Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin to Unveil a Complete Renovation for 2024 Season

Special Opening Offer up to $585 Per Night in Savings


Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin will unveil a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation on April 11, 2024. Drawing on the island’s rich seafaring past and Quaker influence, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk will infuse new life into the 29 Cottages, which occupy an enviable harborside perch along the slips of the award-winning Nantucket Boat Basin. To celebrate the rebirth of an icon, the property is offering an opening promotion: two-bedroom cottages for the price of a one-bedroom cottage. Two-bedroom cottage rates start at $310 per night. (A savings up to $585 per night.) Valid for stays between April 11th and June 11th and based on availability.

Located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island of Nantucket continues to retain the historic charm lingering from its days as the world’s whaling capital in the 19th century. The Boat Basin’s storied history spans over 300 years beginning in the late-1720s when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world and its wharves were flourishing with boat-building ships, sail lofts and candle factories. During that time, 15-20 whale ships would be anchored in the harbor and stacks of oil casks lined each wharf. In 1830, the California Gold Rush played a role in the whaling industry’s collapse on the East Coast, but by 1920, Nantucket entered a new era of tourism with travelers arriving by steamboat from posts across the Northeast. By the mid 1960s, the waterfront, which became known as the Nantucket Boat Basin, developed into a fisherman’s community and artist enclave with more than a dozen galleries lining the wharves. The Cottages, as we know it today, officially arrived on the scene in 2002 when the accommodations became part of White Elephant Resorts.

Checking into The Cottages is the closest thing to staying on the water, without being on a boat, nautical soundtrack included. The setting is reminiscent of a seaside village. The individually styled accommodations with names like Sea Syren, Essex and Orion, are inspired by the names of the great whaling ships of the 1700s. A collection of 12 accommodations, dubbed ‘Woof Cottages’ will continue to be available for those traveling with pets. Ranging from studio cottages to split-level three-bedroom lofts, every inch of the historic accommodations, particularly the bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms, will be revamped without altering their original architecture. Original details including vaulted ceiling beams and individual floor plans will remain. All cottages offer full kitchens and most feature private outdoor decks.  The accommodations will feature a color palette of inviting tones of deep ocean blue, misty gray and stark white.  Caged lighting, nautical charts of Nantucket, brass barometer instruments, rope and jute detailing in the furnishings and carpet, and woven fixtures will inject a dose of contemporary maritime charm while the humble, functional materials hark back to the island’s whaling roots.

An extensive collection of artwork, including 3-D pieces of framed mariners knots, along with other works hand-selected by the hotel’s owners will also be displayed throughout the accommodations. A focal point of the cottages will be a mural that’s hand painted by Sterk and digitally modified to fit in each space. The floor-to-ceiling seascape—which took nearly eight months to create—will stretch across an entire wall and depict a “First Nantucket Settlers” scene, with large-masted sailboats, lighthouses, a distant hamlet, and coastal vegetation brimming with native plants and animals. The mural tradition is deeply woven into the fabric of the island: in the 1800s, owners of whaling ships commissioned murals for their homes.

Amenities will include complimentary access to Priority Bicycles and kids’ fishing rods, reels and nets. Guests are also steps from town and can take advantage of complimentary shuttles to the beach. Pets receive the VIP treatment with beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and personalized pet tags. For recommendations on the island’s most pet-friendly activities—including the best places to run free and play fetch, guests can email local insider Bailey, a black lab/Brittany Spaniel mix at petconcierge@thecottagesnantucket.com

For more information, visit: https://www.thecottagesnantucket.com/

About White Elephant Resorts

White Elephant Resorts is a collection of premier hotels and resorts on Nantucket, MA and in Palm Beach, FL that specialize in bringing their award-winning combination of service, design, and amenities to today’s discerning traveler. Properties include The Wauwinet, with access to both bay and ocean beaches and home to award-winning TOPPER’S restaurant; White Elephant, the iconic hotel located right on Nantucket Harbor with the Brant Point Grill; Jared Coffin House, a historic hotel in Nantucket Town and its restaurant, Tap Room; The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, private waterfront cottages; and Nantucket Boat Basin, a 240-slip full-service award-winning marina. White Elephant Palm Beach debuted in November 2020 in Palm Beach, FL with Nantucket-favorite LoLa 41 restaurant.  In 2023, The Wauwinet, White Elephant Nantucket, and White Elephant Palm Beach were ranked in Travel + Leisure’s T+L 500 awards, and both White Elephant Nantucket and The Wauwinet were recipients of Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. TOPPER’s is AAA’s only “Five Diamond” restaurant on Nantucket and has been a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for 27 consecutive years.

Gone are the days when family travel was synonymous with piling into the back of an RV for a cross-country adventure. Now, families have their pick of creative vacations that are guaranteed to get everyone engaged, inspired, and (most importantly) off their phones. Tap into the year’s biggest travel trends, like set-jetting, “coolcations” and home-swapping, with these 11 family-vacation ideas designed to get you dreaming — and planning.

Almanac | Aqua Expeditions | andBeyond | Beaumont | Belmond | Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel | Doyle Collection | Dromoland Castle Hotel | Euphoria Retreat | Fife Arms | Gili Lankanfushi Maldives | Hotel Hana | Hôtel La Ponche | Island Outpost | Kalesma Mykonos | Michel Reybier Hospitality | Monsieur George Hôtel & Spa| Nayara Resorts | New Hotel Athens | Nous Santorini | Park Hyatt Japan | The Parker Palm Springs | Ponant | Potlatch | The Roundtree | Royal Mansour Collection | Shou Sugi Ban House | Tenuta di Murlo | UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa | Virtuoso | Visit Napa Valley | White Elephant Resorts

Trend: Coolcation
As travelers look to escape scorching summer heat in search of cooler temperatures, Scotland will only grow in appeal, particularly among comfort-minded families and multi-generational travelers. This year, follow the lead of one of Europe’s most famous families—the British Royal Family—and plan a holiday to the Scottish Highlands, where the Fife Arms serves as the ultimate base for family adventures like foraging, stargazing, creative writing classes, golf tournaments, and more.

Trend: Farm-to-Table Cooking Classes
At the Royal Mansour Marrakech’s just-launched cooking school, guests cook shoulder-to-shoulder with Michelin-star chefs during two-hour classes dedicated to three culinary themes—Moroccan, Italian and pastry—each concluding with an alfresco feast of the final creations. It’s the perfect way to get the whole family involved — and, who knows, it might inspire the kids to play sous-chef back at home.

Trend: Giving Back
Travel really is the best education. At The Roundtree in Amagansett—which was founded by activist lawyer turned hotelier Sylvia Wong—kids learn about the importance of giving back by manning the on-property lemonade stand, on Main Street, where proceeds go toward charitable organizations.

Trend: Wild Feasting
We see your humble family picnic and raise you an outdoor feast surrounded by the rolling hills of Umbria. At Tenuta di Murlo, a family-owned medieval estate, multi-generational groups can enjoy alfresco meals amid 18,000 acres of Umbrian countryside (for scale, Manhattan is around 14,000). The property’s olive groves, grape vines, and biodynamic vegetable gardens will supply the ingredients; all you have to do is bring the whole gang—and your appetite.

Trend: Home Swapping
Guests of Kalesma Mykonos can try out the home-swapping trend without a key exchange necessary by opting for a new summer travel experience that involves visiting a local family homestead and learning about traditional island life. You’ll learn how to knead and bake bread in a stone oven, then enjoy the fruits of your labor with a traditional Mykonian feast.

Trend: Specialty Concierges
Forget setting up dinner reservations. The concierges of the future will provide specialty assistance in ways you didn’t know you needed, making your family getaway smoother and more fun. At the family-friendly Nayara Gardens in Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, a sloth concierge is on hand to teach kids all about the lives of slow-moving mammals—what they eat, how they sleep for 15-20 hours a day, and most importantly, how to spot one of these fuzzy creatures in the wild—and the resort’s conservation efforts at the on-site sloth sanctuary.

Trend: Set-Jetting
The ultimate screen-inspired getaway? A cinematic escape to the birthplace of James Bond, obviously! At Jamaica’s GoldenEye, families can stay in the actual two-bedroom villa where Ian Fleming penned the best-selling spy series and where his writing desk still stands. When you’re not diving into the world of 007, families can go SUP boarding in the property’s protected lagoon or kick back with Jamaican Jerk BBQ at the Bamboo Bar on Button Beach.

Trend: Sports Tourism

Travel centered on sports events and culture is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism. We can’t think of a cooler place to dip your toes into the trend than Gili Lankanfushi, a private island eco-sanctuary in the North Malé atoll, right around where modern surfing in the Maldives was born. The resort has teamed up with renowned surfing company Tropicsurf to offer weekly private and group instruction for all ages and levels. Tropical water temperatures, consistent swells, and light crowds only add to the appeal.

Trend: Skip-Gen
Sorry, mom and dad, but one of 2024’s hottest family travel trends involves leaving the parents at home. The perfect destination for skip-gen getaway? Dublin’s Westbury Hotel, which will delight more mature travelers with its residential-inspired design, museum-quality artwork, and the city’s best afternoon tea (with a dedicated tea sommelier!). There’s plenty on offer for younger travelers too, with a stuffed teddy bear welcome gift, child-sized robes and children’s toiletries, special turndown service with milk and cookies, and “teepee tents” for children under 12.

Trend: Off-Season Deals

During peak season, 90,000 visitors descend on Nantucket, crowding its cobblestone streets and family-owned restaurants. The traffic alone is reason to consider an off-season escape to the idyllic island, where there are hotel rates as low as $145 per night at the historic mansion turned boutique hotel Jared Coffin House as part of White Elephant’s “Hottest Dates, Coolest Rates” package.

Trend: Urban Gardens

Biophilic design is taking over entire cities. In Athens, families can learn about the city’s innovative climate solutions, like the transformation of a football stadium into a vast urban park, before carrying on to Santorini for a stay at NOUS, the island’s largest resort, which has been designed to resemble a whitewashed ancient Greek village. Rooms are clustered in distinct “neighborhoods,” and most of the accommodations have their own private pools and large private gardens planted with indigenous grass and shrubs — giving families plenty of room to spread out and reap the benefits of being in nature. Even the spa is ready for little guests with creative treatments for kids.

Where to Go: May 2024

From strolling the gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show to playing the Kilted Open golf tournament in Scotland to relaxing on the coast of Sardinia at Belmond’s newest opening, our top destinations for May are below!

London, UK

There’s no better time to stroll through London’s streets than in May when the temperatures begin to rise and the flowers begin to bloom. Everyone says that April showers bring May flowers – London is certainly no exception. The city’s annual Chelsea Flower Show is a world-renowned event for garden enthusiasts, showcasing breathtaking floral displays and innovative garden designs. Visitors can also learn from expert horticulturalists and explore the latest gardening trends. Stay in the heart of Chelsea at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London. During the show, stunning floral displays will frame the property’s front door and guests are invited to experience various flower-themed offerings including botanical cocktails and a floral-inspired afternoon tea by star pâtissier Benoit Blin. The property also offers early access to London’s oldest botanical garden and private tennis courts in Cadogan Place Gardens year-round.

Costa Smeralda, Italy

Italy topped Virtuoso’s top Honeymoon, Family and Global Destinations lists for 2024 and there’s no better place to experience Italy in May than Costa Smeralda. Located on the island of Sardinia, the coastal area boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes and pristine white sand beaches that have been enjoyed by celebrities such as the Clooneys, the Obamas and Elton John. Luxury hotel brand Belmond is joining the fun with the opening of Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda at the end of the month. The property overlooks Costa Smeralda’s most picturesque coastline and is located on the alluring white beach of Spiaggia Del Romazzino. Conceived by Aga Khan in the 1960s and designed by famed architect Michele Busiri Vici, the hotel cultivated a reputation as Sardinia’s original beach hotel. Upon its reopening as a Belmond hotel, Romazzino will offer enchanting guest rooms including suites and villas, wellness facilities, artisanal experiences and two shimmering blue pools along a stretch of private beach to complete the villeggiatura experience.

Barcelona, Spain

Experience un día perfecto in Barcelona during the month of May with less tourists, milder temperatures and longer days. Stroll comfortably through the captivating Gothic Quarter, take stunning pictures of Sagrada Familia or enjoy line-free tapas at the city’s top foodie spots. Music lovers can get tickets for Primavera Sound, the city’s largest music festival starting on May 30th with Lana Del Rey, SZA, and Charli XCX on this year’s lineup. Between food, location and experiences, there’s no better place to experience the Catalonian capital than Almanac Barcelona. The property is located just off the Passeig de Gràcia and boasts a rooftop bar with a plunge pool and 360º views of the city, a plant-forward restaurant with a focus on fermented foods and probiotic drink pairings and a solo traveler package for any single travelers.  To keep up with traveler demand this summer, United is launching its new daily flight route from San Francisco in May, marking the airline’s first time connecting the two cities. American Airlines will also join the fun with a new nonstop service from Dallas-Fort Worth to debut in June.

Napa Valley, CA

When travelers think of Napa Valley, they think of wine, but the region also offers a growing vibrant music scene. Come May, this stretch of Northern California will welcome the 11th annual BottleRock, one the country’s top music festivals with artists, including Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks, The Offspring, Nora Jones and Spanish rock veterans Mana. The three-day event, May 24-26, will have over 75 acts with stars from across half a century of music. In addition to performances, visitors can expect culinary experiences by Michelin-starred restaurants (La Toque and Press to name a few) and vino tastings by Schramsberg Vineyards, Napa Valley’s sparkling powerhouse. (This is wine country after all.)

Scottish Highlands, Scotland

The best way to enjoy Scotland in the summer is wearing a kilt while golfing, obviously. While the first recorded golf game was established in Scotland in the 15th century, golf enthusiasts can still book a spot at the Kilted Open (May 17-19), an annual tournament celebrating held in partnership with The Fife Arms hotel. Players are encouraged to wear kilts and come with an impressive team name; the best name wins a prize! The first half of the weekend is held at the historic Braemar Golf Club (1902) in the Cairngorms National Park, where players have the chance to swing their clubs while being watched over by golden eagles, stags and other rare wildlife. New this year, guests have the exclusive opportunity to play golf on the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852.  On Sunday, players are brought to the Royal golf course to play nine holes, followed by a BBQ lunch prepared by the Balmoral team using produce from the estate.  The place to stay while enjoying Scotland’s most famous sporting export is none other than the event’s hotel partner, The Fife Arms. A celebratory weekend package is now available and includes a two-night stay, a wine pairing dinner, 9th-hole refreshments, 19th-hole BBQ and drinks, and more.

Nantucket, MA

Warmer weather and fewer crowds make visiting Nantucket in May the perfect destination for an idyllic island getaway. The highlight of Nantucket in May is the 26th annual Nantucket Wine Festival, a four-day festival taking place from May 15th to 19th. The festival will showcase an impressive lineup of world-renowned winemakers and chefs, as well as tasting events and educational seminars. White Elephant Resorts will sponsor the Grand Cru Festival and host the keynote event, the Grand Tastings, where guests can sample more than 600 different wines from over 150 wineries around the world. For a quiet retreat with no shortage of award-winning culinary options, stay at The Wauwinet on the northeast end of the island. The property is home to TOPPER’s, the consecutive Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” recipient for the past 27 years. It has the largest wine cellar on the island and a multi-million-dollar wine collection. Guests staying at The Wauwinet can tour the cellar and enjoy a wine-paired dinner at TOPPER’s, the perfect pairing with the wine festival. The Wauwinet offers a festival package allowing guests to book the Louis Roederer Wine Dinner curated by Chef Kyle, featuring delightful champagne and Camille ‘Hommage’ varietals [Jetblue and Delta nonstop flights from Laguardia to Nantucket start up again in May for the season].

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Everyone

Whether it’s a coffee table book, a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a gift from a hotel shop, there’s something for every friend, partner and family member this Valentine’s Day!

Books – a few beautiful coffee table books for aesthetes

Jamaica Vibes by Assouline

The Paramount Pictures film, Bob Marley: One Love, will hit theaters on February 14, 2024, providing a look at the legendary musician’s rise to fame. A household name, Marley put Jamaica on the map, inspiring countless other artists and creatives. The nation’s pride is reflected in the music, dance, cuisine and literature that originated in Jamaica, but has since influenced people across the globe. Now, the most stylish Caribbean nation has inspired Assouline’s newest title, Jamaica Vibes, with a foreword by music industry legend and Island Outpost founder Chris Blackwell. There are over 200 glossy photos taken by globally-renowned photographers, including Slim Aarons. The book is part of Assouline’s iconic Travel Series and retails for $105.

Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation by Assouline

Belmond will open the brand’s ninth property in Italy in 2024, inviting guests to experience villeggiatura at Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda. Prepare yourself for the Italian sunshine with Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation, an exquisite coffee table book from Assouline and Belmond. With vivid imagery and evocative descriptions by former Vogue Italia editor Cesare Cunaccia, the book will take readers on a journey to Belmond’s collection of heritage hotels: Cipriani in Venice, Splendido and Splendido Mare in Portofino, Villa San Michele in Florence, Castello di Casole in Tuscany, Caruso in Ravello, and Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina, Sicily. Available on Assouline.com retailing for $95.

UXUA Utopia: A Very Gifted Guest House

The boutique property on the Bahian coast of Brazil tends to attract a cool crowd (Anderson Cooper loved it so much that he built a house; its where Solange Knowles spent her honeymoon; models like Candice Swanepoel have been spotted there…), so it’s no surprise that leading trend forecaster Li Edelkoort joined forces to release this coffee table book. The 288 pages combine elements of design, art, and travel, exploring owner Wilbert Das’ achievements in establishing values for a new world through a local project meant to set a global example. Past guests can reminisce about their holidays while flipping through the beautiful pages, and those yet to visit can daydream and imagine themselves in the tropical paradise of Trancoso, Brazil. The book retails for $150.

Food & Beverage – for the foodies in the family

007 Special Edition Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum

Chris Blackwell – the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and owner of Ian Fleming’s former residence, GoldenEye – launched a 007 Collector’s Edition of his prized Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum in 2023 in celebration of over 60 years of the James Bond film franchise. The packaging features a black and white photo of one of the original cinema lobby cards from the Dr. No film. Fewer than 1,000 boxes were made, and all are hand-numbered and include a personalized and signed note from Chris Blackwell. A rare gift for the connoisseur, the Blackwell Rum 007 Collector’s Edition features a special bottle of Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum (750 mL in the US and 700 mL in the UK/Europe), sold exclusively on blackwellrum.com and 007store.com and retailing for $700.

Artisan Olive Oil from Tenuta di Murlo in Umbria

Tenuta di Murlo’s exclusive olive oil, harvested at the 18,000-acre estate from a blend of Dolce Agogia, Frantoio, Leccino, and Moraiolo olives holds the DOP label (Protected Designation of Origin) that is awarded to products that are produced, processed and prepared with ingredients from the specific region. For subtle amaro and spicy flavors, while also enjoying a fruity aroma with herbaceous notes, gift a bundle of three bottles for $83 on shop.murlo.com.

Elevated Gifts from the Chicest Hotel Shops

Exclusive Artisan Crafts at the Fife Arms

A dog is man’s best friend (or valentine!). Show your pup some love with The Fife Arms’ exclusive dog accessories, including a tweed & leather collar and a travel blanket. Designed exclusively by Araminta Campbell, the tweed’s pattern and palette are drawn from the ‘Green Mar’ tweed that the Duke of Fife would have worn when out hunting. The collar retails for $39 and the blanket retails for $87.

Nantucket Charm at home with White Elephant x Arhaus: The Limited-Edition Cashmere Throw

Arhaus, a leader in artisan-crafted home furnishings and décor, has teamed up with White Elephant Nantucket’s iconic harbor front resort for an exterior refresh as part of the property’s 100th-anniversary renovation. To commemorate this exciting collaboration, the exclusive and co-branded White Elephant x Arhaus embroidered throw blanket is available both online and in-store at the hotel’s newly redesigned retail space for $299. This limited-edition Cashmere Throw boasts supreme softness, rich colors, and a touch of classic style. Its fringed edges add texture, making it a perfect addition.

Elegant Teatime with The Westbury’s Finest Set

Relax with your valentine using The Westbury’s quintessential set of afternoon teacups and saucers. Available in a set of two, are crafted from the finest bone china and with a hand-painted gold rim. It elevates a DIY afternoon tea experience from the cozy confines of home. This set is available on shop.doylecollection.com, with a retail price of $88.

Charlotte & Co Dromoland Castle

Instead of the requisite trinkets that often fill hotel gift shops, Dromoland Castle’s Charlotte & Co, a boutique celebrating Irish artisans and giving visitors a one-stop shop to pick up an authentic, Irish-made item to remember their trip. While jewelry and chocolates tend to get a lot of attention over Valentine’s Day, Dromoland Castle’s Charlotte & Co. boutique has some more creative options, such as Belfast Bow Company with its selection of bowties, cufflinks, and pocket squares (think fun Liberty prints and Irish linen) and skincare products from plant-based Irish brand Seabody.

AM/PM News / January 2024

2023 might be behind us, but we are mindful that global news will continue to have an impact locally and beyond borders. We hope that the new year brings health, peace, happiness – and if we can add a bit of joy through travel, that would fulfill our wish for 2024.

We will continue to focus on news from our favorite destinations, hotels, resorts, trains and ships. Have ideas, thoughts and opinions on what you’d like to read more (or less) about? Drop us a line and let us know.

Destination of the Month: London

Visiting Britain’s capital is exciting no matter what time of year, but this year, the city bursts into 2024 with particular panache, especially when it comes to art and culture. The acclaimed show “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” (through Feb. 25 at the V&A) is sold out, but The Kensington has a special package that grants guest two tickets, as well as a coffee table book about the style icon who famously said, “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” One presumes the late French designer Thierry Despont would have agreed with this sentiment. Under his tutelage, The Beaumont, one of Mayfair’s most stylish addresses with 29 new rooms and a revamped top suite, The Roosevelt, with gorgeous, Art Deco-inspired interiors.

Across town in the heart of Chelsea, meanwhile, at the Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, star pâtissier Benoît Blin has infused that classic tradition of British tea with signature French flair and a focus on seasonality and unique flavor profiles (look for a la religieuse, cream-filled choux buns that have, incidentally, been a favorite challenge on The Great British Bakeoff). For arguably even more intrigue than even a competitive baking show, L’oscar, the Michel Reybier Hospitality Collection’s boutique property, takes the concept of hotel-as-theater to a new level. Housed in a Baroque-style, Grade-II listed former church, the hotel was reimagined by impresario Jacques Garcia, a lover of dark velvets and mirror-gilded interiors.

If more high-drama is what you’re after, then get thee to the Donmar Warehouse where David Tennent (Dr. Who for fans of his big-screen persona) is busy bringing down the house in the Scottish play. For guaranteed tickets to this show, check in at The Bloomsbury, housed in a redbrick Edwin Lutyens-designed building and infused with literary spiritedness, particularly in the Seamus Heaney Library, home to many first editions and 20th-century classics. The “Macbeth Package” (available until Feb. 10) includes dinner and bubbly for two—useful fortification prior to seeing this intense production.

And if all this urban stimulation has you hankering for a jaunt into the British countryside, mark your calendars: in February, the lovingly restored British Pullman, A Belmond Train, will reprise its extremely popular Moving Murder Mystery experience (calling all sleuths) and, later in the month, travel to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire for a sumptuous lunch at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant there.

ampr Quiz: And the Oscar Goes To…

…well, we don’t know yet but for movie buffs, these film lore–infused hotels should be on your radar. Can you guess the hotel or resort described in the hints below?

  1. This property is where Bob Marley recovered following his attempted assassination in the 70s, an event that will be depicted in the soon-to-be-released movie, One Love.
  2. This languorous movie released in 2003 was set largely in a designer hotel and put director Sofia Coppola and the actress Scarlet Johannson on the map.
  3. The top suite at this hotel on the Italian Riviera honors Ava Gardner, who stayed here while filming Barefoot Contessa.

[A: Island Outpost’s Strawberry Hill in Jamaica B: Lost in Translation, shot at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. C: Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, in Portofino]

Newsflash: Global Hotel Guide for Design Lovers

A new year equals new design resolutions, and where better to gather inspiration than on the road, at those brilliant hotels that pull off that delicate balance between comfort and style. Here are four to keep top-of-mind as you re-envision the places you call home.

This passion project of Wilbert Das (the former Creative Director of Diesel) has grown in scope since it opened in 2009, but at its core, the 13-casa property remains true to its founding principles, committed to sustainability and community impact, as well as cutting-edge design. Its “five-mile radius” philosophy includes all materials, resulting in ultra-creative, locally made furniture and fixtures. Case-in-point: the much-copied eucalyptus shower heads that are stylish and sustainable.

Designed by powerhouse Brazilian duo Fernando and Humberto Campana, this hotel is a marvel of modernity. Look for artworks by heavyweights such as Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger (owner Dakis Joannou is one of the world’s leading collectors of contemporary art) as well as the Campana Brothers’ iconic furniture designs, including their Favela chair.

Located inside the walls of the medina, this hotel remains a show-stopper of a master class in Moroccan architecture, artisanship and gardens. 2024 will see a sister property opening in Casablanca, creating an exciting duo destination for style aficionados and culture seekers.

Mark your calendars for February’s Modernism Week (Feb 15-25) when the city of Palm Springs will host a show with more than 100 dealers, as well as open up iconic homes for tours, talks and events. There is no better place to stay than The Parker Palm Springs, the Jonathan Adler–designed desert oasis set on 13 acres. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a 1960s-era movie set, with throwback glamor, a fabulous restaurant and sexy adults-only swimming pool. In short, a great spot from which to ponder all your design goals for 2024.

Trending: Worth the Long Flight

Let’s face it – the days of glamorous air travel are long gone (unless you can secure a seat in the revamped first classes of a handful of airlines). Luckily, there are also those destinations that transport you as soon as you step off the plane, blissfully overwriting the memories of any discomfort in the getting there. Here are five of these memory lapses.

Bhutan: Go for…the newly opened andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, with six tented suites and incredible access to experiences like rafting, kayaking and hikes with a backdrop of the Himalayas. Getting There: Direct flights from New Delhi, Bangkok (and others)

Maldives: Go for…Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, an eco-luxe resort with a serious angle on sustainability, as evidenced in chef Hari Govindaraj’s comprehensive plant-forward menus. Thanks to a proliferation of activities as well as serene spaces (like the stunning spa), Gili Lankanfushi is great for honeymooners/couples and families. Getting There: Direct flights from Dubai, London, Frankfurt, Bangkok (and others)

Japan: Go for…some of the world’s best snow and skiing, including thirty miles of trails. The ultimate ski-in/ski-out hotel — Park Hyatt Niseko — has suites with terraces and private onsens (hot springs) for soaking in the panoramas. Getting There: Sapporo (the closest airport) is serviced directly from Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul Taipei and Hong Kong (among others)

South Africa: Go for…rediscovering what’s new in Cape Town, an evolving art and fashion city, and check in at the soon-to-turn 125 years Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. The hotel’s afternoon tea is legendary, in part thanks to Craig Cupido, South Africa’s first expertly-trained tea sommelier who helps select among 60 different varieties. Getting There: Direct flights from New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, London, Frankfurt (among many other)

Singapore: Go for…catching the relaunch of the fabled Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, with 15 restyled carriages that feel more like hotel suites than train compartments. Departing from Singapore and with an itinerary that includes snorkeling in Langkawi, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and a trip to the Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s most ancient rainforests at 130 million years. Getting There: Direct flights from London, Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo (and many others)

Great Expeditions: Slow Travel

Exploring the world’s most delicate ecosystems requires a light touch, which is why Aqua Expeditions embraces a slow, thoughtful way of travel. Charting a luxurious passage on Southeast Asia’s longest river across Cambodia and Vietnam, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong travels at a speed of 6-7 knots, allowing for a slow-paced experience. A three-night Mekong Discovery sailing will either head upriver in Cambodia by exploring the Tonle Sap River, or downriver between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh, while a four-night Explorer cruise will sail upriver from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, past floating villages and gilded pagodas. For a deep-dive into the destination, the seven-night Mekong Expedition cruise includes more time on the Cambodia stretch of the Mekong, which is virtually untouched by tourists.

AM/PM Newsflashes:

  • Costa Rica: Nayara Gardens, the first hotel of the Nayara Resorts group, will reopen in January 2024 following a complete rebuild of all the accommodations. Newly-named Arenal Casitas will feature a private deck and a plunge pool, with indoor and outdoor showers enveloped in the lush surrounding rainforest (which also happens to be a sloth sanctuary). A spa renovation is also in the works.
  • Nantucket: Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin, overlooking the famous harbor, will unveil a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation in April 2024. Drawing on the island’s rich seafaring history dating back to the 19th century, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk will infuse new life into 29 Cottages, ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom lofts. A dozen of the accommodations, dubbed “Woof Cottages,” will continue to welcome those traveling with pets.
  • Greece: Furniture wunderkind Rick Owens has entered into his first-ever hotel partnership with Kalesma, a suite and villa-only property in Mykonos, Greece. Owens’s effortlessly cool work is displayed in the lobby, while the rooms feature original artwork by Serbian artist Aleksandar Vac, whose ceramics evoke traditional Cycladic minimalistic forms.

Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin to Unveil a Complete Renovation for 2024 Season

Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin to Unveil a Complete Renovation for 2024 Season

Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin, overlooking the famous harbor, will unveil a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation in April 2024. Drawing on Nantucket’s rich seafaring past and Quaker influence, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk will infuse new life into the 29 Cottages, which occupy an enviable perch along the slips of the award-winning Nantucket Boat Basin.

Located 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island of Nantucket continues to retain the historic charm lingering from its days as the world’s whaling capital in the 19th century. The Boat Basin’s storied history spans over 300 years beginning in the late-1720s when the island was the busiest whaling port in the world and its wharves were flourishing with boat-building ships, sail lofts and candle factories. During that time, 15-20 whale ships would be anchored in the harbor and stacks of oil casks lined each wharf. In 1830, the California Gold Rush played a role in the whaling industry’s collapse on the East Coast, but by 1920, Nantucket entered a new era of tourism with travelers arriving by steamboat from posts across the Northeast. By the mid 1960s, the waterfront, which became known as the Nantucket Boat Basin, developed into a fisherman’s community and artist enclave with more than a dozen galleries lining the wharves. The Cottages, as we know it today, officially arrived on the scene in 2002 when the accommodations became part of White Elephant Resorts.

Checking into The Cottages is the closest thing to staying on the water, without being on a boat, nautical soundtrack included. The setting is reminiscent of a seaside village. The individually styled accommodations with names like Sea Syren, Essex and Orion, are inspired by the names of the great  whaling ships of the 1700s. A collection of 12 accommodations, dubbed ‘Woof Cottages’ will continue to be available for those traveling with pets. Ranging from studio cottages to split-level three-bedroom lofts, every inch of the historic accommodations, particularly the bedrooms, living spaces and bathrooms, will be revamped without altering their original architecture. Original details including vaulted ceiling beams and individual floor plans will remain. All cottages offer full kitchens and most feature private outdoor decks.  The accommodations will feature a color palette of inviting tones of deep ocean blue, misty gray and stark white.  Caged lighting, nautical charts of Nantucket, brass barometer instruments, rope and jute detailing in the furnishings and carpet, and woven fixtures will inject a dose of contemporary maritime charm while the humble, functional materials hark back to the island’s whaling roots.

An extensive collection of artwork, including 3-D pieces of framed mariners knots, along with other works hand-selected by the hotel’s owners will also be displayed throughout the accommodations. A focal point of the cottages will be a mural that’s handpainted by Sterk and digitally modified to fit in each space. The floor-to-ceiling seascape—which took nearly eight months to create—will stretch across an entire wall and depict a “First Nantucket Settlers” scene, with large-masted sailboats, lighthouses, a distant hamlet, and coastal vegetation brimming with native plants and animals. The mural tradition is deeply woven into the fabric of the island: in the 1800s, owners of whaling ships commissioned murals for their homes.

Amenities will include complimentary access to Priority Bicycles and kids’ fishing rods, reels and nets. Guests are also steps from town and can take advantage of complimentary shuttles to the beach. Pets receive the VIP treatment with beds, a welcome basket of treats and toys, and personalized pet tags. For recommendations on the island’s most pet-friendly activities—including the best places to run free and play fetch, guests can email local insider Bailey, a black lab/Brittany Spaniel mix at petconcierge@thecottagesnantucket.com

To celebrate the renovation, The Cottages is offering a special opening rate starting from $310 per night. High season rates start at $1,250 per night. Starting rates are for one-bedroom Cottages. For more information, visit: https://www.thecottagesnantucket.com/

About White Elephant Resorts

White Elephant Resorts is a collection of premier hotels and resorts on Nantucket, MA and in Palm Beach, FL that specialize in bringing their award-winning combination of service, design, and amenities to today’s discerning traveler. Properties include The Wauwinet, with access to both bay and ocean beaches and home to award-winning TOPPER’S restaurant; White Elephant, the iconic hotel located right on Nantucket Harbor with the Brant Point Grill; Jared Coffin House, a historic hotel in Nantucket Town and its restaurant, Tap Room; The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, private waterfront cottages; and Nantucket Boat Basin, a 240-slip full-service award-winning marina. White Elephant Palm Beach debuted in November 2020 in Palm Beach, FL with Nantucket-favorite LoLa 41 restaurant.  In 2023, The Wauwinet, White Elephant Nantucket, and White Elephant Palm Beach were ranked in Travel + Leisure’s T+L 500 awards, and both White Elephant Nantucket and The Wauwinet were recipients of Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. TOPPER’s is AAA’s only “Five Diamond” restaurant on Nantucket and has been a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for 27 consecutive years.

 

 

 

Black Friday + Cyber Monday Travel Offers

From Black Friday (November 24) to Cyber Monday (November 27), here are eight unmissable travel deals, ranging from international adventures to domestic getaways.

INTERNATIONAL

40% Off | andBeyond | Africa + South America

Save up to 40% on a 2024 andBeyond booking by purchasing one of a limited number of Cyber Monday $4,000 travel vouchers for $3,000. These $4,000 vouchers can be redeemed off any new andBeyond lodge booking providing an additional $1000 of savings to any other offers applied in the booking.

  • Booking Dates: Only November 27 (Cyber Monday). Payment will be processed by November 30.
  • Voucher Terms and Conditions:
  • The vouchers are redeemable for travel for up to three years.
  • Only applicable to new andBeyond lodge accommodation bookings in Africa and South America where a minimum of four nights at any combination of andBeyond lodge or camp are booked.
  • The voucher is a payment method that can be used on a booking containing any of andBeyond’s other offers.
  • There are a limited number of 50 vouchers available for sale. A maximum of one Cyber Monday voucher redeemed per booking, and sales are limited to one voucher per person.

 

30% Off | Almanac Hotels | Barcelona, Prague, Vienna

Almanac Hotels, the family-owned boutique hospitality brand including Almanac Barcelona and newly unveiled Almanac Palais Vienna and Almanac X Alcron Prague, are offering 30% off the best available room rate, including complimentary breakfast, WiFi, and access to spa and gym facilities.

  • Booking Dates: November 24 – 27, 2023
  • Travel Dates: November 28, 2023 – March 15, 2024. Blackout dates apply. Two-night stay minimum in Barcelona and Prague.
  • Booking links, per property:
  • Almanac Barcelona: here
  • Almanac Palais Vienna: here
  • Almanac X Alcron Prague: here

 

Up to 50% Off | Dromoland Castle | Ireland

Dromoland Castle, a stunning 16th-century fortress nestled in the picturesque County Clare, Ireland, boasts a rich history is offering up a great deal. Enjoy a discounted two-night accommodation in the Queen Anne Classic or Deluxe Bedroom, full English breakfast daily, and 10% discount on a 60-minute treatment at the brand-new Barbara Sturm Castle Spa.

  • Booking Dates: Only November 27 (Cyber Monday).
  • Travel Dates: January 3 – March 31, 2024. Two nights stay minimum.
  • Starting Price:
  • Queen Anne Room: €680 total for two nights (inclusive of offer)
  • Deluxe Bedroom: €810 total for two nights (inclusive of offer)

 

30% Off | Tenuta di Murlo | Umbria, Italy

Tenuta di Murlo, the enormous 18,000-acre estate has been in the Carabba Tettamanti family since the 16th century and the current generation have spent a decade restoring, renovating, and designing the medieval farmhouses dotting the estate. The property is offering a 30% discount on a two-night stay minimum including daily breakfast and one dinner at Il Caldero. The offer applies to any of the eight villas which can accommodate anywhere from two to 12 guests.

  • Booking Dates: Only November 27 (Cyber Monday)
  • Travel Dates: Can be applied through April 30, 2024.
  • Starting price: €950

 

30% Off | Gili Lankanfushi | Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi the luxurious, eco-friendly resort situated in the Maldives, renowned for its overwater villas, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters is offering a 30% discount on the Best Flexible Rate, including complimentary half-board inclusions and a 60-minute spa treatment per person per villa once per stay.

  • Booking Dates: November 24 – 27, 2023
  • Travel Dates: December 1, 2023 – December 20, 2024.
  • Blackout dates: December 29, 2023 – January 7, 2024 and March 25 – April 3, 2024.
  • Booking link here OR contact the reservation team via email (reservations@gili-lankanfushi.com), WhatsApp +960 793 77 99 or phone call +960 664 0304. Use promo code CAMP-GILIBLACKFRIDAY2023.

 

25% Off | GoldenEye | Oracabessa, Jamaica

GoldenEye, the former home of Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, is offering up to 25% off when booking a minimum two-night stay (up to a maximum 14-day stay). Rates are not valid for 3 rooms or more per guest.

  • Booking Dates: November 23 – 28, 2023
  • Travel Dates: January 4 – March 31, 2024
  • Starting Rates: $650, per night (without the discount) or $489 with the 25% offer. This is available for all room categories, excluding Fleming Villa.

 

DOMESTIC

25% Off | White Elephant Resorts | Nantucket, Massachusetts + Palm Beach, Florida

The White Elephant Resorts portfolio, including Jared Coffin House, The Cottages, The Wauwinet, and White Elephant in Nantucket, and White Elephant Palm Beach in Florida, will offer a fourth night free when booking a minimum three-night stay. The offer will be available for both the Nantucket and Palm Beach properties with an extended booking period from Black Friday through December 1. When booking, use the code: Cyber24.

  • Booking Dates: November 24 – December 1, 2023
  • Travel Dates for Nantucket: April 11 – October 26, 2024; blackout dates may apply
  • Travel Dates for Palm Beach: January 1 – October 31, 2024; blackout dates may apply
  • Starting Prices and Booking Links:
  • White Elephant Nantucket: $425. Booking link here.
  • Jared Coffin House: $220. Booking link here.
  • The Wauwinet: $395. Booking link here.
  • The Cottages at the Boat Basin: $180. Bookling link here.
  • White Elephant Palm Beach: $495. Booking link here.

 

40% Off I Parker Palm Springs I Palm Springs, California

Parker Palm Springs, a desert oasis nestled in the heart of Palm Springs known for its chic retro aesthetic, is offering 40% off the best available rate on any villa reservation as well as a $200 credit per villa per booking that can be claimed at the Palm Springs Yacht Club spa or for at Mr. Parker restaurant. Minimum three-night stay required.

  • Booking Dates: Only November 27 (Cyber Monday)
  • Travel Dates: Through December 31, 2024; blackout dates may apply
  • Starting price: $399 per night

 

30% Off I The Roundtree I Amagansett, New York

A hidden gem of low-key luxury in the Hamptons, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City, The Roundtree Amagansett is offering guests a 30% discount off of regular room rates.

Summer Hot Spots in 2023

Popular summer destinations are popular for a reason – offering sun, sand, the great outdoors… Here are a few of our top picks for summer 2023.

EUROPE

Mykonos

Often known for its party scene, Mykonos has been a popular island destination for over 50 years. Kalesma Mykonos aims to show a different side of Mykonos. Sure, guests can still stay up until the wee hours of the morning (and even have babysitter to handle breakfast and some morning playtime if traveling with kids!), but they can also visit a local farm and try freshly made cheese, be pointed in the direction of hard-to-find and nearly empty beaches, or try a restaurant locals love that isn’t in the guidebooks. This summer, Kalesma Mykonos is opening a spa with products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, so in addition to the treatments guests could formerly receive in-room, there are two treatment rooms with Dr. Sturm products plus a hammam. (Also a great way to beat jetlag!)

Athens

Most Grecian getaways begin or end with a night or two in the country’s capital, and the ancient seat of democracy. xenodocheio Milos has partnered with neighboring local favorite, Naxos Apothecary, to offer a new experience exclusive for guests to create a signature scent. Hotel guests can choose to do this either in the chic, airy apothecary around the corner or in their own suite. An expert will conduct a “tasting” of scents to distill a perfect, custom perfume, often using local Greek herbs and flowers. Perfect to create a scent that instantly brings you back to Greece with a spritz.

Italy

Filtered through the lens of Belmond, visitors will experience a European summer like never before. Drift along the Italian Riviera in a traditional gozzo fishing boat at Splendido Mare, indulge in wine and olive oil made on-property at Castello di Casole in the Tuscan countryside, and enjoy exclusive tours of Pompeii when staying at Caruso. Access is everything, and guests of Belmond get front-row seats to these region’s most spectacular landscapes, experiences, and attractions. Celebrations will be in full swing with 150th anniversary of Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily and the debut of the first phase of Splendido’s meticulous, multi-year restoration by internationally-renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Set to be unveiled in June 2023, the hotel will have a reimagined pool area and new villa dining experience at The Pool Grill restaurant, as well as the complete redesign of the penthouse Baronessa Suite.

At the sprawling Tenuta di Murlo estate in Umbria (the 18,000 acres estate has been in the Carabba Tettamanti family since the 16th century), the family has spent a decade restoring, renovating, and designing the medieval farmhouses dotting the estate. There are now eight villas with private pools and sprawling views of the countryside, and this April they are unveiling two new hotel rooms with sweeping views of the countryside, an indoor heated pool, and a hammam/steam bath. Activities for guests include truffle hunting, day trips to Assisi, Spoleto, Arezzo and Montepulciano (all less than an hour away), and exploring the 80 historic buildings on the property, including an 11th century castle, a beautifully frescoed church, and old mills scattered across the hills.

Geneva

La Réserve Geneva feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, thanks to its prime address within a 10-acre park. The hotel’s privileged, nest-like location is one of the many reasons that it is a favorite of families traveling with children. There are four kid-friendly restaurants with dedicated kids’ menus – including Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland – so even the pickiest of eaters will find something to suit their taste buds. During the summer, parents can opt to enroll their children in the Collège du Léman Summer Camps, which offers everything from French classes and science labs to pastry-making, horseback riding, and wakeboarding on Lake Geneva with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Other seasonal offerings include bead workshops, origami instruction, cooking lessons, karaoke, musical chairs, cartoon-making, and the list goes on! Geneva offers plenty in the way of child-friendly attractions and experiences, including a chocolate tour and visit to a 200-year-old chocolate factory; a stroll around the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory, home to 500 plant species; a visit to the Natural History Museum, where there are moonstones, fossils, and reconstitutions of extinct dodo bird; and a deep-dive on the art of watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Museum.

Barcelona

Almanac Barcelona’s new multi-day Foodie tour gives guests the ability to pull back the curtain on the city’s dining scene, discovering lesser-known haunts and gaining locals-only insight. At the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Via boulevard, Almanac is a stylish boutique property that puts guests in the heart of the action. The panoramic rooftop bar looks out to La Sagrada Familia in the distance, and chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s Michelin-starred “green haute cuisine” at the Virens restaurant has a new menu every two weeks and local ingredients from surrounding farms just beyond the mountains. Itinerary highlights include a guided, three-hour food tour to some of Barcelona’s favorites, like Orolíquido, in the Gothic Quarter, with one of the largest collections of olive oil in Spain; and Vila Viniteca – one of the most prestigious wine merchants in Europe – housing more than 4,500 bottles of Spanish wine like Sherry and Cava plus liquors and spirits, 400 of which are exclusive to the shop. The next day head south of Barcelona to the renowned Torelló Cellars for an exclusive tour by owner Toni De la Rosa Torelló, plus a farm-to-table brunch and a wine and Cava pairing.

USA

Nantucket

The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. In May 2023, in time for the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of its 66-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages. Boston-based designer Elkus Manfredi has created a bright, airy, residential-inspired refresh, drawing on the essence of the island – its history, the quality of light, its natural landscapes, the colors, textures, and artistic legacy – to breathe new life into these historic accommodations. The patterns of the textiles will draw on the island’s rich history of basket weaving, with antique brass accents that evoke classic Nantucket and light blue ceilings that recall the skies on a summer’s day. Meanwhile, the 11 Cottages will be individually decorated and styled after plants indigenous to Nantucket like hydrangea and honeysuckle. New original art will be installed throughout, resulting from the brand’s all-new Artist in Residency Program, launched in August 2022. New York based art consultant and curator Emily Santangelo worked closely with White Elephant’s owners, the Karp family, to create a mini-residency made up for acclaimed artists from around the world.

Catskills

The Catskill region has long been celebrated as the cradle of American fly-fishing as well as the playground for the ‘fathers’ of the sport – including 19th-century writers Theodore Gordon and George LaBranche. Nestled among the wooded shores of the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir, the 11-accommodation property is an idyllic spot to follow in their footsteps. Guests are provided Simms waders, boots, rods, and flies, and the classes can be customized based on age and experience level. Lunch by the water can also be arranged, including freshly-caught trout prepared shore-side. Additional experiences at the property include kayaking, hiking, archery, stargazing, and birdhouse building.

MEXICO

Riviera Maya

On May 25, 2023, the Riviera Maya will celebrate the much-anticipated return of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel. Nestled between 200 acres of lush tropical jungle and the secluded white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the legendary property will enter a new era with 72 accommodations, including 10 new waterfront suites, each aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry. The transformation will also feature the first Guerlain spa in Latin America in a newly renovated biophilic space as well as a new gastronomic vision under Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho with 90% of the ingredients sourced from Mexico. The beloved Freddy’s Bar, ideal for pre-dinner cocktails or an escape from the afternoon sun, will also debut a fresh look with stunning sea views from every seat.

 

Gift of Travel for the Mother-Figure in Your Life

There are many ways to celebrate moms and caregivers in our lives. The reason why we are fans of the gift of travel is because it packs in culture, adventure, cuisine, and wellness all in one “box.” Here are seven options to consider:

A Great Night’s Sleep

The Beaumont in Mayfair, London is going through a renovation as well as an expansion by Thierry Despont. All the rooms in the existing building will be completely redecorated by early April (apart from The Terrace and The Roosevelt suites as they will be done a little later in the year). And 30 new rooms will be added to the adjacent building in late 2023. The most artful accommodation is Antony Gormley’s inhabitable sculpture, called ROOM. Designed as an experiential work of art, it is a bookable one-bedroom suite. The exterior takes on the shape of a three-story crouching man made of stainless-steel, while the interior is a dark space filled with the smell of fumed-oak, featuring only a single, all-white bed and can be taken to total darknessat the flip of a switch. While the bedroom is just 43 sq. feet, the walls tower at 33-feet high. The unique shape stems from Gormley’s belief that guests should feel cocooned in a space unencumbered by distractions.

Reaching New Heights

Adults-only private island luxury retreat, Nayara Bocas del Toro, in Panama offers two treehouses, designed by sustainability-focused, Bali-based Elora Hardy as her first project in Central America. The solar-powered treehouses are constructed from four varieties of locally-sourced bamboo and 19 varieties of reclaimed 500-year-old, partially petrified hardwoods extracted from the floor of the Panama Canal. The airy dwellings have 21-foot ceilings with a tropical yet pared-down aesthetic, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open-air living room that look out over the canopy of the mangrove forest. Outdoor jungle showers and deep soaking tubs invite bathing en plein air, and a pulley system allows for unobtrusive room service. Water is generated from purified rainwater and power from the sun. The resort also features 16 custom overwater villas, a 70-foot freshwater pool, the 100-year-old Elephant House restaurant, and the world’s first elevated white sand beach built on stilts over the sea.

Epic Trip Gift

A 1920s Art Deco icon, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nostalgic of the golden age of travel with its restored vintage carriages. Each of the 17 carriages have a unique history and all of which formed part of many of the famous, historic trains of the 1920s and 1930s, including Le Train Bleu and the Rome Express. There are journeys between some of Europe’s beautiful and historic cities including Paris, Venice, Florence, Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Just once a year, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express makes a five-night journey between Paris and Istanbul. Named after the cities to which the train travels, there are Grand Suite options, one of which is aptly named Istanbul to celebrate the route. Amenities include a personal 24-hour cabin steward, free-flowing champagne, in-suite dining and private transfers to and from the train.

New Hotel, New You

The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. Built as a series of rustic cottages, the landmark has evolved into the island’s most timeless resort, with a collection of chic accommodations showcasing the very best of the beloved destination. In May 2023, in time with the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of its 66-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages.

Surf-Centric Getaway

The birth of modern surfing in the Maldives can be traced back to 1980, when an Australian surfer (who was shipwrecked in the North Malé atoll in 1973) opened the archipelago’s first surf operation. Since then, the country has become one of the world’s most pilgrimage-worthy surf destinations, known for its crisp barrels, consistent swells, and an endless variety of breaks (most of which are accessible by traditional dhoni boats).  The best place to hit the waves: Gili Lankanfushi, a private island eco-sanctuary in the North Malé atoll, right around where modern surfing in the Maldives was born. The resort puts guests within striking distance of some of the country’s finest surf breaks, three of which are just a five-minute boat ride away (and many more within 20 minutes). Tropical water temperatures, consistent swells, and light crowds only add to the appeal—and in summer, the conditions are optimal. Gili also partners with the luxury surf company Tropicsurf, which offers lessons based on skill level from beginner to advanced.

French Riviera Calling

While St. Tropez has long been a glamours address for film, music and fashion icons, a 15-minute drive brings travelers to a peaceful retreat, overlooking the Cote d’Azur. La Réserve Ramatuelle is an intimate property, featuring 19 suites and 14 villas that are dotted amidst cypress and olive trees and orange groves. The 2023/2024 season will start with Jacque Garcia-redesigned accommodations. This is also an idyllic destination for wellness-minded nature lovers. The multi-day, medically-established Nescens programs are complemented with an emphasis on outdoor fitness. Think guided hikes along the coastline, swimming, and aqua cycling classes in the open-air pool. The hotel has a two Michelin-starred restaurant, La Voile, where dishes adhere to the Mediterranean diet and highlight local, seasonal seafood and fresh produce and herbs alongside healthy fats like avocado and olive oil. Chef Eric Canino doesn’t on sacrifice flavor, though – this is France, after all.

Sustainable Craftswomanship

A gloriously reimagined 19th-century hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands, The Fife Arms takes the concept of an art hotel to an entirely new level. A passion project by gallery power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth (of Zurich’s acclaimed Hauser & Wirth), it is a destination hotel down to its landmarked roots, beautifully weaving together art, community, learning, people, place. One extra special activity for moms is through a local weaver. Helen Jackson forages sustainable willow from the property grounds and can teach guests how to make baskets and fans. Her exquisite products (and much more) are also available at the hotel’s extensive online shop.

Summer Hot Spots in 2023

Popular summer destinations are popular for a reason – offering sun, sand, the great outdoors… Here are a few of our top picks for summer 2023.

EUROPE

Mykonos

Often known for its party scene, Mykonos has been a popular island destination for over 50 years. Kalesma Mykonos aims to show a different side of Mykonos. Sure, guests can still stay up until the wee hours of the morning (and even have babysitter to handle breakfast and some morning playtime if traveling with kids!), but they can also visit a local farm and try freshly made cheese, be pointed in the direction of hard-to-find and nearly empty beaches, or try a restaurant locals love that isn’t in the guidebooks. This summer, Kalesma Mykonos is opening a spa with products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, so in addition to the treatments guests could formerly receive in-room, there are two treatment rooms with Dr. Sturm products plus a hammam. (Also a great way to beat jetlag!)

Athens

Most Grecian getaways begin or end with a night or two in the country’s capital, and the ancient seat of democracy. xenodocheio Milos has partnered with neighboring local favorite, Naxos Apothecary, to offer a new experience exclusive for guests to create a signature scent. Hotel guests can choose to do this either in the chic, airy apothecary around the corner or in their own suite. An expert will conduct a “tasting” of scents to distill a perfect, custom perfume, often using local Greek herbs and flowers. Perfect to create a scent that instantly brings you back to Greece with a spritz.

Italy

Filtered through the lens of Belmond, visitors will experience a European summer like never before. Drift along the Italian Riviera in a traditional gozzo fishing boat at Splendido Mare, indulge in wine and olive oil made on-property at Castello di Casole in the Tuscan countryside, and enjoy exclusive tours of Pompeii when staying at Caruso. Access is everything, and guests of Belmond get front-row seats to these region’s most spectacular landscapes, experiences, and attractions. Celebrations will be in full swing with 150th anniversary of Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily and the debut of the first phase of Splendido’s meticulous, multi-year restoration by internationally-renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Set to be unveiled in June 2023, the hotel will have a reimagined pool area and new villa dining experience at The Pool Grill restaurant, as well as the complete redesign of the penthouse Baronessa Suite.

At the sprawling Tenuta di Murlo estate in Umbria (the 18,000 acres estate has been in the Carabba Tettamanti family since the 16th century), the family has spent a decade restoring, renovating, and designing the medieval farmhouses dotting the estate. There are now eight villas with private pools and sprawling views of the countryside, and this April they are unveiling two new hotel rooms with sweeping views of the countryside, an indoor heated pool, and a hammam/steam bath. Activities for guests include truffle hunting, day trips to Assisi, Spoleto, Arezzo and Montepulciano (all less than an hour away), and exploring the 80 historic buildings on the property, including an 11th century castle, a beautifully frescoed church, and old mills scattered across the hills.

Geneva

La Réserve Geneva feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, thanks to its prime address within a 10-acre park. The hotel’s privileged, nest-like location is one of the many reasons that it is a favorite of families traveling with children. There are four kid-friendly restaurants with dedicated kids’ menus – including Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland – so even the pickiest of eaters will find something to suit their taste buds. During the summer, parents can opt to enroll their children in the Collège du Léman Summer Camps, which offers everything from French classes and science labs to pastry-making, horseback riding, and wakeboarding on Lake Geneva with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Other seasonal offerings include bead workshops, origami instruction, cooking lessons, karaoke, musical chairs, cartoon-making, and the list goes on! Geneva offers plenty in the way of child-friendly attractions and experiences, including a chocolate tour and visit to a 200-year-old chocolate factory; a stroll around the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory, home to 500 plant species; a visit to the Natural History Museum, where there are moonstones, fossils, and reconstitutions of extinct dodo bird; and a deep-dive on the art of watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Museum.

Barcelona

Almanac Barcelona’s new multi-day Foodie tour gives guests the ability to pull back the curtain on the city’s dining scene, discovering lesser-known haunts and gaining locals-only insight. At the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Via boulevard, Almanac is a stylish boutique property that puts guests in the heart of the action. The panoramic rooftop bar looks out to La Sagrada Familia in the distance, and chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s Michelin-starred “green haute cuisine” at the Virens restaurant has a new menu every two weeks and local ingredients from surrounding farms just beyond the mountains. Itinerary highlights include a guided, three-hour food tour to some of Barcelona’s favorites, like Orolíquido, in the Gothic Quarter, with one of the largest collections of olive oil in Spain; and Vila Viniteca – one of the most prestigious wine merchants in Europe – housing more than 4,500 bottles of Spanish wine like Sherry and Cava plus liquors and spirits, 400 of which are exclusive to the shop. The next day head south of Barcelona to the renowned Torelló Cellars for an exclusive tour by owner Toni De la Rosa Torelló, plus a farm-to-table brunch and a wine and Cava pairing.

USA

Nantucket

The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. In May 2023, in time for the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of its 66-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages. Boston-based designer Elkus Manfredi has created a bright, airy, residential-inspired refresh, drawing on the essence of the island – its history, the quality of light, its natural landscapes, the colors, textures, and artistic legacy – to breathe new life into these historic accommodations. The patterns of the textiles will draw on the island’s rich history of basket weaving, with antique brass accents that evoke classic Nantucket and light blue ceilings that recall the skies on a summer’s day. Meanwhile, the 11 Cottages will be individually decorated and styled after plants indigenous to Nantucket like hydrangea and honeysuckle. New original art will be installed throughout, resulting from the brand’s all-new Artist in Residency Program, launched in August 2022. New York based art consultant and curator Emily Santangelo worked closely with White Elephant’s owners, the Karp family, to create a mini-residency made up for acclaimed artists from around the world.

Catskills

The Catskill region has long been celebrated as the cradle of American fly-fishing as well as the playground for the ‘fathers’ of the sport – including 19th-century writers Theodore Gordon and George LaBranche. Nestled among the wooded shores of the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir, the 11-accommodation property is an idyllic spot to follow in their footsteps. Guests are provided Simms waders, boots, rods, and flies, and the classes can be customized based on age and experience level. Lunch by the water can also be arranged, including freshly-caught trout prepared shore-side. Additional experiences at the property include kayaking, hiking, archery, stargazing, and birdhouse building.

MEXICO

Riviera Maya

On May 25, 2023, the Riviera Maya will celebrate the much-anticipated return of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel. Nestled between 200 acres of lush tropical jungle and the secluded white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the legendary property will enter a new era with 72 accommodations, including 10 new waterfront suites, each aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry. The transformation will also feature the first Guerlain spa in Latin America in a newly renovated biophilic space as well as a new gastronomic vision under Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho with 90% of the ingredients sourced from Mexico. The beloved Freddy’s Bar, ideal for pre-dinner cocktails or an escape from the afternoon sun, will also debut a fresh look with stunning sea views from every seat.

 

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