Extraordinary Experiences & Giveaway from Four Seasons

Novelist, Rodman Philbrick, wrote, “The only real treasure is in your head. Memories are better than diamonds and nobody can steal them from you.” As someone who has accumulated an abundance of material possessions, it’s taken decades to figure out that I just don’t need that much in order to be happy. Of course, old habits die hard. I still yearn for beautiful baubles, but at the end of the day, I appreciate experiences over something that can be worn around my neck.

Without question, memories of family, friends, and travel are my greatest treasures. I’m not the only one of this opinion, which makes gift giving to people like me perplexing. So, what do you get for the person who doesn’t really want or need a thing? How about an extraordinary experience, one that begs to be relished and recounted for years?

The fact that I regularly have extraordinary experiences is not lost on me. In reality, I’m often left shaking my head in amazement. Some of my most memorable experiences have been orchestrated by Four Seasons. The brand certainly has a knack for creating unforgettable memories for its guests, which makes the Four Seasons Gift Card perfect for even the most difficult person on your shopping list. Through their gift cards and Extraordinary Experiences, Four Seasons has made it easier to give the fortunate people on your list the gift of their dreams.

Foodies will no doubt love following three-star Michelin chef, Chan Yan Tak, on a culinary exploration of Hong Kong. What about stepping into the Las Vegas kitchen of James Beard Award-winning chef, Charlie Palmer, and dining on a customized five-course meal? Viva Las Vegas, indeed! Adventure awaits in Nevis where diving for spiny lobster with the chef is just the start of a remarkable evening. Give them the spotlight, along with a gourmet meal and private performance, on the stage of the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest or the Estates Theatre in Prague. In Florence, Michelin-starred chef Vito Mollica creates a four-course meal served overlooking the Arno River on a private terrace on the Ponte Vecchio.

As a Texan, I can absolutely appreciate a great pair of custom-made boots, and they don’t get much better than Lucchese. In Austin, give the gift of a one-of-a-kind pair of boots designed in conjunction with the famed boot brand. In Buenos Aires, perfumer Julian Bedel, co-founder of the perfumery Fueguia 1833, helps guests create their own signature scent. I’ve visited his beautiful boutique and covet this experience.

Adventure junkies will jump at the chance to drive a flame-red Ferrari from Milan through the Italian countryside. A weekend during the Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race features entrance to the opening-night party at the Paddock Club for the Grand Prix and a helicopter flight to Malaysia to drive a Formula One car. In the Maldives at Kuda Huraa, a seaplane surfing safari is the ultimate experience for the Kelley Slater in your life.

From private stargazing at London’s Canary Wharf to cruising through Langkawi’s mangroves to sitting mid-court in Houston with NBA legend, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, the Four Seasons has created a bounty of bespoke experiences that will create lasting memories for the people on your gift list. Of course, not every experience needs to be over-the-top extravagant. A much-needed massage, round of golf, or bottle of wine can be memorable as well. And with the Four Seasons Gift Card, you’ll determine the denomination and they pick the gift, taking the stress out of holiday gift giving.

The adage goes that it’s better to give than receive. Thanks to Four Seasons, I’m giving you the chance to receive your own Exceptional Experience. Four Seasons is providing me with a $250 gift card that will go to one lucky winner. To enter, all you have to do is tell me in the comments below how you would use the Four Seasons Gift Card. Check out these Exceptional Experiences for inspiration. And for an additional entry, spread the word by tweeting about the give away.

Best of luck and happy holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner of the $250 gift card will be randomly selected and contacted via email. Upon receipt of address, the gift card will be mailed to the winner. The giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada and ends on December 31, 2014.

This giveaway is provided by Four Seasons, but all opinions are mine. In addition, all photos are property of Four Seasons.