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
Maldives wellness economy soars with GWI and JOALI BEING collaboration
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a leading non-profit research organisation for the global wellness industry, announced a strategic collaboration with JOALI BEING, marking the Maldives as the 11th country to feature on GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform. JOALI BEING, which opened in 2021, is a pioneering wellbeing resort designed around biophillic principles and focused on delivering transformative, holistic wellness experiences.
The Maldives, as an island economy, has emerged as a premier destination for luxury wellness tourism and spas. The country’s wellness economy comprises two major segments: wellness tourism, valued at $1 billion following an impressive annual growth rate of 35.4% from 2022 to 2023, and the spa sector, valued at $448 million, with an exceptional 63.7% growth rate over the same period.
Through this collaboration with JOALI BEING, GWI has made detailed data on the Maldives’ position within the $6.3 trillion global wellness economy accessible to stakeholders interested in investing in the country’s expanding wellness tourism and spa industries. GWI’s chair and CEO, Susie Ellis, emphasised that by sponsoring the Geography of Wellness report, JOALI BEING is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of wellness tourism in the region. This collaboration aims to help the Maldives capitalise on the rising demand for wellness travel while maintaining competitiveness in the evolving wellness tourism sector.
Özgür Cengiz, global director of wellness development at Gürok Tourism Group, which operates JOALI BEING, expressed pride in the partnership with GWI. Cengiz highlighted the Maldives’ long-standing association with luxury and natural beauty and noted that the collaboration integrates data-driven wellness insights to enhance its global appeal. By aligning offerings with emerging trends such as nature connection, eco-wellness, and transformative travel, the initiative seeks to attract high-value travellers while promoting sustainability and community development.
The Maldives, spanning 1,192 islands across 26 atolls, is celebrated as a quintessential island paradise with jewel-like islands, white sands, turquoise waters, and luxury wellness resorts. Nature-centred wellness experiences, including encounters with vibrant coral reefs teeming with sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks, highlight one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. The Maldivian way of life fosters a deep connection to nature, with a diet rich in tropical fruits, herbs, and fresh seafood contributing to holistic wellbeing. Environmental sustainability remains a key priority, with government-led initiatives aimed at protecting coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds to ensure harmonious coexistence with tourism.
The Maldives’ traditional healing practice, Dhivehi beys, combines indigenous plant-based remedies with global influences to restore balance within the body. Emphasising harmony among the body’s ‘humours’ of hot, cold, and dry, Dhivehi beys uses natural herbs for healing. The government has recognised its cultural significance and is actively integrating this ancient tradition into tourism, allowing visitors to experience it alongside the country’s natural beauty.
The Global Wellness Economy: Maldives report provides critical data for industry stakeholders and is available for free download.
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is a nonprofit organisation recognised as a leading global research and educational resource for the wellness industry. It introduces major industry initiatives and hosts regional events to unite leaders in shaping the future of wellness. GWI aims to improve global health by educating institutions, businesses, and individuals on preventing disease, reducing stress, and enhancing overall quality of life, with a mission to empower wellness worldwide.
Celebration
Bandos Maldives kicks off festive season with joy and tradition
Bandos Maldives recently announced the commencement of the Festive Season with a grand evening featuring the traditional Jolly Mix and the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree. This event marks the beginning of a magical holiday celebration on the island.
Guests can enjoy the spirit of the season through a variety of festive activities planned daily. The lineup includes engaging activities for both children and adults, meaningful coral planting experiences, a traditional Maldivian feast, and thrilling land and sea games. These events are designed to create unforgettable memories for all visitors.
The tropical paradise of Bandos Maldives offers a warm and joyous holiday experience, filled with wonder and the true essence of the season.
Conveniently located just 7 kilometres from Malé International Airport, Bandos Maldives is a pristine coral island spanning 18.66 hectares in the heart of North Malé Atoll. For half a century, it has embodied its ethos as ‘the island of hospitality,’ making it a premier travel destination in the Maldives.
Set amidst the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort features 220 accommodations, along with three vibrant bars and four restaurants. Guests can relax at the Orchid Spa or stay active at the state-of-the-art Clubhouse sports complex, which includes beach volleyball, tennis, steam baths, a sauna, and a modern fitness suite. For diving enthusiasts, Dive Bandos, one of the Maldives’ longest-established dive centres, offers safe and thrilling underwater adventures.
Action
Dive into conservation: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces snorkelling with a purpose
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has introduced an exciting new activity for ocean enthusiasts: Conservation Snorkelling. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, Mohamed Shah, this immersive experience allows participants to contribute to marine conservation efforts while exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of the Maldives. Combining education, exploration, and action, the initiative offers an enriching opportunity for visitors of all ages.
Participants engage in collecting critical data on coral health and fish populations using underwater fish guides, coral health charts, and writing slates, while learning to identify various fish species. They assess reef conditions and contribute to the protection of the local marine environment. The findings are then discussed with Mohamed Shah, providing deeper insights into the marine life of the Iru Fushi lagoon and house reef.
This activity is a key component of Sun Siyam Cares, the resort’s initiative focused on environmental protection and community support. Families, young couples, and other guests can participate in global conservation efforts through the Coral Watch citizen science project. The activity is open to strong swimmers aged eight and above who feel comfortable snorkelling.
“At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we strive to protect the stunning natural environment around us,” said Abdullah Atham, Resort Manager. “Through activities like Conservation Snorkelling, we encourage guests to explore and actively contribute to ocean conservation.”
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