From a Single Hotel in Toronto to a Global Leader: Four Seasons Turns 65
by Bruce Parkinson
Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons
Founded in 1961 by Isadore Sharp with a single hotel in Toronto, Four Seasons has steadily and strategically evolved over six decades, building a global portfolio of hotels, resorts, residences, and journeys.
As Four Seasons marks its 65th anniversary, the company see itself in a position of strength – guided by a disciplined approach to growth, a deeply embedded culture of service, and a long-term view of value creation across its global portfolio.
“This milestone year marks both a proud legacy and a clear path forward,” says Alejandro Reynal, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our strength comes from staying true to our values – service excellence and genuine care – while growing intentionally and innovating with purpose. That balance is what will continue to guide Four Seasons for decades to come.”
Unlike other hotel giants segmented into literally dozens of brands, Four Seasons has remained committed to a single, unified brand for its entire existence, ensuring that every experience – whether guests stay, live, or travel with Four Seasons – is unmistakably its own.
“Personalized service, delivered with warmth and authenticity, is our most enduring advantage,” said Reynal. “Our deeply embedded culture has enabled Four Seasons to expand, evolve, and inspire guests across generations.”
Four Seasons now operates 135 hotels and resorts and 61 residences in 47 countries around the globe. The company’s next chapter is defined by strategic expansion, focusing on the destinations where Four Seasons will elevate the local luxury offering and contribute to long-term market development.
In the year ahead, Four Seasons will open a mix of hotels and resorts – some set within the walls of landmark heritage properties and other brand-new experiences built to reflect the beauty of their surroundings. Recent and upcoming openings include:
The Americas: Building on the success of 2025 openings– including Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico – Four Seasons will continue to expand in the Americas in 2026 with Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena. The project will transform colonial and Beaux-Arts landmarks into a vibrant luxury experience, right on the doorstep of the historic walled city.
2026 will also mark the highly anticipated reopening of Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, bringing back the coastal landmark with refreshed design and elevated guest experiences.
Europe: Four Seasons openings in the region will celebrate each destination’s unique history and cultural charm. In Italy, a legendary Venetian landmark will be unveiled as Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice, offering restored Gothic grandeur overlooking the surrounding waters.
Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos will be the company’s second property in Greece, bringing contemporary luxury to one of its most iconic destinations.
Just in time for the winter season, The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel will introduce the company’s signature service to the Swiss Alps with refined alpine luxury.
Middle East: At the centre of Four Seasons growth in the Middle East is a dynamic set of new openings in Saudi Arabia, including Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island, introducing this new beachfront luxury destination.
Also along the Red Sea, a one-of-a-kind wellness resort experience will be unveiled at Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay.
In one of the nation’s historic capitals, Four Seasons Hotel Madinah will blend modern comfort with spiritual heritage near the Prophet’s Mosque.
Asia Pacific: Four Seasons will open Four Seasons Hotel Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake, marking its debut in Vietnam’s capital. Set beside one of the city’s most revered landmarks, the hotel will blend contemporary design with cultural heritage.
Four Seasons is also growing its portfolio of immersive journeys:
Four Seasons Yachts will introduce a new, elevated expression of the brand at sea with Four Seasons I setting sail in 2026. The yacht’s inaugural voyages will span iconic destinations and exclusive ports across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Adriatic.
The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience continues to add new itineraries and destinations to its roster of around the world and regional journeys.
