Photos courtesy of MaineSeniorGuide.com and Crystal Cruises

Memorial Day is generally viewed as a day off from school or work and an excuse to hit the beach.  But for war veterans and their families the day carries a more important significance. For them, the holiday is about honoring fallen soldiers and Crystal Cruises aims to do the same. While Crystal recently introduced regular veterans’ get-togethers onboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, passengers sailing during Memorial Day weekend will be treated to a slew of extra special activities. The activities vary from ship to ship but are equally commemorative.

The activities will allow guests to honor soldiers in a variety of ways, ranging from open forums and poetry dedications to memorial ceremonies and shore excursions at various war-related sites. The events will be led by either four-star Marine General Anthony Zinni, former Commander in Chief of U.S. General Command or foreign policy author Dr. Robert Freedman.

There’s nothing wrong with spending the next few days indulging with friends and family but we encourage you to take a few moments and commemorate our soldiers.

Opening in June, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will welcome the brand’s first city hotel in the Middle East, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara. Located along a three-quarter mile stretch of Abu Dhabi’s protected Eastern Mangroves District, the hotel will be home to the United Arab Emirates’ largest Hammam and VIP suite, The Royal Mangroves Residence.

A quiet retreat from the bustle of the city center, this new luxury five-star hotel will be an integrated hotel, marina, retail, and residential destination, offering stunning views of the lush mangroves that surround the area.  The hotel will feature 222 guest rooms and suites; three restaurants and bars, including a Thai specialty restaurant and a rooftop lounge with Technicolor LED roofline; a luxury spa with a traditional Arabic Hammam; a ballroom; and state-of-the-art conference facilities.

Accommodation options vary from the Deluxe Balcony rooms to the Royal Mangroves Residence. All rooms are spacious and outfitted with the latest in modern technology, including in-room entertainment systems and WiFi.  Interconnecting rooms are available on every floor, with connecting doors from the corridors to provide additional privacy.

The luxurious Royal Mangroves Residence, touted as the largest VIP suite in Abu Dhabi, offers a lavish but residential feel with room configurations of three to seven en-suite guest rooms that can be modified depending on guests’ requirements. The Residence also features a rooftop terrace overlooking the mangroves, a 33-foot swimming pool, a rooftop BBQ entertaining area, a private gym and a dedicated private entrance. Guests will also have access to a private limousine service, chef, butler, massage therapist, and beauty therapist during their stay.

The Anantara Spa at Eastern Mangroves will be home to the largest traditional Arabic Hammam in Abu Dhabi, totaling an impressive 1,420 square feet. The exclusive spa will also feature ten treatment rooms and separate lobbies and check-in areas for men and women.

Ideal for corporate meetings and social functions, Eastern Mangroves will offer state-of-the-art conference and catering facilities, including a banquet and bridal consultation office, with a ballroom capacity for 320 guests seated banquet style, plus five dedicated and fully equipped breakout and board rooms with a VIP majlis, a traditional Arabic meeting place.

In addition to the permanent collection of artwork and sculpture adorning Le Pavillon des Lettres, the literary-themed hotel, located just off Paris’ Champs Elysées, has launched an ongoing art series that will showcase collections of original artwork on a rotating basis.

The first installation features the photographs of local Parisian photographer, Blaise Lavigne, and can be viewed (and purchased) from now through June 10. The artwork is dotted among the hotel’s public spaces, seamlessly blending with the décor.

Lavigne’s exhibit, entitled Correspondences, features 25 stunning portraits of readers – a perfect complement to the literary atmosphere of Le Pavillon des Lettres. Like all of his work, Lavigne’s images play on light and form, creating a sense of fragility and dream-like elegance.

Following Lavigne’s exhibit, Le Pavillon des Lettres will feature Jean-Daniel Henry’s photography collection, “Les portraits dans le Noir” (portraits in the dark) from September 6 through December 31.

For more information about Le Pavillon des Lettres, visit www.pavillondeslettres.com or call 33 (01) 49 24 26 26.

For more information about Lavigne’s work visit www.blaiselavigne.com.

About Le Pavillon des Lettres

Opened in November 2010, the boutique luxury hotel combines arts, literature and fine design, with each of its 26 rooms devoted to a letter of the alphabet and an international writer corresponding to that letter. Think H for Hugo or B for Baudelaire. Text from the corresponding author’s book, poem or play is painted above the bed and a hard copy of the piece can be found on the nightstand, right next to the iPad in each room – loaded with international bestsellers and playlists from jazz to classical and beyond. The two top floor penthouse suites offer sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais.

Spa: Anantara Spa at Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Maldives

Therapist: Ms. Yosita Tonak

Position: Senior Therapist

Q & A:

1. What’s your specialty/signature in terms of your facials?

My favorite facial treatment is Anantara’s Signature Facial.  The sixty-minute treatment combines the perfect blend of nourishing plant extracts and traditional Thai ingredients to treat and revitalize the skin.  A gentle massage induces a deep state of relaxation, while an herbal mask restores the natural balance of the skin. This facial treatment is one of the most popular treatments in many of our spas.

What’s your overriding ethos when it comes to treating your clients?

For me the first and foremost aspect that defines a perfect spa experience is to understand my guests’ individual needs and comfort zone, as many of these personal preferences are not verbally communicated.  It is about finding balance through communication, observation, and experience, from establishing the perfect room temperature to the preferred pressure applied to the face or back, to ensuring that guests emerge feeling recharged and invigorated, or totally soothed and relaxed, whatever their desired goal.

1. Who are your celebrity clients?

Due to the exclusive nature of Anantara’s resorts in the Maldives I have been fortunate to meet  and treat many celebrities and royalty, but my favorite guest by far is Wimbledon Champion, Roger Federer.

The Professional Restaurant Recommender

Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa

Bangkok, Thailand

Name: Chettha Khambunditkul

Title: Streetwise Guru

Job: Also the Chief Concierge, Chettha has worked at the resort for 15 years and is always testing out new culinary recommendations. He has developed a Bangkok gastronomy hot list that is second to none, so guests can simply head straight for the best places instead of attempting to navigate the city’s overwhelming choices. Guests can even ask Chettha to accompany t hem on a tour to explore lesser known attractions in addition to famous sights.

Fun fact: As a local food connoisseur, Chettha knows where to find the best sois teeming with food stalls like the back of his hand, and he can easily help hungry guests find the tastiest roasted duck noodles, BBQ pork noodles, fish ball noodles, and spicy tom yum soups.

The Wauwinet, White Elephant

Celebrate Nantucket Island’s rich literary past, present, and future at the island’s first Nantucket Book Festival, June 15 – 17. The weekend’s celebration will include panel discussions, readings for adults and children, pig roast at Cisco Brewery, and opportunities to meet notable authors in person, plus much more.

A handful of local Nantucket authors will be participating including Elin Handbrand, whose books are ideal beach reads, Nancy Thayer, author of 21 novels with her latest Heat Wave due out in June, and Nathaniel Philbrick, New York Times bestselling author of seagoing books.

Stroll down Broad Street and pop into Nantucket Bookworms to buy a book for your literary-themed weekend. (May we suggest Moby Dick?). Rest your head at The Wauwinet or at the White Elephant, both which offer cozy libraries – perfect for leafing through your new book, with a complimentary glass of port of sherry in hand.

To book overnight accommodations, visit www.nantucketislandresorts.com.

For more information about the Nantucket Book Festival, click here.

Toothbrush? Check. Passport? Check. Pencil and Sketchbook? Double check.

In this recent USAToday article, Larry Bleiberg claims that a “growing number of travelers are using a pencil to capture vacation memories.” According to Gabriel Campanario, founder of UrbanSketchers.org, not only is sketching a great way to capture your memories, it also makes for a richer travel experience.

So, what are Gabriel’s top 10 cities to sketch? He names New York City, Seattle, Montreal, Norfolk, London, Venice, Barcelona, Istanbul, and Hong Kong as his favorites. Ready to head out and sketch? Well, Crystal Cruises will make a call in nine out of these 10 cities in the next year! Crystal will even help get you started at the on board Creative Learning Institute where their specially trained Odyssey Art at Sea instructor will give you some helpful tips. So grab your pencil, forgot the camera, and hop on Crystal Cruises for the richest travel experience.

Its official, Nantucket’s cobblestoned Main Street has been named one of “America’s Greatest Main Streets” by Travel + Leisure! Located in the heart of the island, Nantucket’s Main Street runs from the center of the island right down to the busy Nantucket Harbor (once the whaling capital of the world). Lined with gorgeous elms, old fashioned lamp posts, benches, Greek revival buildings, and old-fashioned store fronts, the street is awash with New England charm. Best of all, there’s tons to do! The street is filled with chic boutiques, souvenir filled shops, art galleries, fantastic restaurants, and more. After a full day of shopping, rest your head at the new Inn at the White Elephant Village, opening this summer or one of the other iconic Nantucket hotels all walking distance from Main Street – Jared Coffin House, White Elephant Hotel, White Elephant Residences, or The Cottages at the Boat Basin. There’s no denying it, Nantucket’s Main Street really is one of America’s greatest!

nahm, the award-winning restaurant at the Metropolitan, Bangkok, has been cited among the world’s 50 Top Restaurants.

This latest restaurant, headed-up by the leading Australian chef David Thompson, was a new entry in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards sponsored by San Pellegrino. The ceremony took place at Guildhall, London, Monday night (April 30), organised by the UK’s industry publication, Restaurant Magazine.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, the awards are created by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of over 800 international industry leaders, each selected for their expert opinion of the international restaurant scene.

Accepting the award, Thompson said: “I am delighted to receive this accolade, which recognises the lengths we go to here at nahm, to deliver Thai food. This also acknowledges the very hard work of all the staff.”

nahm at the Metropolitan, Bangkok, which is part of the COMO Hotels and Resorts group, opened in September 2010. Thompson was one of the first chefs to win multiple awards for Thai cuisine in Europe at his London restaurant, nahm at The Halkin in Belgravia. On Thai soil, nahm, Bangkok was an instant hit, with Thompson’s commitment to authenticity winning him a loyal following among Thais, expats and hotel guests.

Dishes such as coconut and turmeric curry of blue swimmer crab, stir-fried frog with chilies and cumin leaves or durian steeped in scented coconut cream are complemented by an interior that combines traditional Thai design motifs with the Metropolitan’s contemporary aesthetic. Created by Japanese interior architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, the space is rich in locally-sourced, hand-crafted gold leaf, teak and Thai silks creating an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is open weekdays for lunch and Monday to Sunday for dinner.

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

For the Olympics:

The Halkin

London, UK

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

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

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

Metropolitan London

London, UK

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

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

For the Culture:

Orient-Express Afloat in France

France

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

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

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

Le Pavillon des Lettres

Paris, France

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

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

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

Crystal Cruises Royal Explorer Sailing

Stockholm to London

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

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

Rates: Check here for current pricing and special offers

For the Cuisine:

Park Hyatt Milan

Milan, Italy

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

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

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

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Paris, France

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

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

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

For the Scenery:

La Réserve Ramatuelle

St. Tropez, France

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

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

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

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Interlaken, Switzerland

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

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

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