Blog Archive: July 2009

The story of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a tale of remarkable expansion, continual innovation, and a single-minded dedication to the highest of standards. WATG has had the pleasure of designing a dozen built Four Seasons properties around the world, including the recently-opened Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

Despite their stellar reputation, Four Seasons has not been immune to the troubles that luxury hoteliers are experiencing in these economically turbulent times. As everyone struggles to emerge from this downturn, we can learn something from Four Seasons in terms of their uncompromising commitment to maintaining the service, quality and culture that distinguish their brand.

Isadore (Issy) Sharp, founder, chairman and chief executive officer, wrote a book this year entitled "Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy." MSNBC.com's Christopher Elliott interviews the respected hotelier about how luxury fits in the global recession. The interview - and the book - are worth a read. There are lessons in it for all of us.