An Evening with Four Seasons

Beyond the Hotel Room: The Stories That Make Four Seasons Travel Extraordinary

When most people think of Four Seasons, they think of beautiful hotels, exceptional service, and iconic destinations. Those things certainly matter, but during a recent Pique Travel Design event, one message came through loud and clear: luxury travel today is about experiences, personalization, and creating memories that simply can't be replicated.

The evening brought together representatives from Four Seasons properties around the world, from Hawaii and the Bahamas to Montreal, Naples, and Whistler. While the destinations were impressive, it was the stories behind them that truly captured the room.

The Power of Relationships

One of the biggest advantages of working with Pique Travel Design is access.

Through our preferred partner relationship with Four Seasons, our advisors have direct relationships with property leadership, concierge teams, and on-the-ground experts across the globe. Those relationships allow us to move beyond simply booking a room and into designing experiences tailored specifically to each traveler.

As one Four Seasons representative noted, the hotel teams are often "masters of their destinations." Combined with Pique's expertise in understanding our clients, the result is a travel experience that feels effortless while still being completely customized.

New Places to Explore

Four Seasons continues to expand its global footprint at an impressive pace.

Recent openings include Four Seasons Cartagena, located inside Colombia's historic walled city, and the newly opened property in Puerto Rico. Mykonos joins the portfolio this summer, while future projects include destinations such as Vietnam, Berlin, the Dominican Republic, and one of the most anticipated developments in the Caribbean: Caye Chapel, Belize.

The Belize project promises six acres of beachfront, overwater bungalows, and access to the world's second-largest barrier reef—bringing a new level of luxury to one of Central America's most beautiful destinations.

Yet Four Seasons remains intentional about growth.

Rather than simply adding properties, the brand focuses on destinations where it can either elevate the luxury landscape or create a seamless Four Seasons experience in places travelers are increasingly seeking.

Four Seasons Takes to the Water

Luxury travel with Four Seasons now extends beyond land.

The recently launched Four Seasons Yacht is already generating tremendous excitement, bringing the same level of service and hospitality guests know from the hotels to an entirely new setting.

Think of it as the Four Seasons experience at sea: personalized service, destination-focused itineraries, and intimate access to some of the world's most spectacular coastlines.

As one panelist joked, Four Seasons now covers "land, sea, and air"—and perhaps someday even space.

Around the World by Private Jet

Among the evening's most fascinating discussions was the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience.

Unlike a private charter, these are carefully curated journeys built around a series of destinations connected by Four Seasons' custom Airbus A321LR, outfitted with just 48 handcrafted leather seats.

The experience is designed around community as much as luxury.

Guests travel alongside like-minded explorers, often forming friendships that continue long after the trip ends.

One featured itinerary begins in Seattle and circles the globe with stops in Kyoto, Hoi An, the Maldives, the Serengeti, Marrakech, Florence, and Paris.

Along the way, travelers enjoy experiences that would be nearly impossible to arrange independently:

• Private access to cultural landmarks

• Exclusive culinary experiences

• Vespa food tours through Vietnam

• Safari adventures in Tanzania

• Private viewings of Michelangelo's David in Florence

• Michelin-starred farewell dinners in Paris

Perhaps most surprising is the flexibility.

While the journey follows a set itinerary, guests can customize portions of their trip, extend stays, arrange private experiences, or even skip destinations if they choose.

The Destinations Guests Couldn't Stop Talking About

Throughout the evening, each property shared what makes its destination unique.

The Ocean Club, Bahamas

The iconic Ocean Club remains one of the Caribbean's most beloved resorts.

With only 107 accommodations spread across 35 beachfront acres, guests enjoy both privacy and access to nearby Atlantis when traveling with family.

The property is also famous for its connection to James Bond.

In fact, one guest's spouse surprised him with an entire James Bond-themed weekend, complete with private martini classes, filming location tours, and a custom 007-inspired dinner accompanied by music from the films.

Lanai, Hawaii

Often described as Hawaii's private island, Lanai offers something increasingly rare: exclusivity.

With just two Four Seasons resorts and no stoplights anywhere on the island, Lanai feels worlds away from everyday life.

Guests can stargaze from Hawaii's largest private observatory, explore Larry Ellison's extensive art collection, fish, hunt, hike, or simply unwind at Sensei Lanai, recently recognized by Virtuoso as one of the world's premier wellness retreats.

One memorable story involved a woman celebrating her 70th birthday.

She secretly invited seven friends—one from each decade of her life—to join her on Lanai. Each guest believed they were coming alone, only to arrive and discover childhood friends, college roommates, mentors, and even the attorney who helped her through a difficult chapter all gathered together for an unforgettable reunion.

Naples Beach Club, Florida

Newly reopened as a Four Seasons destination, Naples Beach Club blends beach, golf, and wellness into one luxurious experience.

The property's 30,000-square-foot spa has quickly become a standout feature, while sunsets over the Gulf Coast remain a nightly ritual.

One remarkable story came during the resort's opening week.

A 200-person wedding lost its off-site rehearsal venue just hours before the event due to permitting issues. Within six hours, the Four Seasons team transformed the property into a fully functioning event venue and flawlessly hosted the celebration.

Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler may be known for skiing, but locals argue summer is equally magical.

Guests can hike between mountain peaks, golf, bike, enjoy farmers markets, or simply relax in nature.

One particularly memorable story involved a child who accidentally left behind a beloved stuffed animal. Rather than simply mailing it home, the staff photographed the toy on adventures throughout the resort and mountains before arranging its "executive return trip" back to Seattle.

The result? A family memory that became even more special than the original vacation.

Montreal

Representatives from Montreal described the city as "Europe without the jet lag."

Food is central to the experience, from legendary bagels and French cuisine to curated walking food tours through neighborhoods like Mile End.

One family arranged a surprise Mother's Day celebration where an entire luxury boutique was recreated inside the hotel's presidential suite. Jewelry, handbags, clothing, and personal shoppers awaited the guest upon arrival, creating a private shopping experience unlike anything she had ever imagined.

Hawaii, Three Ways: Hualalai, Maui and Ko Olina

The Hawaii conversation offered a beautiful reminder that no two islands, and no two Four Seasons experiences, are the same.

At Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island, a perfect day begins oceanside at breakfast before walking the coastal path, perhaps spotting sea turtles along the shoreline. Guests can spend the day snorkeling, relaxing by one of the resort’s many pools, visiting the cultural center, learning hula, making leis, playing the ukulele or exploring the history of Hawaii. For families, Hualalai is especially compelling because of its villa residences, private pools, butler service and endless ways to customize the day, from fishing and snorkeling charters to cooking classes, cultural workshops and even visiting an active volcano.

At Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, the day might begin with an outrigger canoe experience along the coast, where guests often see sea turtles — and, during winter months, whales breaching in the distance. After breakfast at DUO, travelers can settle into a favorite pool or beach spot, enjoy a spa treatment in an oceanfront hale, and end the evening with dinner at Spago overlooking the sunset. The team also highlighted Maui’s newly renovated rooms, refreshed club level experience and upcoming spa enhancements, including an aquothermal sanctuary.

At Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, guests enjoy the beauty of Oahu without staying in the middle of Honolulu. Located about 30 minutes west of the airport, Ko Olina offers a more relaxed resort enclave with walking paths along four lagoons, ocean-view rooms, family and adults-only pool areas, and excellent dining. One standout detail was the resort’s Fish Sommelier at Mina’s Fish House, who presents the fresh catch of the day much like a wine expert would present bottles from a cellar.

Why These Stories Matter

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the evening came through a video message from one of Pique Travel Design's own advisors, who was traveling with her family at Four Seasons Oahu.

Through Pique's local relationships, her husband was able to participate in an extraordinary World War II aviation experience, flying a historic aircraft similar to those his grandfather trained on during the war.

The experience included a custom flight suit, a detailed mission briefing, and a flight path tracing the route taken during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

For their family, it wasn't simply an activity. It became a meaningful connection to family history.

And that's ultimately what luxury travel should be.

Not just beautiful hotels. Not just great service.

Stories you'll tell for the rest of your life.

At Pique Travel Design, that's exactly what we're passionate about creating.