The Four Seasons brand can be found across the globe, from its first property in Toronto to its latest in Cartagena set to open this spring.
Now the hospitality company is expanding its presence off-shore with the launch of its first-ever yacht.
The inaugural vessel, Four Seasons I, will focus on the Mediterranean in summer, with sailings around the Greek islands, along the Dalmatian coast with stops in Croatia and Montenegro, and in the French Riviera.
Come winter, the vessel will explore the Caribbean and Bahamas, with stops in destinations such as St Lucia and Martinique or Barbados and Dominica.
Unlike cruise ships, which are banned from some ports due to overtourism concerns, Four Seasons I will have access to exclusive ports and yacht-only harbours.
Rather than overcrowded city tours, on-shore experiences will focus on tailored itineraries such as private art and cultural tours or reservations at some of the continent’s most-coveted restaurants.
Sailings will also have dedicated days at sea, where the yacht will expand retractable platforms on either side of the yacht to give guests direct access for watersports or swimming.
What to expect on board Four Seasons I
Inspired by the golden age of yachting, the Four Seasons I is meant to be a modern interpretation of the legendary superyacht Christina O. Among the most famous yachts in the world, the vessel hosted big names including Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra during its heyday.
There are 95 suites on board, including the 929 square metre Funnel Suite at the forward-facing prow which has three bedrooms, a splash pool, an outdoor gym, a private lift and more.
There are no interior cabins, and floor-to-ceiling windows are found throughout to put the focus on the surrounding seas. You’ll never struggle to order a drink or request a new towel, either, as the ship has a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.
Guests can relax at L’Oceana Spa, which boasts a hammam, sauna, aromatic steam room and cold therapies, or book in for sunrise yoga on the deck.
There are 11 restaurants and bars on board, including the Horizon Bar, with its own plunge pool. Foodies will want to book a table at Sedna which will offer limited tasting menus from chefs at Michelin-starred Four Seasons restaurants such as Guillaume Galliot of Caprice in Hong Kong, Yoric Tièche of Le Cap in Cap-Ferrat and Paolo Lavezzini of Il Palagio in Florence.
Other must-try dining experiences include omakase restaurant Miuna, and the Champagne & Caviar terrace.
Exclusive yachts as the latest trend in luxury travel
Four Seasons isn’t the only luxury brand that has expanded into yachts over the past few years.
In 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launched its first vessel Evrima, followed by Ilma in 2024 and Luminara in July last year.
The three vessels sail around regions including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and French Polynesia, and Ilma, which has 224 suites, recently became the first ship to receive a five-star rating from Forbes.
Orient Express, the famed luxury train service, began its expansion into hotels with the opening of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome last summer, and the new Orient Express Corinthian’s inaugural voyage is pencilled in for May 2026.
Set to be the world’s largest sailing yacht, the Corinthian has been created in collaboration with French shipmaker Chantiers de l’Atlantique and will feature three tilting rotating masts that means it can harness the wind for more sustainable journeys.
While ultra-luxury brand Aman has offered private charters around Indonesia aboard the five-cabin Amandira since 2015, the brand will take its offering to a new level with the launch of Amangati in spring 2027.
The 47-suite yacht will offer a number of voyages around the Mediterranean, taking in Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey.