Four Seasons plots expansion, adds SVP of design

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is looking ahead to the future with a growing portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts and residential developments, and further expansion of its product offering in 2021 and beyond.

“In a time of unprecedented change and challenge for our company and the entire hospitality industry, we continue to innovate, remaining flexible in our plans and nimble in our ability to capitalize on opportunities, while maintaining momentum towards our long-term goals,” said John Davison, president/CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “The impacts of the pandemic continue, and we are tackling these issues as they come. Yet, more than ever, we are confident in the long-term success of the company and the dedication and resilience of our people who bring the Four Seasons brand to life each and every day. Our focus on the guest experience is steadfast, as is our ability to embrace new opportunities and continue to evolve.”

He added, “As we mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of the very first Four Seasons this month, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm the values upon which the company was founded. We are growing with great intention, never losing sight of the values of respect, care and excellence that have always defined Four Seasons. As we look ahead, we remain singularly focused on the luxury segment, responding to the changing needs of our guests and building upon the well-established trust and credibility of our brand.”

Isabel Pintado

To help lead Four Seasons into its next phase of growth, the company has appointed Isabel Pintado to the newly created position of SVP, design and innovation. In this role, she is advancing the brand’s design vision and aesthetic across its global portfolio, while also engaging cross-functionally throughout the organization to enhance Four Seasons programming at every touchpoint, according to the company.

“We are thrilled to welcome Isabel to our team as we embark on our next chapter of innovation and growth,” said Christian Clerc, president, global operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Isabel’s exceptional talent and creativity is matched by her collaborative working style and global design expertise. [Her] skills and knowledge will be critical as we look ahead towards our long-term product, design and innovation goals. A deep passion for design has fueled her impressive career and we are delighted that she has joined Four Seasons to help bridge the worlds of innovation and design in a way that will be uniquely Four Seasons.”

Pintado has a wealth of global experience, leading several top design studios around the world prior to joining Four Seasons. Commenting on her move to Four Seasons, she said, “Four Seasons has always been at the forefront in the design space with a legacy of industry-leading innovation that is firmly grounded in the guest experience, and an authenticity further shaped by the locations in which it operates. I am optimistic that we are on the cusp of an exciting period for the luxury hospitality industry, as we continue to create inspiring and exceptional design experiences for our guests, residents and employees.”

Accelerated residential development
Four Seasons’ brand expansion has also been achieved through the success of the company’s entry into branded residential offerings more than 35 years ago. Today, nearly 90% of upcoming openings and pipeline developments include a residential component, and Four Seasons remains one of the only hospitality companies to also act as the property manager for its residential owners.

This year, following the opening of Twenty Grosvenor Square in London, Four Seasons will unveil three new standalone residential projects, including the first Four Seasons residences in Los Angeles, as well as new residential offerings in San Francisco and Marrakech, Morocco. Currently, Four Seasons has a five-year pipeline of $6 billion in gross sales value comprising 30 projects around the world, with 14 due to commence sales this year alone.

Now more than ever, travelers are looking for additional space and privacy, and Four Seasons Private Retreats offer a luxury rental experience with more flexibility and exclusivity, the company reports. With exceptional homes and villas in more than 20 destinations around the globe, and another 16 locations to be added by 2025, guests can choose multi-bedroom villas, penthouses and chalets to reconnect with extended family, friends and loved ones. Private Retreats also often include fully equipped kitchens, pools and outdoor spaces, and always include access to the services and amenities of the neighboring Four Seasons hotel or resort. Four Seasons Private Retreats are included in the Extend Your Stay program, where guests are invited to live, work, learn and play at Four Seasons for 30 days or more.

Strategic portfolio growth
Four Seasons’ approach to development and growth has been intentional and focused, opening in key destinations, setting the standard for luxury in each new market it enters, according to the company. In 2020, it signed nine new hotel, resort and residential projects, tying a record for the most new deals in the company’s 60-year history.

Most recently, Four Seasons announced its expansion in Europe with a property in Italy’s southern region of Puglia. Four Seasons will be one of few beachfront hotels with direct access to the sea, developing an all-new resort with views from Italy’s Adriatic coast. And, following the opening of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid in late 2020, The brand will continue to expand its Spanish portfolio with a resort in Mallorca, as the brand will manage the historic Hotel Formentor, introducing it as a Four Seasons in 2023.

The strength of Four Seasons portfolio continues to build upon the brand’s momentum in 2020, when it opened a number of landmark properties. Recent new openings include an expanded presence in Tokyo and San Francisco, as well as the brand’s return to Thailand’s capital in Bangkok.

“With each new property, our goal is to create the best luxury experience in that market by offering a product of exceptional quality combined with unparalleled service,” said Clerc. “Each new hotel, resort and residence is a unique reflection of its local market, while also representing the future of what Four Seasons will deliver for years to come. This momentum continues in 2021 and beyond as we open new properties globally and continue our drive towards an elevated service experience grounded in trust, care and authenticity.”

Offering a mix of new-builds and historic restoration projects, upcoming Four Seasons openings include hotels and Private Residences in new U.S. markets such as Napa Valley, CA; New Orleans; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Minneapolis; and Nashville, TN. In Taormina, Italy, and Cartagena, Colombia, Four Seasons is bringing new life to historic properties. Adding to a growing resort portfolio, Four Seasons will introduce an all-new secluded oceanfront property in Tamarindo, Mexico.

Four Seasons also continues to focus on innovative restaurant and bar concepts, including Taverna 37 at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens; terroir at est at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi; and BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River.