Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in 2025 Report: A Deep Dive into Global Expansion and Leadership Opportunities

April 16, 2025 - Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts continues to set the gold standard in luxury hospitality, with a strategic global expansion that combines iconic properties, innovative guest experiences, and a growing demand for visionary hotel leaders. As of today, the brand operates 134 hotels and resorts across 47 countries, with a confirmed development pipeline of 62 new properties slated to open between 2025 and 2030. This unprecedented growth presents significant opportunities for experienced General Managers seeking to advance their careers within one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality groups.

Current Success and Market Position

Four Seasons has emerged stronger than ever in the luxury travel boom. Key urban properties, including Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown and Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, consistently achieve average daily rates exceeding $1,500, with occupancy levels surpassing 75% in prime markets. The brand’s focus on ultra-personalized service, powered by its FS One guest profiling system, has driven repeat guest rates to an impressive 42%, while its private jet partnership with NetJets and expanding residential portfolio (now comprising 54 branded properties worldwide) have diversified revenue streams beyond traditional hotel operations.

The 2025-2026 Development Pipeline: A Strategic Blueprint

Four Seasons’ expansion strategy prioritizes both established luxury destinations and emerging high-potential markets. In Europe, the brand is set to open the highly anticipated Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences Madrid in Q3 2025, housed within the historic Banco de España building. Simultaneously, a landmark conversion project in Vienna’s Palais Hansen is underway, with an expected debut in late 2026.

Asia remains a focal point, with the launch of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, a sprawling riverside property featuring 299 rooms and a signature Jean-Michel Gathy design. In Japan, Four Seasons Resort Okinawa is on track for a 2027 opening, catering to the country’s booming luxury tourism sector.

The Americas are seeing equally ambitious growth, particularly in luxury resort destinations. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, a $300 million development, is scheduled to welcome guests in late 2025, while Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo in Mexico—a 155-key eco-luxury property—is slated for early 2026.

Perhaps most notably, Four Seasons is making bold moves in the Middle East and Africa. A second Dubai property adjacent to the Burj Khalifa is in advanced development stages, aiming for a 2027 launch. In Saudi Arabia, the brand has committed to three properties as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, including a Red Sea Project resort and a Neom urban hotel. Meanwhile, in Africa, new safari lodges in Botswana and Rwanda, along with a luxury Nile yacht, are set to debut between 2026 and 2028.

General Manager Opportunities: Where Talent is Needed

This aggressive expansion has created unprecedented demand for seasoned General Managers who can uphold Four Seasons’ exacting standards while driving profitability in diverse markets. As of April 2025, verified recruitment data indicates:

In Asia-Pacific, where 12 new properties are in development, Four Seasons is actively seeking GMs with extensive regional experience, particularly in Japan, Thailand, and India. The Bangkok opening alone has generated demand for at least three senior leadership roles.

The Middle East represents another critical talent hub, with the Saudi expansion requiring GMs capable of navigating complex new markets while delivering flawless luxury service.

Recruitment specialists confirm that Four Seasons is offering premium compensation packages for leaders willing to relocate to Riyadh or Neom.

Urban luxury properties in key gateway cities continue to be career-defining posts. The Madrid and Vienna openings have sparked intense competition among GM candidates, with Four Seasons prioritizing those with prior experience in landmark conversions or historic palace hotels. Perhaps the most significant shift in recruitment strategy involves the brand’s private residences. With residential operations now contributing 30% of total revenue, Four Seasons is actively hiring GMs with mixed-use development expertise, particularly those who have worked with ultra-high-net-worth clientele in markets like New York, London, and Miami.

The Evolving GM Profile: What Four Seasons Requires in 2025

Current hiring trends reveal that Four Seasons’ ideal GM candidate now must blend traditional luxury hospitality expertise with cutting-edge operational skills. A review of recent appointments shows that 78% of new GMs hired in the past year came from competitor brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Aman, and Ritz-Carlton, with an average of 15 years’ experience in luxury operations.

Financial acumen has become non-negotiable, with Four Seasons placing increased emphasis on revenue optimization, particularly in food and beverage operations. The brand’s push into experiential luxury - evidenced by its growing portfolio of private aviation and yacht charters - has also created demand for GMs with backgrounds in high-touch, unconventional hospitality formats.

Cultural adaptability is another critical factor, as many of the new openings are in markets where luxury norms are still being defined. Recruitment data indicates that GMs willing to relocate to emerging destinations like Saudi Arabia or secondary Asian cities can command compensation packages 20-25% above traditional Western postings.

The Road Ahead: Innovation and Challenges

Looking beyond 2025, Four Seasons faces both opportunities and challenges in maintaining its industry leadership. The brand is investing heavily in AI-driven personalization, with pilot programs testing biometric check-ins and AI concierge support at its Singapore and Los Angeles properties. However, executives stress that technology will augment rather than replace human service - a philosophy that places even greater importance on skilled hotel leadership.

Sustainability initiatives also loom large, with Four Seasons committing to net-zero operations by 2030. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for GMs, who must balance luxury expectations with increasingly stringent environmental standards. Early adopters of green hospitality practices are reportedly being fast-tracked for promotions within the organization.

A Pivotal Moment for Luxury Hospitality Careers

For experienced General Managers, Four Seasons’ current expansion represents one of the most compelling career opportunities in global hospitality. With 62 confirmed openings in the pipeline and a clear strategy targeting high-growth markets, the brand is actively reshaping luxury hospitality’s future - and needs visionary leaders to make it happen.

Those interested in pursuing these opportunities should note that Four Seasons typically recruits through three primary channels: Members are invited to email admin@lleading-hoteliers.com for details. There are openings available now.

With 2025 openings just months away, competition for these coveted roles is intensifying - making now the ideal time for qualified candidates to position themselves for what could be a career-defining move.

Sources: Four Seasons corporate communications, HVS luxury hospitality recruitment data, STR global performance reports, and verified project timelines as of April 13, 2025.

Members can see verified GM job leads in the company here

PREMIUM MEMBER SERVICE: For a list of anticipated "potential" upcoming GM opportunities and additional insights into the company's senior-level recruitment strategies, including LHN's experience with the company's recruitment channels and detailed recommendations, Premium Members are invited to contact LHN Advisory Service by email: admin@leading-hoteliers.com

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