January 11th, 2012
Photo courtesy of worldtennismagazine.com
It’s that time of the year again… time for lists. To-do’s, resolutions, and the New York Times 45 Places to Go in 2012, of course. So, if you’re resolved to travel more this year, use this to check a few things off your list. Here are some of our favorites!
#3 Myanmar – After the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from 15 years of house arrest and the lifting of the boycott against the authoritarian regime that kept the country isolated, Myanmar is ready to share cultural treasures and deserted beaches. Experience the remarkable beauty, romance, and mystery of Myanmar aboard the luxurious Orient-Express’ “Road to Mandalay” as it cruises down the Ayeyarwady River.
#4 London – Between the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Queen’s 60th year on the throne, the summer Olympic Games, and the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, there is a bevy of reasons to visit London this year. For the ultimate posh location, we recommend the Metropolitan London with its incredible views of Hyde Park and award-winning Nobu restaurant. For a more sanctuary-like hotel, the 5-star Halkin in discreet Belgravia may be more up your alley.
#6 Tokyo – It’s no secret that Tokyo had a tough 2011, which is why there is no better time to travel there than 2012. Due to a decrease in tourism and business travel, rates are down without sacrificing luxury and attention to detail. Staying at the “Lost in Translation” Park Hyatt Tokyo is now better than ever.
#11 Moscow – For those who love history and art, this is the city to visit. Between the reopening of the extravagantly renovated Bolshoi Theater in October and the opening of the Russian Icon Museum, you will find no shortage of things to do here. Located just yards away from the Bolshoi Theater, the five-star Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is in the prime location to explore this unique city.
#14 San Diego – If you’re looking for good times, good people, and great beer, San Diego should definitely be on your list of places to go this year. If you want to throw in a game of golf before or after your tastings, definitely stay at the Park Hyatt Aviara.
#27 Maldives – It seems that everyone is traveling to the Maldives now-a-days, and it’s no secret why. It’s necklace of 26 tropical atolls in the Indian Ocean make it a place where you can find something that everyone in the family wants to do – scuba dive, fish, surf, or just relax in the pristine sand. There are so many different resorts to choose from – here are our favorites: Park Hyatt Maldives, Anatara Dhigu Resorts & Spas, Anantara Veli Resorts & Spas, Anantara Kihavah Villas, Naladhu, and Cocoa Island.
If you like to “kill two birds with one stone”, you’ll need to check out Crystal Cruises. Their ships plan to drop anchor in each of these destinations in 2012: #1 Panama City; #22 Paraty, Brazil; and #36 Dubrovnik, Croatia.
August 17th, 2011
In the summer heat, what’s better than hitting the open waters for a high-speed adventure or a relaxing day cruise accompanied by a cool cocktail? Don’t be left high and dry. Instead, take part in a few fabulous boating adventures from some of our favorite getaways!
Wauwinet Lady at The Wauwinet, Nantucket
Ahoy, matey: For an unexpected and stylish ride to and from Nantucket Town, guests can board this launch from The Wauwinet’s 254-foot dock. Twice a day during lunch and dinner hours, the 26-passenger water taxi crosses Nantucket Bay and docks at the White Elephant in town, allowing guests staying at either hotels the opportunity to taste the other’s restaurant (award-winning TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet and Brant Point Grill at White Elephant). Board right around sunset for a particularly memorable ride and receive a cocktail en route!
Venetian taxi at La Réserve Genève, Geneva
Ahoy, matey: This chic Venetian motoscafo offers complimentary transfers to and from Geneva’s City Center during the summer months. Businessmen crossing the lake get a taste of vacation, while those on vacation can get a bit of sun and take in the scenery while cruising across the water.
Catcher, Ocean Whisperer and Freebird at Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives
Ahoy, matey: Guests can rent Whisperer, the 82-foot yacht, for a private journey to explore deserted islands, hidden reefs and secret lagoons, soar behind the full-rigged parasail boat, Freebird, or snag some dinner on Catcher, the resort’s big game fishing boat. Let the experienced instructors take you out on traditional Maldivian dhonis to scuba dive or snorkel and hang with the crustaceans and sponges that call the coral reef home.
The Minor Affair at Anantara Phuket Villas, Thailand
Ahoy, matey: Cruise between Sia Kao and Phuket, or wherever the waters take you on this Anantara Phuket’s Sunseeker Manhattan 60, a luxurious motoryacht ready to take you to the horizon and beyond. The Minor Affair is the Maserati of yachts, so grab seven ladies and gents to join you, and don’t worry about a designated driver.
White Water Rafting at Shakti Ladakh’s Shayok River Journey, North India
Ahoy, matey: These rafts are too cool for names. Visit India’s north and raft down the Shayok and Upper Indus Rivers along the traditional Silk Route through the Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges. Along the way, stop for picnic lunches in scenic valleys and take in the natural beauty of India’s Himalayas, deserts, and plateaus.
Sunset cruise at Cocoa Island, Maldives
Ahoy, matey: Embark on an unforgettable cruise around the Maldives as the setting sun reflects rays of orange and pink off the crystal clear water. Cocoa Island’s sunset cruise is the perfect opportunity to explore the open waters via speedboat and even make a few friends along the way – be on the look-out for dolphins playfully racing alongside the boat and flying fish skirting along the water’s surface.
Anantara Song and Dream – Anantara Cruises, Thailand
Ahoy, matey: Float along the Chao Phraya River aboard luxuriously renovated, hundred-year-old teak rice barges Anantara Song and Anantara Dream. The overnight excursions blend quintessential old-world charm and modern comforts, and the wonders of Bangkok that line the river will transport you back in time to the old Kingdom of Siam. Travelers can choose between set itineraries or privately charter the Anantara Dream.
May 17th, 2011
Five-star resort. Secluded island with a hard-to-pronounce name (Kihavah Huravalhi). Cerulean Indian Ocean waves.
You may have heard rumblings of the newest Anantara property in the Maldives, but now the all-villa resort (many of which have palm trees growing right through them) is awaiting your arrival. And so is your personal butler.
Only a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé, Anantara Kihavah Villas offers 78 overwater and beachfront villas with private infinity pools, sundecks, outdoor showers, and soaking tubs built for two.
The Maldives are home to more than 300 species of fish, and you’ll never run out of opportunities to spot them: the overwater villas boast glass-bottomed bathtubs, the spas have viewing panels under the treatments beds and the signature four-level restaurant Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky sports an underwater dining room. When you’re ready to get up close and personal with the marine life, water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing are offered through the experience club, ‘Elements Kihavah’. Sail into the sunset on a private yacht, cruise on a catamaran, or go deep-sea fishing using the age-old stargazing method.
Haven’t mastered the flip turn yet? No worries—the resort boasts the longest swimming pool in the Maldives at a whopping 160 feet, so you won’t be fighting spring break-ers. Poolside, Sunshine butlers are on hand with fresh fruit and cool face towels. Alternately, enjoy a rejuvenating treat with a day at the Anantara Spa, with treatments featuring indigenous ingredients like the Maldivian Massage’s coconut scrub.
Your piece of paradise awaits…
Rates: Best available rates start at $1,170 per night for a Beach Pool Villa and include daily breakfast for two.
March 31st, 2011
Caribbean
Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
What: Bring the family and rent one of Parrot Cay’s airy beach villas. The one-, two-, and three- bedroom villas each have a pool and are just a few steps away from the pristine white sand. For a little indulgence, try the Tamarind Villa – the newest property in the Parrot Cay Estates section comprises two complexes – one with three bedrooms and one with two bedrooms – that can be rented together or separately. When renting separately, rental includes butler service and other standard amenities. When renting as a whole unit, the estate will include two butlers, standard amenities, a gym, and a private chef. Both houses have a private deck and pool.
Why: The Caribbean is often thought of as a winter destination, which is what makes it such a secret gem in the summer. While the beach is never crowded, in the summer the resort is even more peaceful than usual and rates are at their lowest – plus from June through October, kids eat free!
Camp/Activities: Adults can partake in daily yoga and Pilates and relax at the COMO Shambhala Retreat while kids can take part in activities like treasure hunts and making shark tooth necklaces.
Rates: From June 1-October 31, 2011:
One-bedroom Beach Villa: $3,146
Two-bedroom Beach Villa: $4,114
COMO Beach Villa (three-bedroom): $4,840
Tamarind: Main House/3 Bedrooms – US$12,100 inclusive of tax (for all seasons)
Guest House/2 Bedrooms – US$6,050 inclusive of tax (for all seasons)
GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, Jamaica
What: Vacation like James Bond and rent out Ian Fleming’s villa (or a beach cottage just down the way). The Fleming Villa, where Ian Fleming wrote all of the James Bond books, can accommodate up to 10 people in its original three-bedroom home plus two new poolside cottages, with luxe amenities like a private swimming pool, media room and bar, sunken garden, and direct access to the private Fleming Beach. For a smaller group, consider the barefoot-chic one- and two-bedroom Beach Cottages, situated on Low Cay Beach, that open directly onto the sand.
Why: Who’s cooler than James Bond? Jet ski through the beautiful Caribbean waters pretending to be in the cast of Dr. No, or just relax at the newly opened Bizot Bar and sip a cool Red Stripe in the sun.
Camp/Activities: Jamaican Olympic triathlete Iona Wynter leads the fitness program so guests can stay in shape with activities such as Cardio Kayaking or Stretch and Snorkel sessions. Kiddies can carve coconuts, learn to fish, or stay up to stargaze with Brian, resident astronomy buff.
Rates: May 1-October 31, 2011:
One-bedroom beach cottage: $780
Two-bedroom beach cottage: $960
Fleming Villa: $4,400
Jakes, Jamaica
What: Relax in the quiet seaside town of Treasure Beach in one of Jakes’ island-chic private villas. The three villas – Calabash Bay Villa and Cottage, Hope House, and Cave Canum – are all close to Jakes and guests have all the benefits of the resort (such as the Driftwood Spa and Dougie’s Bar). The villas each have a private pool, although they’re so close to the ocean the pools might be overlooked, and come with a housekeeper and private chef.
Why: With all the benefits of a hotel but the privacy of your own house, these villas are perfect for a family vacation: the little waves lap up just feet from the house, nanny service is available, and they’ll even stock the fridge upon request so you can try your hand at jerk chicken, or maybe just some corn flakes.
Camp/Activities: Kiddies can run down to Jakes and take part in daily activities such as cooking classes and mosaic tile workshops, and the whole family can enjoy one of Jakes’ monthly moonlit farm dinners made with all local produce and set outside on a farm.
Rates: Rates start at $500 per night.
U.S.
The Cottages at the Boat Basin, Nantucket
What: The ideal rental for a traditionalist, these quintessentially New England one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages all feature a full kitchen, dining area, living area, and many have a private deck.
Why: The Cottages are steps away from downtown, great for walking and avoiding that infamous Nantucket traffic. Also, if a family trip just isn’t the same without Fido, stay at one of the WOOF Cottages where man’s best friend is treated to dog beds, toys, and a list of pet-friendly spots on the island. (Keep an eye out for Forrest, the Cottage’s new black lab puppy and mascot!)
Camp/Activities: Borrow bikes and pedal around to see the beaches, bogs, and legions of grey shingled houses. Guests at The Cottages also have access to sister hotel’s White Elephant Spa, so one can get a Maritime Seaweed Body Revitalization after a day at the beach.
Rates: With the Hot Dates/Cool Rates promotion…
May: $185: May 1-5, 8-12, 15-18
$235: May 22-26, 30-31
June : $235: June 1-2, 5-8, 13-16
July : $405: July 7, 10-14, 17-21
August: $410: August 28-31
White Elephant Hotel Residences, Nantucket
What: Rentals with all the comforts of a hotel located right on the edge of Nantucket Town. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences are great for families of all shapes and sizes, ranging from 750 to 1,525 square feet. Designed in classic Nantucket style with a sleek, modern tilt, each residence features a flat screen TV, sub-zero refrigerator, and Pratesi by Rivolta Carmignani linens on the four poster beds. With all the space, grandparents and grandchildren are welcome to experience a pampered Nantucket!
Why: A great place to avoid traffic while still being close to Nantucket Harbor, Jetties Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, along with all the stores in town. In case cooking at home seems daunting, take advantage of priority reservations at Brant Point Grill.
Camp/Activities: A day at the beach couldn’t be easier, with beach towels, chairs, and towels provided by the White Elephant and being within walking distance of Children’s Beach (a harbor beach with no waves). If lounging by a pool is more your style, the Residences have a beautiful private pool complete with cabanas, pool toys, and daily fresh fruit and ice cream service.
Rates: With the Hot Dates/Cool Rates promotion…
July: $1,200 July 5-6, 10-14, 17-21
France
La Réserve Ramatuelle, Côte d’Azur
What: These beautiful 4-6 bedroom villas each have a private garden, a pool, and an open view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Why: Along with the privacy of a house, the villas come with all the benefits of being at La Réserve (housekeeper, personal chef upon request, and access to the hotel and spa services).
Camp/Activities: Like heading off to day camp, those at the villas can troop up to the spa for à la carte treatments including a few designed exclusively for the resort by La Mer, or sign up for the 6-day program – one that focuses on weight loss, body sculpting, and revitalization through spa treatments and personally prescribed activities like yoga or hiking..
Rates: 4 bedroom villas start at 15,000 euros for 7 nights (4,000 euros per night on a nightly basis)
Maldives
Anantara Kihavah Villas, Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa Atoll
What: Live like a true jetsetter with an extended stay on the resort’s private island. The newly opened 78 overwater villas all feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and oversized bathtubs for two, ooh la la!
Why: If the Maldivian sun isn’t temptation enough, the resort is home to the longest pool in the Maldives (161 feet), an underwater restaurant and wine cellar, and is the only place in the Maldives to go whale shark and pink coral diving.
Camp/Activities: Guests can take traditional cooking and weaving lessons or a day trip to Seabird Island to visit the sea crane nesting ground. For a more relaxed activity, try a signature coconut treatment in an overwater spa suite with an aquatic viewing panel below the treatment beds. The Thiththi Boli Kids Club has plenty of daily activities (such as arts and craft and locally inspired games) to keep the 12-and-under guests busy from sunrise to sunset.
Rates: From June 1-October 31, 2011:
Beach Pool Villa: $2,200
Overwater Pool Villa: $2,450
Two-bedroom Overwater Pool Villa: $7,150
Two-bedroom Beach Pool Villa: $7,500
Thailand
Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa, Koh Samui
What: Host the ultimate summer BBQ at your temporary residence along one of Koh Samui’s most famous and longest beaches, Chaweng Beach. The Royal Lawana Pool Villa is 3,229-square-feet and designed in remembrance the area’s ancient Chinese merchant settlers. The design is a fusion of Chinese-Thai contemporary styles with unique Chinese rooflines with vaulted ceilings.
Why: The expansive outdoor sala is ideal for summer gatherings, and Lawana provides a private chef, waiters, and bartender to create the perfect party. All rooms overlook the beach, and the private pool and sundeck are just the spot for taking in the setting sun.
Camp/Activities: Anantara Lawana offers Thai cooking classes, yoga lessons, water sports, and an expansive fitness center. Don’t fret if leaving the 9-5 causes a little separation anxiety; the business center and library are available for high-speed Internet access (or just borrowing a new book or DVD)!
Rates: Royal Lawana Pool Villa rack rate between June 1 and October 31, 2011 is 58,000 THB/night (approximately $1,899/night). The ‘Best Available Rate with Breakfast’ is 42,800 THB/night (approximately $1,401/night) and is available through October 31.
Newly engaged Chrissy Teigen and John Legend; Anantara Kihavah Villas. Photos courtesy of gatagat.com; Anantara Resorts & Spas.
