai

When you stay at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, you’ll find many ways to take in all that the city holds, including its markets, museums and famous landmarks. But if it’s adventure you seek, then go with a desert safari. There are two options: The Platinum Desert Safari, which includes a falconry performance, camel rides, six-course dinner and a fire show. Or opt for the Desert Thrills Safari and get ready for a thrilling ride on the dunes. Drive in a dune buggy, climb onto a camel or test your balance sandboarding – like snowboarding, but on sand. At the end of the day, unwind over an international dinner complete with entertainment.

Explore the desert in Dubai

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Embark on a customized adventure in Scottsdale

Absorb the beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s water landscape from the deck of a giant stand-up paddleboard as you float on Saguaro Lake. Or dig deep and rappel into some of Arizona’s most intricate and breathtaking canyons. At Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, a partnership with REI helps you customize your own adventure. The Sip, Soar and Explore experience – offered only to Four Seasons guests – starts in the air with an aerial tour over the dramatic landscape of Sedona. Then, experience the stunning rock formations up close on a guided hike, followed by lunch and wine tasting at Page Springs Cellars. Whether you choose to take it all in via hot-air balloon, jeep, ATV or mountain bike, your great canyon adventures await.

Hike to wine in Scottsdale

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

How far will you go on your next adventure?

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Follow the Sun This Winter

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

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

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

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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Come spend your winter with us.

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Go Wild: The Great Outdoors Are Calling Your Name

As we look ahead to 2023, we’re seeing lots of opportunities for travel on the horizon and we could not be more pleased. And so, with that in mind, we’ve come up with a different kind of New Year’s resolution: more epic adventures. Relishing in the great outdoors continues to be one of the biggest travel trends, so if you’re already daydreaming about how to fill up the pages in your brand-new day planner, we’ve got some ideas. Get your heart pumping with a heli-ski outing in Megève, fly like a bird through the forest canopy in Costa Rica, or find your own path with an off-road ride in Los Cabos. No matter where the spirit of discovery takes you, Four Seasons offers exclusive access to the adventure of a lifetime. Here are a few of our favourites:

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Explore wide open spaces in Wyoming

Soaring skies, majestic mountains, verdant valleys: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole offers easy access to the heart of the American West. Set out with a naturalist in search of bears, bison, elk and wolves during a four-hour private wildlife safari in nearby Grand Teton National Park, or get a bird’s-eye view of the Teton mountain range and Snake River during a hot-air balloon ride over Teton Village. The interest in national parks has spiked over the last couple years, and Jackson Hole makes for an excellent home base. Discover a wide variety of year-round experiences and activities, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to fly-fishing and horseback riding in warmer months – the Resort’s expert concierge team can arrange a complete itinerary tailored to your interests and skill level, no matter the season. Our top pick: a one-of-a-kind immersive excursion to see the elusive grey wolf population of Yellowstone National Park in their natural habitat.

Embrace adventure in Jackson Hole

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Take to the skies and the slopes in Megève

Take your ski trip to new heights – literally – in Megève, where the Ski Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Megève can arrange a heli-ski adventure around the French Alps, chasing optimal snow conditions and heart-pounding adrenaline. Lift off from the Hotel for an all-access pass to the best slopes in the Alps, including pistes in Courchevel, Chamonix and Val Thorens that are reachable only by helicopter. Or stay closer to home – the views and runs of snowy Mount Blanc are just as thrilling as the turns you’ll discover on untouched powder. 

Chase fresh powder in Megève

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Soar through the jungle in Costa Rica

The 21-day Uncharted Discovery itinerary aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet – taking off in November 2023 – offers exclusive access to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations, from the mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu to the ultra-remote and frozen landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula. One stop you won’t want to miss: the tropical splendour of Costa Rica where the “pura vida” lifestyle reigns supreme. Set atop a hillside overlooking the ocean, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagyo is a haven for both relaxation and adventure, with so much to see and do right outside your doorstep. One of best ways to take in the lush scenery is to strap yourself in for a thrilling ride through the forest canopy on a zip line circuit. You’ll fly above, over and through the surrounding treeline – Superman-style if you’re so inclined – with bird’s-eye views of the Pacific Ocean just a glance away.

Take the trip of a lifetime on the Private Jet

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Go off-road in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is certainly one of Mexico’s trendiest places to visit, but there are still plenty of roads less travelled to explore. Tucked away on the East Cape of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a little more than an hour away from the lively and popular Cabo San Lucas, but it feels like a world apart. Surrounded by desert, mountains and 3.2 kilometres of pristine beaches, the Resort is the ideal home base for adventure: Dive deep into Cabo Pulmo National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that Jacques Cousteau called “the aquarium of the world” – to spot marine life like schooling jacks, mobula rays, sea lions and turtles, or follow a guide to hidden waterfalls during a hike through the region’s beautiful canyons. Looking for a wild ride? Explore the unspoiled coastline, riverbeds and desert dunes during an ATV off-road adventure. Roll through historic towns like El Triunfo and past spring-fed pools in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, and then make your way back to the Resort to toast your time together during a sunset sail on the Sea of Cortez.

Immerse yourself in adventure in Los Cabos

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Swim with an eagle ray in Hawaii

Dip your toes in one of the world’s largest swimmable aquariums: The recently expanded King’s Pond at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is carved into lava rock, with a sand bottom; it holds 1.8 million gallons of salt water and is home to more than 1,000 tropical fish. The extensive upgrade expanded King’s Pond, adding a new elevated infinity-edge pool, a lounge deck and the Kumu Kai Marine Education Center, where five on-site marine biologists can help introduce you to the island’s diverse ecology. Join them for a fish feeding; learn to snorkel during a lesson among the pool’s more than 60 species, like porcupine pufferfish, yellowtail wrasse and white-spotted damsel; and meet the pool’s most famous inhabitant: Kainalu, a spotted eagle ray who has called King’s Pond home for more than 20 years.  

Dive into an underwater world in Hualalai

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Make a few feathered friends in Hampshire

If you’ve been watching “The Crown” like we have, then the desire to ride through an open field on the outskirts of a grand estate must be calling your name, too. Trade the bright lights and bustling streets of the city for the rolling hills of the countryside at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: Set on 500 acres of verdant parkland, the Hotel – a restored 18th-century manor – offers a variety of outdoor activities. Explore the rolling hills on horseback, take aim at a few clay pigeons, or traverse through the trees on a highwire adventure. For a truly British experience, try “the sport of kings”: falconry. Get a hands-on introduction to hawks, falcons and owls from the Hotel’s expert, then learn how to call and command the massive raptors like a royal. 

Live like a royal in Hampshire

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Swim with manta rays in the Maldives

When it comes to tropical getaways, the Maldives is a perennial favourite. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of the world’s most beautiful waters, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve home to a diverse underwater world. Take a deep dive into this fascinating ecosystem with an expert from the Resort’s Marine Discovery Centre and help monitor sea turtles or rebuild endangered coral reefs. Or accompany the Resort’s marine biologists aboard a research vessel, helping to record critical environmental information about the world’s largest known population of manta rays – and improve your free-diving technique as you plunge into the clear blue waters to swim alongside them.  

Explore new ecosystems in Maldives

No Skis Required: Why the Off Season Is the Time to Visit a Ski Resort

Jackson Hole, Whistler, Vail and Megève are quintessential winter destinations celebrated for their world-class ski slopes. But locals know that when the snow melts, these mountain towns are just as enchanting – and don’t have peak season crowds. Hike, fish or golf with a backdrop of emerald pine forests and snow-capped peaks. Get that black-diamond ski run rush while navigating single-track mountain bike trails or Class IV whitewater rapids. Discover the surrounding wilderness on a wildlife safari in search of bears, bison and even wolves. With longer days, you’ll have twice as much time to explore. Here are some of the adventures Four Seasons can arrange for your next summer mountain escape.

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Fly fishing, national park safaris and star gazing

The focus is on the ski resort in the winter, but in summer, Jackson Hole’s radius for exploration expands twofold. With Grand Teton National Park at its doorstep and the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park just 75 minutes away, newly renovated Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is the perfect base for geothermal icons and wildlife safaris into the parks.

The concierge team can arrange full-day trips that draw near to features such as Old Faithful and the Fountain Paint Pots. A photographic safari in Grand Teton promises the perfect shots of the park’s bears and bison. And through a recently launched partnership with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris and Yellowstone Safari Company, guests have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with the elusive Yellowstone grey wolf population.

Jackson Hole is also a magnet for fly fishers. The Resort’s expert in-house guides offer casting lessons for novices and float trips on the Snake River for experts. The Handle Bar, the Resort’s al fresco patio bar, is a great place to toast the sunset. Or the team can arrange a trip by luxury SUV to Grand Teton, where you can sip wine as the sun goes down, then use a state-of-the-art telescope to spot comets, double stars and planets in the night sky.

Explore the wilderness in Jackson Hole

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Bears, ice cave explorations and world-class golf

Whistler’s dramatic mountain backdrop and Canadian wilderness make even low-key activities like golf feel wild. Golf fanatics can play five internationally known courses through the Sea to Sky Highway. Three championship courses, surrounded by towering mountains, giant pines and sparkling glacier lakes, are just 10 minutes from Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are also home to approximately 60 black bears and cubs. April to May and September to October are prime months for bear viewing. The concierge team can set up a guided 4×4 excursion led by naturalists and researchers to observe black bears and their cubs in Whistler Olympic Park.

There are countless options for hiking and mountain biking, but for some real bragging rights, have the Concierge arrange an exploration of ice caves by helicopter. The chopper will fly you to 10,000-year-old ice caves where a guide will lead you through a glowing blue world of natural ice chambers, sculptures and slides.

Experience mountain majesty in Whistler

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Ziplines, horseback riding and fly fishing

Vail’s Bavarian-inspired mountain village comes to life in the summer with a free concert series on Tuesday nights and music and dance festivals throughout the season. From Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail you can walk to the gondola and ride to the top of Vail Mountain to experience the new summer adventure park, Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge. Activities such as zip lines, ropes courses and an alpine coaster rival the thrills of Vail’s famed Back Bowls.

Parents looking to blend education with adventure can head to Game Creek, where a guided aerial tour via zip lines and suspended bridges doubles as a lesson about the surrounding mountain ecosystem. Or take in views of the Sawatch Range and Castle Peak by horseback with the team at 4 Eagle Ranch, a working ranch on the valley floor. The concierge team can also put together an angler’s dream day, be it a wade or a float excursion casting for brookies and browns on trophy-class, Gold Medal–designated rivers.

Answer the call of adventure in Vail

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Mountain biking, paragliding and canyoning

Europeans escape to the French Riviera in the summer months, which means their stunning mountain playgrounds in the Alps are crowd-free. A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, the mountains around Four Seasons Hotel Megève are laced with scenic hiking trails. The concierge team can customize leisurely guided hikes that include a gourmet picnic enjoyed lakeside with views of Mont Blanc, or more strenuous treks that entail an overnight in a mountain hut.

In the summer months, the best way to explore the region’s charming villages is by bike. A network of mountain bike trails connects to nearby towns such as Sallanches, Combloux and Flumet. Golfers have priority access to one of the world’s oldest golf courses, the 18-hole Golf du Mont d’Arbois. If you’re more of a thrill seeker, try the unique sport of canyoning, which involves traversing canyons by rappelling, sliding and jumping into natural pools, or tandem paragliding, a favourite pastime of the region that promises unrivalled Alpine views.

Ride high in Megève

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

The mountains are calling.

Concierge