Four Seasons at 65: Expanding its Empire Beyond Hotels

TORONTO, ON – January 27, 2026 – As Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts celebrates its 65th anniversary, the brand synonymous with five-star service is charting an ambitious course for its future, one that extends far beyond the traditional hotel lobby. The company is leveraging its milestone year to unveil a disciplined, long-term growth strategy focused on strategic global expansion, a deeper push into branded residential living, and a bold entry into new experiential travel sectors, including luxury yachts.

From its origins as a single Toronto hotel in 1961, the privately held company has evolved into a global portfolio of 135 hotels and 61 residences. Now, it is embarking on its next chapter with a clear vision that balances its celebrated heritage with aggressive innovation.

"This milestone year marks both a proud legacy and a clear path forward," says Alejandro Reynal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons. "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."

Beyond Hotels: A New Blueprint for Luxury Living

Central to Four Seasons' future is a strategic diversification that transforms it from a hospitality provider into a comprehensive luxury lifestyle brand. The most significant driver of this shift is the company's commanding leadership in the branded residential sector. With nearly 40 years of experience in the market, Four Seasons now manages close to 6,000 residential units, and the segment is accelerating dramatically. A remarkable 65% of the company's current development pipeline includes a residential component.

This focus is yielding impressive financial results. The company generated $1.2 billion in gross sales from its residential projects in the first half of 2024 alone—a twofold increase year-over-year. The appeal is clear: branded residences command an average price premium of over 35% compared to non-branded properties, a testament to the trust and guaranteed service that the name provides. This model creates a powerful ecosystem where homeowners gain hotel-inspired amenities and management, while developers can realize significant profits, sometimes recovering their entire investment from residential sales alone.

Further cementing this strategy, the company is aggressively expanding its portfolio of standalone Private Residences, with plans to double these offerings within six years. Upcoming projects are slated for Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and Miami's Coconut Grove, building on the success of sold-out developments in Dubai and London.

This push into lifestyle is also taking to the high seas. In 2026, the Four Seasons I will embark on its inaugural voyage, marking the brand’s entry into the ultra-luxury yachting market. With itineraries spanning the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Adriatic, the venture places Four Seasons in direct competition with established players like The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, betting that its reputation for unparalleled service can be translated to a maritime setting. This new venture complements the long-running Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, which has cultivated a loyal following over the past decade with its curated, all-inclusive global journeys.

A Strategic Global Footprint in High-Growth Markets

Four Seasons' expansion is not just about diversification, but also a calculated geographic push into regions with booming luxury markets. With approximately 60 projects in its pipeline, the company is focusing on destinations where it can define the luxury landscape.

In Europe, the brand is planting flags in two of the continent's most resilient luxury markets. In Italy, where luxury hotel investment is projected to grow by 30% year-over-year, the legendary Venetian landmark Danieli will be reborn as Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel. In Greece, which has become a top global destination for high-net-worth property investors, the new Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos will bring contemporary luxury to the iconic island. The company will also introduce alpine luxury to the Swiss Alps with The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel.

Across the Americas, the brand will build on recent successes with the opening of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena in Colombia, transforming colonial-era landmarks into a new luxury hub. Meanwhile, the beloved Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is set for a highly anticipated reopening.

Looking further ahead, the company is planning a return to Berlin after a 20-year absence, and will enter new U.S. destinations like Charleston, Telluride, and Deer Valley, signaling a continued belief in the strength of the North American luxury market.

Navigating New Frontiers: The Saudi Arabian Venture

Perhaps the most dynamic element of Four Seasons' expansion is its deep investment in Saudi Arabia. The company is launching multiple properties that are integral to the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which aims to transform the nation into a global tourism and economic powerhouse.

The upcoming openings include a resort on Shura Island as part of The Red Sea project, a unique wellness resort at AMAALA at Triple Bay, and a hotel in the historic city of Madinah. These developments are not just luxury outposts; they are part of one of the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism initiatives. The developer, Red Sea Global, is committed to achieving a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040, powering the destinations with 100% renewable energy, and operating with a zero-waste-to-landfill policy.

These projects involve vast environmental undertakings, including mangrove planting, coral restoration, and the creation of a Marine Life Institute to advance ocean science. By embedding itself within these mega-projects, Four Seasons is aligning with a new paradigm of sustainable luxury development, one that seeks to enhance the natural environment rather than simply protect it. This deep integration into Saudi Arabia’s future showcases a long-term strategic bet on the region's emergence as a premier luxury destination.

This far-reaching and capital-intensive strategy is made possible by the company's stable, private ownership structure. Majority shareholder Cascade Investment, L.L.C., alongside Kingdom Holding Company and Founder Isadore Sharp, provides the steady financial stewardship necessary for long-range planning. This backing allows the company to pursue innovation and intentional growth, free from the short-term pressures of public markets, ensuring its vision for the future of luxury is built to last.