For more than 60 years, Four Seasons has helped define the art of luxury hospitality and the Toronto-based company says it has no plans to stop, with a continuing “robust (and) evolved growth strategy” that has seen the brand add private residences, a jet, and soon yachts to its global portfolio of 126 luxury hotels – all of which began with the opening of the singular Four Seasons Motor Hotel in Toronto in 1961.

Last year alone, Four Seasons – now majority owned by Bill Gates and Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal (founder Isadore Sharp retains a minority share) – opened seven new properties, including new hotels and residences in Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis, and Nashville, as well as two new resort experiences in Mexico, in Tamarindo, and with the opening of its first tented resort in North America at Naviva, Punta Mita.

The company also expanded its growing collection of standalone Private Residences with new offerings in Marrakech and Dubai, providing discerning homeowners the opportunity to live with Four Seasons outside of a hotel or resort.

In the year ahead, the company will expand its offerings with two new planned hotel openings in China in Suzhou and Dalian; and projects in the Middle East including new residences in Bahrain Bay, a second hotel in Doha, and a new hotel in Rabat, Morocco.

Four Seasons recently announced upcoming projects that will further distinguish its global portfolio, from a historic legend in Venice to soaring new towers in Melbourne and Xi’an. In addition, the Middle East continues to be a market of key growth, with upcoming projects in Jeddah at the Corniche, Diriyah, New Cairo Capital at Madinaty, Luxor, and Muscat.

In total, Four Seasons has more than 50 new projects under planning or development, including in Italy, Spain, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Belize and many more.

Beyond hotels

In addition to new hotel and residential openings, Four Seasons has expanded its experiential offerings to provide guests new and distinctive ways to engage with the brand, including the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, At Home Collection, and the recently announced Four Seasons Yachts.

A collection of nearly 600 restaurants and bars worldwide and 126 spas also extends the Four Seasons experience, welcoming a growing segment of repeat local guests. Four Seasons restaurants and bars are built upon best-in-class, innovative concepts featuring top service and exceptional culinary offerings.

Jet experience

In the skies, hotel guests can experience the brand’s luxury service aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience. Late last year, an all-new jet – designed with input from past guests – took flight, taking guests on bespoke journeys around the globe. With 2023 itineraries nearly sold out and a full calendar of 2024 journeys just announced, the program continues to grow.

Yachts

In September, Four Seasons announced the introduction of Four Seasons Yachts. With the first vessel anticipated to embark in 2025, the 207-metre yacht will offer an unprecedented level of personalized service, with a 1:1 guest to staff ratio, and expansive, residential-style suite accommodations among many other on-board amenities.

Driving journeys

Following the success of the inaugural ‘Beyond by Four Seasons’ driving journey in Tuscany in 2022, new itineraries will be unveiled later this year giving travellers the opportunity to explore exceptional destinations behind the wheel of a classic or modern luxury sportscar.

“Four Seasons business is stronger than ever,” says newly appointed president and CEO Alejandro Reynal. “(We are) well positioned to take advantage of the myriad opportunities ahead, focusing on an evolved growth strategy that continues to generate value for our hotel owners, employees, guests, and residents.”

That includes touchpoints on the ground, in the sky and soon on the seas, which is a far cry from Issy Sharp’s first Hogtown motel.