December 10th, 2009
Relive the glory of a 1950s and 1960s American road trip with the latest exhibition “Icons of the Highway” from the National Trust. Starting January 9, 2010, the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire (also the location for the filming of Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, and The Other Boleyn Girl) will display images by Dorset-based photographers Tony and Eva Worobiec depicting an era of leisure time in post-war middle class America.
Members of the Royal Photographic Society and lovers of all things contemporary-artsy, the couple has bound these snapshots and others in the book, Icons of the Highway; A Celebration of Small-Town America.
Plan a trip across the pond for a window into classic Americana: motels touting electric neon signs for weary travelers, flamboyant over-sized automobiles, aluminum Air-Stream caravans, colorful burger shacks, bustling 24-hour diners, and rich red brocaded cinemas of old Hollywood glamour.
Members of the National Trust’s U.S. affiliate – The Royal Oak Foundation – enjoy free admission to the exhibit and the rest of the museum. Visitors can also branch out to explore the surrounding Lacock Abbey and village – or overnight in the newly-opened holiday cottage at the heart of the sleepy town.
Make sure to dig into your slice of American nostalgia before the exhibit ends on June 27, 2010.
December 9th, 2009
Want to know what and where is hot in Istanbul? Brad Johnson of Modern Luxury checks in with the concierge at Park Hyatt Istanbul–Maçka Palas to find out…
Helene Dubreucq is a concierge at Park Hyatt Istanbul–Maçka Palas, and she is quite possibly the best in the city. She speaks six languages with ease and has the inside track on what’s hip and what’s just posing as such. On a recent visit to the hotel, she saved the day and got us to the airport in world-record time when our original private driver turned out to be a snake oil salesman. The Park Hyatt’s new steakhouse, The Prime, serves the city’s best steak and pours superb, locally sourced wines (who knew?). But when we weren’t eating in the hotel or lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand, Helene totally hooked us up with killer reservations, nightlife suggestions and shopping advice.
So, we’ve come back to Helene to find out what’s on her radar at the moment:
Q: What’s the hottest restaurant in Istanbul right now?
A: Lipsi. It opens only in wintertime, and it’s just a short walk from the hotel. You can enjoy special cocktails made of ”raki” (an anise-flavored local aperitif) in the lounge (red wallpaper, dimly lit, lots of candles). My favorite cocktail is the Rakito. Lipsi has the best mezze in town. The atmosphere is great. Hot, really. (It’s from the same team that owns Topaz, an amazing dinner spot overlooking the Bosporus). The staff makes you feel like you’re at home. The place is designed in a cozy tavern style, and they play live modern Greek and Turkish music on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Traditional Turkish music on Mondays. On the weekends, you’ll hear the city’s top DJs.
Q: Istanbul is renowned for its leather goods. What’s your favorite shop?
A: We are located in the best neighborhood for shopping. I recommend two leather specialists: Koc, for classical cuts, and Punto, for up-to-date fashion. They are both walking distance to the hotel and offer leather and fur. I like that Punto offers the possibility to create a bespoke handbag to your own specifications.
Q: I’m looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path nightlife experience. Where would you send me?
A: You should go to the Asmalimescit district, near the Tünel (subway station), at the very end of 2 km long pedestrian-only Istiklal Avenue, about 15 minutes from the hotel by taxi. This neighborhood is full of life. In the daytime, you love it for its shops and designer galleries. But at night, it comes alive with its countless restaurants and bars, and this is where you can listen to great live music.
Q: I’m a hopeless romantic. Where would you send me for the perfect date night in Istanbul?
A: For the perfect date, I would advise Mikla Restaurant, which offers amazing modern Turkish cuisine. It’s perched on the top of the Marmara Pera hotel, and the view of the Golden Horn overlooking the Marmara Sea is breathtaking.
Q: I want to experience Istanbul’s art scene and see the work of emerging artists. What gallery or museum should be tops on my list?
A: The Istanbul Modern is located next to the water-pipe cafes on the docks, and it’s a must visit. They currently have a very important exhibition of emerging artists. And you can have a great lunch at the museum, with a great view of the Bosporus. Also, Proje 4L/Elgiz is a private collection museum that’s worth a look. For galleries, you should consider X-ist, 44A and Mac Gallery. All promote the brightest new talent, and all are within walking distance from the hotel.
December 8th, 2009
“Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, Thy leaves are so unchanging.” Not true at Park Hyatt Zurich this season when the hotel lobby’s decorative evergreen becomes a “Wish Tree” in support of the local Children’s Spitex Canton Zurich foundation (Kispex) – an organization that helps sick children access outpatient care so that they might live in the comfort of their homes.
In addition to the typical trimmings of ornamental balls and garlands, a variety of colorful handmade red stars are sparkling on the tree’s boughs. Kids of Park Hyatt Zurich employees have tapped into their artistic energy and decked out one side of these stars with festive coloring. The other side has a brief description of Kispex.
From now until Christmas, guests of the hotel may select a star from the tree and choose to make a monetary donation to Kispex at the front desk. And in the true spirit of the season, Park Hyatt will collect all of the donations, double them, and give the total amount to the organization.
Pick up a star and make a holiday wish come true during your next visit to Switzerland!
December 4th, 2009
It’s harder and harder to get quality time with the girls these days, and sometimes an ‘I miss you’ text is just not enough. So pick a date when your conflicting schedules align and take advantage of these relaxing and rejuvenating packages made just for you and your BFFs.
Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe
Best Friends Get the Best Deals
Santa Fe is great for off-the-cuff shopping, nature walks in and around the city, the majority of attractions are within a leisurely walk of the Inn, and the city itself is known for great and unique shopping.
Our Best Friends Package encourages friends to meet up in the City Different for an affordable vacation. Create lasting memories and start a tradition, all while sharing one of the best Santa Fe hotel deals! We make it easy for you with some extra amenities to help ensure an unforgettable experience. This friendly offer includes:
- Two (2) nights’ accommodations, in cozy accommodations, based on double occupancy
- The Inn’s lavish “Breakfast of Enchantment” each morning
- A complimentary wine-and-cheese reception each afternoon
- A pair of hand-crafted sweets from Todos Santos, creator of unique Santa Fe chocolates
- Two (2) 50-minute massages in the Inn’s massage room
- One (1) disposable camera to capture all the special moments you’ve shared together
Two-night package rates, based on double occupancy, range from $322 to $660, plus tax, depending on room-type and dates selected. The two-night charge for each additional person after two (2) in a room, is $100, with a maximum of four (4) people per room. This BFF package is not applicable for holidays or special events.
http://www.innonthealameda.com/
The White Elephant Hotel, Nantucket
Girlfriend’s Offer
Included in the Girlfriend’s Offer is:
- Accommodations in a luxurious 3-bedroom cottage for six of your special friends
- Full breakfast each morning
- Spa cocktail reception with express chair massage for all (now including foot bath, new for 2010!) – and weather-permitting, spa treatments will take place on the lawn of the White Elephant overlooking the harbor.
- A selection of romantic comedy videos
- Popcorn and other movie treats
- Hosted port, sherry, and cheese service in the afternoon
- Special spa welcome gift (a spa product made for the White Elephant Spa called Pineapple Body Crush – we have samples of this on hand if you’d like to test it out!)
Offer starts at $2400 for 3 nights; more info online at http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com/reservations/specials.php.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
Spa Indulgence Four-Night Package for Two
In ancient Mayan culture, one went into a sweat lodge, called Temazcal, to purify the body after battle. At the Sense spa at Rosewood Mayakobá (which is located on its own island in the middle of a tranquil lagoon), best friends can solidify their friendship with this age-old tradition!
The package includes: Daily buffet breakfast for two and the Ancient Mayakoba Journey: two Mayakoba Complete Body Therapies, two Mayakoba Ancient Massages, two Traditional Temazqual Journies, two Mayakoba Body Glow treatments and two spa gifts.
Offered through Apr. 30, 2010. Rates in U.S. Dollars start at $830 per night inclusive of tax and service; minimum 4-night stay.
http://www.rosewoodmayakoba.com/en/specialoffers.cfm
ESPA at Acqualina, Miami
Spa Party
The ESPA spa at Acqualina has a spa party room that girls can rent to host private spa get-togethers complete with mini treatments of choice and spa catering. The spa offers four different packages that range from two to four hours, and include up to four mini treatments of choice per guest. The space accommodates up to 25 friends, although parties of up to 35 will have use of the ESPA’s Ladies Relaxation Lounge as well. The price per person is reduced depending on the size of the party.
For a more one-on-one get-together for best friends, the resort offers a Girlfriend’s Getaway Spa Package for Two.
Includes:
- Two 50-minute ESPA Treatments
- Complimentary valet parking
- Spa lunch for two
- Minimum night stay requirement: 2 nights
Rates start at $675 from December 24, 2009 – April 4, 2010.
http://www.acqualinaresort.com/rooms-suites/special-packages/
Metropolitan, London
Tote-to-Toe Shopping
Call your best friend and go visit Union Jack. The “Tote-to-Toe” package includes overnight accommodation for two, £50 ($80!) worth of Selfridge’s vouchers, a bottle of champagne, and a priority reservation at the uber-trendy Japanese restaurant NOBU. The great shopping districts of Mayfair, Bond Street and Knightsbridge are within walking distance and as a guest of the hotel, you’ll have access to the chic members-only Met Bar. The package also includes:
- COMO Shambhala Aromatherapy Gift Set
- Access to London’s best connected Concierge
- Metropolitan London tote bag
- Healthy breakfast for two
- Late check-out until 4pm
- ‘Independent London’ by Moritz Steiger & Effie Fotaki, ‘VERYstyleguide for London’ and ‘VERYstylemap for London’
Costs from £309 per room per night in a Metropolitan Room . Offer subject to availability.
Visit http://www.metropolitan.london.como.bz/offers/tote-to-toe-shopping for more details.
December 2nd, 2009
Looking for ideas to beat the winter blues? How about sipping Mekhong mai thais while jiving to ambient house music, with a backdrop of a brilliant sunset over the Andaman Sea? To celebrate the upcoming high season, Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa along Mai Khao beach is hosting a series of nightly parties held around its fiber optic infinity pool. Appropriately dubbed Infinity Sunsets, the parties feature José Padilla of Ibiza’s Café Del Mar fame on the decks, international mixologists serving up sultry concoctions, and beachwear fashion shows provided by Jim Thompson silks. Debuting December 3, Infinity Sunsets run nightly through April 2010. For rates and resort information, check out http://phuket.anantara.com/.