Welcome Back, Traveller.

The vacation is alive and well in 2010. According to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, more than 50 per cent of respondents are making plans to satiate their wanderlust this year.* Furthermore, a recent Star Report by Smith Travel Research indicates that travellers are turning first to reliable, high-end hotel companies such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, thereby recognising the high value of the peace of mind that comes with knowing their money will be well spent.

“We are experiencing an upswing in business because of several key factors, including travellers’ unwillingness to compromise the quality of their vacation,” says Susan Helstab, Executive Vice President of Marketing. “Discerning travellers recognise the value of superior quality, exceptional service and memorable experiences in an environment that enriches time spent with loved ones.”

With fresh value-driven offerings, innovative dining experiences and new hotel openings around the world, travellers have ample reason to give in to the travel bug.

New Tastes

Four Seasons continues to develop some of the most sought-after gastronomic experiences in the world by creating restaurants and bars with distinct personalities that lure local clientele and visitors alike.

• Newly opened Culina, Modern Italian at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles and deca RESTAURANT + BAR at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel expand the brand’s collection of chic neighbourhood hot-spots that complement their cities’ independent restaurant scene. Both exude a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere and place special emphasis on the use of fresh, quality local ingredients and exciting design and décor.
• Atop the 34th floor of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Aer brings the residents and guests of India’ capital of commerce something completely new and yet evocative of its home. The modern watering hole uses minimalist design to accent its most distinctive feature: uninterrupted, 360-degree views of the city.
• Existing dining venues are also being pushed further into the spotlight as they continue to emerge as epicurean destinations unto themselves. This year marks the launch of independent web sites for several such standouts, showcasing their distinct personalities. One such restaurant is Austin’s TRIO, which now has a dedicated web page that provides fans with in-depth detail on menus, the culinary team and special promotions.

New Sights

Always with an eye to the future, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts continues their steady path of expansion in destinations that appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

• Two new properties are slated for the American West: Four Seasons Hotel Denver will debut in fall 2010 with Four Seasons Resort Vail to follow.
• Expansion in China progresses with openings of Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake in late summer 2010 and Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou in 2011. A total 14 Four Seasons properties are estimated to be operating within the country by the end of 2014.
• Excitement is also building for the unveiling of a new hotel in Marrakech, Morocco and the re-opening of the redesigned property that started it all: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.

New Value

Four Seasons responds to guests’ need for simple, value-driven offers by inviting travellers to stay a bit a longer or experience more this summer, With Our Compliments. All 82 hotels and resorts are providing even more flexibility to create completely customised vacations through packages that grant either complimentary nights or a generous spending credit that can be used towards virtually anything at the Hotel, including dining, spa treatments and more.

Complementing the above, Four Seasons provides all the comforts of home through thoughtful, gratis amenities and services. These include:

• Simple touches, such as fresh coffee every morning in all hotel lobbies; access to a fitness facility equipped with the newest machines; knowledgeable staff who can lend a helpful hand; and a pantry stocked with fresh juices, water, and fruit.
• Customised amenity collections tailored to different sects of travellers, from bottle warmers, diapers and strollers for those with little ones in tow, to complimentary shoes shines, 1-hour pressing and loan of laptop and PDA chargers for the road warrior.

*From the April 2010 American Express Spending & Saving Tracker
** From the First Quarter Star Report by Smith Travel Research