Earlier this year, Clements Travel was invited to attend the Four Seasons European Leisure Forum, an invitation-only event hosted at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. The forum brought together approximately 60 of Four Seasons' leading travel advisors from across Europe and the United Kingdom, alongside senior leadership and hotel representatives from across the global Four Seasons portfolio.

As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency, events like these provide valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with the people behind some of the world's finest hotels, resorts and private yacht experiences.

Staying at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest

Budapest was a fitting location for the forum. I spent three nights at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest in a room overlooking the Danube River and the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

During the event, we also spent time with the hotel's management team, who shared plans for an upcoming refurbishment designed to further enhance what is already regarded as one of the finest luxury hotels in Central Europe.

Updates from Four Seasons Senior Leadership

Throughout the forum, attendees received updates from senior leaders across the Four Seasons organization, including the Area President of Hotel Operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

These sessions covered future hotel openings, guest trends, operational developments and the continued expansion of the Four Seasons portfolio around the world.

For travel advisors, direct access to senior leadership provides valuable insight that ultimately benefits our clients when planning future stays at Four Seasons properties worldwide.

Behind the Scenes of New Four Seasons Hotels

One of the most fascinating presentations came from Bryony Spottiswoode, Director of Design and Construction at Four Seasons.

She provided a detailed look at what goes into developing new Four Seasons hotels and resorts, from site selection and architecture through to guest flow and room positioning.

One example that particularly stood out was the future Four Seasons Zanzibar project. During the planning process, the development team reportedly erected scaffolding platforms at multiple points around the site to determine exactly where the lobby should be positioned to achieve the best possible ocean views.

It was a fascinating reminder of the level of planning and attention that goes into creating a Four Seasons property. It is the sort of presentation I could happily listen to all day.

Meeting Four Seasons Hotels from Around the World

The forum also provided the opportunity to meet directly with hotel leadership teams from across the Four Seasons portfolio, allowing us to strengthen relationships and expand our product knowledge.

Hotels and destinations represented included:

• Istanbul
• Milan
• Taormina
• Florence
• The Surf Club
• Maldives
• Marrakech
• London
• Bangkok
• Japan

and many more from across the global portfolio.

These conversations help us stay informed about renovations, new dining concepts, upcoming experiences, suite enhancements and future developments.

They also allow us to build direct relationships with the teams responsible for looking after our clients once they arrive.

Why Relationships Are Important

Luxury travel is built on relationships.

Having direct access to Four Seasons hotel leadership teams allows us to advocate for our clients before arrival, communicate important preferences, arrange special celebrations and help maximize upgrade opportunities whenever available.

While no advisor can guarantee upgrades or special treatment, strong relationships and direct communication with hotel teams can often make a meaningful difference to the overall guest experience.

Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits

When you book a participating Four Seasons hotel through Clements Travel, you may receive:

• Daily breakfast for two
• Hotel credit, typically USD 100 per stay
• Upgrade priority, subject to availability
• Early check-in, subject to availability
• Late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Welcome amenities at select properties

These benefits are typically available at the same publicly available rate as booking direct with Four Seasons.

Four Seasons Private Jet and Four Seasons Yachts

In addition to hotels and resorts, the forum also provided updates on the continued expansion of the Four Seasons brand into luxury travel experiences beyond traditional hospitality.

This includes Four Seasons Yachts, one of the most anticipated launches in luxury cruising. The first yacht is scheduled to debut in 2026 and will bring the Four Seasons service philosophy to the water with spacious residential-style suites, exceptional dining and highly personalized service.

As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency, Clements Travel can assist with Four Seasons hotels, resorts and future Four Seasons Yachts reservations worldwide.

If you are considering a Four Seasons stay, future opening or Four Seasons Yachts voyage, contact Clements Travel for expert advice and access to Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits at the same rate as booking direct.

‍