October 31st, 2011
Do you have a passion for travel? Are you just as interested in the finer things in life as you are in the cool and the quirky? Are you a creative thinker with a genuine and positive attitude, and a can-do spirit? Are you dependable and organized?
Here at Alice Marshall Public Relations we are looking for an account executive to join our New York-based team. If you answered “Yes!” to all of the above, and have 2-4 years of public relations experience promoting luxury hotels, resorts, spas, and/or luxury goods, then we want to hear from you!
The candidate must be capable of handling multiple tasks/projects and have proven experience working with the media and generating coverage for clients. Our staff is organized so that everyone pitches in; the person we are looking for should be collaborative and capable of taking on responsibility for client projects and seeing them through to completion. Excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and the appreciation of a warm, team-oriented work atmosphere are necessary.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain regular direct contact with clients and journalists
- Actively contribute to the development of client PR plans and projects
- Demonstrate ability to effectively develop full range of written materials including press releases, pitches, client correspondence, and reports
- Social media management and maintenance for our clients
- Develop and maintain editorial/journalistic/media relationships
- Organize and host press trips
- Oversee monthly client reports
Qualifications:
- BA in Liberal Arts, English, journalism, or related subject
- 2-4 years of public relations experience in promoting luxury hotels and goods
- Strong media relations skills and contacts
- Strong and creative writing skills
- Able to juggle many projects at once and to prioritize
- Adept at social media; familiar with Cision
Other:
- Languages a plus, as are internships for hotels, spas, and beauty brands
- Strong interest in the world, travel, culture, etc.
- Passion for all types of news; ability to spot trends; curiosity a big plus
- MUST live in New York
Salary negotiable. 401K/403B program. Health coverage.
For immediate consideration, please email your resume and cover letter describing relevant experience and interests, along with writing samples (a pitch letter, blog post, and press release) to prresponse11@gmail.com
October 26th, 2011
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Devali, is a holiday observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Known as the “festival of lights,” Diwali is celebrated between mid-October and mid-November every year, as it is based on the luni-solar Hindu calendar. It is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji, but it is celebrated all over the world. While the story behind Diwali varies from region to region, as do the celebrations (which may include the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil, but can also involve fireworks, sharing sweets, and many other traditions and forms of worship) the fundamental meaning behind the holiday remains the same – to celebrate the victory of good over evil, to rejoice in the inner light (known as Atman), and to celebrate the reality in all things (Brahman).
For our friends who celebrate Diwali, we wish you a very happy holiday!
October 26th, 2011
Escape the humdrum of the holidays and leave behind the crowded stores, traffic, gift-wrapping, and tangled lights in exchange for a stress-free season at one of these 10 alternative spots. Whether it’s close by or halfway around the world, it’ll surely be unforgettable.
Enjoy the holidays stateside…
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Where: White Elephant and Jared Coffin House
What: A New England holiday
Why: Nantucket Island celebrates the season with Nantucket Noël, a month-long celebration that runs November 25–December 31. The highlight event is the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend, December 2–4. Stores, shops, and restaurants open their doors for shoppers (almost everything on the island is on sale!), carolers sing favorite holiday tunes, and Santa Claus arrives aboard a Coast Guard vessel. Steps from historic downtown, White Elephant is the perfect place to spend the weekend. For a longer stay, the Jared Coffin House is ideal. Open all season long and built in 1845, this historic hotel will have you feeling the spirit of the holidays.
When: White Elephant rates start at $195 per night from December 1–5. Jared Coffin House rates start at $155 per night during this special season.
Jump the pond…
Provence, France
Where: Hotel Crillon le Brave
What: A traditional French holiday experience
Why: Hidden in a tranquil town in France, Hotel Crillon le Brave is the perfect place to go for a peaceful escape. Festivities start on December 23 with a classical music concert in the local village church. On Christmas Eve, the hotel hosts an elaborate dinner that is sure to get guests into the Christmas spirit, who are also invited to celebrate the New Year with champagne in La Grange, the cozy bar, followed by a decadent dinner in the restaurant by a roaring log fire.
When: Holiday rates start at $329 dollars per night from December 23–January 2.
Salisbury and Canterbury, U.K.
Where: Onboard Orient-Express British Pullman
What: Festive seasonal journeys that rival the magical Polar Express (and you don’t have to go as far as the North Pole!)
Why: Hop on the British Pullman and enjoy the caroling in Canterbury or Salisbury’s world famous cathedrals. Following the concerts, guests are welcome to roam freely through the festive cities. With each excursion, they can look forward to a delectable brunch served with a Bellini on the outward journey and a four-course meal with wine and champagne on the way home. To make the trip even more unforgettable, upon return to London, guests visiting Salisbury may choose to stay overnight at The Goring, a luxurious hotel adjacent to Buckingham Palace, where Kate Middleton spent her last night as a commoner.
When: Rates begin at £350 ($550) per person and include brunch and a four-course dinner with champagne and wine. Dates for the Canterbury journey are December 6 and 13, 2011, and for the Salisbury journey, on December 15, 2011.
Paris, France
Where: Le Pavillon des Lettres
What: A cozy Parisian getaway
Why: The new Le Pavillon des Lettres is housed in a classic Haussman townhouse in the 8th arrondissement. The hotel features 26 rooms – each devoted to a letter of the alphabet and an international writer corresponding to that letter. Shakespeare, Baudelaire and Rousseau are among the authors whose quotes are elegantly scrawled on the walls en Français. Settle down in the hotel’s library, next to the fireplace, and spend the holidays relaxing and reading while sipping a sumptuous cocktail from the honesty bar.
When: Rates start at £250 ($345) per night.
Farther still…
Marrakech, Morocco
Where: Royal Mansour Marrakech
What: A Rockin’ Moroccan New Years
Why: Spend the advent of a new year in utmost relaxation unwinding in a private riad, a Moroccan style house decorated with luxurious hand-done tile work and mosaic-covered courtyard floors. Visit Royal Mansour’s own traditional-style hammam, while the children are entertained at the exciting Kids Club, before a luxurious meal with menus created by three Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, or escape into the city of Marrakech for a bite while soaking in the unique rhythms of the centuries-old city.
When: Holiday rates start at $2,228 for a one-bedroom riad from December 15 to January 7.
As far as you can get…
Paro Valley, Bhutan
Where: Uma Paro
What: Ten days of exploration in this culture-rich Himalayan Kingdom
Why: With sweeping mountain views, there is no shortage of adventure at Uma Paro. Bring the whole family during Uma Paro’s 10-day holiday program and attend lectures on Buddhism, go for hikes in the Himalayas, watch an archery contest, or participate in candlelit yoga sessions. There will also be a special mask performance, a Bhutanese film night, and an evening of traditional music and dance. Children 12 and under who are sharing a villa with their parents stay free.
When: rates start at $330 until December 31, 2011.
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Thailand
Where: Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa and Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa
What: Two island experiences for the price of one
Why: For anyone wanting to get away for a week of relaxation and exploration before the holiday season kicks into high gear, the “Two Island Experience” package from Anantara is a perfect fit. The six-night island hopping adventure begins with a three-night stay at Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa on beautiful Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, to be whisked away by speedboat to the more remote yet infamous island of the full moon parties, Koh Phangan, for an additional three-night stay at Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa.
When: rates start at $578 through December 20 and include accommodations, daily breakfast, speedboat transfer, and roundtrip airport transfers.
Bali, Indonesia
Where: Uma Ubud and COMO Shambhala Estate
What: A Balinese escape for the mind, body, and soul
Why: The holidays can be exhausting, so treat the family to a well deserved break at Uma Ubud. This exotic retreat overlooking a valley is the perfect place to unwind and explore with its lush forests, sweeping rice paddies, and COMO Shambhala Retreat spa. Nearby in the town of Ubud is COMO Shambhala Estate, a secluded, residential health retreat with a focus on wellness and relaxation. The Discover COMO Shambhala program allows guests to design their own wellness experiences at the retreat and is the perfect way to decompress during this stressful season.
When: Holiday season rates start at $290 per night from December 20–January 6 at Uma Ubud, and the Discover COMO Shambhala program at COMO Shambhala Estate starts at $1,400 for three nights.
Uttarakhand, India
Where: Shakti Kumaon Village Experience and Shakti 360° Leti
What: A unique getaway that’s far off the beaten path
Why: Experience the culture and beauty of India this fall with Shakti’s Kumaon village walking experience followed by a stay at 360° Leti, the boutique hotel set at 8,000 feet elevation.
When: Season is from October 1 until April 30, 2012.
A four-day, three-night Shakti Kumaon village experience is $1,307 per person, based on two or three adults, and includes accommodations, food and beverage, activities, English-speaking guide and porters, car at disposal, and roundtrip transfer between Kathgodam train station or Pantnagar airport and village houses, and taxes. Rates for a three-night, four-day package at 360˚ Leti start at $1,916 per adult, based on two traveling on a twin/double share basis. Rates include accommodation in a private cottage, all food and beverage, activities, English-speaking guide and porters, car at disposal, roundtrip transfer between Shakti Kumaon village experience and Shakti 360˚ Leti, and all taxes.
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Where: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa
What: An elephant adventure in Northern Thailand
Why: For anyone seeking an unforgettable holiday adventure with the whole family, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa’s Mahout Discovery package is just the ticket! Learn how to feed, bathe, and ride these gentle giants through the forest during a 3-day mahout training course. Perched on a lush hillside near the borders of Burma and Laos, the resort, so rich in culture, is a blissful escape for adults and children alike.
When: rates start at $342 per night based on double occupancy through December 31.
October 25th, 2011
Eggnog, pigs in a blanket, champagne, cookies… our indulgences during the holiday season. Dressed festively and attending holiday soirees, from Thanksgiving to New Years, we tend to stop paying attention to healthy eating (and living). Instead of simply resolving to treat the body with a little more TLC next year, be proactive. Here are some post-holiday retreats sure to jump start many a resolution.
Turks & Caicos
Where: Parrot Cay
What: An Ayurvedic escape for the mind, body, and spirit
Why: With its crystal clear ocean and mile-long stretch of white sand, this private island resort is the ideal place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and treat yourself to a customized, Ayurvedic Program. Pay a visit to Parrot Cay’s own Ayurvedic doctor who will recommend a special holistic treatment plan designed to rejuvenate the mind and body. Whether it is with yoga, a specialized diet, body treatments, detox, or meditation, guests are sure to leave the resort feeling rested and revitalized. The program includes all meals.
Rates for a three-night program start at $3,140 based on single occupancy and $5,009 based on double occupancy
Bali, Indonesia
Where: COMO Shambhala Estate
What: A stress-free vacation
Why: It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the pressures of work and home, especially during the holiday season. That’s why COMO Shambhala Estate, nestled in the heart of Bali, offers a Stress-Management Program specifically designed to relieve participants from the strains and anxieties of everyday life. The program focuses on the concepts and philosophies of Yoga, Chi Kung, and Tai Chi. Consultants craft a program incorporating meditation, outdoor pursuits, soothing therapies, and wellbeing lectures to ensure guests have the tools necessary to release built-up stress and to return home feeling revived and relaxed. The program includes all meals.
Rates for a three-night program start at $1,700 based on single occupancy and $2,600 based on double occupancy
Geneva, Switzerland
Where: La Réserve Genève
What: A four day anti-aging detox
Why: The holiday season, best known as the most wonderful time of the year, can also be one of the most stressful. Once the presents have been unwrapped, the giant family meals have been gobbled down, and the in-laws have finally left, treat yourself to a much needed post-holiday detox. La Réserve Genève’s Four-Day Better-Aging Detox Program includes a complete checkup and personalized action plan to restore the body’s balance and adopt a new, long-term, healthier lifestyle – just in time for the New Year! With full access to the spa facilities, inclusive healthful meals, daily sports activities, and a range of massages, wraps, and treatments, the stress from the holidays is sure melt away.
Si Kao, Thailand
Where: Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa
What: A restorative retreat in Thailand
Why: For guests looking for a guided and wide-ranging wellness retreat, the Body Detox Programme at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa is just the ticket. Included in this package are private consultations with Naturopathic and Ayurvedic doctors in keeping with the resort’s specialized approach to wellness. A variety of spa treatments accompany these consultations, including detox massages, herbal heat treatments, and an Indian head massage. Participants are provided with a personalized diet program to take home so the wellness experience can continue long after leaving the resort.
Rates for a three-night program start at $753 based on single occupancy and $1,245 based on double occupancy. This package is also available for 1 night, 5 nights, and 7 nights.
October 19th, 2011
EUROPE
La Réserve Paris
Paris, France
La Réserve Paris sits in the heart of the city at Place de Trocadéro, letting visitors live like a Parisian – and a chic one at that. The stylishly furnished apartments provide all guests the comforts of home, with a view only available in Paris – the Eiffel Tower cuts the sky and behind it is a backdrop of the green Champs de Mars, often speckled with picnickers.
RATES: start at 2,590 euros per night (about $3,564) for a minimum stay of 3 nights.
Le Pavillon des Lettres
Paris, France
The penthouse suites at the new Pavillon des Lettres are a dream for bibliophiles. Each of the hotel’s 26 rooms is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet and a corresponding author. The two penthouse suites, Yeats and Zola, have beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and Paris rooftops. Gaze out at the lights on the Eiffel Tower while reading Zola’s Nana from the room’s iPad – stocked with novels in several languages – or scan Yeats’ The Wind Among the Reeds that is printed on the wall.
RATES: start at 250 euros per night (about $347).
Victoria-Jungfrau Collection – Palace Luzern
Luzern, Switzerland
Founded in 1906, the Palace Luzern epitomizes the height of Belle Époque elegance. While embracing the style of a true palace hotel, numerous renovations have brought the hotel into the 21st century with a fresh, modern aesthetic. Overlooking Lake Lucerne, it offers a unique combination of Alpine scenery and proximity to the center of Lucerne, which is host to renowned music festivals, world-class museums, and many charming boutiques. Sailing, golf, and skiing are all available nearby.
RATES: start at $308 for a City View Double Room.
ASIA
Uma Paro
Paro, Bhutan
Uma Paro is in the extraordinary Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, sitting atop a tree-lined hill on 38 acres overlooking the town of Paro in the valley below. Situated on the country’s western border, the Paro Valley is one of the main cultural centers of Bhutan. Simply relax and gaze out at the unbelievable view, or join one of Uma Paro’s activities such as hiking or biking to the nearby monasteries or exploring the country through the lens of a camera.
RATES: start at $ 330 through December 31, 2011.
Park Hyatt Shanghai
Shanghai, China
Located in one of the world’s tallest buildings, a bathing experience at the Park Hyatt Shanghai is far from ordinary. Even with the heated floors in the bathroom, you’ll shiver at the thrill as you glance down at the breathtaking city from a window-side deep soaking tub. For the faint of heart, there is always the oversized monsoon rain shower, not a bad trade.
RATES: start at $391 for a Park King room.
Park Hyatt Beijing
Beijing, China
Park Hyatt Beijing illuminates the city skyline as a new landmark. Directly opposite the China World Trade Center and the striking new CCTV Tower, the hotel occupies the uppermost floors in the main tower of the Beijing Yintai Center — the tallest development on prestigious Chang’an Avenue in the heart of the capital’s Central Business District. The interiors of Park Hyatt Beijing have been inspired by classical Suzhou architecture and water gardens, and the hotel incorporates these Oriental aesthetics into a sleek, contemporary design.
RATES: start at $288 for a Park King Room.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, Australia
The iconic Park Hyatt Sydney will reopen in late 2011 after a seven month makeover and complete redesign. Located in the Rocks district of Sydney’s city center, the hotel has been reimagined by Melbourne-based design firm BARStudio. All rooms are being completely redesigned to enhance the guest experience and highlight the hotel’s harborfront location. Views of Sydney Harbor and the Opera House take on new meaning with a series of floor-to-ceiling windows throughout almost all areas of the property, including in The Dining Room, the hotel’s premier restaurant, completing the large-scale redesign.
RATES: opening rates starting at $871 for a City/Harbour King Room.
Shakti 360˚ Leti
Uttarakhand, India
U.S. Toll-free: 1 877 637 5665
At 8,000 feet in elevation surrounded by soaring peaks of the snowcapped Indian Himalayas, Shakti 360˚ Leti has some of the best views in India. Each of the four en-suite cabins and the central lodge of this high elevation hotel have floor to ceiling windows, which means the views of the peaks and, in spring, the rhododendrons in full bloom, never disappear. Described as “a contender for the world’s most remote luxury resort,” Shakti 360˚ Leti can be visited as an extension from the Shakti Kumaon Village Experience, or as its own destination. Accessible by car or charter flight from Delhi, the fun getting there really begins with the hour-long trek into the hills. But once you’re there, you won’t want to leave… Forget your Blackberry, power down your iPhone, disconnect, and just breathe in the fresh mountain air while listening to the silence that surrounds you.
Season: October 1 – May 1
RATES: 3-night, 4-day package starts at $1,916 per person, double occupancy. Rates include accommodations; all meals and beverages; activities; English speaking guide and porters; a car at your disposal, and all taxes and return transfers between Shakti Kumaon Village Experience and Shakti 360˚ Leti. Flights are not included. Minimum of a 3-night stay required.
MIDDLE EAST
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
In the heart of the Liwa Desert just ninety minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport is Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, the newly built 206-room resort surrounded entirely by legendary red sand dunes. The Liwa is part of the Rub’-al-Khali, or Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted desert. Built right into the sand, the resort is modeled after an ancient Emirati fort that rises out of the desert and evokes the rich culture of the Bedouins, the indigenous tribes people who roamed the desert for centuries. Get away not only from your everyday life, but this century altogether!
The rooms and suites spill off the main lodge like little villages, and all have stunning views of the ocher dunes of the Liwa. Hundreds of museum-caliber artifacts are on display throughout the hotel to provide more feasts for the eye, including the world’s largest collection of camel saddlebags used in desert crossings by the Bedouins throughout Arabia. Offering all the comforts of modern luxury in a superbly unique setting, Qasr Al Sarab is more than just a luxury hotel; it is a window into the history and culture of a nation.
RATES: start at 2,100 AED from October 1-November 30, 2011, and at 1,900 AED from December 1, 2011-January 31, 2012.
October 18th, 2011
In honor of World Tourism Day, the Wall Street Journal has recently named their Top 10 Tourist Destinations in India. Many of the top picks came as no surprise, like second-ranked Uttar Pradesh, home of the Taj Mahal. Tamil Nadu, which came in at number three, is home to the Meenakshi temple, a key tourist and pilgrimage destination. Meenakshi is an Avatar to the Hindu goddess Parvati, one of the few female deities to have her very own temple.
One of our personal favorites, Uttarakhand, took a well-deserved seventh place. Known by locals as “abode of the gods,” Uttarakhand is filled with holy Hindu cities and temples, many of which are considered the most spiritual places for pilgrimage and worship. Divided into two distinct regions, Garwhal and Kumaon, Uttarakhand’s Garwhal is the better known of the two, made famous for the many yoga retreats offered throughout the year that account for a large portion of tourism to the region. Garwhal is also especially famous for the pilgrimage city of Rishikesh, where several ancient temples line the sacred Ganges River that flows through the city.
The Kumaon region, Garwhal’s lesser-known neighbor, offers spectacular views of India’s natural landscape, like the twin peaks of Nanda Devi, India’s second tallest mountain. It is also the perfect place to spot some of the many rare animals that populate the area, such as the snow leopard. Off the tourist radar, Kumaon is the perfect destination for culture-rich Hindu experiences in the midst of some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world.
Shakti offers travelers a chance to view this spectacular destination and see the local villages, ancient temples, and breathtaking vistas in person on daily private, guided walks, suitable for all ages and fitness levels with its Kumaon village experience, in season October 1 until April 30, 2012.
October 18th, 2011
Dying to intermingle with top film makers, talented movie stars, and the glamorous set? Hit the red carpet of the 2011 Abu Dhabi Film Festival! Since its debut in 2007, the eleven-day event has showcased the Arab world’s distinctive film culture as well as many international films. Festival goers will enjoy everything from romantic comedies to darker documentaries exposing the real societal issues affecting the Arab world. As a supplement to the film screenings, the festival offers master classes and workshops with top industry professionals like Todd Solondz, May Odeh, and Abderrahmane Sissako.
(Photo courtesy of http://www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae/)
October 17th, 2011
Québec City was recently highlighted in The New York Times as an enchanting city well worth a weekend visit, and Crystal Cruises couldn’t agree more. Crystal Symphony is scheduled to visit Québec City 5 times during 2012’s New England/Canada season, including an overnight in the Francophone capital of the Canadian province of Québec.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Québec City’s old town is the only city in North America (outside of Mexico) that is still surrounded by its original city walls. Built by French and British armies, the old town city walls give way to an abundance of historical sightseeing, perfect for history buffs and those who simply appreciate the many delightful attractions that are seamlessly incorporated into the city’s century’s old charm
While Québec City boasts an incredibly rich history, the local innovation is similarly striking, and the city oozes a chic and modern scene that is reflected by the lively, friendly locals. With festivals galore, a burgeoning art scene, and a plethora of fashionable restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Québec City is contemporary energetic.
Take a look at 2012 Crystal Cruises all-inclusive voyages that stop in Québec City. Act fast and take advantage of these best available fares before they expire on October 31!
New World Discoveries, New York to Montréal on Crystal Symphony, September 19 – 30, 2012 (11 days)
Calls: New York City; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax; Québec City, and Montréal, Canada
Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $4,285 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $535.
Treasures of Canada, Round-trip Montréal on Crystal Symphony, September 30 – October 7, 2012 (7 days)
Calls: Montréal; Sept-Iles; Magdalen Islands, Canada; Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, France; Québec City
Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $3,055 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $340
New England Escape, Montréal to Boston on Crystal Symphony, October 7 – 14, 2012 (7 days)
Calls: Montréal, Québec City, Halifax, Canada; Bar Harbor, and Boston
Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $3,055 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $340
Crimson & Canada, Boston to Montréal on Crystal Symphony, October 14 – 21, 2012 (7 days)
Calls : Boston; Bar Harbor, Halifax, Québec City, and Montréal
Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $2,775 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $340
Autumnal Adventure, Montréal to New York on Crystal Symphony, October 21 – 31, 2012 (10 days)
Calls: Montréal, Québec City, Halifax, Canada; Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport, and New York City
Fares: 2-for-1 fares begin at $3,290 per person, inclusive of air. Fares do not include port, security and handling charges of $490.
October 14th, 2011
United Kingdom
Where: Orient-Express’s British Pullman
What: A murder mystery filled with tricks and treats at every turn!
Why: Halloween can be awfully spooky with ghosts out to play and witchcraft in the air. But when you add murder to the mix, all bets are off! Leave the trick-or-treaters at home for this thrilling and chilling journey aboard the Orient-Express’s day train, the British Pullman. Inspired by Agatha Christie’s famous novel Murder on the Orient Express, the Murder Mystery Lunch will keep you on the edge of your seat. Hop aboard and travel back to 1933 where love and intrigue set the mood. Piece together the clues during an exquisite five-course lunch, accompanied by a glass of champagne and a half-bottle of wine, as you watch the mystery unfold.
(This journey departs November 11, 2011, rates start at $460 per person)
Nantucket
Where: Jared Coffin House and the White Elephant
What: A supernatural encounter
Why: Nantucket is the perfect place to take the family for a Halloween escape! Every year kids can dress up and go trick-or-treating at the shops and stores lining Main Street. Stay at the White Elephant, a family-friendly hotel located just a few blocks from the action. For a super spooky stay on Nantucket, the Jared Coffin House, built in 1845, is said to be haunted by the ghost of the whaling captain after whom the house is named. The ghost of Jared Coffin is rumored to appear in room 223, and guests of room 609 have claimed to see an apparition of a little girl. Other ghosts are also believed to roam the halls and rooms of this historic property, including the ghost of an old man who sometimes sits near fireplaces when a fire is roaring. Come see for yourself if the stories are true!
Paris
Where: La Reserve, Le Pavillon des Lettres, Pavillon de la Reine and Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme
What: A haunting visit to the Catacombs of Paris
Why: For a chilling and historical Halloween experience, work up your courage and climb down into the Catacombs of Paris, where the bones of millions of people rest. Transferred from Parisian cemeteries in the late 18th century, the remains line the walls of the underground labyrinth. Wander through at your own pace for an eerie peek into the past. After your tour, unwind at La Réserve, located in the ultra-chic 16th arrondissment. If you love literature, stay at Le Pavillon des Lettres, the Didier Benderli-designed hotel located just steps from the Champs-Élysées. Its sister hotel, Pavillon de la Reine, is located on the beautiful Places des Vosges in the Marais, Paris’s Jewish quarter. Head over to the quintessential Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and sip mulled wine at Le Bar. No matter which hotel you choose, this is sure to be a Halloween you’ll never forget!
Guinot and ESPA
Where: at home!
What: A special Halloween face mask
Why: Even if you’re not planning on dressing up for Halloween and knocking on neighbors’ doors, you can still wear a mask! Try Guinot’s NEW Hydra Sensitive Face Mask to soothe and strengthen the skin after a week of munching on candy at every meal! Or, try ESPA’s NEW Skin Radiance Mask, made with pumpkin to enliven dull and tired skin. So, carve a pumpkin to make a spooky jack-o’-lantern for your front door and continue the pumpkin party with this radiant mask!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Where: Inn on the Alameda
What: Diá de los Muertos and a few ghost sightings
Why: There’s nothing like a dark autumn night, a huge harvest moon, and a few ghouls to get your heart pounding. In Santa Fe, All Hallow’s Eve coincides with a Mexican celebration, Diá de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, when souls return to Earth and are greeted with feasts, music, and dancing. The spirits here are in full gear when Halloween comes around. Take advantage of the Inn on the Alameda’s 26th Birthday rate that begins on October 30 and be on watch for La Llorona, the weeping woman who appears mysteriously, crying for her lost children, according to an old New Mexico legend. Perhaps you’ll bump into Julie Shuster Staab, the former lady of the manor who haunts La Posada, or Geronimo Lopez, who’s still hanging around his 18th century home.
October 14th, 2011
An autumn chill is in the air, and it’s time to break out our fall plaids! Orient-Express has dressed up this cool-weather classic for guests aboard Orient-Express’s The Royal Scotsman. Guests can sport their very own kilts handmade by no less than the Queen of England’s own kiltmaker. The train introduced a NEW authentic custom-made tailoring service using the train’s very own tartan – perfect for those wishing to take a bit of Scotland back home with them.
The Highland Dress tailoring service is offered in partnership with Kinloch Anderson, a family company renowned for its superb service and superior quality since 1868. Kinloch Anderson is also celebrated for its Royal Warrant of Appointments as Tailors and Kiltmakers to Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. These bespoke garments will be made out of The Royal Scotsman’s own pure wool tartan, an elegant blend of navy, plum, and mulberry hues. Guests with a family tartan may opt to use it instead.
Before boarding the train, guests who’ve chosen this service will be invited to Kinloch Anderson’s showroom for a personalized fitting for their special outfit – including kilts, argyle cut jackets, and tartan trousers or waistcoats for men and “Highland Fling” long skirts or a-line “Tea” skirts for women.
Those who use the service need not worry about searching for a formal evening outfit on the train as they will be able to borrow a set of Highland Dress from Kinloch Anderson, and their made-to-measure garments will be sent to their home addresses within 8-10 weeks. Prices start from £190.00 ($310); an appointment can be made upon booking.
To do so, contact Orient-Express Centre, The Americas, Trains & Cruises at 800-524-2420 or email greatjourneys@oeh.com.