Tag: travel inspiration

7 Spots to Catch the Best Winter Waves

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

When the weather turns chilly, many adventure-seekers head for the mountains. But the season offers plenty of chances to catch big waves – if you know where to look. Winter brings some of the best – and biggest – surf conditions to destinations like Hawaii, Morocco and Portugal, while in tropical locales the water is warm enough for bikinis or board shorts. Here are some of our favourite spots to hang ten this summer – all within easy distance of Four Seasons.

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FAMOUS WAVES

You might recognize two of Costa Rica’s best surfing spots from their cameos in the cult classic Endless Summer II. Witch’s Rock oversees strong, open breaks and A-frame waves that are best from late November to early April, while Ollie’s Point is a long, fast right-hand point break popular among intermediate and advanced surfers. They’re both just a short boat ride from Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, where guides from outfitter SurfX are on hand to help beginners get up on the board or to assist pros looking to refine their skills. Looking for an easier ride? Head to Playa Iguana or Playa Prieta, a 15-minute boat ride from the Resort, or do some snorkelling off the white-sand beaches of Playa Blanca.

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DRAMATIC DROPS

Ericeira has long been a favourite destination for European surfers, who know that excellent swells can be found off the coast of Portugal between September and January – and it’s just 40 minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. But other locales in Portugal offer similar thrills: Waves in Nazaré – an hour and 30 minutes from the Hotel – can reach 80 feet. “For surfers, the great Portuguese highlight, without a doubt, is the city of Nazaré, home to the biggest wave in the world ever ridden,” says Concierge Catarina Amorim. “If you want to watch the daring surfers drop from the big waves, a visit to the Miradouro do Forte São Miguel Arcanjo is suggested.” Join a guide for lessons off Guincho Beach, or catch one of the hollow waves at Praia de Supertubos. You’ll soon discover why this area is often called the “Dream Coast.”

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COAST-TO-COAST BREAKS

Its exposure to both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean means Morocco’s coast is awash in excellent swells from December to March. Some of the best surf can be found just steps from Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca. Beginners will appreciate the gentle waves at Plage Lalla Meryem – known to locals as Pepsi Beach – and the Concierge can arrange a surf safari for more advanced boarders. Follow the Moroccan coast from Casablanca to Agadir, with stops at surf spots like La Crique in Bouznika or Mehdia Beach in Kenitra. And opt for a detour to Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, where an overnight stay means you have time to unwind in the traditional hammam before tackling the breaks at popular Essaouira.

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WAVES FOR ALL SEASONS

Hawaii already has a reputation as a year-round surfing destination – it’s famous for gnarly reef breaks like Banzai Pipeline and Haleiwa, plus the variety of swells on its north and south shores means surfers of all skill levels can find suitable waves. But savvy surfers know that the best big waves can be found from November to March off the shores of Maui and Oahu. Beginners can take lessons with a local at Makaha Beach Park, considered the birthplace of surfing and just a short drive from Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina, while seasoned surfers from around the globe flock to Maui each winter to experience its monster waves. The walls of water at legendary Peahi (also known as Jaws) are best left to the pros, but watching world-class surfers dart through the waves is thrilling for those on shore. If you’re ready to get your feet wet, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea can arrange two-hour lessons in friendlier waters with Maui Wave Riders. More advanced surfers will enjoy a heli-surf safari at Hana: Surfboards will be waiting at the beach for you and your guide, who will lead you to iconic spots like Hamoa Bay. The flight home doubles as a waterfall tour of the island’s east coast.

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OFF-SEASON SWELLS

December to February is considered the off season for Maldives surfers, but the swells are still consistent and warm. Find your balance on the board in the calm lagoon at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and work your way up to six quality breaks within a stone’s throw of the Resort. Pros with outfitter Tropicsurf can guide you to the long, bowling lefts at Honkies or open tubes at Cokes. Or chase the biggest breaks on a customized surfing safari: Drop into a wave from your Flying Triggerfish seaplane and surf epic, empty waves before returning to the Resort in time for sundowners on the beach.

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BEGINNER BLISS

Consistent winter waves can be found right outside your door at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita: The lobby overlooks breaks that are rarely crowded, making them perfect for first-timers or those looking to build their skills, says Hannah Bing, programs manager at Resort partner Tropicsurf. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Tropicsurf excursions depart directly from Las Manzanillas Beach. Good waves aren’t hard to find in winter: “Winter brings northwest swells to Bahia de Banderas, which means more waves within 20 minutes by car or boat,” Bing says. “Or set out on the Four Seasons Explorer and head north from La Cruz Harbour. The boat will drop you at the best waves of the day.” On your return to the Resort, your next move should be to the spa for the After Sun Relief treatment to relax your muscles and rehydrate your skin.

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SURFER’S PARADISE

While Bali has been on the surf travel radar since the 1960s, its waves change with the season. From December to March, surfers will find stellar conditions not far from Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, where the sheltered Coconut Grove provides calm waters for beginners. When you’re ready, Tropicsurf guides are on hand to lead you to bigger waves by sea, land and air: A boat excursion will stop at spots in Jimbaran Bay, like Toro Toro and Airport Rights, while a road trip lets you chase swells at Nusa Dua, Padang and Sanur. A 45-minute helicopter ride carries experienced surfers to the famed G-Land, home to thrilling left-hand breaks and ultra-fast, heart-pumping tubes. The remote location means the line-up is uncrowded and your wave count high, and you’ll enjoy personal guidance from your Tropicsurf pro. After you’ve worked up an appetite, dig into a picnic lunch prepared by a Four Seasons chef. Then you can take on the water for a few more hours before soaking up unforgettable aerial views of Bali, Java and East Java National Park on your ride back to the Resort.

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Ski Patrol: Surprising Places
to Find Fresh Powder

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

Most skiers are familiar with the popular slopes, like those in Whistler, Vail and Chamonix. But what about ski runs in Greece, Dubai or even Hawaii? Point your planks towards these one-of-a-kind alpine adventures in unexpected destinations.

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Reach new heights in Morocco

Guests at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech can catch a glimpse of snow-capped peaks from their private terrace – the Atlas Mountains are just 90 minutes from the Resort. They’ll want to get closer to see the skiers who flock to the mountain village of Oukaïmeden, Africa’s highest ski spot, sitting at 3,271 metres (10,722 feet) and offering 10 kilometres of fresh powder. The season typically runs from late December through March, says Jihane Barehmi, the Resort’s guest services manager, but the high elevation provides the best conditions in January and February. Seven lifts will carry you to slopes fit for all ability levels, from a beginner’s course to the most difficult runs, with hard off-piste ice in some sections. After a day on the slopes, Barehmi recommends a stop at Chez JuJu to refortify with traditional French comfort food like cassoulet with sausages and tartiflette with smoked bacon and reblochon – also available in vegetarian version, or halal with smoked beef ham – served in a casual setting overlooking the village. Upon your return to the Resort, head straight to the Spa for a massage or steam in the authentic Moroccan hammam.

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Unexpected adventure in Dubai

The name “Dubai” conjures images of a busy city of ultra-modern skyscrapers surrounded by desert – snow sports like skiing and tubing are not the first thing to come to mind. Those in the know, however, point their skis to Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski centre in the Middle East – just 15 minutes from both Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre and Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. The snow park’s indoor mountain, 85 metres high – equivalent to a 25-storey building – has five slopes of varying steepness and difficulty for skiers of all ages and abilities, plus top instructors on hand to offer coaching. With 6,000 metric tons of real snow, there are plenty of fluffy flakes for sledding, tubing and building giant snowballs, plus an indoor ice cave to explore. The temperature is kept at a chilly minus 4 degrees C (25 F), but a stop at one of the park’s cafés for hot chocolate will create a nice contrast. And be sure to say hello to some of Dubai’s most unusual inhabitants: a colony of king and gentoo penguins. Watch them waddle around the snow park, and learn how the species survives in some of the coldest conditions on Earth. You can get an up-close look at the birds during an encounter or training session.

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Slopes and sea in Sicily

The Dolomites aren’t Italy’s only eminent peaks. Mount Etna has its own claim to fame: It’s Europe’s highest active volcano, with a summit at nearly 3,320 metres. From November to early April it’s also a surprising ski destination, a place to slalom down a volcano while enjoying stunning views of the sea. At the alpine and downhill slopes at Rifiugio Sapienza and Piano Provenzana – just a short drive from the new San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel – the crowds tend to be small and there is plenty of backcountry to explore. When you’re not on the slopes, savour a wine tasting or meal at Dai Pennisi, a local favourite; schedule a day of pampering at the Hotel’s Botanica Spa; or explore the Hotel’s history – once a convent, the Hotel is a prime example of ancient architecture and rich character, with traditional cloisters, choir stalls and restored frescos on display.

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Ideal conditions in Hawaii

Swap your surfboard for skis during a winter visit to Hawaii: “During those special times of year when we are blessed with snow-kissed peaks on Mauna Kea, everyone takes an opportunity to rush to the summit to enjoy a snow day in Hawaii,” says Chenin Mathews, Chef Concierge at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. It isn’t always easy going, though – there’s no ski lift to the top of the mountain. “You’ll drive your four-by-four up about 14,000 feet, and then hike on foot as far as you can before shredding your own path down the mountain,” Mathews says. “Some take their snowboard or skis, but locals grab a boogie board from the ABC store to sled.” Hawaiian ski afficionados call the snow that covers Mauna Kea “pineapple snow,” a play on corn snow – soft and forgiving but not too wet and slushy, beloved by springtime skiers in other locales. Depending on the conditions, the mountain offers 2,500-foot to 4,500-foot vertical runs, and the snowpack is usually best January through March. But the view is always beautiful: On a clear day, you can see the Big Island’s other massive volcano, Mauna Loa, and Maui’s Haleakala, with the sparkling sea stretching for miles. Celebrate your Hawaiian snow day with an après-ski cocktail – Mathews recommends a mai tai at one of the island’s newest restaurants, Kuleana Rum Shack. “Home-grown on the Big Island, the rum is made from 40 heirloom varieties of sugar cane and is distilled into exceptionally flavourful rum,” she says.

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An elevated approach in Athens

When summer ends on the sun-kissed Athens Riviera, the Concierge at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens directs guests to the nearby mountains, home to two of Greece’s top skiing destinations. Chef Concierge George Vournazos says locals flock to Mount Parnassos, just a few hours by car from the Hotel, for its extensive season – runs are open from December to early May – and its scenery. With ski lifts as high as 2,260 metres, skiers enjoy views from the Gulf of Corinth to the Gulf of Euboea. In search of even higher elevation? Head to Kalavrita, in the Peloponnese, for the biggest verticals in Greece, plus snowboarding, paragliding and snowmobiling from December through April. “The surrounding villages offer a more traditional feel, and, most importantly, it’s not as crowded” as Parnassos, Vournazos says. “It’s a true skiing destination for enthusiasts who want first tracks rather than a place to be seen.” After a day chasing fresh powder, head straight to the Spa upon your return to the Hotel for an Entsi Massage: This muscle-releasing treatment uses sage and eucalyptus oils applied by your masseuse’s elbows and forearms “to stimulate deeper tissue and relieve tension – especially for the legs and low back area – to help you recover from skiing,” Vournazos says.

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A snow day in Beijing

Beijing may only get about six days of snowfall each year, but skiers there make the most of them – and the city’s cold winter climate means even the lightest flurries cover the ground for weeks. The best chance of snow in Beijing is from late November till late February, and at the first sign of flakes Beijing’s skiers head for the slopes. One of the largest ski spots in the country is Nanshan Ski Village, about an hour from Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, with 5 kilometres of slopes accessed by 13 lifts, plus an advanced mogul trail. Its snowboard park is the largest in China and has quickly become a favourite training spot of China’s top snowboarders. If the mood strikes, bypass your skis in favour of a day of pampering at the Hotel’s Spa. The Calming Restoration Ritual will help you focus on being in the moment, calming mind and body. Start with a fragrant bath scented with lavender, chamomile and jasmine essential oils, and then a warm, aromatic slow-movement massage will ease you into a restful state.

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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.

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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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9 Ways to Maximize Your Micro-Vacation

Posted on by Andi Petrini

Sometimes you need a month away in a destination halfway around the globe. Other times, a couple of days are enough to relax with friends and family or find a fresh perspective. Four Seasons can help fill out even a short time: See San Francisco through a new lens, play fetch in Palm Beach, soak in a hammam in Marrakech. Here, we share some of the best ways to make the most of your destination.

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VIEWFINDER PERFECTION

Enhance your vacation snaps, whether you’re capturing images with the latest DSLR or using your smartphone. Set out from Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero with award-winning photographer Adam Jacobs – whose subjects have included Nelson Mandela, former President Barack Obama and rock star Mick Jagger – for a private photography class with the city’s iconic landmarks as your muses. Shutterbugs of all skill levels will learn how to perfectly frame shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square, or pick up tips on food photography or family portraits. After your photo tour of the city, return to the Hotel and review your photos with Jacobs, learning how to fine-tune and edit your own set of images.

Prefer to see the city on your own? The Through the Lens experience gives you the option of taking a self-guided tour at your own pace after an online session with Jacobs to discuss photography dos and don’ts. Then reconnect with Jacobs online to review your images in the comfort of the Hotel.

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MORNING AT THE MARKET

One of the best ways to get a sense of place is by taste. In Tokyo, that means a trip to Tsukiji Outer Market, known as Japan’s “Food Town.” Rise early at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi and meet your guide – a local fourth-generation Edomae sushi chef – for an insider’s visit to the market, where you’ll browse the day’s freshest catches and local produce. Afterwards, enjoy a private meal at the chef’s century-old, family-owned restaurant to savour the flavours you discovered during your shopping trip.

For another taste of Tokyo, end your day with a traditional onsen bath in the Hotel’s Spa. Relax in the hot spring water as you sip herbal tea – and treat yourself with the addition of a massage, facial or body treatment.

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PUPPY LOVE

What could be better than a day at the beach? A day at the beach paired with a welcoming nuzzle or the adoring gaze of puppy eyes. The newest team member at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is Fort, an Australian Labradoodle puppy. As the Resort’s therapy dog, he’ll help you settle into your home away from home, greeting you at check-in or stopping at your cabana during his walk around the pool to have his ears scratched. Pulling double duty, he also visits local organizations like schools and hospitals to provide affection and comfort to humans in need.

After a day spent sailing the Intracoastal Waterway, browsing Palm Beach’s world-class boutiques or exploring the tropical landscape by bike, a cuddle session with your new furry friend is an ideal way to relax with loved ones.

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CULTURAL IMMERSION

Find inspiration in Bangkok’s creative district, home to galleries, boutiques and the new Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. Thanks to a partnership between the Hotel and the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art, you’ll enjoy a unique opportunity to experience Bangkok’s creative landscape, right at your front door: The innovative new ART Space gallery-style showcase extends from the Hotel’s tranquil arrival lobby to the riverfront promenade and features a rotating selection of Thai artists. Gather with friends, sip bespoke cocktails and wander through garden courtyards taking in the display.

There’s more to discover without going too far: Just steps from the Hotel lies historic Charoen Krung Road – the oldest thoroughfare in Bangkok. Dotted with historic landmarks like Buddhist and Chinese temples and 19th-century neoclassical buildings, the road leads to an abundance of spots to explore. Let the Hotel’s Concierge lead you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the small streets and alleys that make up the neighbourhood, from after-hours gallery tours to street food favourites.

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ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

You don’t need a full-blown safari experience to reap the benefits of spending time with nature. Escape from the bustle of the city with a short stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, deep in the heart of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Our favourite way to spend the day? Lounging on a sun bed by the free-form infinity pool, where you’re perfectly positioned to spot elephants when they gather at a nearby watering hole. For something a little more active, set off with a Maasai guide or a park ranger for a 90-minute walk and the chance to catch a glimpse of the Big Five – lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants and rhinoceros – and other wildlife at home in the Serengeti. Help install a “camera trap” to digitally record these fascinating animals on the move.

End your day with an uphill nature hike with a Maasai guide and a yogi to the Lodge’s sunset kopje, where captivating views help clear your mind during a meditation session that will leave you re-energized and ready to return to your daily life.

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SIP AND SAVOUR

Your wine-country getaway can begin and end at the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, surrounded by acres of vineyards and framed by green forests and majestic mountains.

Nestled in the Calistoga American Viticultural Area, the Resort’s 7.4-acre organic vineyard specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and has been carefully designed and planted to intensify the grapes’ flavour. Get hands-on experience in winemaking – help harvest the grapes, learn how to sort them and try your hand at blending wine – during a session with Resort winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, or join him for a tasting session, where he’ll describe Calistoga’s unique terroir and talk about the differences between floral and woody, balanced and rounded, and fruit-driven and terroir-driven wines. End your day with a meal at TRUSS Restaurant + Bar, featuring the best of Napa Valley cuisine, and or gather in your private villa with friends and loved ones and raise a glass to your time together.

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TRADITIONAL WAY TO REFRESH

Hammam rituals have long been a part of Moroccan culture, adopted from Roman civilization in the seventh century and considered an important step in cleansing both body and mind. Steam away your stress with an authentic hammam experience at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech. After a deep steam in the Resort’s mosaic-tiled hammam, enjoy a full body exfoliation using traditional Moroccan black soap and a kessa glove, and a soothing body mask made from Atlas Mountains clay.

Refreshed and replenished, join a Resort specialist in the Spa garden to harvest herbs for a custom tisane. Sip your tea as you wander through the Resort’s 16 hectares of Moorish gardens and pools, or enjoy the mountain views from your private terrace. This private oasis is yours to explore.

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FIT AND FREE

What better way to spend a few days away than to focus on self-care? At Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, the entire fourth floor is dedicated to wellness, including new specialized guest rooms and suites with air purification systems, sound machines and hypoallergenic materials. A Wellness Office, designed to keep you engaged and energized during the workday, features a conference table with adjustable height, a standing desk and a variety of healthy snacks. These calming spaces minimize the impact of travel on the body and optimize your physical and emotional well-being.

Short on time? Amplify your wellness benefits with a two-hour session in the Private Fitness Suite. You and a couple of friends get exclusive access to the room’s features, including a treadmill, Hydrow rowing machine, Peloton bike, yoga equipment, weights and SoulCycle bike. End your workout with a guided meditation session narrated by Deepak Chopra to restore mental clarity, or a soak in the suite’s private shower.

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A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Perched high above the Ionian Sea, San Domenico Palace traces its origins to the 14th century, when it was established as a convent for Dominican nuns. Today, it’s home to the new San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel. With magnificent views of Mount Etna and the ancient Greek theatre, the Hotel is an iconic Sicilian landmark. Explore its rich history with an expert Four Seasons guide, who will point out original architectural details like traditional cloisters, choir stalls and restored frescos, plus an extensive array of paintings, sculptures, restored artefacts and relics on display in the Galleria.

Continue your historical journey beyond the Hotel: A guide will lead you to sites like the medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia, Palazzo Corvaja and Piazza IX Aprile, where you’ll learn about the many cultures that have occupied Sicily over the centuries. Or make the Hotel’s Italian gardens, shaded by jasmine and hibiscus trees, yours for an afternoon of quiet contemplation or a romantic stroll.

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Journeys That Soothe the Soul

Posted on by Alycee Byrd

We often turn to travel as a way to escape the daily grind – a chance to relax, recharge and return home refreshed and ready to face new challenges. To make it happen, maintain balance and reconnect body, mind and spirit during a session with an expert residential healer: Focus on the spiritual plane in New York, discover mindfulness through mandalas in Hong Kong, clear mental clutter with a life coach in Los Angeles. Here are some of our favourite Four Seasons experiences that immerse you in transformative teachings.

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A Spiritual Journey in New York

In the heart of busy New York’s Tribeca neighbourhood – bustling with artists, restaurants and chic shops – discover a calming oasis at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, where an entire floor is dedicated to the fitness and well-being of both body and mind. Develop your spiritual awareness and personal enlightenment in a one-on-one session with one of the Hotel’s Resident Healers, offering services like acupuncture, clairvoyant readings, astrological readings, sonic alchemy and hypnosis, all tailored to your needs. Heal your spiritual plane and reintegrate spirit with your true purpose and passion with Dr Deganit Nuur, or explore the healing power of sound with Michelle Pirret: Her sonic alchemy sessions pair her four-octave vocal range with instruments like alchemy singing bowls and archaic gongs to shift negative energy and discord away from the body. And allow renowned New York City astrologer Rebecca Gordon to chart your stars – based on the exact time of your birth, your planetary alignment may offer guidance to help you meet life’s challenges.

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Mindfulness in Hong Kong

Achieve a greater sense of balance at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, where wellness offerings in the Spa include lessons in breathwork and lifestyle consultations with Dr Tania Bardhan; guided meditations using vibrational sound therapy; and the ancient Chinese art of tai chi, led by the Hotel’s resident master. Hotel workshops teach mindfulness skills to help you continue your practice when you’ve returned home. Our recommendation? Learn the art of being present with the Mindful Mala Making and Mandala art workshops. Hone your focus as you carefully craft a string of counting beads – known as japa mala necklaces – to use during yoga or meditation sessions, or colour bright mandalas to learn to be present in the moment and discover clarity. Children can make their own japa mala necklaces or mandalas, discovering focus and clarity while expressing their creativity. You’re never too young to appreciate the art of self-care.

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A Focus on Health in Los Angeles

Discover a comprehensive approach to well-being at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Leave busy Los Angeles behind and retreat to the Santa Monica Mountains, where a nationally renowned team of health experts is on hand to help you find total body rejuvenation. Transform your lifestyle with healthy eating habits braced by cooking classes and nutritious menu offerings, and then learn strategies to balance your energy, health and well-being in personalized sessions with Four Seasons coaches. Explore alternative therapies like hypnotherapy and qi gong – a mind-body-spirit practice that improves physical and mental health by integrating posture, movement, breathing techniques and intent. Work with an expert to attain the tools to build successful relationships and family dynamics at any stage of life, and reduce anxiety through guided meditation and mindfulness techniques. Continuous coaching afterwards is available through follow-up sessions in person or by phone.

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Hypnosis in Hampshire

Sometimes just a change of setting is enough to shift your perspective. Escape to the picturesque English countryside at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. Wander through lush gardens, ride horseback along rolling hills and picnic on the grounds of this 18th-century manor. Once your physical self has been reinvigorated, it’s time to heal mentally and spiritually. The Hotel’s Deep Mind Massage can help boost motivation and encourage positivity and confidence. A clinical hypnotherapist will work with you to change your thinking patterns to overcome a variety of modern ailments, including anxiety, pain, migraines and other headaches. Whether you want to lose weight, reduce stress, combat sleep disorders, break a bad habit or overcome a phobia, hypnotherapy can help you achieve your goals.

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Natural Energy in Bali

It’s easy to ground yourself at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, where treatments at the Sacred River Spa help body, mind and spirit consciously align with the Earth. Explore theta healing – which focuses on releasing energy blockages caused by events, traumas and relationships from our past lives – and sound vibration therapy with Resident Healers like Susanna Queiroz and Vanessa Holliday. Or connect with Ibu Fera, the Resort’s resident wellness mentor and a former Buddhist nun, to develop your meditation practice and explore strategies for overcoming everyday issues with peace and presence of mind. For a uniquely soothing experience, let Fera lull you to sleep during the Sacred Nap ritual: Take an afternoon nap suspended from the ceiling of the bamboo Dharma Shanti Bale in an aerial silk hammock. Relax as Fera gently rocks you to sleep while she shares the life story of Buddha, accented by the sounds of nature. You’ll awake refreshed and recharged.

 

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Deep Discovery in Geneva

After a day spent exploring the lake or Old Town, unwind at the rooftop Mont Blanc Spa at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva. In addition to soothing treatments like massages and body wraps, the Hotel’s team of wellness experts can help you put your spirit at ease. Work with hypnotherapist and life coach Vick Capt to become the best version of yourself. Pascal Buyck uses hypnosis to help you create new mental paths to become stronger, freer and happier. And you can turn to Fabienne Duffour, who has 20 years of experience with full moon singing bowls. She’ll talk with you about any concerns, and then adapt the sounds of her 14 singing bowls to suit your needs – whether to help with relaxation, release a blockage or guide you to rediscover yourself.

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Pura Vida in Costa Rica

At Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, transform your outlook with daily yoga and meditation sessions. For a taste of the true pura vida lifestyle, schedule an Ayurveda consultation with Wellness Ambassador Beto Peña. He’ll use the ancient Indian practice to help you identify your primal nature – vata, or space and air; pitta, fire and water; or kapha, water and earth – and, based on your results, develop a customized plan to help you achieve a state of balance and harmony. Another way to boost your spirit? Volunteer through one of the Resort’s community outreach programs. You’ll connect with local schoolchildren over fun activities, treats and laughter – always good for the soul.