PREFERRED PARTNER INSIDER NEWS

JULY 2019 | WELLNESS-INSPIRED TRAVEL

Travellers are increasingly pursuing health and wellness while exploring the world. This includes everything from fitcations and spa retreats to customized eating programs and digital detoxes.

Affluent consumers are seeking to improve the quality of their lives – putting the focus on wellbeing, living longer, staying healthier and feeling better. They want to immerse further into these themes when they leave home.

According to research from YouGov Affluent Perspective, 56% of affluent travellers have a goal this year of becoming healthier – consistent with 58% of Four Seasons guests.

A greater proportion of guests simply want to relax. Among global premium travellers, 83% value unwinding. This is even more apparent among Four Seasons guests with 86% wanting to unwind on vacation.

Four Seasons hotels and resorts are at the leading edge of health and wellness, emphasizing visionary spas, state-of-the-art fitness centres, local sports, and immersive spiritual experiences tied to the culture.

In this month’s Preferred Partner Insider News, we’re helping you inspire your clients with wellness-oriented Four Seasons vacations – from city stays in Austin and Kyoto to resort retreats in Punta Mita, México, and Seychelles at Desroches Island.

These are just a few of the options available. Get in touch and I can provide more suggestions to make your clients feel their best!

NEW SOULCATION RETREATS IN PUNTA MITA, MÉXICO

Encourage your clients to recharge and reset with a three- or four-day Soulcation at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. Nestled on Mexico’s dramatic Pacific coast, this five-star luxury resort is set amidst 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of coastal peninsula in the Riviera Nayarit region – just a 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Inspired by the beauty and culture of Punta Mita, each Soulcation is filled with soulful activities and spiritual rituals. Each journey begins with the guests meeting the Resort’s chef to create personalized menus for their entire stay – tailored to individual desires and perfect to enhance mindful eating.

A Soulcation provides a wonderful bonding experience to share with a soulmate, soul sister/brother or soul companion. Highlights can include:

• Huichol Blessing: A special Sun Ceremony is held in honour of Tayau (Father Sun), one of the most important gods of the Huichol Indians – a centuries-old, pre-Columbian tribe native to Mexico’s Sierra Madre region. As the sun dips below the horizon, native Huichol performers lead guests in celebration of the planet’s abundance, sharing their timeless culture based on tradition and respect for the Earth.
• Yin Yang Yoga at The Rock: Instructors guide guests through a yoga lesson with a combination of Chi Kung, Tai-Chi and other martial arts, accompanied by the sweet sound of the Japanese flute. The setting is a dramatic rock overlooking the ocean.
• Sea Foraging: In this culinary ocean adventure, guests sea-forage in the Bay of Banderas for kelp, other sea vegetables and mollusks, followed by a hands-on cooking class where they learn to cook and prepare their sea fare.
• Hakali Massage Experience: Guests can discover the antioxidant and healing properties of the cactus (hakali) through this relaxing massage that uses indigenous ingredients like flora, sage and aloe.
• Antigravity: Based on aerial yoga, this is a dynamic and ground-breaking “flying” practice that combines athletic strength with flowing body movements.
• Aquaforza: This functional exercise class takes place in the pool on a floating board, using the water to enhance balance for specific exercise moves. The focus is on using one’s own body weight to strengthen muscles, improve balance, build core stability and increase blood circulation.

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MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION IN KYOTO

Plan a journey of inner discovery in a country where wellbeing pervades every element of the culture. Kyoto is considered Japan’s ancient capital of tranquillity, and Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto invites guests to discover a variety of experiences inspired by Japanese traditions – from “forest bathing” and spa healing to Zen meditation with an esteemed monk.

“The Japanese have long celebrated an integrated approach to wellbeing,” explains the Hotel’s General Manager Alex Porteous. “Our programs focus on integrating mindful practice into each day, bringing us closer to this harmonious Japanese way.”

Located in the city’s best-preserved temple district, Higashiyama, Four Seasons offers 180 luxury accommodations, including 13 suites and 57 Hotel Residences. The setting is beside the 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden – a two-hectare (five-acre) haven immortalized in the epic 12th-century poem, “The Tale of Heike.” To deepen guests’ connection to Japanese culture, Four Seasons presents a wide array of Kyoto discoveries and wellness experiences:

• Zen Meditation: Four Seasons offers the rare opportunity to learn the art of Zazen (Sitting Zen Meditation) under the guidance of Keinin Magami, the Deputy Head Monk of one of Kyoto’s leading and oldest Zen temples, Kennin-ji Temple. Following the same techniques taught at the temple – complete with the Keisaku Zen stick – guests learn how to achieve this holistic wellness posture, designed to bring connection to the universe.
• Forest Therapy: Discover the traditional Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku or “forest therapy” – an opportunity to connect mindfully with the senses and immerse in the healing power of nature. As sunlight filters through the treetops, casting a dancing dappled light, one gains a renewed sense of clarity and vitality – a wonder in itself.
• Jogging in Higashiyama: Rise with the sun for a gentle jog through the Higashiyama district, passing ancient Kyoto’s tranquil UNESCO temples and exploring Gion’s atmospheric streets – all the while oxygenating the body and raising the spirits.
• Spa Healing: The Japanese aesthetic principle of Enso means connecting the body and mind through the Zen Circle. Four Seasons spa rituals and revitalizing treatments align with the meditative realms of inner and outer peace, providing truly memorable Kyo-no-Iyashi (Kyoto healing).
• Tea Ceremonies: Experience the solemn spiritual ritual of a tea ceremony at our quaint Shakusui-tei tea house. Enjoy the traditional chashitsu (tea house) experience, accompanied by explanations from our tea master.

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URBAN WELLNESS IN AUSTIN

Four Seasons Hotel Austin is embracing its identity as an urban resort with wellness activities that make the most of its downtown lakeside location and laidback vibe.

“Our sprawling green lawn and enviable spot overlooking Lady Bird Lake give us a resort-like feel that our guests love,” says Rob Hagelberg, General Manager of the 294-room property – recently transformed with a complete renovation. “This sets us apart and allows us to present activities and experiences that you wouldn’t typically expect to find at a hotel in the middle of a major city.”

It’s the perfect place to balance days of health and wellness activities with Four Seasons luxury and indulgence.

• SUP on the Lake: Guests can explore Lady Bird Lake – directly behind the Hotel – on a standup paddleboard. It’s a full-body workout, traversing the calm waterway’s many inlets and coves. The boathouse offers guests a second hour on the water for free (using SUPs, kayaks, canoes, etc.) when they show their key card.
• Hiking & Biking Around the Lake: Pick up a trail map in The Spa and head to the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail. The map highlights 10+ miles (16+ kilometres) of scenic trails – many criss-crossing the water. Taking a vigorous walk is a great way to take in the downtown sights while getting some exercise.
• Workout with a View: Recently expanded to nearly three times its original size, the light-filled Fitness Centre features all-new equipment, as well as Cantera doors that open up to views of the lawn and lake. Of course, guests can also take a dip in the outdoor pool. With a decidedly resort-like feel, the pool is heated to 82ºF (28ºC) and can be enjoyed year-round.
• Recharge with Healthy Cuisine: Join a complimentary ceviche-making class, where a talented Four Seasons chef takes guests through the steps of making this refreshing (and healthy) dish, starting with raw seafood. The class highlights the many styles of ceviche preparation, from Peruvian to Mexican. Held every Saturday on the outdoor patio at the Latin-inspired Ciclo restaurant, the class includes tips, tricks and hands-on instruction – with an optional wine or pisco pairing.
• End the Day with a Relaxing Soak: Recent studies have shown that taking regular baths results in a mood-boosting effect that’s even greater than from physical exercise. With this fact in mind, it’s no surprise that bath soaks and other wellness-oriented offerings are among the latest luxury offerings. Four Seasons guests can sign up for a bath bomb workshop with a Spa manager, where they’ll craft their own therapeutic soaking mixture. The daily one-on-one class is available by appointment only in all suites with deep-soaking tubs, and includes one bath bomb for use during their stay and another to take home.

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PLAN A DIGITAL DETOX IN SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND

Your clients can leave technology behind and stake out a spot along nearly 14 kilometres (nine miles) of pure white sand at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island. This exclusive hideaway sits alone on a remote coral atoll in the Indian Ocean – 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) off the coast of Africa.

Arriving here is remarkably simple. It’s just a 35-minute chartered flight from Mahé, the main island of Seychelles and the location of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles – providing a luxurious destination for stopovers.

Desroches Island encompasses 402 hectares (933 acres) with just 71 accommodations – all designed as suites, villas and residence villas. The style embodies simple, natural luxury, inspiring a carefree lifestyle of relaxation and adventure.

This is definitely a place to unplug. There is no mobile phone service on the island, and the Wi-Fi only works when you’re in the main buildings and the accommodations. With so many activities to experience and a whole island to explore, the Internet quickly loses interest!

• Ride a Bike to A Private Beach: Each villa comes with a bicycle for every guest. You can ride anywhere on the island – it takes about 25 minutes to ride from one end to the other – and there are no cars in sight. You can stake out your own private beach and not see a single person all day. Or, if you want a picnic at a certain place and time, Four Seasons staff can arrange that. You simply arrive at the designated location, and a basket and umbrella will be waiting for you.
• Connect with Nature: Giant Aldabra tortoises are indigenous to Seychelles and roam freely around the island. They can be 1.2 metres (4 feet) long and weigh 250 kilograms (550 pounds). At 120 years old, one in particular, named George, is thought to be Desroches’ oldest inhabitant. You can reach out and pet George, and even feed him an apple. The experience brings a sense of childlike awe. There’s also a Tortoise Sanctuary run by the Island Conservation Society (ICS), where guests can learn more about the creatures and the breeding program from a member of the ICS team.
• Stretch Out with Daily Yoga: Ganga Sadhuka is the Resort’s yoga instructor. She wakes at 5:30 every morning and does a headstand to remind herself to take risks in life. Join her for group yoga practise, as well as private sessions. She has an amazing ability to push you out of your mind and into your body.
• Retune Your Inner Rhythms at the Spa: During the Sound of the Waves massage, the therapist rolls an ostrich egg filled with hot baobab seeds over your body. Not only is it a truly relaxing sensation, but it also mimics the sound of the ocean. This all happens in a beachfront treatment suite that’s tranquil, bright and beautiful.
• Dip Into Your Own Private Pool: Every room is a stand-alone villa with beach access and each has its own private plunge pool – inspiring a dip first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It becomes a relaxing ritual that frames every day.
• Catch Your Own Dinner: For the ultimate in fresh, healthy eating, plan the Catch of the Ocean deep-sea adventure, where guests go fishing with Head Chef Olivier Barré. Their catch is then prepared for dinner in the cooking style of their choice.

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