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Four Seasons launches new global safety programme with Johns Hopkins
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is launching a new global safety programme in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine International.
Four Seasons said Wednesday that the Lead With Care programme will be reviewed and validated by experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine International, the global division of healthcare and research leader Johns Hopkins Medicine, and implemented by dedicated teams at Four Seasons properties around the world.
“Within this new environment, our singular goal is to provide guests, residents and employees with the confidence and assurance that their health and safety is our first priority,” John Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“We are incredibly proud to work alongside the renowned experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine International, leveraging their global expertise to strengthen our already stringent health and safety measures through our new Lead With Care programme.”
Covid-19 advisory board
Johns Hopkins Medicine International and Four Seasons have established a dedicated Covid-19 advisory board, bringing together Four Seasons leadership and top experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine International to inform health and safety decisions based on the latest scientific knowledge.
Evolving in lockstep with rapidly changing discoveries, the advisory board will create, enhance and review current procedures, along with virtual and in-person training to guide implementation of Lead With Care across Four Seasons global portfolio.
This builds upon the early experience of Four Seasons Hotel New York, as well as Four Seasons hotels in Riyadh and Mumbai, in providing accommodation to high-risk medical personnel fighting on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Four Seasons Hotel New York was transformed into a safely zoned environment in a matter of days, implementing enhanced procedures to safely house guests, as well as properly train all employees.
Lead With Care
Grounded in healthcare expertise and enabled by access to leading technologies and tools, the Lead With Care programme is focused on providing care, confidence and comfort to all Four Seasons guests, employees and residents within the new Covid-19 environment.
The new programme outlines clear procedures that educate and empower Four Seasons employees to take care of guests and each other.
“Along with already-commonplace measures such as more sanitisers, masks and heightened cleaning and hygiene, our collaboration with Johns Hopkins equips our property teams with access to leading international experts and real-time Covid-19 information, enhancing our tools and training to deliver an experience grounded in safety and trust,” Christian Clerc, President of Global Operations at Four Seasons, said.
“While the Four Seasons experience may look different in this new environment, it will ultimately feel the same – our dedicated people will continue to deliver the same intuitive service and personalised care for which Four Seasons is known and trusted for the world over.”
Four Seasons collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine International will ensure the review and validation of the Lead With Care programme in two phases.
Phase one of the collaboration – Review and Validation – involves a comprehensive review of Four Seasons existing health and safety procedures along with enhanced protocols in response to the current situation at a global, regional and property level.
Phase two – Ongoing Guidance – provides Four Seasons with ongoing collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Medicine International team, including direct access to curated critical updates, relevant COVID-19 research outcomes, and expert advice to ensure real-time adjustments to operating procedures.
Customised through on-property Hygiene Officers, the ongoing guidance will allow Four Seasons to respond quickly and anticipate future needs, providing assurance that all appropriate infection control safety measures have been taken.
Four Seasons and Johns Hopkins will also establish a joint response team where senior experts in infectious diseases from Johns Hopkins will provide on-demand response and guidance to hotels facing Covid-19 situations.
Implementing Lead With Care
To support the development of procedures to be verified by Johns Hopkins, as well as the procurement of supplies and equipment for Lead With Care implementation, Four Seasons will be working closely with EcoLab and International SOS – partners who were also critical in the transformation of the Four Seasons hotels in New York, Riyadh and Mumbai that housed medical personnel.
While guests will see many of the enhanced Lead With Care procedures, behind-the-scenes measures will also take place through employee training, additional food handling protocols, and enhancements to ventilation systems and other back-of-the-house operations.
In addition, Four Seasons continues to invest in its award-winning App and Chat that further allows guests to control how they engage with others – limiting face-to-face interactions while maintaining the highest levels of personal service.
Since its launch in 2017 the popular Four Seasons Chat – one of the only in the industry to be supported by actual employees on property, versus chatbots – has received 10+ million messages and averages approximately 580,000 messages a month.
Features include the ability to make and manage reservations, request luggage pickup, airport transfers, room service, restaurant and spa reservations, and much more. Wait-free check-in and check-out is also offered, while Four Seasons Chat integration offers instant translation of 100+ languages giving guests the flexibility for contactless engagement throughout their stay.
“For nearly 60 years, Four Seasons has set the global standard for excellence in hospitality and service,” chief executive Davison said.
“Lead With Care is a continuation of this high standard, building upon the strong foundation of trust and confidence that we have established through decades of experience. This new programme is about offering genuine care and the highest levels of service, enhancing procedures to protect our guests, residents and employees, while also ensuring that they feel safe and reassured.”
Four Seasons operates three resorts in Maldives: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, and Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah.
Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre, 103-villa wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a 30-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.
Its sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maldives Kuda Huraa lies to the south: an enchanting garden island complete with Island Spa sea sanctuary and Tropicsurf coaches and guides. It features 96 thatched beach and water accommodations constructed by local craftsmen using indigenous materials and techniques to reflect a true sense of the Maldives.
The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer connects the two properties via three, four and seven-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.
The latest addition to the Maldives collection, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll opened in 2016 as the group’s first exclusive-use private island: off limits to everyone else, limitless to the guests.
Additional details about the Lead With Care enhanced global health and safety programme can be found here.
In October, JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING — two of the Maldives’ foremost luxury destinations — hosted Domaines Ott by Louis Roederer for an exclusive series of wine experiences.
The events, held on 1 October at JOALI Maldives and on 3 October at JOALI BEING, offered guests a rare insight into the heritage and craftsmanship of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking houses.
The evenings were led by Jean François Ott, General Manager of Domaines Ott and fourth-generation custodian of the family estate. Under his guidance, guests embarked on a curated journey through fine rosés and champagnes, uncovering the artistry, legacy, and innovation that define Domaines Ott’s distinguished wines.
Established nearly 130 years ago, Domaines Ott has become a benchmark of Provençal winemaking, producing exceptional rosés, whites, and reds from the Côtes de Provence and Bandol appellations. Guided by a philosophy rooted in respect for terroir and family heritage, the house continues to set the standard for wines of depth and character.
Today, Domaines Ott’s vineyards are certified organic, though the estate’s sustainable ethos long predates formal certification. The artisanal viticultural approach initiated by founder Marcel Ott has endured across four generations, safeguarding the land and inspiring the creation of wines that reflect authenticity, vitality, and timeless quality.
At the helm of Domaines Ott, Jean François Ott has upheld a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Under his leadership, the estate has achieved global recognition, including the title of European Winery of the Year 2022 by Wine Enthusiast. His philosophy evokes a deep connection to time and place: “Provence is a land of contrasts that offers itself to those who know how to listen and wait. Everything here invites us to reap the benefits of time — the ultimate luxury.”
The collaboration between JOALI and Domaines Ott reflected their shared values of artistry, sustainability, and transformative experience.
At JOALI Maldives, guests were treated to a four-course set menu paired with a curated selection of fine wines, blending gastronomy, design, and culture in an evening that embodied refined island luxury. At JOALI BEING, the celebration aligned with the resort’s philosophy of Well-Living, highlighting organic wines in harmony with nature and sustainability.
Guests savoured rare vintages alongside a five-course dining experience, with each glass revealing a story of heritage and innovation. Against the serene Maldivian backdrop, the evenings offered a journey of discovery — where the art of winemaking met the spirit of island living.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has announced an exclusive opportunity for Marriott Bonvoy members to bid for a one-of-a-kind wellness and endurance retreat with reigning IRONMAN World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay. Curated through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, the experience will take place from 15 to 18 December 2025, offering a harmonious blend of performance, relaxation, and sustainability within the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll.
Lucy Charles-Barclay, one of the world’s most acclaimed triathletes, is celebrated for her powerful swim, exceptional endurance, and numerous titles, including the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship, the 2022 World Triathlon Championship, and the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 Championship. Beyond her competitive success, she is admired for her holistic approach to wellbeing and her dedication to inspiring athletes to balance performance and recovery.
Over three days, the winning bidder and their guest will embark on a transformative retreat designed to both motivate and restore. Accommodation will be provided in a luxurious Overwater Villa with Pool, inclusive of seaplane transfers from Malé and bespoke wellness amenities upon arrival. The experience will begin with a welcome cocktail at the resort’s Sunset Bar, followed by a curated beach dinner hosted by Lucy.
Each day will feature a combination of endurance activities and restorative experiences. Guests will participate in RunWestin sessions, mobility and breathwork classes on the beach, ocean kayaking alongside Lucy, and a lagoon swimming endurance workshop guided by Lucy and the resort’s AQUA Dive Master. Recovery experiences include a 60-minute couple’s treatment at the Heavenly Spa by Westin and access to a post-training smoothie bar. Evenings will provide intimate moments of conversation and insight with Lucy in a tranquil island setting.
Incorporating The Westin Maldives’ strong commitment to sustainability, the retreat also extends beyond the resort. Together with Lucy, participants will visit the Maldivian Mermaids Anhenunfushi Farm on Anhenunfushi Island for a mini-Olympic challenge, an immersive farm tour, and a traditional island lunch. This cultural experience celebrates the Maldives’ local community and sustainable living initiatives.
“We are delighted to welcome Lucy Charles-Barclay to The Westin Maldives for this inspiring Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience,” said Vijay Kumar, General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. “Her passion for endurance sport and holistic wellbeing aligns perfectly with our brand ethos, and we are proud to create an experience that unites training, relaxation, and cultural discovery.”
Lucy Charles-Barclay added, “The Maldives offers the ideal environment to combine recovery and performance. I am thrilled to guide Marriott Bonvoy members through this journey, blending endurance, mindfulness, and the opportunity to connect with such a vibrant local culture.”
Marriott Bonvoy members can now bid for this once-in-a-lifetime retreat with IRONMAN World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay, inclusive of a three-night stay in an Overwater Villa with Pool at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, via moments.marriottbonvoy.com
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will welcome internationally acclaimed winemaker Kai Schubert, co-founder of Schubert Wines in New Zealand, for an exclusive wine dinner at the resort’s iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant on Monday, 6 October 2025.
Renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir and an exceptional portfolio of wines, Schubert Wines has earned a place on prestigious wine lists worldwide. Schubert’s visit presents Maldivian wine enthusiasts and resort guests with a rare opportunity to engage with a distinguished vintner whilst enjoying an extraordinary culinary experience.
The evening will showcase a specially curated five-course gourmet menu, each dish thoughtfully paired with Schubert Wines to highlight their elegance and complexity. Guests will be guided through the pairings by Schubert himself, gaining personal insights into his winemaking philosophy and journey.
With the breathtaking underwater setting of Ithaa providing a remarkable backdrop, the dinner promises an unforgettable occasion that brings together fine cuisine, distinguished wines and one of the most unique dining environments in the Maldives.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island forms part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members booking directly through preferred Hilton channels enjoy instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows nearly any combination of Points and money to be used for bookings, exclusive member discounts unavailable elsewhere, and complimentary standard Wi-Fi. Members also benefit from contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, enabling digital check-in, room selection, and room access through Digital Key.
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