Since the early 1960s – under the stewardship of founder Isadore Sharp – Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has been at the forefront of global hospitality. Built on the foundational pillars of exceptional service, a sense of place and community, and Sharp’s ‘Golden Rule’ of treating others how you would like to be treated, this giant of the hotel space is now operational across more than 100 locations globally. From exclusive island retreats to iconic urban landmarks, Four Seasons ensures that while the setting may change, one thing remains unwavering: its commitment to personalised care.
Today, the company’s portfolio extends beyond world-class hotels and resorts to include exceptional private residences, with properties spanning every continent. The brand continues to go from strength to strength in both realms – its hotels consistently feature among the world’s best. Comparatively, Four Seasons’ branded residences have become some of the most coveted addresses globally, elevated by the prestige and heritage of this hospitality icon.
This comprehensive guide delves into the brand’s storied history, its distinguished global portfolio, and the signature standards of service that have established Four Seasons as one of the most trusted names in luxury hospitality. Read on to discover more.
Four Seasons: A Legacy Etched in Time
The Four Seasons story began in 1960, when visionary founder Isadore Sharp – then a young architect at the outset of his career – rather unexpectedly found himself in the hotel business. Tasked with designing a motel for a family friend on the outskirts of his native Toronto, Sharp quickly discovered a passion that would have long-lasting effects on the luxury travel sector, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Following the rapid success of the project, Sharp developed the conviction that his future lay in the hospitality sector, designing and building his own motel after purchasing a parcel of land in a neglected part of Toronto. Again, success quickly followed, along with a philosophy rooted in the idea that true luxury is about how it makes you feel – not just opulence.
Throughout the 1960s, the brand went from strength to strength in Canada, before expanding into Europe in the early 1970s. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane symbolised Sharp’s first foray into the international market, an audacious move intended to challenge the dominance of the old-world hospitality brands which had dominated the city’s luxury landscape for centuries.
Its first decade of existence also shaped the enduring philosophy of the Four Seasons. Sharp envisioned a company synonymous with prestige, and pioneered many of the hallmarks now considered essential to a five-star hospitality brand – things like 24-hour concierge service and intuitive, preemptive experiences for guests.
This pursuit of excellence evolved once more in 1982, as the Four Seasons made its debut in the private residences space. The concept was simple, yet groundbreaking: to offer the world’s most discerning individuals the opportunity to own their own sophisticated residence, while also benefiting from the famed hospitality of the brand. The idea was clear. And it turned out to be an unparalleled success.
In addition to the world-class hotels and resorts in the Four Seasons portfolio, the company also boasts more than 50 developments of their exclusive Private Residences in various countries, remaining synonymous with timeless elegance. This iconic brand is more than just a place to stay; it is a way of life defined by refinement, comfort and outstanding service.
Services and Amenities
Over the company’s six decades, Four Seasons has continually evolved to include more lifestyle amenities and services, all designed to maximise the guest experience. While individual properties do not include all of the following, each Four Seasons presents a unique combination tailored to its location and the needs of its guests:
Four Seasons Core Services
- 24-hour Dining: Meals from in-house chefs are available in the privacy of your own room, any time of day
- Concierge Services: Most properties offer a 24-hour concierge service, with staff well versed in the world’s most common languages, available to deal with your every need
- Streamlined Check-In/Check-Out: Seamless arrival and departure experiences are designed to maximise convenience
- Valet & Sophisticated Transport Services: For those who have arranged their own transport while staying at the Four Seasons, valet services are available, while upscale options like limousine booking can be arranged
- Housekeeping: Daily room cleaning, in addition to laundry and dry-cleaning services, keeps standards at the highest level (some locations offer twice-daily housekeeping)
- Pet Services: For those travelling with pets, grooming and walking services are available upon request
- Childcare Services: Babysitting and kids’ clubs ensure children have an enjoyable stay, while parents can also savour a moment of relaxation
- Business-Focused Amenities: Meeting rooms and printing facilities are available for those who are travelling for business
Comfort-Focused Services
- Premium Bedding: Tailored bedding is designed to increase comfort, while hypoallergenic options are often available if requested in advance
- In-Suite Entertainment: High-end HDTVs with premium channels and access to mobile app services are designed to enhance convenience, while home theatres and iPad access are available in higher-end suites
- Toiletries and Minibar: Top-quality branded products and upscale minibar refreshments are available in each room
Wellness and Lifestyle Amenities
- Spa and Wellness Centres: World-class spa facilities, featuring highly trained professionals, provide treatments such as massages, facials and therapies. These wellness retreats also boast high-end saunas, steam rooms and other relaxation-focused amenities
- Fitness Centres: Health-conscious guests can make use of state-of-the-art gyms, replete with modern equipment and personal trainers
- Swimming Pools: Depending on the climate, majestic indoor and outdoor pools are a key feature
- Sports Facilities: Select resorts boast golf, tennis and other sports facilities, ideal for those who value an active lifestyle
Culinary Experiences
- Michelin-Starred Restaurants: 25 restaurants across 20 Four Seasons hotels and resorts boast an outstanding 34 stars, perfect for the gourmand
- Localised Offerings: Each property offers a range of dining options, with some focusing on local specialities, depending on the location
Family-Focused Amenities
- Kids for All Seasons Program: A complimentary club offering a range of engaging activities and cultural experiences, the program provides a safe, fun environment for children, allowing parents to enjoy some quiet time while their children stay entertained
- Child-Friendly Fare: Known for its impeccable culinary options, the Four Seasons also caters to the younger palette thanks to child-friendly menus
Exclusive Experiences
- Personalised Local Experiences: Tailored activities and excursions to local attractions and entertainment venues allow guests to experience native cultures and customs
- Special Events and Celebrations: Significant events – such as birthdays and weddings – can be celebrated in specialised rooms and banquet halls. Some locations also offer planning services.
Read More About: Four Seasons Amenities & Services
Four Seasons Global Locations
As an internationally recognised hospitality brand, Four Seasons showcases 133 hotels and resorts across five continents, with some of the most notable listed below:
North America:
- New York City
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Whistler, CA
- Mexico City, MX
Europe:
- London
- Paris
- Milan
- Athens
- French Riviera
- Prague
Asia:
- Golden Triangle, TH
- Singapore
- Macau
- Hong Kong
- Beijing
- Seoul
- Kyoto
Middle East and North Africa:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Cairo
- Casablanca
- The Serengeti
- Johannesburg
Central and South America:
- Cartagena, CO
- Bogota, CO
- Buenos Aires, AR
- Costa Rica
Four Seasons Dubai Locations
Dubai boasts two Four Seasons properties, expertly blending both city life and the beach resort experience:
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre: A contemporary hotel and residential complex, this property is located in the heart of Dubai’s famed financial district. The address boasts exceptional dining options, such as the award-winning Mina Brasserie, helmed by American celebrity chef Michael Mina, while also boasting some of the most majestic views in the city, including the globally renowned Burj Khalifa. The property also benefits from its location just minutes from the iconic Dubai Mall, where a comprehensive supply of retail, dining and entertainment options awaits.
Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: The first Four Seasons property in the city, this immaculate resort is set along the pristine coastline of the city’s upscale Jumeirah neighbourhood. The complex boasts no fewer than 11 high-end restaurants within its ‘Restaurant Village’ section, in addition to world-class amenities and access to aquatic sports.
Read More About: Four Seasons Hotel Locations
Four Seasons Restaurants
Dubai sits at the forefront of global cuisine trends. As such, there is a certain standard that needs to be maintained where fine dining establishments are concerned. Four Seasons ensures that these elevated standards are not just met, but in most cases, exceeded.
Four Seasons Hotel DIFC hosts a range of immaculate restaurants such as Mina Brasserie, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in conjunction with world-class chef Michael Mina, while the impeccable Japanese Kigo offers an expansive range of sushi.
The relaxed coastal charm of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is evident in the complex’s Restaurant Village, which, as advertised, houses a number of upscale restaurants covering a wide selection of cuisines, including:
- Sea Fu
- Jou Jou Brasserie
- Coya
- Mimi Kakushi
- Scalini
- Verde
Read More About: Four Seasons Dubai Restaurants
Four Seasons Private Jet
The renowned Four Seasons hospitality extends to the skies through its carefully curated range of private jet experiences:
Asia Unveiled: Seven timeless Asian destinations, including a Wonder of the World, urban metropolises and idyllic islands.
African Wonders: An unforgettable family journey filled with majestic wildlife experiences, historical treasures and awe-inspiring nature.
Ancient Explorer: An all-encompassing journey of discovery through some of the world’s most iconic landscapes, from Easter Island to the Lost City of Petra.
Grand Horizons: A whirlwind tour through arts, cuisines and urban sites, from the limestone karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay to the fashionista’s Mecca of Milan.
International Intrigue: Serene remote islands, cultural urban centres and the majesty of the African Savannah combine on this around-the-world trip.
Timeless Encounters: An inspiring journey through Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific with stunning natural beauty and timeless urban experiences.
World of Wellness: An eight-destination trip focusing on wellness activities created to enrich mind, body and spirit.
Uncharted Discovery: A carefully curated trip across some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, from Machu Picchu to Antarctica.
Read More About: Four Seasons Private Jet
Four Seasons Yachts
Nothing suggests sophistication quite like a superyacht. With a range of trips centred around wellbeing, these aquatic Four Seasons experiences invite you to realign yourself with the natural world as you seamlessly transition between moments of tranquility and stimulation, a selection of which has been highlighted below:
Grand Mediterranean: An expansive trip around one of the world’s most exclusive bodies of water, with stops including Monte Carlo, Dubrovnik, Mykonos and Casablanca.
Grand Atlantic: An island-inspired journey through Spain’s southern ports, stopping in the Canary Islands, before crossing the Atlantic to experience the best of the Caribbean.
Grand Caribbean: Experience some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive anchorages on this unforgettable island-hop, where unparalleled natural beauty and coastal elegance converge.
With a range of other exceptional trips and variations of the above to choose from, Four Seasons Yachts invites guests to embark on a series of curated journeys where luxury, adventure, and unparalleled service meet the world’s most captivating destinations.
Read More About: Four Seasons Yachts
Four Seasons Weddings
For those seeking an upscale wedding venue, Four Seasons Weddings offers expert support at every stage of the planning process, ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed – whether it’s an intimate beach ceremony at sunset or a grand church wedding in one of the world’s most exclusive urban centres.
This all-encompassing service covers pre-wedding ceremonies, guest arrangements, and all the logistics of the day itself. Additionally, the service includes honeymoons, ensuring the very best start to married life.
Some of the world’s most refined locations are covered through the Four Seasons’ expansive range of properties, such as Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the French Riviera at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Koh Samui, Thailand and Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The company’s vast network of properties makes certain that there is a perfect destination to suit every taste, whether seeking cosmopolitan sophistication, serene beachfront escapes, or culturally immersive experiences.
Read More About: Four Seasons Dubai Wedding Venue
Four Seasons Meetings and Events
There is no event too large, nor any detail too small, for Four Seasons Meetings and Events. Designed to make the impossible completely unforgettable, a dedicated team of professionals are at your beck and call to bring your dream event to life with passion, creativity and artistic precision.
Four Seasons’ diverse portfolio offers exceptional flexibility in both venue size and event design. From intimate spaces ideal for gatherings of up to 50 guests to grand venues accommodating more than 300, each setting can be tailored to your exact vision. Whether you’re hosting a private celebration or transforming an entire property into your own exclusive event space, flexible scheduling and full access to the property’s amenities ensure a seamless, fully bespoke experience.
If you’re looking for a private retreat for family and friends, options like Chiang Mai provide serenity and relaxation. Conversely, if you happen to be looking to accommodate a larger party, perhaps for a work event, San Domenico Palace, Messina, offers an exceptional setting for buyouts, allowing guests to experience the culture of Sicily in all its glory.
Read More About: Four Seasons Dana Ballroom
Four Seasons Holiday Getaways
Four Seasons invites you to move beyond the expected with a carefully selected suite of holiday getaways. Spanning the globe, these destinations have been designed to cover everything from sunshine escapes to ski excursions to city breaks – and everything in between. Whatever you are searching for, Four Seasons is on hand to craft an exceptional experience that ticks every box.
Seaside Escapes: Tropical island hideaways and awe-inspiring coastal resorts serve as the perfect retreats for those seeking sun, sea, sand and sophistication.
Urban Retreats: Find your ideal city getaway across an eclectic mix of cities, from the trendy neighbourhoods of LA to the 800-year-old streets of ancient Kyoto.
Mountain & Country: Sunlit valleys, snow-capped peaks, and tranquil countryside escapes are on offer across upscale destinations like Jackson Hole, the Serengeti, Napa Valley and Chiang Mai.
Dining: The organisation boasts an impressive 34 Michelin stars across 25 restaurants in 20 locations, in places such as Hong Kong, Florence, Tokyo and Beijing.
Villa and Residence Rentals: With properties on every continent of the world, discerning guests can take their pick from a wide range of properties, encompassing beach and sea, country and mountain, and city escapes – in destinations such as Koh Samui, the French Riviera and the Seychelles.
Four Seasons Gift Card and Membership
We all have that one person who is simply impossible to buy for. Four Seasons has preemptively moved to address this issue through its Four Seasons Gift Card, which allows guests to discover a memorable experience with the brand. Overnight stays, dining experiences, spa treatments and more can all be redeemed at any Four Seasons hotel and resort worldwide – the perfect gift for someone who travels or regularly conducts business overseas.
The company also features an exclusive spa membership, available at most hotels and resorts worldwide. In the UAE, membership programs are tailored to the individual, with bespoke offerings valid across all Four Seasons UAE properties. Annual membership for singles is available at AED 17,400, while couples enjoy a slightly reduced rate of AED 29,400. A family plan is also available for AED 45,400.
Read More About: Four Seasons Membership
Four Seasons Shopping
The Four Seasons brand is synonymous with upscale luxury. And now, it is possible to take a part of that lifestyle home with you, thanks to a carefully curated collection of comfort and style.
Four Seasons Signature Mattresses have been designed to provide the perfect balance of comfort, support and temperature management. With six sophisticated mattresses to choose from, these technologically advanced products boast Nano-Tex-treated fabric, Aircool Technology and Pocketed Coil Technology. These high-end mattresses also offer Endurotech foundation, providing strength, durability and support. Of course, there is also a sophisticated range of pillows, duvets and linens, all designed to experience the best Four Seasons sleep the moment your head touches the pillow.
Staying on the theme of comfort and sleep, Four Seasons also presents a range of dream-like sleepwear – the perfect pairing to Four Seasons Signature linens. Towels and robes are also available from the company’s online store, created to elevate those feelings of relaxation. For those looking for a little more luxury when lounging poolside, the brand reveals a Cabana Towel Set for $320.
Upcoming Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
As one of the world’s foremost hospitality organisations, the company benefits from elevated brand recognition and, as such, continues to enjoy unwavering demand, with discerning travellers consistently choosing its hotels and resorts as their destination of choice. Thanks to this, there are a number of projects currently underway which will add to the brand’s global reputation and tap into some currently unexploited markets.
New resorts will soon be up and running in places like Naples, Florida; Puerto Rico; Cartagena; Mykonos; Shura Island, Saudi Arabia; and Santa Barbara.
Four Seasons For Good: An Eye on Sustainability
As the world steadily moves towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility, it is encouraging to know that a heavyweight hospitality brand such as Four Seasons is front and centre when it comes to both of these issues.
As we know, the organisation is built on its guiding principle of The Golden Rule – to treat others as they would like to be treated. This comes to life through the way in which the company treats its employees, guests, residents and partners, but also how they strive to preserve the beautiful places in which they operate – by working with the local community to create a positive environment, through the Four Seasons for Good program. Four Seasons also works in partnership with local organisations to drive positive change through endeavours like waste reduction and human rights, while also working with partners who harbour the same sustainable and positive goals across their entire supply chain. Recognising that each specific property in each different area will be confronted with its own issues, the company aims to tackle each matter with the care and cultural sensitivity it deserves.
Four Seasons is also a member of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (The Alliance), which supports action on key issues like The Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality 2.0, The Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology and The Hotel Net Zero Methodology.
Four Seasons Global Properties
Hotels & Resorts:
Elevated Hotels: Four Seasons operates 133 properties in multiple countries on five continents across the world. Major American cities like Minneapolis, Boston and Miami are all covered, while the company is also present in major European capitals like Madrid, Geneva and Istanbul. Asia-Pacific represents another important market for the brand, across places like Sydney and bali, in addition to the Middle East and Africa region, which present properties in Doha, Riyadh and Marrakech, among many other. Central and South America is another emerging market where the company will be more visible in coming years.
Refined Residences: Four Seasons Private Residences has steadily grown to become one of the world’s most sought-after symbols of luxury living, renowned for its exceptional service, timeless design, and unrivalled attention to detail.
A branded portfolio of homes available in almost 50 North American locations, the brand’s global footprint extends even further, with residences also available across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as Central and South America.
Iconic properties like the first standalone Four Seasons Private Residences in Mayfair, and the Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah are just a few of the world-class offerings, each exemplifying the brand’s commitment to exceptional design, exclusive locations, and a lifestyle defined by personalised service and privacy.
Sophisticated Villa and Residence Rentals: For those who prefer a little extra privacy on their holidays, Four Seasons showcases an expansive range of elegant villas and residences available for rental.
With more than 900 luxury villas and residence holiday homes available, the brand covers serene beach villas, tranquil mountain hideaways, exciting urban properties and everything in between – all designed for you to experience the very best of every destination in complete comfort and style.
Explore the world of Four Seasons, where refined living meets timeless elegance – from breathtaking resorts to exclusive private residences. Discover the exceptional Four Seasons properties available in Dubai.
