Opening in mid-2021, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is an icon of the city set along the Mississippi River. Designed by legendary modernist architect Edward Durell Stone (Radio City Music Hall, Museum of Modern Art, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts), The International House and International Trade Mart was completed in 1967 and formally dedicated in 1968 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of New Orleans’ founding. Its name was changed to the World Trade Center in 1968 – becoming the first World Trade Center organization in the world. Since then, this iconic building has towered above the Mississippi River, next to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Financial District, French Quarter, and Warehouse District. At 33-stories, the World Trade Center was the tallest building in New Orleans from 1967 to 1969. Set at the base of Canal Street and the Mississippi River, the location was the heart of the commercial district and headquarters of the Port of New Orleans. In fact, the four sections of the compass-shaped tower align with the cardinal points of North, South, East, and West – an ode to navigating the Mighty Mississippi and the importance of New Orleans in global commerce. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2014, the landmark tower has been raised an additional level to include a spectacular open-air observation deck, with 360-degree views of the river and New Orleans, aptly celebrating the city’s spirit of survival and rebirth.
New Orleans is a city that embraces a multicultural heritage and celebrates life, alluring gardens, art, music and cuisine. The 341 guest rooms and suites at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans are where these elements come together as a place of zen within the buzz of the city. Set on two riverfront acres that will be flanked by lush gardens, the design of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is inspired by the sanctuary and allure of this botanic backdrop. It is this restful setting that the interiors become a foundation to celebrate the multi-cultural heritage of the city through art, food and threads of historic influence. It is from this idea that the guest room is formed through references found in nature. The room design is uniquely influenced by the biophilic and patterns of a discrete New Orleans garden with hints of local culture. With views of the city and river, the fresh, bright white palette is layered carefully with materials, art and curiosities that remind us of place. This is ultimately expressed through a large plaster wall relief of regional planting that anchors the bed. The plaster relief is complemented by accent lighting and a regional materiality that is articulated with white shiplap walls, soft-washed white oak accents, Carrara stone, Wilton weave carpet patterned after the building plan, and modern-furniture forms derived from the modern 20th-century spirit of the existing architecture. The palette is supported by a plan that offers open access to the bathroom from two sides, achieving a flexible layout that is both expansive and filled with light. The room components, balanced with subtle reference to regional elements, blend to make a uniquely modern experience in one of America’s most historic cities.
Two signature restaurants by James Beard Award-winning chefs Alon Shaya and Donald Link delight the senses, while the vibrant lobby-level bar and lounge is the energy center and gathering point of the hotel. The full-service spa, fitness center and outdoor 75-foot crescent-shaped rooftop pool are highlighted by panoramic views of the Mississippi River.
An indoor/outdoor observation deck and exhibit features the only 360-degree panoramic riverfront views of New Orleans. For events, the hotel offers 30,000 square feet of flexible space, while an extensive art collection featuring local and international artists is displayed throughout the building.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a cultural paradise, a resort that blends the romance, relaxation and tranquility of the South Pacific with the invigorating Polynesian arts of dance, song, cuisine, textiles, seafaring and sport. The Resort combines the highest standards of service with the natural ease and gracious hospitality of Polynesian culture. Guests can lose themselves in the deep serenity of the location, immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of local culture, or set off on one of the island’s many adventures, from outrigger canoeing to SCUBA and snorkel excursions among rays and reef sharks, to deep-sea fishing and inland safaris — creating truly unforgettable experiences. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora opened its doors for guests in September 2008, and completed a property-wide enhancement in 2020.
Set upon Bora Bora’s surrounding coral atoll, away from the bustle of its mainland, the resort is a vast tropical grove, replete with coconut palms and pandanus trees. Meandering channels of pure turquoise lead to the property’s main beach or to smaller lagoons, creating secluded private beaches waiting to be discovered. Every vista is breathtaking, and all have been incorporated into the design of the resort: views of the open water and its vast sky contrast with the lush green of the island’s mainland, capped by the towering monolithic peak of Mount Otemanu and the domed summit of Mount Pahia.
The resort offers 100 spacious overwater bungalow suites and seven sprawling beachfront villa estates, all designed with thatched roofs and decorated with indigenous artwork. Four distinct restaurants offer a vast selection of creative culinary experiences, from Polynesian to French to traditional favorites, complemented by special open-air dining, from private oceanside dinners to Tahitian beach parties with musicians and fire dancers. An infinity-edged pool with private cabanas faces the white sand beach, as the lagoon sets the perfect backdrop for a leisurely afternoon under the tropical sun.
A full-service spa, perfectly balanced by the powerful rhythms of the Pacific Ocean and the secluded tranquility of the island’s lagoon — and featuring open-air treatment decks amid the kahaia trees — offers a combination of relaxation and exhilaration that only Bora Bora’s unique location can provide. The piece de resistance here is the overwater couples’ spa suite, where local ingredients such as monoi oil, vanilla and black pearl powder are highlighted in pampering and therapeutic treatments.
Set upon a sprawling 22 hectares (54 acres), the resort meets a vast array of needs and accommodates a wide variety of guest experiences. Known as the most romantic destination in the world, weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and vow renewals are perfectly suited to take place at the resort. Facilities for families are unrivaled in the region: a Kids for All Seasons clubhouse with a splash pad for children ages 5 – 12, cultural activities, volleyball and watersports.
The connection Four Seasons has with the island community provides a truly authentic Polynesian experience. Local guides are available for many excursions, as are the resort’s own marine biologist and black pearl expert, providing a wealth of learning opportunities, whether scientific or cultural. Guests can enjoy learning of local culture through specially arranged cooking and local craft-making classes.
Nestled within the grounds of the resort is an inner lagoon, teeming with exotic marine life. The Ruahatu (God of the Ocean) Lagoon Sanctuary at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is more than just a spectacular snorkeling location, but also a research facility and a place where the marine environment not only thrives but grows, furthering the delicate and wondrous ecosystem.
The Lagoon Sanctuary, home to over 100 colorful species of marine life, offers activities for guests of all ages, including snorkeling, coral grafting discovery, discussions on Polynesian ecology, fish and octopus feeding and more.
The architecture of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is the fruit of a unique collaboration that brings together the cosmopolitan flair of Paris-based architect Didier Lefort and the modern elegance of San Francisco design firm BAMO, with the Polynesian authenticity of renowned South Pacific architect Pierre-Jean Picart. Accommodations are designed to capture the gentle breeze in order to minimize the need for air conditioning while taking care to conserve the beautiful natural landscape of the Island.
No matter the occasion, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora provides the ultimate South Pacific experience, all complemented by the warm smiles of the locals and the renowned Four Seasons experience.
