“Wellness is an increasingly key driver of travel decisions, as more and more luxury travelers seek transformative experiences that refresh and inspire. The World of Wellness journey taps into that,” says Marc Speichert, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Four Seasons.
In an economic climate that has prompted many consumers to tighten their purse strings, Speichert is cautiously optimistic about future jet bookings.
“We’re mindful of the broader economic environment and the uncertainties it can bring, monitoring the potential impact on our business to ensure we adapt as needed,” he says. “At the same time, the luxury consumer is resilient, and we continue to see strong interest.”
What sets Four Seasons apart above the clouds? According to Speichert, it’s about consistently exceeding even the most exalted expectations.
“We are constantly evolving and innovating to meet guests’ wishes,” he says, “whether we’re introducing new itineraries that address growing travel trends, adapting destination experiences to offer guests exclusive moments on the ground, or finding unbelievable ‘surprises and delights’ to offer in the sky.”
On eight adventures per year that span 14 to 24 days, the jet’s high-touch team–which includes a dedicated guest experience manager and an onboard journey concierge–can make virtually anything happen, from an after-hours tour of Florence’s Uffizi Galleries to a Super Bowl viewing party in Bali at 4 a.m. local time. When a guest wanted to get a half-sleeve tribal tattoo on a quick visit to Easter Island, the team set it up with 24 hours’ notice. Another was thrilled to discover a bottle of his favorite rare whiskey in his room at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Thailand. The team also facilitated a guest’s purchase of nearly 4,500 pounds of rice to donate to a monastery in Bhutan, as well as a celebration-of-life remembrance ceremony in the Serengeti for another’s deceased loved one, led by Masai elders.
Such Herculean efforts and logistical wizardry don’t go unnoticed. The private-jet experience, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, boasts a repeat guest rate of 30%, with some clients having taken eight journeys so far. Many become friends and travel together on future jet journeys.
Beyond the full-time crew, Four Seasons craftspeople often make surprise appearances at 35,000 feet—like a mixologist from a stop along the way, or a performance from musically talented members of staff. The upcoming World of Wellness journey will feature onboard wellness experiences including massages and guided meditation sessions, as well as nutritionist-curated menus for guests who prefer lighter fare.
“We saw an opportunity to elevate the aviation experience by addressing one of its inherent challenges,” Speichert says. “Air travel can be taxing on the body—even in luxury—making in-flight wellness amenities that promote relaxation, hydration, and gentle movement essential to the future of truly restorative and mindful travel.”
Wellness takes priority on every Four Seasons jet trip: All itineraries fly west to minimize jet lag (westward travel aligns better with the body’s circadian rhythm), and there are no overnight flights, to ensure guests enjoy a dreamy night’s sleep in their Four Seasons beds. There’s also a physician on each journey.