International Yoga Day

On June 21st, yogis from around the world will come together to celebrate International Yoga Day. While yoga’s easy enough to practice on your own or at your local gym, we’ve been looking for some of the coolest places to find your inner Zen. Here are just a few spots that can’t be beat:

On a Rooftop in Barcelona

At the Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona, you can practice yoga on the roof with panoramic views of the city from the hotel’s prime location on Passeig de Gracia. From there, you’ll see Barcelona’s famous mountains and Gaudi’s modernistic Sagrada Familia, all while staying above the bustle of city life. The Majestic Hotel & Spa offers both group classes and private lessons that can be adapted for any level of experience.

Above the Jungle in Bali

At COMO Shambhala Estate, you can take complimentary classes or schedule private yoga lessons in a studio overlooking the Bali forests and mountains. There they practice Hatha Yoga, which combines asanas (postures), better breathing, and meditation. At COMO Shambhala Estate, a 23-acre property set on the River Ayung, yoga is just one part of the holistic wellness regime that begins the moment you set foot on the grounds.

On a Private Beach in Turks and Caicos

At COMO Parrot Cay, yoga classes are offered right on the beach. There’s nothing like the sound of the surf to soothe your senses and get you in a meditative state of mind, and the resort’s location on a private island is the ideal place to find inner peace. The only thing better than Yoga Day is five yoga days, COMO Parrot Cay offers five-day yoga retreats with top instructors like America’s Rodney Yee to allow you to fully dive into the experience.

In the Rainforest in Costa Rica

Nayara Springs has a pavilion set in the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, where you can relax and enjoy one of the many complimentary group yoga classes or a private yoga lesson with an experienced instructor. When you’re completely surrounded by the forest and fresh air, listening to the humming birds sing, and feeling the warm Costa Rican sun on your body, you’ll feel at peace with the world.


Foodie Getaways

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and while we all have food on the brain…

It’s not your average tasting menu; AMPR clients are stepping outside of the expected luxury culinary offerings to provide guests with experiential, and often hands-on, foodie vacations. Yes, you can go to a Michelin-starred restaurant most anywhere, but can you shop souks with the chef? What about a hotel with its own dairy farm? Ever hand-painted an éclair? And, what’s the best way to get kids to eat their veggies? Have them go farming with chef, of course. Keep reading for a selection of hands-on epicurean experiences, trends, “healthy” eating, and a few other noteworthy food happenings across the globe.

Bon Appetit!

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES

Tree-to-Table Chocolate

At UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa in Trancoso Brazil, cocoa trees grow in the hotel’s garden. The cocoa pods are harvested on property and the beans are left to dry and ferment in the sun. Guests are invited to take part in the rest of the process and make their own chocolate with UXUA chefs who also use the fruits of their labor to create UXUA’s desserts and ice creams.

Michelin Shopping List

Among the souks of Marrakech, Royal Mansour Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno frequents the Jamaa el Fna marketplace for ingredients such as lemon confit from the Bab Ftouh stand and olive oil sourced from the nearby Atlas Mountains. Chef Alléno welcomes guests on his shopping trips.

Eat (and Pick and Cook) Your Veggies!

Children at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo join the chef in the organic vegetable garden and fill a basket with veggies of their choice. After, the chef works with them to create a custom lunch creation.

Catch of the Day

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, offers guests the opportunity to meet, and fish with local fisherman in a simple row boat for local favorites such as: wahoo, dorado, and king fish.

Before It’s Gone, Tsukiji Fish Market Private Tour

The days of the Tsukiji Fish Market are numbered as Tokyo plans to close the institution to build roads in support of Olympics 2020. At Park Hyatt Tokyo, Chef Angerer brings guests on private market tours, enabling them to skip the hour-long wait and experience the tuna auction. Guests will meet with the hotel’s fish suppliers who offer fresh-from-the-sea sashimi tasting.

Périgords on the Burgundy Canals

Belmond Afloat in France luxury barges take guests through the truffle fields of Burgundy to spend the afternoon hunting Périgords, the aromatic jewels of France. Then, back to the ship to enjoy their well-earned spoils, made-to-order.

Learn to Shuck an Oyster

TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet serves ocean-to-table oysters – plucked from local Retsyo Oyster Farm. Guests enjoy a Bay Cruise led by island legend Captain Rob to see the oyster bed, learn about how they’re harvested, and receive a tutorial about how to properly shuck an oyster.

TRENDS

Latest Fashion Trend: Éclairs

Specialty éclairs are popping up on the menu of luxury hotels from New York to Barcelona.

Park Hyatt hotels serve the confection with interesting flavor pairings worldwide, such as Pistachio and Cointreau in Paris. In New York, Pastry Chef Scott Cioe hand-paints his signature raspberry rose éclair and teaches éclair-making classes at the hotel.

Majestic Hotel & Spa launched a new menu of éclairs for their Majestic Fashion Tea, inspired by the creations of Salvatore Ferragamo, Bulgari, Jimmy Choo, Rosa Clara, and more. The Perugia is Vanilla & Tonka Bean Mousse described to be as delicate as Brunello Cucinelli cashmere.

“HEALTHY” EATING

Gluten-Free Wine Pairings

B Cellars Vineyards & Winery in Napa Valley recently launched a wellness tasting experience. A three-mile hike through the vines is followed by a healthy “B-Bite” food and wine pairing comprising gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan selections prepared in B Cellars open kitchen (an element not found in other wineries in Napa Valley).

Food is Science at COMO

COMO Shambhala Cuisine from COMO Hotels and Resorts was created to boost concentration, balance blood-sugar levels, and encourage overall mental and physical wellbeing. Food is described on the menu as “enzyme-rich” and is primarily raw and vegan. Dishes (such as: zucchini carpaccio; flax and walnut flat bread with cashew nut “hummus,” avocado, and tomato salad; and pineapple sundaes made with cashew nut milk and young coconut sorbet) are available at 12 COMO properties worldwide – including the new room service menu at the recently renovated Metropolitan by COMO, London.

NOTEWORTHY

Buy the Farm

To guarantee the freshest and highest quality dairy products for guests, Nayara Springs created its own local dairy farm where all of the milk and cheese is sourced for the hotel’s restaurants.

Stay at Chris Blackwell’s Farm


Chris Blackwell, the man who discovered U2 and Bob Marley, recently opened Pantrepant, his farmstead in west Jamaica to guests of Island Outpost resort group. Visitors can stay in the two-bedroom guest cottage and have full access to the grounds – enjoying farm fresh dishes using just-picked callaloo and mangos, milking cows at the dairy, and plucking eggs from chickens.

CIA-Only in Napa Valley

The fifth annual Flavor! Napa Valley wine and food festival will be held March 16-20, 2016. Participating chefs are all graduates of the historic Culinary Institute (CIA) of America. Area vintners will host wine-paired dinners at their wineries and top winemakers will lead wine tastings at the CIA California campus.

New Celebrity Chef Restaurant in Bermuda

Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson recently opened his latest culinary endeavor, Marcus’ at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club Hotel in Bermuda.

We hope these brief bites were enough to whet your palate!

AMPR TOP FIVE: spa treatments

Brazil: UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

Travel by horseback to Taipe Beach where the stress-relieving, mineral-rich clay deposits will leave skin softer and fresher.

 

St. Lucia: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Take advantage of Saint Lucia’s most unexpected spa: its volcanoes. Natural sulfur mud and the Piton’s black water springs restore skin.

 

France: Guinot Institut Paris

Ionize, oxygen charge, and lift your skin with a Hydradermie treatment. Tailored products mean firmer and more radiant skin.

 

Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives

The Rejuvenation Path at the COMO Shambhala Retreat on Cocoa Island is a day-long series of treatments designed to relax and refresh the body. After a morning of energizing Hatha yoga, relax with a soothing bath and massage, replenish with COMO’s Shambhala’s specially designed healthful cuisine, and release any final strands of tension with a deep tissue massage.

 

Visit Napa Valley

Find your relaxation 40 feet underground in Spa Terra’s wine cellar hideaway. The “Have a Grape Day” treatment uses grape seed extracts in every step – the scrub, massage, and facial – even ending with a glass of bubbly.

 

guinot launches hydradermie double ionization

Guinot is unveiling its newest treatment: Hydradermie Double Ionization.  They have revamped their signature Hydradermie treatment (the facial known for its powerful results to deep cleanse, hydrate, and address specific concerns) and increased its effectiveness by enabling the active ingredients to penetrate the skin quicker and deeper.

How does it work?

The roller ionizes gels on the flat surfaces of the face, while the rounded tips ionize gels specifically on the chin, eyes, mouth, and laugh lines.  Skin becomes more radiant from the absorption of the products and the delicate galvanic currents massaging the face.

Where is it available?

The new Hydradermie Double Ionization will be available starting June 2014 at spas around the country, including the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at the new Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach.

How is it different?

The improved and longer lasting results include softer skin and a brighter complexion and the new electrode has shortened the treatment time from 75 to 60 minutes. The hand help electrode used in the original Hydradermie treatment is no longer needed and instead, new electrode rollers with positive and negative charge are used to induce penetration of ions at the same time. 

Who is it for?

The machine can be adjusted to meet the needs of all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, mature, and sensitive skin.

 

Revealed: The Results of the 2013 Mr and Mrs Smith Awards

COMO Shambhala Estate, Winner of Best Spa Hotel

In its inaugural year, the Mr and Mrs Smith awards showcased the best boutique hotels across the globe in 12 categories.

Members voted for favorite hotels; the top three were chosen by a panel of judges composed of Mr and Mrs Smith editors and experts.

Congratulations to all the winners in the 2013 Mr and Mrs Smith awards including:

Mr and Mrs Smith Judges’ Choice:

Best Spa Hotel: COMO Shambhala Estate

Best Newcomer: Fogo Island Inn

Best Dressed Hotel: Runner up, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

Mr and Mrs Smith Readers’ Choice:

Sexiest Bedroom

  • #6 Cocoa Island by COMO
  • #7 Chewton Glen

Hottest Hotel Bar

  • #6 Park Hyatt Tokyo

Best Hotel Restaurant

  • #4 Metropolitan Bangkok

Best Spa Hotel

  • #7 GoldenEye
  • #10 Parrot Cay by COMO

The Greatest Outdoors

  • #2 Cliveden House

Above & Beyond

  • #1 Chewton Glen

Best Smith Hotel:

  • #4 Chewton Glen
  • #10 UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

 

For a full list of results, please click here: http://smithhotelawards.com/2013/.

New Beach Houses open at Parrot Cay by COMO

Three new two-bedroom Beach Houses have recently opened at Parrot Cay by COMO in The Turks and Caicos Islands. They are the latest addition to the award-winning private island resort, and have been designed by Cheong Yew Kuan, the Bali-based architect who also created Donna Karan’s house on the island.

Nestled among sand dunes with uninterrupted ocean views, each detached Beach House has a large outdoor deck, private pool and direct access to the powder-white beach. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood each property with natural light, allowing gentle sea breezes to flow through the open-plan living spaces.

Relaxed Hamptons-style interiors in sun-bleached neutral shades include spacious living and dining areas with fully-equipped kitchens, two bedrooms, each featuring kingsize four-poster beds and large ensuite bathrooms with private outdoor showers set within their own gardens. The houses, which are well suited to friends or family travelling together, are furnished throughout with COMO’s signature contemporary style and antique pieces from Indonesia. Each Beach House also comes with the exclusive services of a COMO butler.

The houses are situated just a short walk from the infinity pool, which forms the heart of the main Parrot Cay resort, and a five-minute buggy ride from the award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat on the other side of the island. Here, a full and varied wellness programme includes yoga, Pilates and Asian-based treatments such as shiatsu and Ayurveda, along with signature COMO Shambhala massage therapies.  Experienced, intuitive therapists respond to each guest individually and recommendations are made on a consultative rather than prescriptive basis.

The new two-bedroom Beach Houses are available to rent on a per night basis starting at US$3,300. For more information please visit www.comohotels.com/parrotcay.

About Parrot Cay by COMO

Parrot Cay by COMO in The Turks and Caicos Islands is the northern Caribbean’s pre-eminent private island. It combines nature—1000 unspoilt acres, a mile-long powdered beach—with relaxed luxury and the multi-award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat, which offers a range of holistic, Asian-inspired therapies, from reflexology to Ayurveda, as well as yoga and Pilates with world-class tuition.  Yoga weeks are held throughout the year; daily complimentary yoga classes are also popular, and take place in a dedicated pavilion overlooking the island’s wetlands. There is a substantial, fully equipped gym as well as tennis courts for the actively inclined. Accommodation, comprising whitewash interiors with chic teak finishing, includes beachside houses and villas. Plunge and infinity pools are attached to the bigger beachside houses, with one main pool for all resort guests. The island also features very large private residences available for purchase and rental to deliver even greater privacy away from the main resort. The island’s two restaurants serve gastronomic and easy dining as well as healthy COMO Shambhala Cuisine, with watersports, diving and island adventures completing the Parrot Cay experience for families, honeymooners and couples seeking impeccable service at one of the world’s leading beach resorts. Maximum security and privacy makes for a hassle-free and relaxing holiday.

About the COMO Group and COMO Hotels and Resorts

COMO Hotels and Resorts creates personalised luxury travel experiences in its Urban Hotels, Island Resorts, Adventure Retreats and Wellness Resorts – highlighting wellness, cuisine, adventure and culture, service and design – while always trying to uphold a strong, sustainable approach towards the people and places where we operate.

Founded by Christina Ong, COMO Hotels and Resorts develops and manages handpicked, individually curated properties: The Halkin by COMO in London, two Metropolitan by COMO hotels in London and Bangkok, Parrot Cay by COMO in the Turks and Caicos, Cocoa Island by COMO in the Maldives, and three Uma by COMO experience resorts in Bali and Bhutan. Point Yamu by COMO is a new property in Phuket, Thailand, opening 2013. The company also manages COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali in partnership with its sister brand in wellness, COMO Shambhala, which promotes health, relaxation and learning through its products, services, cuisine, treatments and spa facilities within each COMO property.

food markets: where the locals shop

We’ve found that hanging with locals is the best way to experience a new destination authentically – and where better to do that than at a local market? USA Today lists the greatest food markets around the world and many happen to be in some of our favorite cities (including NYC – check out the Union Square Greenmarket right near our office!). Whether they’re called markets, bazaars or souks, you’ll find tasty treats in any of these sweet spots, so be sure to stop by and grab a quick snack while sightseeing.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech Souk

Navigating through the maze of souks might be a little overwhelming at first, but we guarantee you will be delighted by fresh spices, oils, and olives. Complete your stay at the Royal Mansour Marrakech, where many of these ingredients can be found in the cuisine in the hotel’s three restaurants, overseen by thrice Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe Farmers Market

After a relaxing stay at the cozy Inn on the Alameda, start your day with a trip into town for some shopping and people watching at the Santa Fe Farmers Market, which hosts 150 vendors in a LEED-certified building in the Santa Fe Railyard. Retreat back to the rustic Inn for a little R&R before exploring more of the oldest capital city in the nation.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Wochenmarkt

Guests staying at the elegant Palace Luzerne can enjoy both the beautiful Alpine scenery and the proximity to the heart of town – and don’t forget one of Switzerland’s best food markets! Stroll along the Reuss River while shopping for nuts, fruits, and mushrooms, or pick up one of the Wochenmarkt’s own cookbooks. This market also makes for a great day trip from Geneva (just 3 hours away) and at La Réserve Geneva, guests can take the new Tesla Roadsters out for a spin on their way to the market.

London, England

Borough Market

Made famous by scenes in blockbuster films, like Bridget Jones’s Diary and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the centuries-old Borough Market invites locals and tourists alike to pop in and perhaps duck out of the rain. Fresh fruits and homemade breads in the summer and warm drinks and decadent desserts in the winter – there’s always a good time to visit this market. It is just a quick Tube ride from the Metropolitan London, where guests can take advantage of the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa, or The Halkin, one of the first design-led boutique hotels in the world.

 

europe this summer? mais oui!

With the spring weather upon us, we have our hearts set on Europe. Whether you’re traveling to London for the Olympic Games or hoping to stay as far away as possible, we have a suggestion for every traveler’s delight.

For the Olympics:

The Halkin

London, UK

The Halkin is a hidden gem in Belgravia. Clean lines and impeccable service define the London favorite, along with its award winning nahm restaurant serving up authentic Thai fare. Guests can even order this haute Thai cuisine for room service!

What’s New: Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, The Halkin has certainly made its mark on the London hotel scene. To celebrate, The Halkin has partnered with William Curley, renowned patissier and chocolatier, to fashion a Couture Chocolate Afternoon Tea. This is a Champagne tea service inspired by the chocolatier’s new book, Couture Chocolate, and will include a selection of chocolate patisserie, homemade scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of freshly made sandwiches.

Rates: Rates start at £260 ($422) per night.

 

Metropolitan London

London, UK

This well known London hotel is famous for its Met Bar that first opened in 1997 and set the trend for the ultimate great night out in the heart of London! Now the Met Bar has re-opened its doors with a whole NEW look featuring an expanded and innovative cocktail menu and classic seasonal British cuisine. For the first time, the Met Bar ended its “Members-Only” policy, making it accessible to all from early in the day to late at night.
What’s New: The new COMO Shambhala Urban Escape offers key Asian-inspired therapies as well as a resident acupuncturist. Among the treatments on offer are the Dr. Perricone facials (the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape is the only spa in the U.K. to work with this popular U.S. product line) and COMO Shambhala PURIFY facials, suitable for men and women.

Rates: Rates start at £229 ($372) per night.

 

For the Culture:

Belmond Afloat in France

France

Discover the French countryside from a new perspective with Afloat in France, a small fleet of luxury barges ideal for a group of family or friends on vacation. Fashion an itinerary that matches the interests of the crowd (think golf, cycling, or antiques), and relax in Belmond style over fine French dining and wine while meandering through the ever-changing scenery.

What’s New: Explore the finest vineyards from the Rhône Valley to Gevrey-Chambertin on the new seven-day “Wine Discovery Tour” aboard the Napoleón, which features instructive tastings, wine-centric French dinners, and guided walks through some of the region’s most famous vineyards. To ring in the new tour, each “Wine Discovery Tour” attendee is rewarded with a free one-night stay at a luxury five-star hotel in Paris.

Rates: Rates start at €4,450 ($5,825) per person, based on double occupancy of a cabin.

 

Le Pavillon des Lettres

Paris, France

The charming Pavillon des Lettres, an impossibly chic retreat for art and literature lovers, is the perfect alternative to Paris’ traditional hotels. Combining art, literature, and fine design, each of the hotel’s 26 rooms is devoted to a letter of the alphabet and a corresponding international writer (think B for Baudelaire or H for Hugo).

What’s new: Crazy Horse Cabaret, the avant-garde icon of provocative Parisian nightlife, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2012 with Le Pavillon des Lettres. Together they are offering a package that includes amour-inducing accommodations and VIP tickets to the show.

Rates: Rates start at €265 ($351) per night.

 

Crystal Cruises Royal Explorer Sailing

Stockholm to London

From the old-world charm of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan to Helsinki’s cutting-edge Ice Bar, revel in the rich cultural life and fascinating museums of these Baltic capitals. From August 14 – 25, spend 11 days exploring these spectacular lands with Crystal Symphony, with calls in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Berlin/Warnemünde, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

What’s New: Fresh from a $15 million drydock, Crystal Symphony will be showing off her newly redesigned public spaces. Guest chefs Orjan Johannessen and Odd Ivar Sovod will also be joining the cruise, along with wine expert Eugenio Jardim and mixologist Simon Ford to celebrate the Crystal Wine & Food Festival.

Rates: Check here for current pricing and special offers

 

For the Cuisine:

Park Hyatt Milan

Milan, Italy

Cozily situated in the heart of Milan next to the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this hotel is a natural favorite for visiting celebrities, design mavens, and vacation travelers alike.

What’s New: After a recent collaboration with the famous English fashion designer, Paul Smith, Park Hyatt Milan now serves their culinary creations upon beautiful, hand-painted dishes designed specifically for the hotel by Smith.

Rates:  Rates start at €540 ($715) per night.

 

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Paris, France

Recently accepted into the prestigious Palace Hotels Group, the five-star Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme offers a sensual, understated elegance that extends throughout the hotel – from the lavish rooms and suites to the captivating social areas and exquisite spa.

What’s New: Refreshed and ready for spring, guests can enjoy lunch or dinner on the terrace in an intimate and confidential ambience in the most glamorous neighborhood in the city. Make sure to try the chef’s newest creation, the Non-coupable, a guilt-free dessert that features fresh market strawberries, a base of low-fat cheesecake and cream, finished with a tangy spark of crystallized thyme and lemon.

Rates: Rates start at €1180 ($1550) per night.

 

For the Scenery:

La Réserve Ramatuelle

St. Tropez, France

Located just outside St. Tropez, this stunning property, with 360° views of the Mediterranean Sea, is an intimate, elegant getaway that is ideal for discerning travelers.

What’s new: La Réserve Ramatuelle just added four new health and wellness programs that combine medical assessments, personal training sessions, physical activities, and personalized diets for a total care approach.

Rates: Rates start at €650 ($861) per night.

 

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Interlaken, Switzerland

Located in the picturesque mountain setting of the Bernese Oberland, this five-star hotel and spa, known as one of the most beautiful hotels in Switzerland, is in the ultimate location for a summer vacation. Whether visiting for a wellness weekend or a family holiday, the unique grand hotel atmosphere is sure to provide memories that last a lifetime.

What’s New: Offering everything from snacks to cakes to tasty drinks, the hotel has recently renovated its outdoor dining area, the Victoria-Jungfrau terrace, adding a new lighting system designed to create the perfect atmosphere for dinners under the starry, summer night sky. With the addition of 110 seats, the terrace can now accommodate up to 150 guests.

Rates: Rates start at 443.10 CHF ($488.16) per night.

happy nyepi from bali!

For the Balinese, March 23, 2012 marks the beginning of the New Year with the celebration of Nyepi, one of the most sacred holidays on the calendar. Nyepi is a day of silence, prohibitions, meditation, and prayer, and it is believed that one’s control of earthly senses will increase the quality of life for the year to come. The whole island of Bali falls quiet; nobody leaves their houses, lighting is kept low and everything closes (even the airport)! Experience this auspicious occasion at COMO Shambhala Estate or Anantara Seminyak Bali, where indulgence continues as usual, accompanied by some special Nyepi surprises.

On the eve of Nyepi, every village partakes in some sort of ceremonial procession. At COMO Shambhala Estate, spend New Year’s Eve, or ‘Ogoh Ogoh Night’, with a traditional Noise Parade, where participants will carry the Estate Ogoh Ogoh, a traditional Balinese effigy, through the grounds. Using Balinese cymbals and other instruments, the noise of the procession is meant to awaken and ward off evil spirits.

Before the entertainment begins at Anantara Seminyak, guests can help purify the hotel by playing tek-tekan with the Anantara team. Then, enjoy the traditional Ogoh Ogoh and Joged processions throughout the resort. The evening concludes with a traditional Balinese Beach BBQ featuring famous Balinese dishes, such as Chicken Betutu and Lawar. The resort is also offering a special package to celebrate the New Year. With rates starting at just $330, guests can receive two nights’ accommodations in a suite, daily breakfast for two at Wild Orchid restaurant, and a choice of one three-course lunch at Wild Orchid or one 90-minute massage for two at Anantara spa, per couple per stay.

The Day of Silence begins at sunrise on March 23rd and continues until sunrise the following morning. Whether one chooses to ‘do as the Balinese do’ or not, both resorts’ on-site restaurants, spas, and other services will remain open. Guests who do not partake in the traditional rituals are asked to stay on resort grounds so as not to disrupt the unique celebration of the Balinese people.

ten ways to avoid mainstream merriment

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 Belmond 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.

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