Georgia’s capital is known for creativity, and with music moguls, fashion designers and fine artists calling this southern U.S. city home, it’s no wonder the art scene is booming. Stroll through one of Atlanta’s many art festivals and find unique pieces to add to your home collection. Only a few blocks from Piedmont Park, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta puts you within walking distance of two legendary events: the Piedmont Park Arts Festival in late summer and ELEVATE, held in September and October in locations around the city. Contemporary and fine-art galleries are the main attractions in Castleberry Hill and the Westside Arts District. In downtown Atlanta, you could easily spend a full day at the High Museum of Art, one of the country’s leading art museums.

London has been the backdrop for countless films and television shows, which means you can easily spend a weekend tracing the steps of your favourite stars. Head to the River Thames for a James Bond–inspired RIB boat ride. After you’ve worked up an appetite, have lunch at the modern brasserie OXO, where scenes from the movie Thor: The Dark World were filmed. Finish the evening with a live performance in West End or at the National Theatre. For a true movie-star experience, let Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane chauffeur you for the weekend in a Rolls-Royce.

Vibrant colours, historic details and futuristic façades are just some of the things you’ll see when exploring Mexico City’s iconic architecture. The verdant inner courtyard at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, a hacienda-style urban oasis along the bustling Paseo de la Reforma, is an excellent place to start. From there, you have at least three unbeatable choices: Set out to explore Luis Barragán’s modernist masterpieces, such as the colourful Casa Gilardi and the architect’s own Casa Luis Barragán. Walk the historic hallways of the 18th-century Castillo Chapultepec, now home to the Museo Nacional de Historia. And take in the shimmering Museo Soumaya, with plenty to marvel at both inside and out.

Artistic masterpieces and historical wonders abound in this Renaissance city, but it’s also the perfect place for a culinary escapade. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze can arrange tours of the city’s food markets, Italian cooking classes and even a day trip to countryside vineyards for wine tastings. The food, wine and romance of this city make it an ideal weekend getaway for couples.

Nashville is a city of makers. Whether it’s food and drink, design, art or – of course – music, the spirit of creativity can be felt wherever you go. Located in downtown’s SoBro neighbourhood, the new Four Seasons Hotel Nashville (open for booking in November 2022) is the perfect jumping-off point for your weekend getaway. Unlock your own inner artisan when you learn how to blend your own bottle of Tennessee whiskey with a master distiller. Live out your dreams of music stardom by collaborating with a local musician to write your own song. The Hotel can arrange for a recording session to capture the finished product.

Sydney’s emerging art scene, trendy shopping districts and legendary coffee culture are well worth exploring, but there are also plenty of gems tucked away among the city’s storied streets that are best experienced on foot. Have the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney arrange for a private guided walking tour of the historic Rocks district and its charming alleyways. Or grab a sandwich to go from the family-owned Fine Foods Store and stroll over to the site of the original Dawes Point Battery under the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a quiet view of the stunning harbour. Another can’t-miss spot: The Grounds of Alexandria, close to the arts district of Surry Hills, serves up some of the city’s best coffee and farm-to-table fare. To end your day with a flourish, schedule a private helicopter ride over the harbour.

Care for some savoury Hainanese chicken rice from a stall at Maxwell Food Centre? How about the vegetarian-friendly (and massive) paper dosai at Komala Vilas in Little India? Singapore’s eclectic food scene offers plenty of delicious ways to fill your weekend. Have the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore put together a custom itinerary for your epicurean excursion. And don’t forget to stop by Garden@One-Ninety for its breezy atmosphere, inspired by the nearby Singapore Botanical Gardens, and the fragrant craft cocktails expertly poured by Head Bartender Sophia Kang.

Spend the weekend at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, which is well situated for art and design fans looking to spend time browsing the trendy district’s boutiques, contemporary furniture stores and modern art galleries. Before heading out to cultural mainstays like the bayfront Pérez Art Museum, take in the vibrant art collection at the Hotel, reflecting the city’s mix of influences, from local painter Hernan Bas to Colombian sculptor (and auction favourite) Fernando Botero. Be sure to stop by indoor-outdoor modern steakhouse EDGE Steak & Bar for an aperitif or dinner, and then dance the night away in nearby South Beach, where art deco architecture still dominates the skyline.

Denver stylist Koya Nyangi wants to inspire and motivate you to live life boldly, one outfit at a time. She calls on her clients to experiment and, most importantly, have fun with fashion: “Remember; you’ve got to try it. Be bold, be brave and be different.” A Kenyan native, a jetsetter who’s lived in London, India and Dubai, and now a transplant to the Mile High City, Nyangi’s diverse experiences in the fashion industry also include coveted stints at Neiman Marcus, Glenn + Glenn and the Denver Art Museum. Nyangi’s roots haven’t escaped her; she continues to advocate for African fashion brands and designers with the aim of expanding their reach to a global audience. To guests of Four Seasons Hotel Denver, she lends her international background and expertise, in the form of personally curated closets and exclusive guided shopping trips to her favourite boutiques, including Haven, Lady Jones and C.R. Lee.

In Chicago, Tali Kogan’s style studio resides in the posh 900 North Michigan Shops, seven floors of luxury retailers on the northern end of the Magnificent Mile. Guests of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – located on the same block – can choose from a private consultation in Kogan’s studio, where she curates capsule wardrobes, or a guided visit to the city’s hottest boutiques, where store directors await with wardrobes Kogan has preselected especially for you.

When style is a priority but you’re short on time, Four Seasons Hotel Montreal offers direct indoor access to luxury retailer Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, where brands like Prada and Dior shine alongside the works of up-and-coming designers. The Concierge can arrange for an Ogilvy personal shopper to guide you to an expansive shopping suite where the latest pieces have been pulled for you.

Much of the fun of shopping is showing off your new styles afterwards. In Los Angeles this season, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel launches an experiential series based on personas drawn to this glamorous city. First up is “The Dreamer”: an exclusive experience in which an A-list team treats you to some Hollywood sparkle. After your Rodeo Drive shopping trip with stylist Nicole Pollard Bayme, hairstylist Léa Journo and her team of makeup artists give your look a magazine-cover quality. Portrait photographer Art Streiber, who’s worked with the likes of Lady Gaga and Leonardo DiCaprio, captures the new you before a wrap party at the Hotel’s CUT by Wolfgang Puck.

Glimpse the life of fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent with Four Seasons Resort Marrakech. Through an exclusive partnership with the Foundation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent, you’ll explore Villa Oasis, the late French designer’s kaleidoscopic second home, with a dedicated docent. Marvel at the home’s interiors – a study in colour, pattern and texture – and peruse the same books, paintings and objects that inspired the designer himself, before touring the renowned Jardin Majorelle, one of the city’s most visited sights, and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, where a rotating collection of pieces from the YSL archives is on display.

Enjoy the royal treatment at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Egypt, where you can explore the Royal Jewellery Museum ­– located in a 19th-century palace – during a private visit. Stroll the grand halls as you examine a glittering collection that belonged to the royal family of the Muhammad Ali dynasty. The collection includes precious stones and diamonds, a golden chess set, clocks, watches, ornamental boxes and even diamond-encrusted garden tools. An expert guide will be on hand to answer questions and share the personal history of each piece. Afterwards, savour a private dinner in the palace’s Royal Gardens, prepared by the Hotel’s chefs and accompanied by live music.

A sense of style, of course, extends far beyond our clothing choices, and fashion designers have long been influenced by myriad forms of art. Find your own inspiration in the undulating curves and vivid hues of glass art with a guided visit to the non-profit arts centre Public Glass, arranged by Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. After a tour, a professional glass-blowing artist will teach you how to shape and add colour to molten glass to create your own handcrafted paperweight. Then head to Montague Gallery to view a mesmerizing showcase of works by contemporary glass artists.

The gallery scene is vast and vibrant in South Africa’s largest metropolis, where guests of Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, may opt for a journey to the city’s most innovative spots, including the revered Goodman Gallery. Founded as a non-discriminatory space during apartheid, it has grown into one of the country’s top destinations for contemporary South African art. Also on your tour: Kim Sacks’ retail gallery, for African ceramics, jewellery and tribal handicrafts, and the legendary Everard Read gallery, established in 1913 and the source of many pieces in the Hotel’s own collection.

Bangkok’s Creative District, where stylish new showrooms and galleries pepper a historic neighbourhood of century-old shrines, temples and markets, unfurls along the small lanes that crisscross Charoen Krung Road just beyond Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. The Concierge can arrange a guided visit to ATT 19, a showcase of ceramics, contemporary art, and vintage and designer clothing ­– all surrounded by a lush garden established by one of Thailand’s pre-eminent conservationists in the 1950s. Your next stop is P. Tendercool, nearby, where designers work with clients to create bespoke modern furniture. Break to refuel at Chef Chalermpon “Van” Rohitratana’s innovative haunt Dag, housed in a former warehouse and open late for after-hours gallery-hopping.

New York’s most stylish neighbourhoods are a clear choice for shopping ­– but they offer much more. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown will pair you with travel and architectural photographer Joe Thomas, who lends you a Sony A7III camera to walk the streets of Lower Manhattan, stopping to examine and photograph outdoor paintings, from New Yorker Dean Stockton’s comic book–inspired work to realistic portraits by Nomad Clan, a duo of female artists from England. Ponder Shepard Fairey’s depiction of Debbie Harry, across the street from where CBGB once stood, and Audrey Hepburn on Mulberry Street, painted by Tristan Eaton, whose works also reside in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.

In Lisbon, another street art capital, let Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon set you up to take a spin in a restored 1940s moto sidecar and traverse the city in pursuit of its most riveting displays of large-scale public art. Your guide will take you to works ranging from carved portraits by renowned Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto (also known as Vhils) to a 12-metre (39-foot) painting of Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral by artist Nunca.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Set along the riverbanks of the Chao Phraya – known as the River of Kings – Four Seasons Private Residences Bangkok at Chao Phraya River puts you just steps away from the parks, shops and restaurants that line the water. Tall ceilings, a neutral colour palette and open-concept living spaces create an easy flow throughout each residence, with rooms transitioning seamlessly into private outdoor terraces that invite you to fully appreciate the unobstructed view. Or head up to the 64th-floor residents-only Four Seasons Club and take in the panoramic vistas from the infinity-edge Sky Pool, one of the highest rooftop pools in all of Bangkok. For a more grounded take, invite friends to join you in the private residential lounge that sits right next to the river’s edge, offering you a secluded place to enjoy the waterfront setting away from crowds of promenade visitors before heading out to mingle in the markets, go gallery-hopping or indulging in delicious street food. Living at the heart of the city’s cultural district puts the best of Bangkok all around you.

Located in the heart of Mumbai’s exciting Worli district, Four Seasons Private Residences Mumbai puts you within easy reach of some of the city’s most popular landmarks, including the Willingdon Golf Course, the Mahalaxmi Race Course and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Designed by award-winning architecture firm Gensler, the exclusive residences each occupy an entire floor at the minimum, and incorporate timeless Vastu principles while also allowing for maximum space and magnificent views. Ranging from single-floor residences to family-friendly duplexes with multiple living areas to a sky-high penthouse, these are some of the largest floor plans in the city. Inspired by precious heirloom gemstones and jewels, the interior design firm Yabu Pushelberg carefully curated each detail – think crisp lines, book-matched exotic stone and swathes of solid wood – to create a sense of timeless elegance that is meant to be cherished for generations.

The unique collection of 34 homes at Four Seasons Private Residences Minneapolis brings the spirited character of downtown Minneapolis to life. This is where a thriving community of artists, chefs, musicians and entertainers call home, and the residences reflect that sense of connection. The design of the building was inspired by the architectural legacy of Minneapolis, using a rich palette of woods, metals, stones and textiles throughout, while the residences themselves pull inspiration from the city’s cultural heritage. Offered in two different styles – Nordic and Urban – each captures a different facet of Minneapolis. With its oak floors and marble countertops, the Nordic palette embodies the bright, clean-lined aesthetic of the city’s Scandinavian influence. The Urban palette, though similar in floor plan, plays more into the glamourous authenticity of Minneapolis through herringbone walnut floors and moodier granite finishes. No matter the style, every residence comes with its own private balcony expertly integrated into the living space, serving as an outdoor extension of the main living area and equipped with ceiling-mounted heaters so you can enjoy the space year round.

With its designer boutiques, art galleries, cafés and tree-lined streets filled with 19th-century brick townhouses, it’s easy to see why Boston’s affluent Back Bay neighbourhood easily draws people in. The striking Four Seasons Private Residences Boston at One Dalton are no different. Housed in a sculptural, all-glass-façade building designed by world-renowned architect Henry N. Cobb, each residence features floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of downtown Boston, the Charles River, Boston Harbour and beyond. Inside, Blue de Savoie polished marble tops the kitchen counters, 5-inch-wide American walnut planks line the floors and natural light streams in from towering walls of gently curving glass. At 61 storeys tall, this is Boston’s – and, in fact, New England’s – tallest residential building. And the penthouses that line the top make the most of their aerial address with a 570-square-foot, double-height terrace complete with an outdoor fireplace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you’re lucky enough to be in Fort Lauderdale, consider staying an extra day to get beneath the surface of the city. You might find things you didn’t even know you were looking for – a speakeasy with live music, a local farmers market, a café tucked away in a garden. We asked the team at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale – including celebrated chef Brandon Salomon from the Hotel’s own buzzy hotspot, Evelyn’s – for their favourite things to do with an extra hour, afternoon or entire day.

Morning: I love to start my mornings off at Magnolia Caffee, a quaint coffee shop surrounded by a white picket fence in the middle of Fort Lauderdale. When you walk through the charming blue window-paned door, you’re immediately greeted by the smells of java and fresh pastries. They serve one of my favourite iterations of avocado toast.

Afternoon: After a brisk walk up and down the 2-mile stretch of Fort Lauderdale Beach, I head over to Las Olas Boulevard for a stroll and to window-shop. Ya Mas! Taverna is a cute new Greek spot. I love the libations there, and they make an amazing Greek salad.

Evening: No Man’s Land is a small hidden gem that feels like a speakeasy. When you pull into the Winn-Dixie parking lot, you wouldn’t suspect the most unassuming little building houses such an incredible bar. Their Monday live jazz nights are phenomenal.

Morning: After an outdoor workout at Hardy Park, I reward myself with an Iced Oat Mylk-iato from Circle House Coffee. It’s made with maple syrup–infused oat milk, sugar-free vanilla and a double shot of their Signature Fifty-Five espresso blend, then topped with cinnamon.

Afternoon: Being a chef, I am always exploring local farmers markets. The Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood has great tropical fruit from vendors. Passion fruit is a must-buy when in season.

Evening: Coconuts is a casual restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway where I like to dine. You could dock your boat right outside the restaurant and enjoy a great meal with friends or family. For an after-dinner cocktail, I like to visit Mama Hank’s, a hidden speakeasy, and Rhythm & Vine, a funky bar with an outdoor beer garden.

Morning: Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale – also known as the Las Olas Riverwalk – is a beautiful outdoor entertainment area with a park that runs alongside the water. I enjoy spending mornings strolling through the area and seeing all the boaters getting ready for the day.

Afternoon:  Coffee and lunch at The Alchemist in Wilton Manors, a gated artist community, is such an indulgence. They use as many fresh, local ingredients as possible, and roast their own coffee on site.

Evening:  I particularly love the FATVillage Arts District in Flagler Village. You can meet local artists here and purchase their creations and try some amazing dishes from local food trucks. Dinner is either at Heritage for authentic Italian, Christina Wan’s for amazing Chinese dumplings, or Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, a hip food hall.

Morning: If it’s a sunny morning, I can’t resist a yacht-gazing scenic river walk to Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar on Las Olas Boulevard for a curbside breakfast of quiche and espresso. Since I used to be a florist, I never leave without fresh blooms to refresh my vases at home.

Afternoon: Starting at Daniel Popper’s Thrive sculpture of a gigantic figure whose chest is an ivy-lined archway, I gallery-hop along Las Olas Boulevard. I live in the Arts and Entertainment District downtown, so I often take in a matinee at the IMAX Theater in the Museum of Discovery and Science or an early show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Evening: I typically end up at my favourite intimate-dining gem, LBC Las Olas, an American-French bistro with the best outdoor seats and people-watching.

Morning: On the weekends, I enjoy riding my bike along the Riverwalk and heading to O-B House for their one-of-a-kind, oven-baked pancakes that are made from scratch. The blueberry-and-corn pancake is my favourite.

Afternoon: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is an urban oasis known as “Fort Lauderdale’s Central Park” that sits between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. I go here to hike, then reward myself with a relaxing picnic at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.

Evening: A great night for me is a show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts followed by a nightcap at No Man’s Land. Their No Man’s Old Fashioned with toasted coconut syrup and banana liqueur, and the off-menu Espresso Martini, are my usual go-tos.

Start with Italy’s vibrant gateway to the world, Milan, which has been at the centre of trade since medieval times. Over the past decade, the sophisticated European capital has welcomed a profound and ongoing transformation in art, fashion, shopping and design – an exciting renewal shared by Four Seasons Hotel Milano, a 15th-century convent that re-opened in July 2021 after a complete refresh by Milan-based architect Patricia Urquila.

The Hotel’s general manager can’t resist stepping out the front door for a bit of shopping. “It’s a glamorous journey of senses where I discover the authentic fashion soul of Milan,” says Andrea Obertello of the neighbourhood, with its cobblestone streets and alluring boutiques.

For those rediscovering the city’s design scene, Silvia Brighenti, the Hotel’s senior director of marketing, suggests a stroll over to Nilufar Gallery. “The building is a piece of art in itself,” she says, “and the owner specializes in 20th-century work by both celebrated masters and emerging artists.”

Book ahead for a memorable private dinner in the Casa degli Atellani, the villa where Leonardo da Vinci spent much of his time while he was painting The Last Supper on the wall of the Let your appetite be charmed by a hint of the elusive genius in the rooms where he once worked.

In general, though, lingering over the pre-dinner aperitivo – this most Italian tradition of pre-dinner conversation, fuelled by a cocktail and nibbles – is de rigueur, according to Luca Angeli, who helms the Hotel’s Bar Stilla. “In Milan, we take the aperitivo very seriously.” he says. “This is a demanding city where everything has to be on trend, innovative and exciting.” Like his sultry modern twist on the negroni – best enjoyed in the bar’s clubby lounge that spills into the Hotel’s charming outdoor cloister garden with the first signs of spring. For an aperitivo deep dive, Angeli happily points his guests to other top Milano watering spots like Bar Basso in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele next to the Duomo “for its twist on classic cocktails and Camparino to get a feel for how Milanese cocktail culture has evolved.”

Next up is Florence, Tuscany’s capital and a glowing centre of the Renaissance. On this journey, rediscover the city’s luminosity anew – and explore the Tuscan countryside – from your Florentine base. Moments of grace and elegance unspool the moment you enter the world of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Lustrous marble, stately arches and delicate frescoes speak of generations of Tuscan nobility who once walked the opulent halls of the Palazzo della Gherardesca.

But the vast estate garden beckons, heady with roses and shaded by towering trees. As the sun lowers into the golden hour, it’s time for an al fresco aperitivo, perhaps atop the garden knoll, gazing over the city and its legendary Duomo. (Your sleek aperitivo box is laden with seasonal small bites inspired by the garden’s flowers and fauna.)

That’s just a taste of what’s in store at the Hotel’s Michelin-starred Il Palagio restaurant, where Chef Paolo Lavezzini’s goal is “taking people on a discovery of Tuscany in all its facets and subtleties.” You can discover the gorgeous countryside from behind the wheel as well if you’ve booked Beyond by Four Seasons, An Exclusive Driving Journey Through Tuscany, a week-long curated drive experience by luxury car from September 24 to 30, 2022.

Each day offers leisurely delights as you explore Tuscany with new eyes during your adventure. A private tour and wine tasting at the historic Antinori Cellars among the vineyard-swathed Chianti hills. The vivid landscapes of Siena, enhanced by a long pause for lunch under the storied arcades of the Montalcino City Hall. The sparkling Mediterranean on the drive through idyllic seaside towns and the famous green cypresses of Bolgheri to the famed vineyards of Ornellaia.

You can also book ahead for an introduction to truffle hunting – a unique Four Seasons experience in the bucolic Tuscan countryside.

Sunset finds you back at your retreat in Florence, delighting in your new point of view while relaxing at the hotel spa, or perhaps by the garden’s elegant swimming pool, before another special evening of bespoke discovery. In the morning, toast the new day as your hot-air balloon lifts off from the Hotel garden for a sunrise float above the red rooftops of Florence, where humankind’s potential for beauty and romance knows no bounds.

Perched on a rocky headland high above the azure Ionian Sea in the shadow of Sicily’s storied Mount Etna, Taormina has captured the imagination of epicureans for centuries. Since the time of the ancient Greeks, whose temples grace the hillsides, the region’s stunning natural beauty and bounty, springing from the rich volcanic earth and surrounding seas, have exerted a magnetic pull. It’s not surprising that San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel arises in its midst, with Mount Etna to the right and Taormina’s iconic, ancient theatre to its left.

In July 2021, after a spectacular restoration, the legendary palace hotel reopened and now offers guests a full immersion in the Sicilian version of la dolce vita. Begin, perhaps, with a dip in the private plunge pool on your suite’s balcony overlooking the sea far below. If your dolce vita dreams include, well, dolce (sweets), book a cannoli master class with Pastry Chef Vincenzo Abagnale at the San Domenico Palace kitchen for insider tips on how to re-create the luscious ricotta-filled classic.

And, since every view is framed by the turquoise waters around Taormina, why not sail away on the fresh sea breezes? Lift off by helicopter for your departure port, flying over Mount Etna’s fiery cauldron. In a twinkle you’re on board a Four Seasons luxury yacht, your home for the day, where Hotel staff caters to your every whim as the winds carry you over the Tyrrhenian Sea toward the legendary Aolian Islands. If you choose to stay closer to Taormina, there’s a private sailboat ready to whisk you off to Isola Bella, a picturesque island sprinkled with Greek ruins, for a picnic lunch before an afternoon snorkel in the crystalline waters of the famed Blue Grotto.

On terra firma, continue feeding soul and spirit on a culinary adventure curated by Hotel Chef Massimo Mantarro. Your first stop? A delightful Mount Etna village where a local shepherd shares his freshly made ricotta and country bread hot from the wood-fired oven. Then, discover Mantarro’s insider foraging spots for seasonal wild vegetables and herbs. And after that, learn why Sicilian wines have burst into the international limelight during a leisurely lunch and tasting at the state-of-the-art Pietradolce vineyard on Mount Etna’s northern flank.

Back at the Hotel, unwind by the pool – or stroll through the museum-worthy Grand Cloister and grounds with the resident Art Concierge—while the chef prepares your foraged bounty for a celebratory dinner. Toasting the close of a spectacular day, you can honestly say you “ate the volcano.”

A stunning new Four Seasons Resort is underway in remote Puglia – the unspoiled, mountainous region of dusty olive groves, verdant vineyards, wild landscapes and charming fishing ports known as Italy’s boot. With Four Seasons panache and style, the beachfront haven will provide a unique point of view for guests who seek to discover the area’s national parks and ancient villages, like neighbouring Ostuni, inhabited since the Stone Age and known as “the white city” for its chalky façades clinging to the hillside. From there, the golden landscape gives way to a Mediterranean Sea of ever-changing blue, with secret beaches and coves ripe for discovery. Although with private seaside villas, six fabulous restaurant and bars, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and destination spa, guests may never want to leave the new Resort.

Ride the waves – but first, ride to the waves. Embark on a customized seaplane safari over the Indian Ocean on an epic quest to find the perfect swells during an extreme experience open exclusively to guests at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Surf waves you’ll have all to yourself, then paddle back to the plane or keep on pushing. Refreshments will be on board if you take a break. At the end of the day, fly back to the Resort to sip sundowners on the beach and let it all sink in.

Exclusivity goes a step farther at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, where advanced and intermediate surfers can take a private Air Bali helicopter flight to Grajagan, a remote location best known to world-class surfers as G-Land. This tailored day trip lets you forego the typical three-hour boat ride and overnight surf camp stay to get closer to the action in the shortest amount of time. Tropicsurf guide Blake McKinnon is on-hand to provide his tips and expertise in finding and riding your perfect waves. A chef-prepared lunch breaks up the day on the water, and you’ll return to the Resort just in time to catch the sunset. Even non-surfers can get in on the fun, taking in aerial views of Bali, Java and East Java National Park, and exploring the beaches, wildlife and Javanese jungle on land while you ride G-Land’s legendary left-hand breaks. (The waves are best enjoyed April through November.)

Beneath the surface of the Red Sea, a swashbuckling extreme adventure awaits. The Dive Centre at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh provides an exclusive power-boat ride – one of the fastest in the Red Sea – to the Strait of Gubal, where a British munitions ship, the SS Thistlegorm, sits below the surface. During two expert-led dives, you’ll explore the historic SS Thistlegorm wreckage, which was sunk by a German bomber in 1941, along with her sister ship Rosalie Moller and other nearby wrecks.

Get your thrills off-road on a private UTV tour through the magical 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 Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, 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. Feel closer to the diverse ecosystems only Costa Rica provides.

Take your once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure up (and not just) a notch. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti takes you to the sky to see the landscape and wildlife of the Serengeti by hot air balloon. It’s an early start at sunrise – with a quick breakfast – as you scan the savannah from your private balloon tour, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Or take it to the city – there’s still champagne – as you float over the dreamy Renaissance city of Florence. Your private hot air balloon lifts off directly from Gherardesca Park, the expansive on-site garden at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. You’ll sail over the Uffizi, Duomo, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and more as you glide gently over toward the famed Chianti region for a Four Seasons-prepared picnic in the Tuscan countryside. Raise a toast (or two) before returning to the Hotel in a private car.

This one-of-a-kind wine tour designed exclusively for guests of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North was made with avid cyclists and adventurers in mind. Start in the air with an aerial tour over the dramatic landscape of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. Then, a guided road bike tour leads you to Page Springs Cellars vineyard and winery. What better way to wind down from the ride than with a wine tasting and outdoor lunch? Relax by Oak Creek before a nature walk through Red Rock State Park, during which the experts at Arizona Outback Adventures will share the area’s history, geology and more as you immerse yourself in the iconic red rocks of Sedona. (This tour is only offered September through May.)

The seeds of Westernization led in the late Ottoman era to the creation of Dârülbedâyi, the imperial theatre and precursor to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatre, which has 10 stages throughout the city to bring government-subsidized performances to broad audiences. There, one can view gölge oyunu, or shadow theatre, the beloved tradition of puppetry that is now on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, or meddahlik, a performance where a lone storyteller regales his audience using only a piece of fabric and a walking stick as props.

Democratization in formal storytelling formats continued to grow; after the foundation of the Republic of Turkey, the new president Kemal Atatürk lifted the ban on Muslim women appearing onstage.

Although Ankara became the capital of the republic, Istanbul remained its capital of arts, culture and letters. The State Opera and Ballet is headquartered in Ankara, but perhaps the most notable venue for its productions is an Istanbul landmark: the newly revived – and modernized – Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (AKM), only a short drive from the similarly restored 19th-century Ottoman palace that hosts Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.

The AKM first opened in 1969, but it was closed in 2008 after falling into disrepair. It reopened in October 2021 to much excitement, redesigned and rebuilt by the son of the original architect. Today it presides again over Taksim Square and houses a 2,040-seat Opera Hall, an 800-seat theatre, a gallery, a children’s art centre, a library and a recording studio.

Take a private tour of AKM’s stunning facilities, arranged by the Concierge at Four Seasons, or book a performance in one of its many private theatres around town, including Oyun Atölyesi, DasDas, SAKM, the Zorlu Performing Arts Center and Dot.

As for the big screen, today’s Turkish audiences prefer locally made movies. The cinema industry here began by copying Hollywood, but since the 2010s, many of the more than 100 films made per year have had homegrown themes. Hits include the 2012 blockbuster Fetih 1453, the story of the Turkish conquest of Istanbul; Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s award-winning films that capture the city’s rich vistas; and Fatih Akın’s 2005 music documentary Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul. Even the tales of the city’s feline residents were beautifully told in the 2016 documentary Kedi.

These days, Istanbul is also sending its stories out into the world via a number of TV shows – and attracting travellers who want to see the filming locations and wander the streets of Beyoğlu, where many are set. The early 1990s saw a handful of private TV stations opening in Istanbul, and then the industry grew exponentially; Turkish TV shows are now breaking viewing records from Japan to South America. Among the recent global hits are the 2020 Netflix productions Ethos, interweaving tales of people from different strata of the city’s contemporary society, and The Club, the story of a 1950s Istanbul nightclub.

Local digital platforms are bringing their own tales to life with programs like the 2020 BluTV broadcast Yeşilçam, a miniseries about the Turkish film industry in the 1960s. “Istanbul’s streets are alive with stories,” says Yeşilçam’s director, Çağan Irmak. “You just need to know how to stop and listen, to see and notice the ones that may be hidden; it is a generous city that rewards those who seek them.”

Every Istanbul landmark is associated with a legend that comes alive for visitors with interest and imagination. Stand at the top of the Galata Tower, overlooking the Halic, or Golden Horn, and picture Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi stretching his homemade wings to become the first person to fly. Take a boat to the Maiden’s Tower (temporarily closed as of May 2022) in the middle of the Bosphorus and tour the museum nearby that tells its tragic tale. Ponder the conversations that took place in the gilded labyrinth of Topkapı Palace, only steps away from Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (reopening in July 2022). Join the worshippers at the Hagia Sophia, whose walls are a palimpsest of Christian seraphim and Islamic calligraphy.

And at the end of a day full of history, return to your sanctuary on the Bosphorus for a hammam, or in Sultanahmet for a massage that blends traditions of the East and the West, much like the complex city that straddles two continents. Rise to the Sultanahmet rooftop for views of the Hagia Sophia on the A’Ya Terrace for a drink with friends and your own tales to tell.

Written stories also have a rich but interrupted history here. In 1929, Turks switched from Arabic script to the Latin alphabet. Literacy skyrocketed, but many earlier stories were lost in the archives, literally illegible to most. Some of these stories are now finding new life in the works of contemporary authors, such as Istanbul: Memories and the City by Nobel prizewinner Orhan Pamuk, The Time Regulation Institute by Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar, and The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak.

Whether the tales are written, performed, or built into architecture and design, whether they are fictional or historical, Istanbul’s contemporary storytellers are reclaiming their own narratives and adding new chapters to those of the diverse cultures that have coexisted in this space for centuries.

In a place filled with so much beauty and history, you don’t have to be a filmmaker or writer to weave a memorable tale. Let Four Seasons help you create an unforgettable Istanbul experience that’s fully your own. Art, fashion, food — whatever the theme, this is one story you’ll be telling for years to come.

For some inspiration, see what Canadian entrepreneur Sarah Cox did on her Istanbul adventure with Four Seasons.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet will reopen in July 2022.