WHEN THE FOUR SEASONS ARRIVED Downtown years ago, there was a conscious decision to adapt one of the world’s most luxurious and recognizable brands to its new neighborhood. In July 2019, when Thomas Carreras took the helm as general manager, he continued that mission. “When I arrived I recieved all the things the Four Seasons sent and then I sent it all back. I said, ‘I don’t like the cutlery. I don’t like the linens. I don’t like the dishes or the glasses. I don’t like the spa products.'” Carreras wanted something more distinctly Downtown. He continues, “Downtown has a strong identity. The minibar should look like a speakeasy. Everything inside should say ‘home.’ And this applies to everything we do. If you want pancakes at 8pm you can have them. We started a noodle soup menu—real Asian comfort food. On the second day we had 30 orders. People catch on to what we do because it feels different.”
Hiring the Right People
Carreras took a similar dissenting view towards hiring his staff. When he arrived they did the usual mass recruitment event and saw over 5,000 people. “We signed about 10 people from that event, and some of those had never worked in hotels. Two of our best people at the front desk had been teachers. One told us that it had been his dream to work in hotels but was never given a chance because in New York they are looking for transaction experts. We aren’t. I want people who actually care about other people. The guests feel the difference.”
Supporting the Four Seasons Downtown Community
Carreras’s worldview is a perfect fit for Downtown, where the mood is hip, active, and community-centric, and the demographic is getting younger and more creative every day. And the hotel’s clientele reflects its vibrant neighborhood. Says Michael Law, Director of Marketing, “We get a lot of athletes and celebrities who know the brand, but also who want to be part of this incredible neighborhood.” He continues, “Every guest that walks through our door is Downtown’s guest. We succeed or fail together. There is a great sense of optimism for the future.” Carreras adds, “The people who live and work here really care about Downtown. There is an emotional connection to this place.” That is why, as part of the staff orientation, Carreras takes them to the 9/11 Memorial for a moment of remembrance. “The rebirth of Downtown is not just the buildings, it’s the people. This isn’t just a job. This is about building a community, and it comes with a sense of responsibility.” He continues, “I want our staff to feel part of the rebirth.”
Welcoming Rebecca Gordon and Nicole Hernandez – Four Seasons Spa Downtown NY
One of Lower Manhattans’ most cherished locals is the Four Seasons Hotel and Spa. Located in trendy TriBeCa, next to our magnificent beacon Word Trade Center, in Lower Manhattan, the birthplace, and heartbeat of our great city. The Four Seasons embodies our diverse culture and landscape bringing with it a globally inspired spa, an oasis within an oasis.
Since its opening in 2016, the Spa quickly established itself as a leading urban wellness sanctuary in New York City. It’s been recognized by Forbes Travel Guide with the highly coveted Five-Star award in February. Today the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is proud to welcome two new Resident Healers – astrologer Rebecca Gordon and hypnotist Nicole Hernandez – to the iconic Resident Healers Program, further establishing itself as a leading wellness sanctuary in New York City.
In 2019 the Program further expanded in time for International Women’s Day, with the addition of Michelle Pirret, an international sonic alchemist. In February 2020, Mama Medicinejoined the roster of remarkable women, offering ancient multi-sensory medicine readings by private appointment.
Designed with the intention of offering unique and mindful experiences for guests who are seeking something greater than the traditional spa service, the Program continues to diversify with the addition of renowned astrologer Rebecca Gordon and “The Traveling Hypnotist,” Nicole Hernandez.
Renowned New York City astrologer Rebecca Gordon
https://www.rebeccagordonastrology.com/
Rebecca Gordon Astrology, from the time of birth, the planetary alignment tells the story of who one is and who, one is destined to become. An astrology reading with Rebecca is an enlightening and healing experience that will ultimately connect an individual with their soul path through the greatest navigation tool – the stars and planets above. During a birth chart reading, one will realign with their internal spark to embody their full potential. Rebecca’s readings provide stellar guidance, preparing one to meet life’s challenges and successes with grace.
Rebecca Gordon has been practicing astrology since the age of 14 when she was trained and mentored by her mother. In addition to being a celebrated astrologer, Rebecca is an author, presenter, and founder of the 15-year running Astrology School where she offers a suite of classes and workshops. She is also the Resident Astrologer at Harper’s Bazaar and a regular guest on the Dr. Oz Show.
From healing astrology readings to robust courses, conferences and inspiring international retreats, Rebecca’s vibrant practice has helped thousands over the past 15 years to align with their true life path. She has been gifted with the ability to translate cosmic symbols into everyday wisdom that is awakening, encouraging, and actionable for the client.
Birth Chart Reading – Whether in need of direction or soul searching, a personalized reading will illuminate an individual’s true calling. Based on the planetary alignments at the exact moment of birth, Rebecca will guide clients on a journey of self-discovery to activate their full potential. 60 minutes – USD $380
Year Ahead – Clients can explore their life path and get clarity on the year ahead. Whether focusing on a specific topic such as career, love, travel, or choosing an ideal date, clients will leave with deeper insight on how to plot their course and thrive in the coming year. 60-minute session – USD $380 or 90-minute session – USD $452
Nicole Hernandez, The Traveling Hypnotist
Nicole Hernandez
Throughout a person’s lifetime, one’s mind makes meaning of the information it absorbs – essentially mapping our experience of the world for future reference. Yet, some of the information that runs on autopilot in our unconscious mind is comprised of distorted memories and biased information that can lead to fearful thoughts, negative emotions, and avoidant behaviors. Research indicates hypnosis combined with mindfulness can facilitate change.
Known as The Traveling Hypnotist, Nicole Hernandez guides guests through bespoke Hypnotic Journeys that help unpack and release anxiety, fear, and bad habits. Her clients experience a greater sense of inner wisdom, confidence, clarity and calmness, better relationships, and deeper sleep.
Nicole’s process is informed by modern hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming, mindfulness, and her innate intuitive gift. As a life-long student of behavioral psychology, neuroscience, movement, and spirituality, she believes in a solution-oriented approach anchored in an understanding that neuroplasticity is the key to true transformation. Each Hypnotic Journey combines imaginative, sensory-rich experiences and practical tools to interrupt old patterns of thinking and behavior.
For more than ten years, Nicole led parallel career paths in corporate marketing while teaching mind-movement fitness, yoga, and guided visualizations in New York City. Before experiencing hypnosis herself, she was a skeptic but felt an intuitive calling to experiment with it. In just six months, she experienced relief from chronic anxiety and profound healing of childhood trauma.
Feeling like she’d finally been released from an emotional prison, she resolved to demystify hypnosis and make it an accessible modality for personal development and holistic healing. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters in Journalism from The University of North Texas and is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) and the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT).
Experiences
Hypnotic Journey: The Check-In – The Check-In is an ideal experience for those ready to take the first step in feeling more grounded and confident as they navigate a transition in their life. Additionally, those who seek assistance with a phobia, such as fear of flying or stage fright, will benefit tremendously. A 60-minute session with custom-blended oil – USD $285
Hypnotic Journey: The Upgrade – The Upgrade will help one navigate a specific desired change over the course of a month. It is ideal for those who desire to increase their sense of self-worth, reduce stress, or release unhelpful habits. This program provides a solution-focused approach to inner and outer transformation. The Check-In is a prerequisite. Four-session program includes: three 60 minute sessions, 60-minute bespoke massage with cranial-sacral or reiki, custom-blended oil – USD $1,050
Hypnotic Journey: The Arrival – The Arrival is designed to navigate one to two specific desired areas of change over the course of six to eight weeks. The Check-In is a prerequisite. Seven-session program includes: six 60 minute hypnosis sessions, 60-minute bespoke massage with cranial-sacral or reiki, custom-blended oil – USD $1,850
To book an individual consultation with Rebecca Gordon Astrology, The Traveling Hypnotist, or any of the Resident Healers, contact.
For more information and bookings, contact the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown on 646 880 1990.
The most magical time of the year to be in New York City is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by starting a new holiday tradition in the heart of downtown, with the best that Lower Manhattan has to offer.
In celebration of the festive season, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown unveils the launch of Martinis & Mistletoe – an exclusive festive package and social media sweepstakes in partnership with the most iconic downtown destinations including Brookfield Place, One World Observatory, Westfield World Trade Center, the Winterland Rink on The Rooftop at Pier 17 and CUT by Wolfgang Puck.
Created as a bucket list staycation, Martinis & Mistletoe is the ultimate downtown festive offering and includes the best that Downtown has to offer. Along with overnight accommodation in signature Four Seasons comfort, the overnight experience includes a personally curated VIP shopping experience at Brookfield Place and Westfield World Trade Center, Priority/VIP access to One World Observatory for stunning views over the city at sunset, the Veuve Clicquot VIP Skating Package at Winterland Rink on The Rooftop at Pier 17, and dinner for two in CUT by Wolfgang Puck including a four-course tasting menu. The package is available for a limited time only from November 22, 2019, to January 31, 2020. Rates start from just USD 995 per night.
To celebrate the festive season and this exclusive package, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is launching Instagram sweepstakes. One lucky winner will win the Martinis & Mistletoe package to experience the staycation first hand. Entries will be received through the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Instagram channel from Friday, November 1 to Friday, November 15, 2019. The winner will be chosen at random and notified on Monday, November 18, 2019.
For a full selection of festive offerings at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown can be found at click here.
Social Media Sweepstakes Terms and Conditions: Entrants are required to like the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Instagram account @FSNYDowntown. To enter the contest, an entrant needs to TAG a friend and leave one comment on why they both deserve to win the Martinis & Mistletoe Package. An entrant must include the hashtag #contest with their comment in order to be eligible. Entries will be received through the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Instagram channel from 9:00 am EDT on Friday, November 1, 2019, to 5:00 pm EST on Friday, November 15, 2019. The winner will be chosen at random and will be notified on Monday, November 18, 2019. More information can be found in the full Terms and Conditions here.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown has just launched their newest spa treatment – an in-room SOAK Service offering a personally curated experience.
Designed by Spa Director Tara Cruz, the in-room SOAK Service is an indulgent treat for in-house guests who wish to take full advantage of the deep soaking tubs featured in every room and suite within the Hotel.
“We’ve created five distinct SOAK Service offerings, all with our guests in mind, to heighten their in-room experience and allow them the benefits of a luxurious spa treatment without having to leave their room,” says Cruz.
Baths have long held therapeutic properties for the body. Four of the five offerings are designed for individual travelers who wish to relax, reduce muscle tension, and condition the skin. The Rose Revival for Two is a couple’s experience, designed to maximize time together with one’s nearest and dearest.
Guests can call The Spa to order any of the SOAK Service experiences directly to their room with advance notice. A Spa Attendant will arrive to the room and personally draw the bath while arranging the appropriate SOAK Service based on the guests’ needs and menu selection.
The in-room SOAK Service menu includes the following experiences:
Restore: A healthy dose of lavender and liang liang create a sense of balance and peace, perfect for the fatigued traveler looking to recharge and restore.
Soothe: A therapeutic combination of arnica and peppermint soothes sore muscles and relieve aches and pains. Natural aromas and salt remedies heal the mind and melt body tension away.
Detox: Give the immune system a natural boost or recover from the city’s overindulgent lifestyle. White camphor, eucalyptus, and sea salts will pull impurities from the body and encourage detoxification.
Seasonal: Submerge into New York City’s Seasonal bliss, from cherry blossoms to cedarwood, this soak is inspired by the city’s ever-changing beauty.
Rose Revival for Two: Pure Himalayan salts naturally lift spirits while tuberose and lemongrass ignite the feeling of positivity and love. Seasonal citrus and floral notes are elegantly paired with sparkling rosé and decadent homemade treats to satisfy the most elevated palate.
The SOAK Service experience is only available to in-house guests staying at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown and does require 24-48 hours advance notice.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with a variety of special offers from Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Designed to suit those with the most discerning taste, a mid-week staycation will have couples falling in love all over again with Lower Manhattan as the backdrop.
Take the Elevator Home
Looking for the perfect mid-week getaway on Valentine’s Day? Look no further than a delectable five course prix-fixe dinner at CUT by Wolfgang Puck, an overnight stay at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, and a Soak Service for two.
CUT offers a stunning five-course prix-fixe menu with choices that range from a Japanese hamachi cone to grilled prime dry aged New York sirloin. Also available are various options for two including pan roasted Maine lobster, USDA prime porterhouse and Creekstone Farms tomahawk chop. After dinner, take the elevator home to a personal oasis upstairs.
Before or after the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner, indulge in a Soak Service – the latest offering from The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Curated by Spa Director Tara Cruz, the Soak Service Menu features a variety of offerings that have all been designed to restore, soothe or detox depending on the need. Every single guest can indulge in a Soak Service throughout their stay as every single room and suite in the Hotel features a deep soaking tub. The Valentine’s Day Package includes a Rose Revival for Two, which features pure Himalayan salts to naturally lift spirits while tuberose and lemongrass ignite the feeling of positivity and love. Seasonal citrus and floral notes are elegantly paired with sparkling rose and decadent homemade treats to satisfy even the most elevated palate.
Following dinner and the Soak Service, settle in for the perfect night’s sleep in the most luxurious Four Seasons beds with views over Manhattan, perfect for the mid-week city staycation and even if you have to get back to the office in the morning.
Rates start from $599, including an overnight stay in a Superior King Room, dinner for two in CUT by Wolfgang Puck, and the Rose Revival for Two Soak Service. To book this special package, call 646 880 1924 and quote “V-Day Package.” Package is only available on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
This Valentine’s Day, treat a loved one to an unforgettable experience at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Book any of these treatments in The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown during the month of February and receive a complimentary glass of champagne at CUT to complete the experience. For reservations, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown on 646 880 2990.
Choose from the following offerings available for the entire month of February:
Love Adorned – A Couples Massage
A warm rose quartz massage and custom essential oils are perfectly paired to ignite the feeling of positivity and love. Choose from a 50 or 80 minute treatment.
Royal Ritual
Fit for any king and queen, the five and a half hour treatment includes the following:
50 minute re-mineralising crystalising detox body treatment
80 minute four-handed serenity massage with warm rose quartz
80 minute green caviar facial
Wanderlust manicure and pedicure
Nurvaana Couples Reading
A duo session provides insight on how to build an even stronger future together. Each customized session includes side-by-side acupuncture, chakra cleansing using essential oils, and an open discussion and clairvoyant reading. The experience will elevate communication techniques and appreciation for each other.
Chakra Crystal Clearing for Two
Experience an energy balancing Chakra Crystal energy clearing session to harmonise the body and mind and create a deeper connectivity between partners.
THE CRISTALLINE Crystal for Kids Workshop
A Valentine’s Day themed Crystal Class for Kids is where little ones can learn about the energetic power of crystals and the perfect stones to radiate love and abundance year round. The workshop will take place on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 10:00 to 10:45 am. Email spa.nydowntown@fourseasons.com for reservations.
Located just over a narrow waterway from Nassau, Paradise Island offers the best of the Caribbean—sun, sand, pampering resorts—but in a small, easy-to-explore package. Even better, a wide range of properties let you choose the experience that suits your personality.
It’s just about 5:00 pm when I hear an unexpected knock at my door. Peering through the peephole, I see what must be a mirage: a tuxedoed waiter holding a tray containing two flutes of sparkling wine and a plate of chocolate covered strawberries. Turns out it’s not my imagination: each evening, at sunset, Champagne and chocolate are delivered to every room, along with a smile and wish for a lovely night. As the light deepens, I stand on my balcony, listening to the chorus of ringing crystal flutes from guests in nearby room and their quiet murmurs as they discuss their evening plans. Many will choose to stay on property for dinner at Dune, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s French-Asian restaurant. If you can, reserve a table next to the tall windows, which offer uninterrupted views of the ocean.
Open since 1962, this historic resort has, over the years, hosted A-listers ranging from Frank Sinatra and Daniel Craig to Beyonce and Jay-Z; Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett and Cindy Crawford. Rebranded in early 2018 as a Four Seasons, the resort’s classic Caribbean style remains. Broad green lawns dappled with hammocks, tall palms and Adirondack chairs overlook a wide, empty beach that fronts the electric blue Caribbean. Walking paths wind through the lush 36 acre estate and lead to the elegant colonial-style lobby building, where you can sip a martini at the same bar where James Bond ordered his in the 2006 movie Casino Royale. Be sure to make time for the tennis center and spa, which is comprised of individual treatment villas set within its own private walled garden. Three pools—including one set up for kids and one just for adults–mean you’ll never have to get up at dawn to save your chaise lounge with a paperback and a bottle of sunscreen. Both the Four Seasons and Atlantis offer access to the Ocean Club Golf Course, which was designed by Tom Weiskopf and features several ocean-view holes.
The resort is also home to one of the island’s unique features: the ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian cloister that the original owner had taken apart, crated and shipped from France. It was reassembled, piece by piece, and stands on a sloping hillside overlooking the resort’s tiered Versailles-inspired garden, a dreamy space filled with koi ponds, marble statuary, hidden reflection gardens and emerald-green lawns. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic…or a wedding. Like the rest of the resort, it exudes a sense of peace and space, inviting guests to pause and enjoy their surroundings.
Most of the 107 rooms and suites have ocean views; all have private terraces and oversized marble bathrooms with double sinks. Comprising part of the original club, the Hartford Wing has a nautical theme with a bright, tropical vibe. Rooms in the newer Crescent Wing are decorated with traditional deep mahogany furnishings and rattan touches.
I was nervous about my stay at Atlantis. As a rule, I’ll choose intimate over sprawling every time. My first pleasant surprise arrived moments after my arrival. Assuming that my mid-morning arrival would mean that my room wouldn’t be ready, I’d booked a treatment at the spa, where I could hang out (and shower) before checking in. Although the spa was busy, I was welcomed warmly and led to a massive waiting area filled with magazines and comfy couches. I also had access to the hydrotherapy area, where I could indulge in a steam, a mineral bath or a sauna while I waited. And while the facilities were lovely, it was the staff that made a difference, providing an abundance of products for me to use when I realized I’d forgotten my own.
So what exactly is Atlantis? In a nutshell, it’s a 171-acre megaresort—3,000 guest rooms fill five hotels, each with their own personality–arranged around a water park featuring 18 water slides, two mile-long river rides, 20 swimming areas and 11 swimming pools. I didn’t expect to try any of the water features, but peer pressure won out and, after grabbing an inner tube, I spent 30 exhilarating minutes whooshing through rapids surrounded by families too busy laughing to even think about their phones. The open-air, ocean-fed marine habitat is the largest in the world; underground viewing areas transform parts into a giant aquarium, complete with scheduled feedings and opportunities for interaction, like snorkeling. An early morning run through the property turned out to be the best way to take in the mesmerizing exhibits: not only was the area deserted, but the cool tunnels provided a shady respite from the sun. It was impressive, too, filled with elegant manta rays, sneering Moray eels, ethereal jellyfish and otherworldly hammerhead sharks and sawfish.
Beyond offering a wealth of typical vacation diversions—shopping, gambling, sunning—the resort is surprisingly rich in cultural experiences as well. At the newly-opened Fish by Jose Andres, diners can taste (and learn about) lionfish, a predatory species that is decimating reefs throughout the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The ice-cream bar at the recently-renovated Coral Hotel celebrates traditional Bahamian desserts like Guava Duff and ingredients such as sea grapes, watermelon jam and allspice. There are also outposts of beloved Bahamian restaurants where guests can try traditional dishes and drinks, craft shops selling only items made in the Bahamas and a Bahamian story hour for kids. The most recent cultural addition is Sacred Space, a sculpture series featuring seven dancing women that was created by Antonius Roberts, a renowned Bahamian artist and sculptor. The piece was made withlocal Madeira wood and represents the intention of triumph, hope and determination and a vision to help conserve Bahamian heritage.
