Learning Vacations at Four Seasons
Four Seasons has long been known for pampering its guests—whether they’re soaking up the sun beside the pool, relaxing in the spa or savouring a fine meal. More recently, Four Seasons has found that a growing number of its guests are interested in ways they can combine these restful pursuits with activities that are both fun and educational.
To help you prepare for clients asking about this type of vacation, here are some of the opportunities available at Four Seasons around the world, from culinary adventures to learning about the local ecosystem. They offer your clients a great way to reconnect with loved ones over a shared activity, as they hone their skills and advance their knowledge—while surrounded by the utmost in luxury.
Culinary adventures
Two unique cooking schools at Four Seasons are offering highly personalised classes for the novice and experienced cook alike. During each session, Asia’s culinary secrets are taught—and then savoured—under the tutelage of the Executive Chef.
At
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, the cooking school offers four individual classes: Balinese Entertaining, Balinese Cuisine, Asian Cuisine and Spa Cuisine. Guests may sign up for one or any combination of the four.
The Lanna Cooking School at
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai introduces guests to the art of Thai cuisine. Its interactive hands-on curriculum includes tours of the Resort’s herb and spice garden, and five tantalizing dishes are taught each day, Monday to Saturday. Optional activities include classes on carving fruit and vegetables, and an excursion to a local market.
Other
Four Seasons offer cooking classes on an occasional basis. For example, your clients may consider
Cuisines For All Seasons—a quarterly offering at
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, with themes such as
How to Barbecue Tips for Women and a
Holiday Pastry Class or the monthly, hands-on cooking classes at
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. Offered from fall to spring, they include
Bachelor Cooking Classes,
Campfire Cuisine and
Cooking Class for Kids.
Cultural treats
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México is the only resort in Mexico to offer a Cultural Centre. The Punta Mita Cultural Centre provides an opportunity for guests to learn more about the nation's colourful history, along with the traditions and artistic and ecological highlights of Punta Mita and its surroundings. Its well-stocked library offers books and videos on astronomy, archaeology, architecture, Mexican cuisine and literature. Complimentary classes cover topics ranging from the history of the Huichol Indians, to speaking Spanish, how to make mole or guacamole, tequila tastings and the role that the country’s artists have played in Mexico.
In Hawaii,
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka‘upulehu offers a vivid presentation of the Big Island’s environment, culture, history, and arts in its Ka‘upulehu Cultural Centre. Daily classes (mostly complimentary) are offered on a wide range of topics from voyaging in canoes with the help of the stars to ‘ukulele lessons and Hualalai’s natural history.
Above and below water
The marine life of the Maldives is legendary, attracting divers from all over the world. The comprehensive PADI Dive Centre at
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa offers beginners some fun and easy ways to learn, from a three-hour course to a four-day course. Certified divers may sign up for the Adventure Course (one or two days), the Nitrox Diver course (two days), or for various specialty courses such as night diving.
For the more sedentary, a resident marine biologist gives talks on the reef of the Maldivian archipelago—one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. Topics range from the behavioural patterns of reef fish and predators to environmental challenges. The biologist also offers beach walks and dolphin-watching cruises.
For children and teens
Young guests aged 10 to 17 years enjoy the Junior Alaka’i Nalu program offered at
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka‘upulehu. Meaning “Leaders of the Wave,” or “Ocean Ambassadors,” Alaka’i Nalu is a fitting name for young guests who participate in this three-day course. They learn the basics of first aid, CPR, pool and ocean safety basics, rescue skill basics (including jet ski rescue), two- and six-person traditional outrigger canoe training, snorkelling and fishing. Graduates receive an official certificate upon completion of the program.
At
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Executive Chef Hubert Des Maurais’ passion for food extends to offering special tours of his garden, especially for kids. Ten years ago he planted an herb garden, to which he has added tropical fruits, exotic herbs and orchids. Children are an appreciative audience, constantly amazed at what they learn—from the existence of a peanut butter fruit tree to a miracle fruit that changes the sensory perception in one’s mouth. The complimentary tours are scheduled during the
Kids For All Seasons program.
When next vacationing at a Four Seasons hotel or resort, your clients may now anticipate not only the very best in accommodations, service and amenities, but an opportunity to learn a little more about their destination in a fun and engaging way.
