Featured
Discover spectacular dining settings with Four Seasons Resorts in Asia
Sip crafted cocktails on a Maldivian sandbank surrounded by turquoise waters, chase the sunset across Chiang Rai’s mountain trails in a refurbished Land Rover, or feast on heritage coastal cuisine at the site of an erstwhile fishing village in Langkawi. Four Seasons Resorts of Asia invites travellers to immerse in storied, stylish drinking-and-dining experiences across eleven distinctive properties, united by their passion for concept-led gastronomy.
Crafted with expertise and delivered with impeccable care, the culinary offerings range from theatrical dining productions pulsing with energy and flair, to serene sojourns that brim with nostalgia and are best savoured slowly. Discover each destination through locally harvested ingredients, trademark kitchen techniques, and carefully guarded recipes that are nearly impossible to find in other restaurants. Also worth noting are the thoughtful menus and soulful culinary activities offered at several of the resorts, designed to enrich body, mind and spirit alike.
“At Four Seasons, we recognise that travel is, at its best, a transformative experience,” says Philipp Blaser, Vice President of Food and Beverage for Four Seasons in Asia Pacific. “The team at each destination provides an intricately imagined culinary dimension, meant to complement the resort’s curation of wellness rituals and cultural activities. We want our guests to connect with the local food culture in myriad ways, from tasting the terroir to experiencing cherished tableside traditions.”
Explore a world of unforgettable flavours with Four Seasons Resorts of Asia.
A Stage for Culinary Extravagance
At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Baraabaru ignites each evening with legendary dining rituals, from tandoor tapas under the stars to Indian thalis on the torchlit deck. Helmed by Chef Kishan Singh, this lagoon-top restaurant was recently recognised by CNN Travel as one of the Top 10 Finest Tables in the Maldives. Also scoring high on the “wow” index is Ikan Ikan at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, where Chef Hairullizan Mohdnoor serves up contemporary renditions of heirloom Malaysian recipes. Set on the site of a former anchovy fishing village, the restaurant’s beachfront cabanas are inspired by traditional fish-drying huts and offer uninterrupted views of jewel skies.
On the menu at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is Chef Sumalee Khunpet’s #FSMasterDish massaman nua, scented with cardamom and made with slow-cooked Australian wagyu beef cheek. Often called a “revelation” by diners, this particular version of massaman curry can be found only at KOH Thai Kitchen: it is the fragrant centrepiece of a menu filled with rare southern Thai recipes. At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, all eyes are on Sundara’s new high-end barbecue concept, inspired by Jimbaran’s iconic beach BBQs and fiery sunsets. Equipped with Indonesia’s only Kopa Smoke Oven, prized for its smoke and temperature precision, Chef Angga Winarjaya introduces a menu where each dish has an element of roasting, grilling or smoking – including desserts and cocktails!
Dishes bursting with creativity and collaboration await at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru as part of a unique partnership with two Michelin-starred Italian Chef Gaetano Trovato. Trovato’s à la carte menu at Blu Beach Club marries produce from Tuscany and the Maldives, crafted year-round by the maestro’s on-site protégés – and by Chef Trovato himself during his bi-annual residency periods.
Locally Inspired Beverage Rituals
Telu, the aromatic herb-and-cocktail garden at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, hosts zero-waste bar workshops by Head Bartender Sufian Mahmoud. Inspired by the island’s time-honoured traditions, these interactive sessions focus on combining homegrown produce and sustainable techniques with imaginative flair. Locally rooted cocktails also lead the way at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, situated on Vietnam’s most celebrated beach. Paying homage to bánh mì, the quintessential Vietnamese street food, is signature cocktail Banh My: this liquid version of the flavourful baguette sandwich uses house-made Thit Heo Nuong vodka or char-grilled pork fat-washed vodka as its key ingredient.
As the sun dips westward in the sky, intrepid explorers at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle can join one of several beloved sunset rituals – from sundowners atop a fully refurbished Land Rover, to cocktails and canapés at a secret riverside spot. Golden hour is also the highlight at Rhu Bar, the oceanfront lounge at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Raise a toast to vivid skies with a G&T, infused with island herbs, spices or blossoms, then sample Head Bartender Anandha Ruben’s classic cocktails brightened with tropical touches.
Nourishment for the Whole Self
In the verdant hills of Ubud, share a rejuvenating picnic on the banks of the fabled Ayung River, which flows alongside Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Reflecting the region’s pure natural energy, the resort also offers a Sattvic menu: organic ingredients are prepared according to ancient Ayurvedic principles that promote longevity and immunity. Up in the terraced rice fields of Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, a Bill Bensley designed firepit is used to craft intuitive cuisine, anchored in primeval wisdom yet presented with modern finesse. From a domestic producer of grass-fed Thai wagyu to organic vegetable farms next door, Chef Liam Nealon sources a majority of his ingredients locally.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An places guests amid seafood markets and lush paddies – the ideal venue to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, which embodies healthy, seasonal and balanced cooking. On-site gardens supply over 40 types of fruits and vegetables to the Nam Hai Cooking Academy, where classes are taught by Chef Huynh Van Hien, a proud custodian of local culinary traditions. The ocean-to-table experience at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay also invites guests to take an active role in procuring their own meal. Hop aboard the jukung-style fishing boat and drop a line with fishermen before returning to the resort for a cooking class, followed by a delicious lunch prepared with the day’s catch.
The bounty of the Andaman Sea sets the stage at Serai, located on the mile-long beach at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, where diners can savour freshly caught lobster with their toes in the pristine sand. Sourced daily from local fishermen, the Andaman lobsters are grilled to succulence right by the waves. Guided by a resort-wide principle of “Planetary Wellbeing,” Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers dining options that focus on balance: guests can book a complimentary dosha reading at AyurMa, the resort’s wellness haven, then choose from uniquely categorised Ayurvedic dishes at all its restaurants.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Dining Experiences
Dramatic backdrops unfold across Asia Pacific, offering Four Seasons guests an astonishing repertoire of private dining venues. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, where surreal limestone cliffs interlace with tropical greens, plays the perfect host to tailored-for-two epicurean journeys – from enchanting dinners at the aptly named Love Beach, to storybook sunset picnics at a hidden spot along the coast.
Set sail from Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru to a deserted sandbank in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve waters, where a gourmet barbecue is served on a sand-carved candlelit table beneath a blanket of stars. For unmatched privacy, guests can book Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, an exclusive-use hideaway offering fully customisable dining for up to 22 guests: think beach picnic breakfasts, poolside banquets, or cocktails and hand-caught sashimi aboard a yacht.
In the stunning wilderness of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, culinary adventures evoke the spirit of 19th century exploration. Let bamboo jungles and birdsong set the tone for thrilling meals, including scenic breakfasts up at Camp Peak and an al fresco dinner under starry skies at the Explorer’s Lodge. The Camp’s two sister properties in Thailand offer distinctly different experiences – from picturesque meals in a Rice Barn overlooking shimmering paddy fields at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, to seats at water’s edge – sunken into the white sandy beach of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.
Featured
Worldwide Kids accreditation highlights Dhigali Maldives’ commitment to exceptional childcare
Dhigali Maldives has announced that its “Play” Kids Club has been accredited by Worldwide Kids, becoming one of only nine such facilities in the Maldives. This recognition underscores Dhigali’s commitment to providing high-quality and inclusive childcare services.
Christian Szabo, the General Manager of Dhigali Maldives, described the accreditation as a significant milestone, emphasising that it affirms the resort’s dedication to offering exceptional and inclusive childcare programs. He expressed pride in joining a network that shares the vision of nurturing young minds.
The “Play” Kids Club caters to children aged 4-12, providing a vibrant array of activities facilitated by certified childcare professionals. This accreditation further solidifies Dhigali’s focus on delivering exceptional family experiences in a safe and stimulating environment.
With this accomplishment, Dhigali Maldives continues to set a high standard for family-friendly luxury, ensuring parents can relax with the confidence that their children are engaged in fun and enriching activities during their stay.
Celebration
VARU by Atmosphere marks five years of unmatched hospitality
VARU by Atmosphere, an iconic private island resort in the Maldives, celebrated its five-year anniversary this week, marking five years of hospitality, culture, and luxury inspired by the core philosophy of the Joy of Giving. The Naturally Maldivian resort hosted key stakeholders, including the island’s owners, corporate leadership, and colleagues, for an evening of grand celebrations featuring cultural performances, awards, and diverse culinary experiences.
Since its opening in 2019, VARU by Atmosphere has established itself as a sanctuary for travellers seeking to explore the Maldives’ rich cultural heritage while enjoying heartfelt hospitality. Guests at the resort experience the beauty of the turquoise lagoon and immerse themselves in the relaxed island lifestyle of this picturesque Indian Ocean destination. A standout feature of the resort is the award-winning Kaagé restaurant, which highlights authentic Maldivian cuisine, celebrating local ingredients, flavors, and culinary traditions.
Reflecting on the milestone, Mei P. Pun, General Manager of VARU by Atmosphere, noted the significance of the resort’s name, saying, “In Dhivehi, the Maldivian dialect, VARU translates to living life in abundance, strength, resilience, and above all, authenticity. For us, hospitality is about sharing the soul of the Maldives with every visitor, a mission made possible by the dedicated team. Their passion, warm smiles, and unwavering energy resonate with guests, many of whom return time and again.”
Part of the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, VARU by Atmosphere is a contemporary 5-star resort offering a luxurious island experience with 108 villas situated along white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, and three jetties featuring spacious over-water accommodations. Guests benefit from the exclusive VARU Plan™, a comprehensive holiday package that includes diverse dining options, spa experiences, daily activities, and excursions designed to enrich their stay.
Situated on the North-West edge of Malé Atoll, the resort is easily accessible via a 40-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. It boasts four restaurants and two bars, ensuring a wide range of culinary options, alongside premium facilities such as a dive school, water sports centre, overwater ELE|NA spa complex, gym, kids’ club, ocean excursions, and daily complimentary snorkelling trips to explore the vibrant underwater world.
Celebration
JOALI Maldives celebrates six years of art and luxury with Maison Ruinart
JOALI Maldives, the first and only art-immersive resort in the Maldives, will commemorate its sixth anniversary on November 15, 2024, with a special event that highlights its dedication to art, sustainability, and nature. For this milestone celebration, the resort is collaborating with Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house. Founded in 1729 in Reims, France, and currently owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy, Ruinart has a long-standing connection to art, dating back to 1895 when Andre Ruinart commissioned Czech artist Alphonse Mucha to design a poster for the brand. Similarly, since its launch in 2018, JOALI has redefined the role of art in luxury hospitality by showcasing works from international artists. Renowned for its vibrant joie de vivre lifestyle, JOALI aligns with Maison Ruinart’s savoir-vivre philosophy, sharing values rooted in art and luxury.
As part of the celebration, British-French artist Sophie Kitching will present an ethereal art display during a cocktail event at Mura Bar, the heart of the resort. A graduate of the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the School of Visual Arts in New York, Kitching is acclaimed for her installations, paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. She frequently employs oils, watercolours, and gold leaves on natural materials. Having collaborated with Maison Ruinart for events such as Frieze NY 2022 and the “Maison 1729” exhibition, Kitching will create bespoke eco-designed second skins and coasters for JOALI’s sixth anniversary. Drawing inspiration from the island’s native flora and fauna, including grey herons, sea birds, vibrant corals, and marine life, her creations incorporate vivid colours and copper-zinc leaves to adorn Ruinart bottles. These pieces reflect both JOALI’s and Ruinart’s shared commitment to art and sustainability.
During the event, guests will savour Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Cuvées while admiring Kitching’s ‘Invisible Green Art XXX, 2024’, an abstract masterpiece featuring a distinctive green tone originally developed during England’s Georgian and Regency eras. Transported from Ruinart’s archives in Reims, this artwork will remain on display at JOALI Maldives for over six months. Art and wine enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition hand-painted second skins by Kitching during the cocktail event or until the pieces are sold out.
On November 16, 2024, guests can further indulge in an exclusive champagne-pairing dinner hosted by Fabien Vallérian, International Director of Arts & Culture at Ruinart. This gastronomic experience will pair Maison Ruinart’s champagnes with a meticulously curated menu, with each plate and glass weaving a narrative of art and flavour.
Fabien Vallérian praised the partnership, stating: “At Maison Ruinart, the protection of nature is central to our values. We are dedicated to supporting artists who foster a dialogue between humanity and nature through their creativity and craftsmanship. Since 2022, we have collaborated with Sophie Kitching on various artistic commissions, and this project with JOALI provides an incredible opportunity for her to explore and celebrate the ecosystems of the Maldives.”
These celebratory events mark the beginning of a promising partnership, with future activations planned both in the Maldives and globally.
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