Toronto, Canada (Nov. 9, 2011) – Four Seasons shines the spotlight on the company’s international collection of award-winning spas this fall by providing unprecedented access to global and regional experts through exclusive offers and robust social media experiences, including the first-ever global Four Seasons Spa Week and a partnership with American Express. Four Seasons also announces details of the spas at six properties slated to open within a year.

As part of the exciting spa focus, Four Seasons provides access to its global network of spa professionals through an expert panel whose members have been anointed the “Curators of Calm.” The Curators of Calm will share their unique insights on latest industry developments, spa trends and more on Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare. Beginning immediately, guests who check into Four Seasons spas on Foursquare will receive spa tips from those properties and the Curators of Calm.

In addition, Four Seasons will host Four Seasons Spa Week (#FSspa) on Twitter and in spas around the world, Nov. 14 – 18, 2011. A series of Twitter chats led by the Curators of Calm will be hosted throughout the course of the week and will centre around industry trends in categories such as aging gracefully and the growing male spa segment.

“We are thrilled to share the passion and expertise from our spa experts from around the world with spa enthusiasts in new and engaging ways this fall,” sa ys Christopher Norton, chair of the Four Seasons global spa task force and regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris . “Evolution is essential in spas, and our extensive specialised network provides a truly global perspective on the latest trends and innovations that shape the industry.”

As one of the largest operators of luxury spas in the world for more than 25 years, Four Seasons has continually created treatments and environments that are ahead of the curve. Spas at Four Seasons are beautifully and comfortably designed with an authenticity of style that inspires guests and reflects the local flavour of each destination.  Indigenous ingredients and locally inspired treatments are offered alongside international and domestic brands and a broad variety of traditional, classic and new spa treatments. For example, many Four Seasons spas are emphasising organic local products, recycling, ozone or negative ions. By the end of 2011, all Four Seasons spas across the globe will offer an organic or chemical free option.

#FSspa Week on Twitter

#FSspa Week offers unique opportunities for people around the world to digitally interact with Four Seasons Curators of Calm through daily Twitter chats featuring hosts and the Curators of Calm from select international properties. The #FSspa chat schedule and topics are as follows:

• November 14 – 10:00 am EST – Aging Gracefully -- Europe/ Middle East hosted
• November 15 – 3:00 pm EST – Just for Men -- The Americas hosted
• November 16 – 10:00 pm EST – Art of Massage -- Asia Pacific hosted
• November 17 – 5:00 pm EST – Need for Speed -- United States hosted
• November 18 – 1:00 pm EST – Beyond Transformation -- United States hosted 

American Express “Spa Escape” Promotion

Four Seasons has partnered with American Express to offer guests the sheer bliss of “me time,” enhanced with extra “free time” when paying for a spa experience with an American Express card at participating hotels or resorts.  For example, from now until to March 15, 2012, guests can receive 30 extra minutes of service when booking a 60 minute massage with an American Express card. For more information and a list of participating properties, visit fourseasons.com/spaescape .  

New Properties and Award-Winning Spas

Spas are a top priority for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, with five new property and spa locations opening in the coming year in Toronto, Guangzhou, Shanghai Pudong, St. Petersburg and Baku, Azerbaijan, and Baltimore opening on Nov. 14, 2011. More than 60 new properties, each with luxury spas, are slated to open in the decade to come.

In addition to the new spas on the horizon, Four Seasons Spas around the globe are consistently recognised with prestigious industry awards, including multiple wins in 2011 by Travel + Leisure magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, SpaFinder and Spa magazine.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. With 85 properties in 35 countries, and more than 50 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on Four Seasons, visit http://press.fourseasons.com.