Tag: safari

From Safari to the Sea

Posted on by Ellis Harman

Whether you’re longing for a relaxing escape to pristine beaches or for a thrilling adventure in a wild savannah, the unforgettable landscapes of Africa offer these experiences and more. The Four Seasons Safari and Islands Collection puts this captivating region within easy reach.

Choose to fly commercially, or make every second count with the speed and ease of a private jet – a collaboration between the Four Seasons Safari and Islands Collection and ExecuJet provides the ultimate combination of speed, convenience, flexibility and safety. You can visit two destinations, you can map out an itinerary that takes you to all five: Customize your own journey of discovery and let Four Seasons take care of all the details.


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    Splash in turquoise waters, soak up the sun on two secluded beaches and explore under the waves during a snorkelling excursion. For the ultimate beach experience, head to the Resort’s private stretch of shoreline on the nearby island of Ile aux Cerfs. After basking on the sand, raise a glass to your time together as you and your guests feast on fresh seafood at La Plaz Beach Grill.

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    This hillside oasis is the perfect home base when you explore the city’s museums and browse chic boutiques. Connect with your destination with an Africa-inspired treatment at the Hotel spa. Our favourite? The Red Nomads Revitalizing Experience: local rooibos, baobab, Kalahari melon and coconut oils help even skin tone and revive the senses.

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    Take time to relax and recharge at this tropical island paradise, where waves lapping the shores of Petite Anse bay and views of lush green jungle will inspire a sense of tranquillity. Dive beneath the water’s surface to discover an underwater world – WiseOceans experts are on hand to lead you on a snorkel tour of the reef.

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    Escape to this captivating coral island in the middle of the Indian Ocean – the ideal spot for adventure on both land and sea. Get an up-close look at the Aldabra giant tortoises at the Island Conservation Society’s Tortoise Sanctuary – more than 150 of the endangered creatures call the island home.

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    Make yourself at home in one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Get a feel for the Serengeti landscape on a walk with a Maasai guide and a park ranger, and help the Lodge’s Resident Naturalist install a digital “camera trap” to document lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and other animals of the savannah.

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Illustration by Dan Bransfield

Hillside hideaway in Johannesburg

4.5 HOURS TO SERENGETI / 4 HOURS TO MAURITIUS / 5 HOURS TO SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND / 5 HOURS TO SEYCHELLES

The discovery of gold in the 19th century rapidly attracted people to Johannesburg. Today, the City of Gold is South Africa’s largest city, offering open-air markets, art districts, trendy restaurants and cultural attractions like the Museum of African Design. Tucked away in the rocky hills that run through the city is Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg – a chic hillside oasis. The best way to explore the city? With a local guide from Past Experiences, who can customize your tour based on your interests, from archaeology and photography to shopping or food. Afterwards, return to the Hotel and find serenity in the spa with a treatment inspired by the city’s golden history: The Gold of Mapungubwe experience detoxifies and moisturizes the skin using a baobab seed cake mixed with salt from a pan used by the Mapungubwe people a millennium ago.

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Indian Ocean playground in Mauritius

4 HOURS TO JOHANNESBURG / 5 HOURS TO SERENGETI / 2.5 HOURS TO SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND / 2.5 HOURS TO SEYCHELLES

The mangroves and coral reefs surrounding Mauritius hide an underwater world teeming with marine life – parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, moray eels, urchins and more. Learn about these creatures and the Reef Restoration Project with a WiseOceans marine educator at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, then head out on a guided snorkel to see them for yourself. More experienced divers can go deeper, discovering shipwrecks and caves outside the coral reef. On land, spend an afternoon lounging in the sun alongside your villa’s private plunge pool, or climb into a 1960s-style cabrio buggy-type vintage vehicle for a drive along the coast. End your day with a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach.

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Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

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Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg

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Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

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Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

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Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

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Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

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Private paradise on Desroches Island

5 HOURS TO JOHANNESBURG / 3.5 HOURS TO SERENGETI / 2.5 HOURS TO MAURITIUS / 35 MINUTES TO SEYCHELLES

You’ll feel like a castaway who has struck gold when you arrive on Desroches Island. All you’ll hear is the gentle crash of waves, the sweet song of local birds and tropical leaves rustling in the soft ocean breeze. The ideal spot for adventure on – or under – the water, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island offers easy access to some of the world’s best diving and fishing sites. Explore the crystal blue waters on a kayaking, stand-up paddleboard or surfing excursion, or go beneath the Indian Ocean waves to discover a dramatic underwater maze of caves and reef walls, inhabited by a colourful collection of marine life. End your day with a nightcap under a blanket of stars – after dark, the Resort’s private runway transforms into an awe-inspiring viewing area, just for you.

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Savannah sanctuary in Serengeti

4.5 HOURS TO JOHANNESBURG / 3.5 HOURS TO SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND / 3.5 HOURS TO SEYCHELLES / 5 HOURS TO MAURITIUS

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy,” author Ernest Hemingway once wrote. The legendary writer found inspiration for several of his works, including Green Hills of Africa, during a visit to Serengeti in 1933. Discover the magic of the savannah for yourself at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: Lift off aboard a hot-air balloon to watch the plains come to life as the sun crests the horizon. Join a Maasai guide on a short nature hike to the Lodge’s kopje, where captivating views help clear your mind for a meditation session with the Lodge’s yogi. Spend a quiet day lounging by the infinity-edge pool, watching elephants gather at the nearby watering hole. Or help Discovery Centre researchers better understand the region’s wildlife. Did you know that every cheetah has its own distinctive pattern of spots? If you capture a photo of any of these big cats in the wild, the Lodge will help you send it to the Serengeti Cheetah Project. This national program uses guests’ images to identify individual cheetahs and record their movements around the Serengeti.

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Island adventure in Seychelles

5 HOURS TO JOHANNESBURG / 3.5 HOURS TO SERENGETI / 2.5 HOURS TO MAURITIUS / 35 MINUTES TO SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND

You’re on island time when you arrive at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, where gentle breezes and sun-kissed beaches remind you to take it slow. Splash in the waters of Petite Anse bay, or catch a wave with an expert Tropicsurf instructor. To truly unwind, start the day with one of the Resort’s resident yogis for a private yoga and meditation class, followed by a serene breakfast in the secluded Foumba – meaning “old house” in Creole, the intimate open-air venue is tucked into the ruins of an ancient Seychellois house, hidden by lush tropical greenery. And you can arrange to leave a little piece of your heart behind when you go – help prepare a heart-shaped metal frame to support the growth of rescued coral fragments in an underwater nursery.

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5 Reasons to Add a Personal Day to Your Next Trip

Posted on by Alison Miller

After a subdued year at home, many travellers are anxious to schedule work trips or visits to reconnect with far-flung family. Be sure to block off a little personal time, too, so you can discover a new corner of the city or explore the natural beauty outside its bounds. From accompanying a sushi chef around Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market to soaring over the Grand Canyon in high style, here’s how to maximize an extra day – or hour – in Tokyo, Las Vegas, Florence, Bogotá and Dubai.

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Set Out on a Desert Safari

When you wrap up work in the soaring city of Dubai, reward yourself with a sunset trek through the desert. Seasoned safari-goers know dusk is the best time to ride the golden dunes – as the sky dims and the air cools, native animals like caracals and cape hares appear. As a guest of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, you’ll ride in a mint-condition 1950s Land Rover with an expert guide, watching as the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve comes to life. You can catch a glimpse of local wildlife like oryx, foxes and caracals, and then gather for a meal prepared by Four Seasons chefs and served under the stars.

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Hot-air balloon Dubai

IF YOU CAN ONLY BREAK FOR AN HOUR

Prefer a birds’-eye view? Watch as wandering gazelles and camels traverse the sandy landscape during a breathtaking sunrise hot-air balloon ride over this same desert preserve.

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Shop the Fish Market With a Sushi Chef

With narrow lanes crowded with shops and restaurants offering everything from miso and dried vegetables to fresh seafood and handmade ceramics, Tsukiji Outer Market has earned a reputation as “Tokyo’s Kitchen. Rise early and set out from Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi with a local Edomae chef for an insider’s look at the famed market. Snack on fresh sushi or hot tamagoyaki – a Japanese-style omelette – served on a stick as you explore the stalls, filled with rows upon rows of fish, fruits, vegetables, spices and other culinary delights. After shopping, head to your guide’s restaurant for a private meal and cooking lesson.

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Imperial Palace Tokyo

IF YOU CAN ONLY BREAK FOR AN HOUR

The Imperial Palace loop is a favourite among runners in central Tokyo, and for good reason – the 5-kilometre (3.1 miles) path encircles the palace grounds, with serene moats, stone walls, gates and gardens. Pick up a runner’s map at the Hotel’s front desk – a complimentary jogging stroller is also available if you’re travelling with family.

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Truffle hunting dog and pasta

Hunt Truffles in Tuscany

White truffles from the San Miniato hills, between Florence and Pisa, have earned worldwide renown. During a Tuscan countryside trek arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, you’ll join a team of truffle hunters in hot pursuit of these precious culinary gems. After a visit to the medieval town of San Miniato to explore the open-air truffle market and learn about truffle biology and cooking methods, set off through the woods with scent hounds and expert hunters in search of the elusive morsels. After unearthing a few specimens, return to the Hotel for a truffle tasting at Michelin-starred Il Palagio Restaurant and a toast to your time in Florence.

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rowboat ride Firenze

IF YOU CAN ONLY BREAK FOR AN HOUR

Wide wooden rowboats called renaioli boats have cruised the river Arno for centuries. Participate in a timeless Florentine tradition and see a new side of the city aboard Four Seasons Hotel Firenze’s own restored renaioli boat, passing beside or beneath sites like the Uffizi Museums and the Ponte Vecchio with an expert guide at the helm.

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Soar to New Heights in Colombia

The spectacular Andes mountains – home to sites of historical and cultural significance and stunning natural beauty – are a long way from Colombia’s capital by car, but are easily accessible by air. On an excursion offered exclusively to guests of Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá and Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, you’ll fly via helicopter over emerald-coloured Gustavita Lake, scene of the legend of El Dorado: A mythical Muisca king covered himself with gold dust and plunged from a raft into the water as a tribute to the gods; according to the legend, he was rewarded with an empire of gold. Afterwards, continue on via helicopter to land at the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church built 200 metres underground in an old salt mine, and join a local guide who will walk you through the site’s history and construction, as well as its religious sculptures and symbols.

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Colombian coffee

IF YOU CAN ONLY BREAK FOR AN HOUR

Experience a guided tasting of Colombia’s esteemed San Alberto coffee. From a private room inside Castanyoles restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, you’ll practice several sense-sharpening exercises before the “coffee baptism” begins.

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Do Lunch in the Grand Canyon

Many visitors to Las Vegas make the trip to the Grand Canyon, but most are doing it the hard way. Get an unparalleled tour of American Southwest splendour on an excursion available exclusively to guests at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas: Soar over the Valley of Fire, a preservation area defined by ancient trees, petroglyphs and sandstone formations, and then dip deep into the Grand Canyon, landing 3,500 feet (1,066 metres) below the West Rim. A picnic lunch prepared by the Four Seasons culinary team is yours to enjoy as the Colorado River rumbles below. The return flight affords aerial views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam before delivering you to the scintillating Las Vegas Strip.

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James Turrell Las Vegas Louis Vuitton

IF YOU CAN ONLY BREAK FOR AN HOUR

Have the Concierge reserve your spot at James Turrell’s Akhob installation, tucked into the top of the Louis Vuitton store at City Center. In this immersive art experience, dimensions become obscured as you walk through large chambers filled with slowly changing lights.

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New Heights: Unforgettable Airborne Experiences

Posted on by Alyssa Williams

There’s a reason everyone covets a bird’s-eye view on holiday: It’s the very best way to take in a landscape. Around the world, Four Seasons hotels and resorts offer airborne experiences you won’t believe, from aerial tours of the Great Wall of China to hot-air balloon rides above the Serengeti.


Great Wall of China

See ancient history from on high in China

The Great Wall is worthy of its name. Take in the majesty of the iconic Chinese landmark while gliding 100 metres above the Mutianyu section – including secret stretches that aren’t open to the public – during the helicopter aerial tour arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. Guests can even opt to remove the aircraft’s door for a broader view of the UNESCO World Heritage site, built of hewn granite slabs in the seventh century.

Mutianyu is one of the best places to see the beauty of the Great Wall.

“As a Beijinger, I am proud to provide guests with a unique view of this extraordinary historical site,” says Peter Tang, the Hotel’s Chief Concierge. “Mutianyu is one of the best places to see the beauty of the Great Wall. The views are clear and unobstructed, and the wall stretches through valleys and across hilltops.” Insider tip: Ask the Hotel staff to prepare a seasonal picnic to enjoy atop the Great Wall itself. Executive Chef Jackson Wu’s dishes, such as Deep-Fried Scallop Stuffed With Shrimp Mousse and Fresh Pear, are as memorable as the scenery.

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

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Ski an alpine safari in France, Italy and Switzerland

If skiing like James Bond sounds appealing, try taking a helicopter to a drop zone in the Alps where you can slalom your way down. Four Seasons Hotel Megève, open since December 2017 in the playground of the iconic Rothschild family, offers Helicopter Ski Safaris to nearby Chamonix, Courchevel and Val d’Isère.

You can ski on the most famous peaks in the Alps, whether in France, Italy or even Switzerland.

“You can ski on the most famous peaks in the Alps, whether in France, Italy or even Switzerland,” says Chef Concierge Margaux Pfeiffer. “Heli-skiing is a thrill of a lifetime. Our guests are always surprised when we tell them that we can land on glaciers up to 3000 metres high and they can start their ski descent from there.”

This being Four Seasons, don’t expect an ordinary après-ski experience – not when a mosaic-lined indoor/outdoor pool and a 14,000-bottle wine cellar beckon back at the Hotel. “Our chefs welcome you back with hot chocolate and warm crêpes in the lobby,” Pfeiffer says. “To me, this is the best time of the day.”

Four Seasons Hotel Megeve

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Edge of the World in Riyadh

Jet over the Edge of the World in Riyadh

Just beyond Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre is a land formation so astonishing the locals call it “the Edge of the World.” And with the Hotel’s Journey to the Edge of the World experience, you can take in the most magnificent sights of the desert from a microlight two-passenger plane – just you and the pilot. “You’ll be escorted to the microlight after lunch when the sun starts descending and the horizon reflects beautiful colours behind the magnificent Edge of the World,” says Concierge Agent Reema Bin Shulayyil. “The beauty of the steep edges contrasting with the tip of the mountain is mesmerizing.” Bonus: You’ll break for a traditional Saudi luncheon, presented in a private Bedouin tent overlooking the Edge.

The beauty of the steep edges contrasting with the tip of the mountain is mesmerizing.

Before taking wing, guests explore the At-Turaif District in the city of ad-Dir’iyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a former seat of Saudi royalty. “The history and mystical tales that exist between the historic city of ad-Dir’iyah and the breathtaking Edge of the World never fail to intrigue our guests,” Bin Shulayyil says. “At ad-Dir’iyah you’ll experience rich Saudi culture, while the amazing geological formations of the Edge of the World fascinate visitors with their beauty.” Upon returning to the Hotel, head directly to the Royal Moroccan Hammam for a honey and royal jelly mask or a Turkish salt scrub.

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre

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Soar above the Serengeti in Tanzania

Most bucket lists include a safari – few things are more transformative than spotting the Big Five beasts in their native habitat. But once you’ve caught sight of fauna up close, spy them as an African Crowned Eagle would at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, where the Hot-Air Balloon Safari offered in partnership with local operator Serengeti Balloon Safaris takes you some 609 metres off the ground. “To see the Serengeti Plains from above is truly special – it really shows the scale and expanse of the beautiful landscape, especially in the early morning light,” says Ahmed Attas, Discovery Centre Manager.

To see the Serengeti Plains from above is truly special – it really shows the scale and expanse of the beautiful landscape.

“Depending on the time of year, you may be lucky enough to fly over the Great Migration, when there are herds of wildebeest as far as the eye can see, or it could be that you glide through the air just metres above hippos in the river. You could also see big cats out hunting before the mid-day heat begins to build.”

Attas reports that some guests have glimpsed lions or flown just a few metres above an adult male leopard sitting in the top branches of a tree. One thing is certain: If you take off at dawn or dusk, you’ll be able to capture the panorama in exquisite light. “Sunrises and sunsets in the Serengeti are beyond compare,” he says. “I think what makes the balloon safari at sunrise even more magical is that you’re able to see the wilderness coming to life for a new day.”

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

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The Family Trips You’ll Be Talking About for Years

Posted on by Shannon Magann

When you’re travelling with your brood, you’ll need to know about top-notch activities those of all ages can enjoy. These five Four Seasons properties go above and beyond to make young guests and their parents feel like VIPs, whether exploring under-the-radar theme parks in Orlando, Florida, or taking a secret tour of the Crown Jewels in London.

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Disney character breakfasts

Water park at Four Seasons Orlando

Kids activities at Four Seasons Orlando

Watch fireworks in Orlando, Florida

It’s no surprise that Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, located in one of the earth’s top destinations for families, is chock-a-block with child-friendly activities. Guests will find a 5-acre waterpark with a lazy river (complete with two curving water slides); sand volleyball and a rock-climbing wall; and Disney character breakfasts, to name a few. Parents can opt to send their little ones to the supervised Kids For All Seasons program so as to spend a few hours at the adults-only pool, and then pick them up for the nightly fireworks – best seen from the rooftop of Capa restaurant (or Park View guest rooms).

And there’s plenty more to see in town. “I-Drive 360, where the new Orlando Eye is located, has great family activities, including Madame Tussauds wax museum and the Sea Life Aquarium,” says concierge team member Alex Lum. “Just a few minutes away from our Resort, guests can experience the magic of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. The Disney theme parks each feature special new activations and entertainment for the celebration. Plus, the complimentary shuttle from our Resort makes it an easy trip.”

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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Two kids walking the halls

Young girl at the pool

"The Making of Harry Potter" in London

Go behind the scenes in London

Home of both Mary Poppins and Harry Potter, London is a children’s favourite by association. Parents choose Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge for its over-the-top children’s amenities – such as miniature dressing gowns, slippers and teddy bears in the rooms – not to mention a perk that’s all too rare in England: a 14-metre pool open to all ages, with adult supervision.

Once you’ve been to “The Making of Harry Potter” to see the sets created for the wildly popular films, Assistant Head Concierge William Sloan recommends that you ask him to arrange a secret tour of a more historic British attraction: The Tower of London. For centuries, only the British monarchy and their close affiliates have had access to the Crown Jewels there: 23,578 gemstones on site, unless they’re in use. “You’ll see places that haven’t been available to the public before,” Sloan says, “and we can even arrange for a Yeoman Warder to meet guests and show traitors to the gate.”

Another fun option, especially for young scallywags: the National Maritime Museum. “Just a two-minute walk from the Hotel to Tower Pier, guests can hop on one of the Thames River Boats and head to explore life on the sea,” Sloan says. Don’t miss the Cutty Sark, where you can “steer” the 1869 ship’s wheel and even climb into a bunk that will make you especially glad you’re staying at Four Seasons.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge

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A young girl learns guitar in Austin

Jenga at Four Seasons Austin

Outdoor fun at Four Seasons Austin

Lawn games at Four Seasons Austin

Learn guitar in Austin, Texas

At Four Seasons Hotel Austin, guests of any age can play giant Jenga on the leafy grounds, kayak and stand-up paddleboard at the adjacent Lady Bird Lake, and – every Friday and Saturday night – make s’mores in the glow of lanterns hung from oak trees at the Hotel’s two firepits. But the highlight for music lovers is the Taylor Guitars Concierge program: You can borrow either a Baby Taylor or a 214 DLX guitar for four-hour jam sessions, or book a lesson with a pro.

“If they’re brand new to guitar, most guests who take a lesson begin with a few basic chords,” says Concierge Cabe Thornton, a staffer at Four Seasons Hotel Austin since 2012. “After some practice, they’ll move on to easy pop tunes that most people know, like ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ or ‘Bad Moon Rising.’ You can leave having memorized at least a few chords – enough to impress friends back home.” Stay tuned for another amenity at this property: an Airstream playhouse, coming later in 2018.

Four Seasons Hotel Austin

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Family bike safari in Mauritius

Two kids playing in the sand

Playing outside at Four Seasons Mauritius

Cooking class for kids

Take a bike safari in Mauritius

If at first Mauritius, an island off the coast of Madagascar, seems a bit far to take the kids, consider the perks at the 64-acre Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. Beyond the tropical climate, the resort boasts features families won’t believe. In the thatched-roof Hobbit Village, children can bake pizza in a miniature kitchen; the whole family can take a quad bike safari through nearby Casela Nature Parks, where you’ll spot zebras, wild boar and ostriches; and teens can learn to spin records with resident DJ Ashley Gai in Karokan, the young adult centre.

But one of the most beloved activities has to be catching (and releasing) fiddler crabs, ghost crabs and mud crabs at sunset on the Resort’s beach. “Growing up in Mauritius, crab hunting is something you’d often see families doing over the weekend,” says Kids Club staffer Sophie Beaublanc. “The kids love searching for them in the evening; it’s a great activity for parents to join in with.”

Four Seasons Private Residences Mauritius at Anahita

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Zip-lining in Whistler

Maola the Alaskan malamute

Ski concierge at Four Seasons Whistler

Young girl drinking hot cocoa

Zip-line in Whistler, British Columbia

With Alaskan malamute Maola on staff for welcome cuddles, and Ski Concierges waiting with hot cocoa and house-made chocolate chip cookies, what else could wee guests of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler ask for? A lot, apparently – and their wishes would be granted. Families adore the on-site mini golf (not to mention lessons at Nicklaus North and Whistler golf club), the giant Connect Four set and nearby zip-lining courses. “The more kid-friendly option is offered by The Adventure Group and features a seat-like harness on a mountain-to-mountain ride,” says Kate Colley, a representative of the Resort. “Guests can even ride them side by side, two at a time.” Double the fun.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

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From Africa With Love: 3 Romantic Getaways

Posted on by Scott Masters Pierce

Travelling as a couple can tell you a lot about your relationship. How do you make decisions? How do you respond to unexpected opportunities? Most important, will your journey strengthen your bond?

Africa is a very special place. It brought us together like never before. – Robert Michael Poole

For photographer Robert Michael Poole and his partner, Marcy Yu, the answer is yes. After they met in Panama in January 2016, Marcy persuaded Robert to travel to the San Blas Islands. Afterwards, he persuaded her to quit her nine-to-five job and travel around the world. They’ve been to Costa Rica, Belize, France and Monaco together.

Most recently, they discovered three distinct romantic escapes in the Serengeti, Seychelles and Mauritius. “Africa is a very special place, a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” Robert says. “That’s saying something from two people who travel constantly.”

They made their plans carefully, but didn’t set them in stone. “We anticipated we would have to be very flexible,” Marcy says. Their patience paid off with safari adventures and picture-perfect beaches – and time to discover more about each other while exploring.

Map of Africa

Upon arriving at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Robert and Marcy were immediately struck by the landscape. “It hasn’t changed for thousands of years,” he says, “and there you are, at this permanent, modern Lodge that’s wonderfully authentic. It’s perfect for adventure – and romance.”

“We learned that a group of zebra is called a ‘dazzle,'” says Marcy, dazzled by the animals’ unique patterns. “They add quite a bit of colour to the great migration.”

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“We spent time here looking out for wandering elephants,” Robert says. As Marcy enjoyed a cool bath at the Spa in the Serengeti heat, she was struck by something else: The sound of silence.

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In the middle of the day, most animals seek shelter from the sun. “I enjoyed seeing Marcy take the front seat for a mid-afternoon break between safaris,” Robert recalls.

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For dinner outdoors, Four Seasons staff hung candlelit lanterns in the trees. “It felt very private,” Robert says. “But we also felt that we were out in this vast wilderness.”

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“Witnessing this was to realize we had truly made it to the Serengeti,” Marcy says. “The plains reach all the way to the horizon, and the animals live by the movement of the sun.”

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Robert and Marcy enjoyed a Hot Air Balloon Safari at sunrise. They needed a little luck: “The balloons only set sail if the winds are cooperating,” he says. “When the timing was right, the crew sprang into action.”

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One of the Lodge’s restaurants, Boma Grill, takes its name – and a ritual – from the traditional circular homes of the Maasai. “On certain nights, tribe members are invited to perform the traditional welcoming ceremony one receives at a rural boma,” Robert says. “There’s lots of singing – and impressive jumping!” Watch the Maasai’s adumu dance here.

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The Discovery Centre at the Lodge is run by a Maasai tribesman. “He was happy to let us know about the culture that continues to this day,” Marcy says.

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“Sitting here felt like we were guests dining in the home of the wildlife,” Robert says.

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On the Ultimate Safari Adventure, the couple spotted all of the Big Five – elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses and buffalo – in their natural habitat. The Lodge’s drivers made it possible, Robert says: “They were extremely helpful and friendly.”

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It takes a skilled driver to find the Serengeti’s wonders. “Some days, you think you’ll see nothing,” Robert says. “Then, all of the sudden, there are 2,000 zebras walking out of a forest.”

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Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

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Map of Africa

Although you’re still in Africa when you arrive in Seychelles, it seems a world away from the Serengeti. “Everything about it is different,” Robert says.

He and Marcy were delighted to explore this new world, including Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. Robert, a seasoned traveller by this time, says, “It’s easily one of the most spectacular resorts I’ve ever stayed in.”

*Note: Travel from the Serengeti to Seychelles includes a bush plane flight from the Serengeti to Nairobi, where guests stay overnight before departing on a short flight to the island. Consider the Safari Unplugged offer to experience the best of both worlds. 

Grand Anse beach near the Four Seasons Seychelles

Although Anse Source d’Argent is the best-known beach on Seychelles, Robert recommends Grand Anse, a 30-minute drive from the Resort. “It was our favourite,” he says, and it has an unusual appearance. “The water – which was clearer than any pool – lapped on metallic-looking rocks.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Robert Michael Poole stands on a ledge at Four Seasons Seychelles

“From our room, we could see other bungalows, yet our room was still completely private – and romantic,” Marcy says. “And this photo was thrilling to take!”

Photo courtesy of Marcy Yu

Clock in Victoria, Seychelles

The couple left the Resort only once during their stay – “It was almost too romantic to leave,” Robert says – but they did spend some time in Victoria, Seychelles’ capital city. Its clock tower was brought to the city in 1903: “It stands elegantly amidst the tropical surroundings,” Marcy says.

Photo courtesy of Marcy Yu

Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria, Seychelles

Travellers in Victoria really can’t overlook Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, named for the Hindu god of safety and prosperity.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Marcy Yu walks the edge of her private infinity pool at the Four Seasons Seychelles

It felt like summer every day Marcy and Robert stayed in the Seychelles – perfect, considering every room has its own infinity pool overlooking Ansa la Liberte. “Having paradise outside your window when you wake up is one thing,” Robert says, “but a dip in the pool, too? Truly out of this world.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Blogger Marcy Yu swings on a beach at the Four Seasons Seychelles

“When we walked down from the villa to Petit Anse Beach, we knew we were about to enter a spot fit for a fairy tale,” Marcy says. “We wanted to hang around for as long as we could.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

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Map of Africa

After romantic stays in the Serengeti and Seychelles, Robert and Marcy weren’t sure what to expect at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius. What they discovered, however, was just right. “We both found the experience there to be quite calming,” says Robert. “Although travelling is the ultimate relationship test, we found exactly what we were looking for.”

A private villa pool at the Four Seasons Mauritius.

“We loved the tranquil gardens and relaxed atmosphere of the villas,” Marcy says, “ideal for lazy Sundays, Mondays and all days.” The Resort’s villas are filled with natural light and look out on gardens, mountains or the ocean.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Marcy Yu at the Four Seasons Mauritius hotel pool

“We had a blast capturing images around the Resort,” Robert says. “The palm trees perfectly frame paradise.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

A fresh fruit stand in Mauritius.

Marcy got her daily vitamins from freshly picked coconuts on the beach.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Private villas at the Four Seasons Mauritius.

“There’s something especially soothing about a massage above the water,” says Marcy. “Here I am – stepping out in style, I might add – after much-needed time at the Spa.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

A resident tortoise at the Four Seasons Mauritius.

“We made a lot of new friends at the Resort,” Marcy says. One of her favourites? A tortoise believed to be more than 100 years old. Take a look at other wildlife you can meet at Four Seasons hotels and resorts, from hatchlings in Punta Mita to parrots in Hawaii.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Men play golf at the Four Seasons Mauritius

Robert and Marcy describe the Resort as a golf player’s dream. While planning your own visit, discover amenities that go beyond the greens.

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

A private beach at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

“We loved this private beach at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita,” Marcy says. “The backdrop – mountains in the centre of the island – was perfect for our getaway.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Marcy Yu in her suite at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

“Our room felt like our home away from home,” Marcy says. “After a day of adventure, I loved the light and airy space of the villas. They’re both cosy and romantic.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Watersports Centre at the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

“We had to make time to get out on the water,” Robert says. And at the Water Sports Centre at the Resort, “it was difficult to decide which toy to play with first!”

Photo courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

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