Four Seasons hotels and resorts offer unique ways to experience the world's cultural and environmental treasures.

Dubai - July 25, 2011 - The Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan has just been named to UNESCO's World Heritage List. The 74,000 hectare (268 square mile) area is a popular destination for guests of Four Seasons Hotel Amman, who are enchanted by its desert landscape, narrow gorges, natural arches, towering cliffs and hidden caverns that reveal petroglyphs, thousands of inscriptions and archaeological remains of cultures going back 12,000 years.

The Baa Atoll, home to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, has just been named a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It's the first site in the Maldives, joining more than 560 other reserves around the world, each dedicated to promoting sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.

"Our team of biologists and staff have been working closely with the Maldivian government to preserve the delicate environment of the Baa Atoll through programs such as coral propagation, the Manta Ray Project, sea turtle protection and our Marine Discovery Centre," says Regional Vice President and General Manager Armando Kraenzlin of the Resort. "Now the world will know what our guests already appreciate - that this area is environmentally unique and fascinating."

Also new to the World Heritage List is the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, home to the new Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. The area, which includes the lake's surrounding hills, has inspired poets, scholars, artists and even Marco Polo since the 9th century with its beautiful landscape, historic temples and pagodas, extensive gardens and its centuries-old man-made causeways and islands.

"From the first glimpse of West Lake, it's clear that this is a very special place. Our Hotel is tucked away in one of the West Lake's prettiest lagoons, set among acres of landscaped gardens inspired by the local aesthetic," says General Manager Rudolf van Dijk of the hotel. "The opportunity to help people from across China and around the world discover this astounding area is a matter of pride and joy for our staff."

For inspiring itineraries, concierge recommendations and destination news, visit Four Seasons magazine online.

-Ends-

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 by Isadore Sharp, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently 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 please contact:
Farah Ibrahim
TRACCS
Tel: +9714 3672530
TRACCS 24/7 Media Hotline: +97150 9448389
Email: farah.ibrahim@traccs.net

Sorya Gaulin
Director, Corporate Public Relations
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Toronto
Tel: +1.416.441.4767
Email: sorya.gaulin@fourseasons.com

© Press Release 2011