Your Seasonal 2024 Luxury Getaways

With 128 different locations, spanning Santa Fe to Sharm el Sheikh and Johannesburg to Jakarta, the Four Seasons is one of the most recognised and highly rated luxury hotel brands in the world. And it’s because of the collective’s broad geographical make-up that there’s an ideal Four Seasons location for every time of the year.

Here at Blend Group, we love sending our valued clients to destinations all over the world, so we’ve put together our ideal calendar year of getaways, consisting of a Four Season retreat for each of the four seasons. We hope this mix of ultimate relaxation, activity, culture and history can spark some inspiration for your 2024.

Spring – Kyoto

It’s widely regarded that there are few better springtime destinations than Japan’s former capital, Kyoto. One of the cultural highlights of the East, Kyoto is bursting with Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Samurai Castles, palaces, gardens and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

However, it’s not just Kyoto’s historic and cultural landmarks that coax international visitors from afar. Spring in Japan is cherry blossom season and there are few better places to observe the coverings of Sakura, Japan’s stunning national flower, than the cultural capital. The delicate flushes of pink transform the city into a breathtaking spectacle to be enjoyed and celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

Kyoto is also famed for its cuisine. Not only does food here have a rich and historic tradition, comprising of various culinary styles that are centuries old, it is also the home of many of Japan’s most famous sake breweries, numerous authentic wooden teahouses and traditional restaurants.

Kyoto’s Four Seasons hotel is centred around an 800-year-old ikeniwa (pool garden) which provides an immensely tranquil and relaxing setting, giving the feel of a modern garden sanctuary. The hotel offers multiple exquisite cuisine options, including; Brasserie, a sleek and modern waterside bar; Sushi Wakon, a Michelin star sushi restaurant; and Fuju, a traditional lounge which serves local sweets and matcha tea by day and sake and champagne by night.

Summer – Taormina

“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything” was an observation of Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, one of Europe’s most influential literary figures of recent centuries. Although stated in the late 1700s, Goethe’s review of the island remains relevant some 250 years on.

Near the coast in the northeast of the island sits Taormina, considered the Pearl of the Mediterranean and shrouded in sunshine, luxury, island charm and poetic imagery. Stunning local beaches present the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings while basking in the glory of the Sicilian sun, while the boutique shops, restaurants and galleries of Corso Umberto provide hours of ambling entertainment.

Perched on a rocky headland high above the stunning Ionian Sea, sits the iconic San Domenico Palace, home to the Four Seasons Taormina. In the stylings of a 14th century convent, the hotel’s authentic nature has been modernised with a clifftop infinity pool, natural Italian gardens and Michelin-starred dining options.

The hotel provides the perfect luxury base to explore the multiple cultures of Sicily, including the ancient Greek theatre of Taormina, stunning hilltop villages and Arab and North African-influenced architecture that’s spread throughout the island.

Autumn – Desroches, Seychelles

Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, the Seychelles is an archipelago made up of over 100 islands. The perfect location for a luxury getaway, visitors can enjoy the Seychelles all year round, however, the serene Autumn months are when we believe you can truly get the most out of the secluded island destination.

White-sand beaches, lush tropical greenery and a laid-back way of life make for a welcome change from the stresses and responsibilities of everyday living, while the surrounding tranquil blue waters provide a haven for lovers of the ocean and marine life.

Desroches is a captivating coral island within the archipelago and it’s here that the Four Seasons has scattered its offering along the beachfront. The tranquil private island allows guests to relax to their heart’s content, while also offering a staggering amount of diverse and entertaining activities, including diving and snorkelling expeditions, deep sea fishing trips, and surfing.

The 5.5km long island, which is home to around 100 inhabitants, was purchased by the Four Seasons in 2016 and they opened their exclusive hotel two years later, intending to enable their guests to enjoy the idyllic paradise on an active level. That means there’s something for everyone on this private playground and absolutely no chance of boredom.

Winter – Whistler

Home to North America’s largest ski resort, Whistler is the ultimate winter destination for mountain lovers and luxury jetsetters alike. Crisp alpine air, jaw dropping glacial scenery and world-class mountain activities combine with high-end hospitality and cuisine to create a winter wonderland that is especially perfect for a Christmas or New Year getaway.

As always, the Four Seasons sits at the heart of Whistler’s luxury offering, acting as the ideal base from which to explore this winter playground. A heated outdoor pool complex, comprising panoramic views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain, a high altitude therapy and wellness spa and the “Library by The Macallan” whisky bar form the tip of the iceberg, while once-in-a-lifetime mountain experiences, such as, snowmobile tours, dog sledding and ice fishing are available through the hotel.

For ski and snowboard lovers, it couldn’t be easier. Sitting at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the hotel is a mere five-minute walk or complimentary shuttle ride from the resort and a dedicated ski concierge is on call to take care of all rental, fitting, tuition and storage needs.

At Blend Group, we specialise in creating bespoke, luxury experiences and once-in-a-lifetime moments for our high-net-worth clientele and can take care of all requirements, from travel and hotels to extra special experiences. If you’d like to talk to us about a luxury getaway in 2024, we’d love to hear from you here.