Park Hyatt Tokyo is pleased to announce Ben Wheeler as New York Grill & Bar’s Chef de Cuisine. In his new role, Chef Ben brings his culinary passion and creativity to one of Tokyo’s most iconic restaurants.
Born in the United Kingdom, Chef Ben was raised in the Buckinghamshire countryside. From a young age, he felt he belonged in the kitchen and was fascinated experimenting with basic ingredients and turning them into something delicious. His fondest childhood memories were making pastries and cakes with his grandmother.
Chef Ben began his culinary career at The Stag at Mentmore, followed by the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Trinity Square London. Thereafter he joined as Chef de Cuisine at Grand Hyatt Kuwait and Atlantis The Royal Dubai as a member of their pre- opening teams.
Japan has always intrigued Chef Ben, from its food, to cars and particularly the culture. He is fascinated by Japanese trends, both modern and traditional, and most of all, the attention to detail and dedication to perform any task artistically and efficiently. Chef Ben’s dream was to move to Japan and immerse himself in its culture, experiencing all five senses throughout the country and particularly the sense of taste and smell.
Food consumes most of Chef Ben’s time, both professionally and personally. During his leisure time, you can find him reading cookbooks and trying new restaurants and bars. In joining Park Hyatt Tokyo, Chef Ben said, “It is an honor to join Park Hyatt Tokyo, with its long history of setting international luxury hotel standards in Japan, both in culinary and service. I look forward to continuing New York Grill & Bar’s story and learning from the Japanese culinary team, while sharing my experiences and new ideas.”
After the completion of scheduled building maintenance, New York Grill & Bar will reopen on April 1, 2024. From April 15 to 18, 2024, Chef Ben welcomes Australia’s Rockpool Bar & Grill’s Executive Chef Santiago Aristizabal for a special four-hands culinary collaboration creating a unique six-course dinner menu. Colombian-born Chef Santiago Aristizabal joined Rockpool Bar & Grill in 2009 and quickly proved himself to be an integral member of the culinary team as his career progressed from Sous Chef to Head Chef to his current position overseeing all three Rockpool Bar & Grill in Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. The limited dinner menu is priced at JPY55,000 per person, including consumption tax and subject to a 15% service charge. Reservations are required. For reservations, please contact New York Grill & Bar at (+81-3) 5323 3458 or visit NEW YORK GRILL | Park Hyatt Tokyo.
About Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, global travelers with a refined home-away-from-home. Guests of Park Hyatt hotels receive quietly confident and personalized service in an enriching environment. Located in several of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with understated luxury. Park Hyatt hotels feature well-appointed guestrooms, world-renowned artwork and design, rare and immersive culinary experiences, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs. There are currently 44 Park Hyatt hotels in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Bangkok, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Busan, Canberra, Changbaishan, Carlsbad, Chennai, Chicago, Doha, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kyoto, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, New York, Ningbo, Niseko, Paris, Saigon, Sanya, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Siem Reap, St. Kitts, Suzhou, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Washington, D.C., Zanzibar, and Zurich. For more information, please visit parkhyatt.com. Follow @ParkHyatt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #LuxuryIsPersonal.
For summer of 2021 and beyond, travel is poised for a comeback and we foresee family vacations topping the list. Here are ideas to quench any family’s wanderlust, from avid astronomers to city slickers…
For the astronomer family
- Todos Santos in Baja, Mexico, is a prime spot for stargazing due to its minimal light pollution and dry clean air. Each of the rooftop suites at the new Paradero Todos Santos comes with its own telescope to take in the evening’s bounty of stars, galaxies and planets that sparkle across the desert sky.
- On the open-air observation deck at Nayara Alto Atacama, guests check out the most important constellations for the people of the Atacama: the Yacana Llama that runs along the Great River (Milky Way) and the Chacana Cross (Inca Cross) which points to the south. The Atacama Desert’s famously arid atmosphere makes it ideal for stargazing.
- andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia’s Namib Desert abuts a dark sky reserve and has an astronomer on staff to guide guests’ stargazing experiences. Plus, the above-bed sky lights are perfect for spotting shooting stars while drifting off to sleep.
For the birding family
- While most head to Jamaica for its white sandy beaches, birders should note it’s an avian playground with over 300 species. Specifically, the Blue Mountains, set 3,100 feet above sea level, are laced with a network of trails for birdwatching among the Jurassic Park-like landscape. Strawberry Hill’s onsite bird expert, Lyndalee Burks, arranges adventures with knowledgeable local guides – think sunrise and sunset treks to see the rare Crested Quail-Dove or Jamaican blackbird.
- With a plethora of birds to check off a list (over 500 species in the area), Nayara Tented Camp’s private naturalist guides can lead family’s on daily birding walks to spot toucans, red-lored parrots, green herons, and ruby throated hummingbirds. Tents can comfortably fit two adults and up to two children, plus there are adjoining tents for bigger groups and older kids.
- All guests at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve all receive a Star Birds guide to spot the over 400 bird species inhabiting Phinda’s diverse habitats, but passionate birders can book a Birding Safari. One of andBeyond’s guides leads guests on a special game drive to see Rudd’s Apalis, Neergard’s Sunbirds, and Narina Trogons. Phinda Homestead – a stand-alone lodge with four bedrooms – is the perfect private spot for a family.
For the beach bum family
- Families looking for some blue skies and warm sand can make Belmond Cap Juluca in Anguilla their home-away-from-home. For the utmost privacy, families can book a three-, four-, or five-bedroom private pool villa to experience optimal seclusion. Highlights include a full kitchen with a dining atrium for private meals, direct beach access, and a personal freshwater swimming pool. Those who just aren’t ready to leave can stay a month or longer and the property will cover weekly spa treatments, unlimited laundry, daily resort credit, and a dedicated host.
- Jamaica’s GoldenEye, once home to Ian Fleming and the site where he penned all 14 James Bond novels, offers a collection of stand-alone hut, cottage and villa accommodations. Kids can partake in coconut carving and nature walks led by Ramsey DaCosta, Fleming’s former gardener, while adults enjoy cocktails at Firefly, Noel Coward’s hilltop estate and rumored to have been Captain Morgan’s lookout. Mark the occasion by planting a tree on property with a donation to the hotel’s Oracabessa Foundation, which supports the community through a variety of health- and environmentally- focused initiatives.
- Off the coast of Zanzibar, andBeyond Mnemba Island is a private island paradise worthy of screen saver. Families can lounge on the beach in their private beach cabanas, go snorkeling or scuba diving with the local dolphins, take a sunset dhow sailboat ride, or take a day trip to Stone Town and learn about the spice trading history of Zanzibar. The thatched-roof bandas have no doors or windows, just woven shades, creating a true Robinson Crusoe feel.
- UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa sits on the grassy quadrado (town square) of Trancoso, Brazil. This small town has long attracted artisans and those in the know – Anderson Cooper has a house at UXUA and Solange Knowles honeymooned at the property. Their cool beach bar and quartz-lined pool are supreme lounge spots, and more active family members can try their hands at capoeira – the Brazilian martial art – or meet with Dr. Julian at the UXUA Vida Spa to learn about herbal remedies.
For the history buff family
- Dromoland Castle was built in the 16th century and has a rich history – from starting as the royal seat of the last kings of Ireland to a Temple of Mercury dedicated to a beloved racehorse who saved the family from financial ruin. Families can try the ancient sport of falconry, golf on the 18-hole golf course, try cocktail making or go foraging with a local guide.
- The magic of Greek mythology still envelopes the Cycladic isles. Mykonos was the home of Aeolus, keeper of the wind. Families can stay in one of the two villas at the soon-to-open Kalesma and catch the sunset over Delos, the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo.
- Washington, D.C. is awash with American history. The Dupont Circle hotel is surrounded by embassies (former gilded age mansions of the city’s elite) and a 20-minute stroll to the national mall and its monuments. The Penthouse Suite can be booked as a two bedroom and with its sprawling terrace, living room, and dining area it creates a luxurious home-away-from-home.
For outdoorsy families
- The Chatwal Lodge, scheduled to open on May 1, is nestled within a 30-acre environmentally protected land in the Catskill region. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir Lake, ideal for year-round fly fishing; have access to hiking trails dotted with chestnut trees and water streams; and admire myriad native animals, such as white-tailed deer and nesting bald eagles. Adventurers at heart can opt for a treehouse, raised 25 feet above the ground, or a luxury glam tent.
- PONANT, the leader in expedition cruising, takes guests to remote destinations not accessible to larger ships thanks to its moderate size, design and advanced technology. Lead by naturalist guides and experts, expeditions can opt to take time to watch a caving glacier, make a detour to discover a southern white whale, or go ashore to admire a colony of penguins. New this year, PONANT will launch Le Commandant Charcot, a luxury hybrid polar exploration vessel, that will allow adventurous families to reach the true Geographic North Pole and parts of Antarctica that fewer people have stepped foot on the moon.
- With over 300 days of sunshine, Zermatt is definitely a pick for the outdoorsmen. While you can ski 365 days a year in the alpine town, there is plenty to do beyond hitting the slopes, including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and fly fishing. The iconic Schweizerhof hotel is located on the main thoroughfare of Bahnhofstrasse at the base of the Matterhorn and recently underwent an extensive renovation.
- Believe it or not, California’s wine country is not just all about wine. Families looking for a breath of fresh air can head to Napa Valley and explore the 53,000 acres of preserved land laced with hiking and biking trails through the mountains. Kids can join parents to explore the di Rosa outdoor sculpture park, or visit with miniature horses – Whinnie the Pooh, Sweet Jane, and Molly – at Jamieson Ranch Vineyard while parents enjoy a vino tasting. Families can opt to stay at Calistoga Motor Lodge – a roadside 1940′s motel in its past life – which evokes a retro-camping feel with rooms designed to mimic a 1960s VW camper. As an ode to its roots, the property offers throwback in-room amenities such as Polaroid cameras and Etch-a-Sketches that kids will love.
For city slicker families
- Tokyo is the ultimate destination for city lovers – its towering skyline, famously busting crosswalks, jewel box bars, and mix of modern and ancient culture are hypnotic. Park Hyatt Tokyo sits above the city and offers families a haven above the metropolis, especially with older kids. The concierge can book restaurant reservation at in-the-know-only spots and recommend fun stops like Kawaii Monster Café with its rainbow confections, and the whole family can wind down at the hotel with the twice weekly goodnight sleep stretch.
- London has something for everyone in the family from shopping to museum hopping to tasting global cuisines. Centrally located in Mayfair, The Beaumont is the perfect home base to explore all the Big Smoke has to offer. A destination unto itself, the hotel is home to Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley’s inhabitable sculpture called ROOM. Families can even book the entire fifth floor for up to 10 people, with perks including a stocked pantry kitchen, large dining terrace and private elevator access.
- While Paris is known for romance, it’s surprisingly family-friendly, offering myriad parks and museums, not to mention the food – who doesn’t love croissants and baguettes? Overlooking the Trocadero and with unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower are the 10 La Réserve Paris Apartments. The largest apartment can accommodate up to 10 people, but families could reserve multiple flats for larger groups. The neighborhood is also home to the Bois du Boulogne, the 2,000+ acre forest full of hiking trails and ponds, the Jardin d’Acclimation amusement park and the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
What’s New?
Following a top-to-bottom refurbishment, The Christoper’s Christo restaurant reopens November 1, 2018 with a new concept focusing on organic meats and vegetables. Timed with the Saint Barth Gourmet Food Festival, Christo’s chef Nicolas Tissier is partnering with Michelin-starred chef Virginie Basselot to create a limited-edition menu.
In South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the completely new andBeyond Tengile River Lodge will open on December 1, 2018 and will share unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. Raised above ground level, the spacious suites will offer sunken lounges, elegant bedrooms and bathrooms that open out onto the forest, creating private spaces in the open air.
Guinot’s new Anti-Dark Spot Serum, launching in January 2019, brightens dark spots caused by sun exposure and aging with a two-week regimen featuring pure vitamin C.
Holiday season in New York City kicks off with the Park Avenue Christmas Tree Lighting on December 2nd. After the lights go on, carolers can pop into Jaques of The Lowell for a warming cocktail.
The Chatwal, New York has launched an exclusive holiday offering for its guests with Bloomingdale’s, including a personal shopping consultation at Bloomingdale’s At Your Service, complimentary chauffer service in the Mercedes-Benz house car, a complimentary ‘Luxury Blow Dry’ courtesy of Fernando Valencia, and a surprise holiday gift.
PONANT will launch a brand new 11-day/10-night itinerary crossing four of the five Great Lakes of North Americas, departing September 12, 2019 from Quebec. With stops in cosmopolitan Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Flowerpot island, famous for its beachfront “flowerpot” stone pillars.
The Villa at Hotel Villagio at The Estate in Napa Valley is in its final stages of renovation. The five-bedroom villa, furnished with Hastens beds, has 20-foot ceilings with expansive walls of windows overlooking the pool, hot tub, and outdoor lounge space.
Specialty Concierges
Guests who book the Garden Suite at The Chatwal reserve exclusive access to a Flowelier: a specialized butler who teaches the suite residents how to make the most gorgeous flower arrangements.
The Bath Butler Royal Mansour’s Grand Riad helps guests relax after a day out in the souks.
33 of The Lowell’s 74 rooms have wood-burning fireplaces. The dedicated Fireplace Butler can prep the fire so guests return to a toasty room with a crackling fire and a selection of charcuterie and cheese or marshmallows and s’mores supplies.
Upon arrival, guests can expect a visit from the Soap Concierge at Viceroy Riviera Maya to present a selection of hand-made soaps, crafted with seasonal ingredients. Once guests have made their selection, the Concierge will slice personalized bars for travelers to use during their stay.
Holiday Traditions Around the World
Christmas Eve dinner in Provence is not complete without 13 desserts. The tradition is a reference to Christ and his twelve apostles at the Last Supper. Custom dictates that each guest must have at least a small bite of each of the 13 sweets. The components vary by region but always include pompe à l’huile (olive oil and citrus-infused bread), fruit, and black and white nougat. Domaine de Manville guests can expect carriage rides and holiday movies in the private screening room in addition to the sweet treats.
Ring in the New Year the traditional Japanese way at Park Hyatt Tokyo with a customary bowl of Toshikoshi Soba on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing good luck for the year ahead. Guests can join the staff and slurp down a bowl of these auspicious noodles just before midnight.
Nantucket celebrates the holidays with its annual ‘Christmas Stroll.’ Now in its 45th year, hundreds of Christmas trees line the streets for the three days of merriment with carolers, festive treats, and a visit from Santa.
Calistoga’s 23rd annual Lighted Tractor Parade on December 1 is the ultimate small-town holiday event in celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage. Vintage and modern tractors and antique trucks decked out with dazzling lights and holiday décor will parade down Calistoga’s charming Main Street.
In the English countryside, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons’ guests can join the on-property cookery school created by Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE for a half-day lesson on crafting the traditional Christmas lunch. Some highlights from previous years’ classes include salmon in champagne cream sauce, duck breast, and chocolate fondants.
Keeping with French traditions, La Reserve Paris’ two Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jérôme Banctel and Head Pastry Chef Adrien Salavert have crafted a limited edition buche de noel for this festive season. With a gold-accented outer layer surrounding a filling of Michel Reybier champagne and fruits including mango, passion fruit, pineapple, and coconut.
Use It Or Lose It: How to Spend Those Lingering Vacation Days
Theater-lovers who opt to sojourn at The Chatwal, New York will enjoy two premium tickets to Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song as it makes its Broadway debut. The two-night minimum stay package will also enjoy a pre-theater dinner at the Lambs Club and a Harvey Fierstein-signed playbill. Travelers can take advantage of this package through February 2019.
In The Holy City, Belmond Charleston Place’s Third Night’s a Charm deal offers a 25% savings on a three-night stay. While the offer is valid for all travel from November 11 through the New Year, the hotel delights during the holiday season with a fully-operational train display – a replica of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – under the hotel’s Georgian open-arm staircase.
Whether it be Marylebone, Kensington, or the up-and-coming Bloomsbury, travelers can live like locals for a quick long weekend with a curated itinerary of insider experiences with The Doyle Collections ‘Slice of the City’ itineraries.
Travel to Napa Valley on easy, direct, domestic flights to experience Cabernet Season starting in November. During this season, the crowds have dwindled, the prices are lowered, and the pace slows down. As its moniker suggests, the region’s famed Cabernet Sauvignons are released during this period for travelers to get first access to the season’s selection.
New Yorkers don’t always have time to plan a big trip – but still need that escape from reality. With a staycation at The Lowell just off Madison Avenue, guests can cozy up next to their own wood-burning fireplace under an alpaca throw with a glass of vino, while their fireplace butler creates a homey atmosphere with fresh logs and aromatic scents.
With direct flights from six major US cities to St. Lucia, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is a quick and easy destination for a long weekend. Far enough South to be out of the main hurricane belt, St. Lucia has beautiful weather year-round – offering a sunny escape from reality. Especially tempting in November and early December before prices go up around the holidays.
With Delta’s new daily nonstop flight from New York to Kingston launching this December, travelers can escape to Strawberry Hill in the blue mountains to experience an unexpected side to the Caribbean island with lush greenery replacing sandy beaches and cool, misty air replacing the heat of the blazing sun.
Calendar
December
December 2018: Jamaica’s GoldenEye will unveil the new FieldSpa
December 1, 2018: andBeyond Tengile River Lodge opens on South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve, sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park
December 10, 2018: Belmond La Samanna reopens in St. Martin following a renovation and redesign in collaboration with Muza Lab
December 15, 2018: Belmond Cap Juluca opens after a complete renovation and redesign on Maundays Bay in Anguilla
December 31, 2018: Close out 2018 with a New Year’s Eve Dinner on Belmond British Pullman
December 28-January 4, 2019: Celebrate the new year with PONANT’s eight-day New Year in the Caribbean sailing aboard the newly launched Le Champlain
January
January 2018: Guinot launches a new Anti-Dark Spot Serum – a two-week regimen for brighter skin
January 20-27, 2018: Napa Valley Restaurant Week offers multi-course prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner at restaurants throughout the Napa region
February
February 1, 2019: Take part in a full-day course at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons’ cookery school to learn Raymond Blanc OBE’s mother’s favorite recipes.
February 14, 2019: Board the Belmond British Pullman to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a five-course brunch
February 28 – March 5, 2019: Stay with Almanac Barcelona while celebrating Barcelona Carnival
Park Hyatt and Daniel Libeskind Offer Largest Rooms in South Korea, Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, Three-Floor Spa and Residential-Themed Restaurants
NEW YORK (March 1, 2013) – Designed by the Pritzker-prize winner Daniel Libeskind, Park Hyatt Busan opened its doors today. Located in the iconic l’Park development in Marine City and adjacent to Haeundae Beach, the hotel now offers the largest rooms and suites in Busan.
Libeskind has designed the hotel to express the dramatic beauty and power of the environment. The building features a curvilinear geometry and glass façade inspired by the wind filling the sails of a ship, the waves of the Haeundae Ocean, and the camellia – Busan’s symbol flower. The award-winning architect has designed various world-renowned projects, including the World Trade Center rebuilding in New York City.
The interiors have been designed by award-winner, Japan-based Super Potato. Each of the 269 rooms and suites feature natural elements of French oak flooring, granite stone bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for spectacular views of the ocean, Gwangan Bridge and Yacht Marina.
Reminiscent of a “home” setting, Park Hyatt Busan’s dining and entertainment offerings include the Dining Room, the Living Room and the residential-style Lounge – all located on the top three floors of the 33-storey hotel. A patisserie, specializing in homemade French pastries and sweets, is located at the ground level.
The Lumi Spa & Fitness center spans three full floors, with a 65-foot, indoor, glass-enclosed swimming pool and whirlpool with full ocean views. There are seven treatment rooms, men’s and women’s saunas, Korean scrub services, 24-hour gymnasium with private fitness studios and a golf simulation driving range.
About Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt provides discerning, affluent business and leisure guests with elegant and luxurious accommodations. Guests of Park Hyatt receive highly attentive personal service in an intimate environment. Located in several of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt is custom designed to combine sophistication with a distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt features well-appointed guestrooms, meeting and special event spaces for groups, critically acclaimed art, food and beverage programmes, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs. There are currently 31 Park Hyatt hotels in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Baku, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Busan, Canberra, Carlsbad, Chennai, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, Ningbo, Paris, Saigon, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington D.C., and Zurich. parkhyatt.com.
Park Hyatt Chennai, Park Hyatt’s third hotel in India and the first Park Hyatt hotel in the “Gateway to southern India,” opened today. Located next to the prestigious Governor’s Residence and adjacent to the thriving green area of the Guindy National Park, the hotel is but a 15-minute drive from the city’s domestic and international airport. It features 201 luxury rooms and suites, two restaurants, the Antahpura Spa, a fully-equipped fitness center, and The Apartment – the hotel’s state-of-the-art meeting facility.
The hotel offers an array of epicurean tastes and experiences with its two restaurants, The Dining Room, overlooking the beautiful lily pond, and The Flying Elephant, opening in early 2013. At the Dining Room, guests can enjoy convenient, all-day dining featuring traditional South Indian cuisine and European bistro favorites. The Flying Elephant will be the hotel’s speciality restaurant offering diners a selection of exotic cuisines in an awe-inspiring ambience.
Designed as a contemporary oasis of wellness and rejuvenation, each of the six treatment rooms overlooking the tranquil greenery of the Guindy at the Antahpura Spa offers a blissful refuge from the strains of modern life. Indulge in a treatment inspired by the legendary therapies from the illustrious lineage of Chettinad or a holistic spa experience, which have been recreated by indigenous herbs and primordial beauty and wellness practices. The hotel’s fully equipped fitness center, Sphere, features hot and cold plunge pools, steam and sauna facilities, a yoga studio, and separate cardio and strength training areas.
The hotel also showcases beautiful, custom-made art installations that have been curated around the concept of Indian textiles and heritage. The impressive series of installations have been set up to lend a distinct character to the spaces and to enhance and create an unparalleled guest experience that is synonymous with the Park Hyatt brand.
Park Hyatt Chennai embraces the serenity of the surrounding Guindy National Park with flowing landscapes and relaxing interiors, complemented by a graceful lily pond dotting the heart of the inner courtyard. The elegant and chic interiors create a unique and calming ambience, reflecting the quiet and refined side of Chennai. With the new developments of Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Sri Perumbudur, and the Guindy Industrial Estate all in close proximity, the hotel provides a serene and tranquil retreat for the astute business traveler in the bustling city of Chennai.
To learn more about Park Hyatt Chennai and the inspiration behind the hotel’s design, please visit http://bit.ly/OnLX4R.
About Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt provides discerning, affluent business and leisure guests with elegant and luxurious accommodations. Guests of Park Hyatt receive highly attentive personal service in an intimate environment. Located in several of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt is custom designed to combine sophistication with a distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt features well-appointed guestrooms, meeting and special event spaces for groups, critically acclaimed art, food and beverage programmes, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs. There are currently 30 Park Hyatt hotels in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Baku, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Canberra, Carlsbad, Chennai, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, Ningbo, Paris, Saigon, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington D.C., and Zurich. parkhyatt.com.
Springtime is officially in full-bloom in Toronto, Canada’s biggest city, and it’s time to get out and enjoy it! Just a quick flight a way, Toronto is the ideal weekend getaway. Perfectly situated in the heart of the fashionable Yorkville area and surrounded by high-end retail stores and five-star restaurants, a weekend at the Park Hyatt Toronto is just what the doctor ordered. Its close proximity to downtown’s most renowned sites makes it the perfect home base for your visit.
From a recent Huffington Post article, here are George Hobica’s 10 favorite things to do in Toronto this spring and summer. Here are some of our favorites from that list:
- Get high – EdgeWalk, the city’s newest attraction is not for the faint of heart. For $175, extremists can get the best view of the city…and then get pushed out of a 116-story tower.
- Get a little tipsy – While Ontario’s booming wine industry is still flying somewhat under the radar, it’s not due to quality. According to George, “it’s because Ontario’s oenophiles are too busy getting high on their own supply to figure out how to export the stuff.” The best vintages come from the vineyards that line the scenic back roads of the Niagara Peninsula, less than an hour from the city.
- Eat Dim Sum – with nearly 50% of Toronto’s population born outside the country, there is an immense array of restaurants, and many of them hail from Asia. While most tourists head for Chinatown, the best Dim Sum is found in the suburbs north of Highway 401.
- Get wet – no trip to Toronto is complete with making the pilgrimage to Niagara Falls. Whether you choose to hit the casinos or not, a cruise aboard the historic Maid of the Mist steamboat is definitely in order.
- Catch up with Brad & Angelina – In September, the annual Toronto International Film Festival brings A-listers from all over the world. Can’t make it in September? No worries, the festival’s TIFF Bell Lightbox theater complex has an impressive selection of films and events occurring throughout the year.
- Knock your socks off – Make sure to sneak in a visit to the Bata Shoe Museum, home to more than 12,500 shoes from all around the world.
- Get down – The real fun happens after dark. George’s one rule for Toronto’s funky nightlife: “West is best.” Start along Queen Street West and end in the Parkdale neighborhood’s Grand Electric, a bustling, mod-Mexican cantina.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the perfect opportunity for getting away while supporting a great cause. Whether paying a visit to the spa or indulging in a weekend away from home, you’ll be making a contribution to the fight against breast cancer.
ESPA
Where: The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York, NY
What: During the month of October, The Peninsula Spa by ESPA is offering pink-themed treatments to raise funds for the American Cancer Society as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Pink Power Package combines a soothing massage with an optional personal training session for a day of pampering and fitness. For the ultimate indulgence, the spa is offering the Peninsula Pink Ceremony, a two-hour treatment that includes a rejuvenating body scrub, cleansing facial, and full-body massage. Support a great cause while indulging in a mini spa-cation!
Guinot
Where: Advanced Beauty Care, Burlingame, California
What: Every October, Advanced Beauty Care hosts a fundraiser featuring Guinot products to benefit Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation – Women’s Center Breast Health Services, a local organization focused on breast health. At the fundraiser, guests discover two essential Guinot skin care products: Guinot Longue Vie Cellulaire and the NEW Guinot Red Logic, both of which have helped clients preserve their skin while undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Nantucket Island Resorts
Where: Nantucket Island Resorts, Nantucket
What: For the month of October, all Nantucket Island Resorts properties are donating $1 from every room night bought to the Marla Ceely Lamb Fund, a local charity that helps Nantucket residents suffering from cancer defray the costs of transportation and lodging for patients who must travel off-island for cancer treatment. In addition, guests booking a stay during the weekend of October 14-16 will have the opportunity to participate on the Nantucket Island Resorts-sponsored team during Nantucket’s Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Nantucket Island Resorts has committed to a $1,000 donation for the Breast Cancer Walk. Those who join the team will receive a complimentary team tee-shirt. The White Elephant is also participating by offering a special pink White Elephant tee-shirt in their gift shop and a Think Pink cocktail at Brant Point Grill. At The Wauwinet, TOPPER’S restaurant is offering pink cocktails and cupcakes.
Park Hyatt
Where: Park Hyatt Toronto
What: During the month of October, spend the night in Park Hyatt Toronto’s Pink Room – a perfectly pink suite designed by Sarah Richardson – and the hotel will donate ten percent of the room rate to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Toronto natives and other guests can also participate by giving their nails a pink treat at the Stillwater Spa. The spa will also donate ten percent of all pink-hued manicures and pedicures to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
While officially launching January, 2012, this September the Park Hyatt hotel brand begins the transformation of its acclaimed Masters of Food & Wine event into the new Park Hyatt ‘masters’, a global series of seasonally- and locally-inspired culinary weekend workshops that will take place four times per year at the change of the seasons. Through engaging and interactive programming, both resident and visiting gourmands and oenophiles can become ‘masters’ of regional cuisine. The new Park Hyatt ‘masters’ will preview its fresh philosophy and lighter programming across 19 Park Hyatt hotels internationally during the weekend of September 23, 2011. The official launch of Park Hyatt masters in January 2012, and all future quarterly Park Hyatt masters programs, will take place on the same date at all Park Hyatt hotels worldwide.
Led by Park Hyatt chefs and sommeliers, masters-in-training will learn about top-notch, seasonal cuisine in three hands-on ‘courses’ on the designated day:
In the Field: Interaction with artisanal food or beverage purveyors
In the Kitchen: Onsite cooking and prep workshops
In the Moment: Tips on service and presentation
“Our guests actively request one-of-a-kind, culturally rich experiences that have a take-home element, particularly in food and beverage,” says Achim Lenders, vice president of food and beverage, international, for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “It is a natural evolution to transform our Park Hyatt Masters event into something more simple and interactive; pairing guests with local chefs and vintners to become masters themselves, and letting guests see the destination through local eyes.”
Individual hotel itineraries showcasing regional produce and producers during the September preview include:
- Park Hyatt Zurich will host a Swiss grape harvest, a workshop on Switzerland’s female winemakers, and a boat trip across Lake Zurich to a winery for a bottling lesson and picnic.
- Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Southern California will start the day with a farmer’s breakfast, then a visit Carlsbad Aquafarm where participants will meet the resort’s seafood purveyor, followed by a local wine and cheese tasting.
- Park Hyatt Mendoza will host an interactive cooking class with special recipes created for it based on a signature olive oil produced in a nearby grove exclusively for the hotel’s restaurant.
- Park Hyatt Maldives will take guests by boat to a nearby island to meet a local grower and after selecting ingredients, they will head back to the resort, first stopping to fish for their dinner in the waters surrounding Hadahaa Island. The day concludes with a chef-led cooking class on traditional Maldivian cuisine using the fresh ingredients collected that day.
The quarterly Park Hyatt masters events will take place around the turn of each season on the weekends of January 13-15, March 23-25, June 24-26 and September 21-23, 2012. All classes will be limited in size to ensure maximum interaction for each master-to-be, which, depending on the property, will be between eight and 25 guests. Participating guests will be provided with recipes and/or tasting notes associated with their experience, and photos and videos of Park Hyatt masters demonstrations will be shared with the Park Hyatt masters community on the brand’s Facebook page – facebook.com/parkhyatt.
Participating Park Hyatt hotels for the preview of Park Hyatt masters in September (as of August 2011) include:
In North America – Aviara (Carlsbad, Calif.), Beaver Creek, Chicago, Toronto, Washington
In South America – Mendoza, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
In Europe – Hamburg, Paris, Istanbul, Zurich
In Southwest Asia – Goa, Maldives
In the Middle East – Jeddah, Dubai
In Asia – Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Saigon
Workshop itineraries and pricing will vary from place to place and will be available to reserve directly through each hotel’s concierge. Beginning August 1, more details about the global program, the calendar of events, pricing and additions to participating properties will be available at www.mastersfoodandwine.com.
Afraid the Easter Bunny won’t know where to find you if you’re away? We guarantee he’ll be drawn to these great Easter celebrations, so pack those bags and get ready to eat some jelly beans and chocolate eggs. Whether near (Nantucket, Washington D.C., Toronto) or far (Paris, Provence, Moscow), these spots are perfect to ring in the spring.
NEAR
Nantucket Island Resorts
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket Island Resorts, including Jared Coffin House (starting at $125), White Elephant (starting at $195), The Cottages & Lofts (starting at $200), and White Elephant Hotel Residences (starting at $350 for guestroom or $500 for residence)
Easter Happenings: Amazing rates at each of the properties over Easter Weekend – and a delicious brunch at the Brant Point Grill featuring Easter Basket Workshops and Egg Hunts!
The Offer: Spend a great family weekend on Nantucket with plenty of amusement for the little ones. The following will be happening at the White Elephant. For event and brunch reservations, please call 508.228.1320.
- Saturday, April 23 – Easter Basket Workshop at 1 pm and 3 pm. Reservations required; $5 per child; open to the public
- Sunday, April 24 – Easter Brunch with Raw Bar at Brant Point Grill – $42 adults; $21 children
- Sunday, April 24 – Easter Egg Hunts – 11 am and 2 pm with a special guest on the White Elephant Harborside Lawn
Subject to availability. Excludes room tax.
Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C.
A tony Washington DC design and foodie favorite in the fashionable West End Georgetown neighborhood.
Easter Happenings: A three-course, buffet-style brunch from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Highlights include sunnyside eggs with cod cakes and spicy buttermilk sauce; roasted leg of lamb with rosemary jus and shallots; local rockfish with pea sauce and morels; and Belgian Liege waffle with Mountain Huckleberry Marmalade.
The Offer: $90 per person and $45 for children between six and 12; children under six years of age are welcome on a complimentary basis.
Park Hyatt Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
Set in fashionable Yorkville just across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum and five minutes from the theater and financial districts, Park Hyatt Toronto offers a contemporary city getaway, with 336 guestrooms and the award-winning Stillwater Spa.
Easter Happenings: Relax in comfort with Park Hyatt Toronto’s Awaken at The Park package: overnight accommodations and full breakfast for two in the acclaimed Annona Restaurant. Annona is also offering an Easter Brunch Prix Fixe and an Easter Dinner Prix Fixe.
The Offer: The Awaken package is available from Friday, April 22 until Monday, April 25 starting at $208. Three course brunch menu at Annona is $71 per person, while the three course dinner is $52 per person.
FAR
Pavillon de la Reine
Paris, France
This impossibly chic and charming hotel is located on the historic Place des Vosges in the Marais. Blooming with life in the spring season, the ivy-clad 54 bedroom Pavillon de la Reine was originally built in the 1600s as part of the Place Royale by King Henri IV.
Easter Happenings: Guests are welcomed with a chocolate egg and bottle of champagne upon arrival. Following an egg painting session, kids will enjoy running throughout the private courtyard on the quest for chocolate eggs. The Easter weekend package also includes brunch for two.
The Offer: Superior rooms start at 390 euros per night, Junior or Duplex Suite start at €550 ($792 USD) per night.
Le Pavillon des Lettres
Paris, France
The new literature-inspired hotel offers 26 rooms – each devoted to a letter of the alphabet and an international author corresponding to that letter (think S for Shakespeare, V for Voltaire…)
Easter Happenings: A chocolate egg, bottle of French white wine, and a book of the best places to eat chocolate will be waiting in your room upon arrival. Enjoy brunch for two on Easter morning in the Salon amongst the hotel’s literary greats!
The Offer: Deluxe rooms start at €360 ($518 USD) per night.
Hotel Crillon le Brave
Provence, France
The refined rustic Hotel Crillon le Brave is one of France’s most notable boutique hotels. Just 90 minutes North of Marseille, its consists of seven beautifully restored stone houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, which are linked by bridges, cobblestone walkways, and hidden courtyards.
Easter Happenings: While the kids participate in entertaining French lessons, learn to make French desserts, and visit a local boulangerie and olive oil mill, parents can enjoy wine tastings and spa treatments.
The Offer: The Provençal Family adventure package is offered April 17-22 and April 25-29 and costs €2,290 ($3,297 USD) for a family of four.
Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow
Moscow, Russia
While “egg hunt in Russia” might inspire thoughts of “finally, a chance to find those missing eight Fabergé eggs,” Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is offering an even sweeter deal. Built on the former site of Hotel Armenia, this hotel combines classic Armenian and Russian design elements, and is located within immediate vicinity of Moscow’s most famous landmarks, including the Bolshoi Theatre, the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral.
Easter Happenings: Free chocolate eggs will be given to take home at Easter Sunday Brunch on April 24th. Executive chef Guillaume Joly will be whipping up traditional Easter dishes like kulich, paskha, roasted leg of lamb, and much more at The Park Restaurant. For children, an egg hunt (yes, of the chocolate kind) will take place, with “sweet” prizes to be won.
The Offer: RUB 3,900 per person ($138 USD), including VAT and service charges.
All followers – on Twitter, not just devotees – of Park Hyatt Toronto’s Executive Chef Joan Monfaredi (@Chef_JMonfaredi) can visit Annona today to receive the hotel’s latest offer: tweeters-only can purchase one entrée at full-price and get the second half off.
Use this socially savvy deal to sample new items on the hotel’s fall and winter menu premiering today. Items to note: the Paparadelle duck confit, Star Anise shortribs, and sweet potato poutine.