Sun, Ski, Spa: Editor’s Picks for Winter Travel, January Edition
From the exotic jungles of Bali to the snowy peaks of Whistler, discover our editor’s picks for winter getaways—and share your favourite Four Seasons destinations for cold-weather escapes.
Located on a private coral island in the Indian Ocean, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is the epitome of secluded paradise with its white-sand beaches, palm-thatched bungalows and shimmering turquoise waters. The infinity edge of the Resort’s main pool blends seamlessly with the vast horizon, making it an incredible spot to watch the sunset.
2/18
The Republic of Maldives is a nation made up of islands, and the charming village of Kuda Huraa boasts some unforgettable water excursions. The Resort’s Dive Centre is PADI-licensed and has a team of multilingual, highly experienced instructors ready to show you all the best dive spots.
3/18
Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is a quiet retreat on the bustling Florida coast. Known for its tropical climate, Florida’s sunny shores make for a perfect year-round getaway. Arrange for a romantic beach dinner for two in your own private cabana to sample some of the area’s best regional cuisine.
4/18
Palm Beach is at no loss for shopping destinations, and CityPlace is home to more than 100 stores plus live entertainment and nightlife options all in one place. When the sun goes down, take advantage of Florida’s warm climate and head out for a fun-filled night underneath the stars.
5/18
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is nestled in a lush tropical dry forest, and the exotic, natural surroundings are what make this an idyllic place to cast off those winter blues. With two pristine beaches, three pools and an abundance of scenic vistas, this Costa Rican resort is brimming with flavour.
6/18
Spanning more than 220 acres on the tip of Peninsula Papagayo, the Resort’s Arnold Palmer–designed course gives golfers a unique experience from hole to hole. As a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, you can stop to admire the colourful trees, plants and wildlife throughout the course, not to mention the stunning cliff-side greens and ocean views.
7/18
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai sits in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and traditional Thai rice terraces. The Resort’s residences are palatial lairs perfect for families and groups of friends to relax in and enjoy all that Thailand has to offer.
8/18
As the sun sets on northern Thailand, a dip in the Resort’s infinity-edge swimming pool can make the twilight hour seem even more exotic with views of the valley’s surrounding mountains, rice terraces and lush green landscape. Top it all off with a poolside foot massage and a trip to the adults-only lower level pool.
9/18
With two mountains and more than 8,100 acres of combined terrain, alpine enthusiasts visiting Whistler Blackcomb are at no loss for adventure. Blackcomb Mountain alone boasts three parks, one super pipe and one snow cross track on top of all the trails and runs—plus there are nine mountain restaurants to keep you fuelled for all this activity.
10/18
Just like Four Seasons Resort Whistler itself, the outdoor pool can be enjoyed year-round. A refreshing dip in the heated pool in the middle of winter is a surreal and enjoyable experience that must be tried. Just add hot chocolate and cookies and this poolside winter wonderland is complete.
11/18
The Windy City is known for its harsh winters, but the Spa and Fitness Club at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is a luxurious retreat that can rejuvenate your body. Unique facial and body treatments coupled with a fully equipped fitness facility make the Club the perfect place to help you forget about that frigid city air.
12/18
High above the prestigious North Michigan Avenue is one of Chicago’s top spas. The Spa at The Carlton Club at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) is firmly dedicated to enhancing your personal well-being. Take a dip in the temperature-controlled pool after a pampering massage and you’ll never want to leave.
13/18
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a mystical haven near Bali’s sacred Ayung River. The Spa’s three villas sit on the banks of the calming waters and reflect native Balinese design. Here you can experience traditional Eastern treatments that are greatly influenced by the healing powers of nature.
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A yoga session by the lily pond is just one of the many places to take in the magical quality that emanates from the jungles of Bali. Offering a refuge of peace and tranquillity, the Resort also has Personalised Paradise Planners that can help you make your vacation just right.
15/18
Transporting guests far, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York is an urban sanctuary. After (or during) a busy day of meetings, shopping or sightseeing—and everything in between—add a trip to this Manhattan spa for a no-hassle experience.
16/18
New York is a city with something for everyone, and families travelling with children will find that the Hotel’s Concierge is full of suggestions and ideas for family- and kid-oriented activities. Whether it’s a dinner reservation or a babysitter you need, the Concierge is happy to arrange it.
17/18
For a dose of Southern hospitality at its finest, the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is hard to beat. Even the ingredients used are sweet as can be. Try the delicious peaches-and-cream treatment for your hands and feet, and you’ll feel as fresh as a Georgia peach.
18/18
No Southern getaway is complete without a little bit of swimming, even in midtown Atlanta. The Hotel’s indoor pool is surrounded with beautiful neo-classical décor and is conveniently located within a state-of-the-art health club.
It may be the beginning of a new year, but the winter travel season is in full swing. With that in mind, we’ve chosen some of our favourite places to extend (and in some cases recover from) the holiday season, and to help kick off 2011 with style.
If it’s snowy peaks and winter activities you want, Whistler Blackcomb offers double the fun.
For a relaxing recovery from all that end-of-year revelry, New York, Atlanta and Chicago (which also includes The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel), are home to some of Four Seasons’ best big-city spas, and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is an enchanting and peaceful retreat for those who wish to truly escape. These are our editor’s picks for January, and we’ve included a slide show to show you why.
When it comes to a perfect Four Seasons winter getaway, what’s your idea of the perfect destination for sun, ski or spa? We’d love to hear some of your favourites.
