haute hippie and goldeneye hotel announce fashion collaboration

April 30th, 2012

The effortlessly chic fashion line, Haute Hippie, and the highly-lauded Jamaica hotspot GoldenEye Hotel announce their collaboration and the creation of a new “All Things Gold” clothing collection. Inspired by Island Outpost’s flagship property and the simply stunning north coast of Jamaica where the hotel is located, the Haute Hippie designs will launch in time for Resort 2012.

The laid-back rocker-chic designs of Haute Hippie founder Trish Wescoat Pound are in perfect harmony with the simple, iconic Jamaica-style glamour that Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chris Blackwell has nurtured at the recently re-opened hotel.  Their shared affinity for a relaxed approach to high style has resulted in this special “All Things Gold” collection, which will feature the vintage-inspired, yet modern vibe that both brands embody.

“So much of what inspires us is drawn from the places we travel and the music we listen to. The partnership with Chris Blackwell and GoldenEye is a true meeting of the minds – a sharing of aesthetics, tastes and influences,” said Trish Wescoat Pound, founder of Haute Hippie.

The “All Things Gold” Resort 2012 collection will be available later this year at Haute Hippie stores. The collection will also be carried on-site at GoldenEye and at its sister property Strawberry Hill Hotel, Spa & Gardens, which is set high among the Blue Mountains and offers breath-taking views over the city of Kingston below.

Haute Hippie draws from a myriad of cultures, genres, people and places, and embraces the lifestyle for which they design.  More than just a line of beautiful clothes, Haute Hippie is an expression of a collective conscious, a common mindset and a shared worldview.  It’s no wonder Wescoat Pound was inspired by Jamaica and GoldenEye following her recent wedding at the property. The hotel and its lush surroundings are steeped in old-Hollywood history – after all, it is the former home of author Ian Fleming and the location where he penned all 14 James Bond novels – yet thoroughly infused with the vibrant spirit of this most unique island. Set along the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, GoldenEye successfully pays homage to its rich heritage while offering contemporary luxury with an authentic Jamaican feel with brand new beach- and lagoon-front Cottages and Suites, swimming pools, and dining options.

About Haute Hippie

Founded by designer Trish Wescoat Pound, Haute Hippie is the expression of a love affair with clothing.  From boy shorts to ball gowns, each piece in the Haute Hippie collection is inspired and designed by people who are passionate about the clothing they create.  Haute Hippie embodies the spirit of the global nomad – blending vintage, urban chic and other cultural influences from around the world. The Haute Hippie woman is as comfortable exploring the jungles of Peru as she is the streets of New York; a true citizen of the world – comfortable in her own skin and free from the need to conform to trends. A believer in the democratization of fashion without compromising luxury, Trish infuses Haute Hippie with the same carefree – yet sophisticated – aesthetic that characterizes every aspect of her life. Founded in 2008, Haute Hippie is sold in over 100 stores across the United States and more than 40 countries worldwide.

About GoldenEye Hotel

GoldenEye overlooks the Caribbean Sea in the quiet village of Oracabessa Bay on Jamaica’s north coast. Built by the novelist Ian Fleming as his Jamaican retreat, GoldenEye is where Fleming wrote all 14 James Bond novels. Today, GoldenEye is an award-winning Island Outpost hotel. It is owned by Chris Blackwell, the Jamaica-raised founder of Island Records. Though built in 1949, GoldenEye reopened in 2010, following a two-year renovation. The hotel now encompasses Fleming’s original villa, three villas built by Blackwell, plus nine new Beach Cottages, two new Lagoon Cottages and six new Lagoon Suites. GoldenEye is sited on 52 stunning acres and is home to secret coves, breathtaking private beaches, tropical forests and a singular lagoon. Two new restaurants—The Gazebo and Bizot Bar—serve quintessential Jamaica-style cooking and signature cocktails mixed with Blackwell Fine Jamaica Rum. The FieldSpa is the home base for the fitness and activities program. Treatments are given by the water, in-your-own-room, or at a cottage named Royal Palm, at the lagoon-edge where open-to-the air treatment rooms are a sanctuary for massage, salt scrubs, skin brightening facials, herbal wraps, and energy work. A pioneer in a variety of green initiatives, GoldenEye supports the Oracabessa Foundation, which educates and encourages sustainable development within the community.

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april 2012: what to do during april showers

April 24th, 2012

Park Hyatt

• Rain or shine, this is one event that no one wants to miss. On April 26, 2012, as part of the 2012 Park Hyatt Masters of Food & Wine, Park Hyatt Seoul will be offering a Korean ethnic earthenware Onggi class followed by a reception and full course dinner with exclusive, locally-produced caviar and sturgeon complemented by an excellent wine selection.

Anantara

• Make downtime fun in Thailand with Anantara activities: chef-led Thai cooking class and market tours at Anantara Lawana on Koh Samui, 120 minutes of bliss with the Pearl of Andaman signature treatment at Anatara Phuket Villas’s Anantara Spa, a Floral Foot Ritual, Traditional Chinese Herbal Back Massage, and Pearl Facial.

Crystal Cruises

• Take advantage of a rainy day at sea to try an onboard enrichment program at Crystal’s Creative Learning Institute. Take a crash course in a foreign language with Berlitz, taste wine with the Society of Wine Educators, or create a work of art with Crystal’s Masterpeice Art Program, the most comprehensive art program at sea.

La Réserve Ramatuelle

• April marks the re-opening of La Réserve Ramatuelle. Dedicated to health, the hotel has indoor and outdoor fitness options that include an indoor pool and a fitness center with Technogym equiptment – guests can stay fit rain or shine! In April, La Réserve is offering the third night free for any reservation of two nights!

Geejam Hotel

• While it might be raining outside, at Geejam it’s always jammin’ no matter the weather. The hotel has its own recording studio where guests can learn the recording process and record a track on the mic.

Orient-Express

• Rain is a fact of life in Scotland; lucky for us, the Scots have had centuries to figure out how to make the best of it. Orient-Express’ The Royal Scotsman’s new season is sure to entertain during April showers with elegant Scottish dinners, breathtaking views, and the quiet comforts of private Edwardian-style carriages.

One&Only Ocean Club

• On foul weather days, watch “the Table Cloth” of clouds sweep across Table Mountain from the Vista Bar at One&Only Cape Town, then take a stroll to the V&A Waterfront and dive with the sharks – indoors! – at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

• Stay high and dry on the 41^st floor while indulging in some sweet temptations. Every weekday afternoon, the Peak Lounge offers a tea plate and sweets buffet showcasing quintessential Japanese confections, such as warabi mochi sprinkled generously in sweet toasted kinako and a panna cotta accented with sakura sauce and macaron.

The Wauwinet

• Borrow The Wauwinet’s complimentary Hunter Boots to explore Nantucket on a rainy afternoon. Watch the storm roll into the bay or take a short walk to the Whaling Museum and check out the 46-foot skeleton of a sperm whale that washed ashore in 1998.

Le Pavillon des Lettres

• Take advantage of the rain and catch up on your reading. There’s no better place than the intimately luxurious Le Pavillon de Lettres, Paris’ first literary hotel.  Guests can curl up by the fireplace or read from one of the hotel’s many iPads, loaded with international bestsellers, in the privacy of their rooms.

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

• Let the rain be your excuse to take a break from the outdoor activities available at the Victoria-Jungfrau and indulge in the signature treatment at the hotel’s ESPA Spa, the authentic Swiss Alpine herb poultice massage. The herbal foot ritual, full-body poultice massage, and relaxing head and scalp massage are guaranteed to relax you from head to toe.

Guinot

• When rain has one homebound, get that face ready for summer. Start with a gentle exfoliation with Gommage Grain d’Eclat, follow with quick swipe of refreshing Lotion Hydra Fraîcheur toner, and finish off with 10 minutes of the smooth and gentle Hydra Sensitive Face Mask (voted Best Overall Face Mask by NewBeauty).

ESPA

• Rainy days and Mondays get you down? Make the best of an April shower and take a “Spa-Cation” at the Peninsula Spa. This includes a 60-minute ESPA massage, a special lunch, and complimentary use of the pool and fitness center.

Inn on the Alameda

• Let it rain, let it rain!!! While rainfall in Santa Fe is negligible, when it does rain, it pours! Take shelter in the Inn’s cozy Agoyo Room and enjoy a Turquoise Margarita or a New Mexican wine while sitting in front of the roaring fire.

Shakti

• While April showers are nourishing the earth, Shakti guests can nourish their souls by sitting in meditation with Buddhist monks in a Sikkimese monastery, meeting with a real medicine man in a remote Ladakhi village house, or creating a bespoke itinerary featuring customized adventures.

Royal Mansour Marrakech

• April showers may be cold and dull, but traditional Moroccan hammams are not! At 27,000 square feet, Royal Mansour’s two-story spa features thirteen treatment rooms, a fitness center, gymnastics area, a salon, two hammams, and an indoor swimming pool. Try out their signature Slimming Body Massage to prepare for the summer ahead!

Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens

• A little rain never spoils the party in Costa Rica! Don’t fret – the almost-daily showers usually don’t last more than a few minutes, leaving just enough time to sample a sommelier-selected assortment of 33 South American wines and Latin American tapas at Nostalgia Wine Bar at Nayara, near the Arenal Volcano in the heart of the rainforest.

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goldeneye packages that’ll warm you up

February 14th, 2012

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jamaica’s strawberry hill hotel & spa re-opens following extensive refurbishment

November 14th, 2011

Located in the heart of one of the world’s most famous coffee-producing mountain ranges, Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa opened on October 18 following an extensive refurbishment of the property. Listed in the New York Times #1 bestselling book, 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, Strawberry Hill is 3100 feet above sea level and features one of the most awe-inspiring views of the Blue Mountains in one direction as well as the city of Kingston in the other. On a clear day, one can see up to 40 miles from the property’s infinity-edge pool, and at night the city far below becomes a twinkling mirror of the night sky.

The refreshed accommodations feature the property’s original antique furnishings, fully-restored, including romantic canopied four-poster beds, solid mahogany desks, and ornate hand-carved fretwork. Brand new soft-finishes round out the update with exquisite, hand-dyed linens by Royal Hut.

The spa, a focal point of this high-up hideaway, specializes in stress-relief, body and soul rejuvenation, and wellness activities.  Whether it’s a nature-curious guest wishing to explore, or one looking to get the blood pumping with an outdoor workout, Strawberry Hill’s lush surrounds provide the ideal playground for both. On offer are hiking trails of varying intensity, grounds that are considered the most exotic tropical gardens on the island that include an organic coffee farm, and the opportunity to see most of Jamaica’s 26 beautiful endemic species of birds.

The exciting new menu at Strawberry Hill’s beloved restaurant features a fresh take on classic Jamaican culinary favorites, highlighting the influence of the island’s multi-ethnic heritage of East Indian, Spanish, British, African, Chinese, and Lebanese settlers who have called Jamaica home since the 15^th century. The organic fruits, vegetables, meats, and poultry used in Strawberry Hill’s kitchens are sourced from the property’s own gardens and Chris Blackwell’s personal farm, Pantrepant. Chefs now also serve up delicious local dishes prepared with traditional pimento-infused techniques, using the new stone grill on the property’s main lawn.

Channeling the hotel’s rich music history, acclaimed DJ and Quango label founder, Bruno Guez, produced all new musical playlists for the public spaces that perfectly match the vibe of this cool high-altitude escape. iPods with pre-loaded Bruno Guez playlists are available for guests during their stay.

Nightly rates start at $235, plus tax and service. From now until December 15, guests who book three nights will receive a complimentary de-stress spa treatment per person. Valid for travel completed before December 19, 2011.

For more information visit, www.islandoutpost.com/strawberry_hill or call 1.800.Outpost.

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celebrate the holidays around the world

October 13th, 2011

The holidays can be hectic with all that shopping to do and all those family dinners to attend. Give yourself a break this year and plan a festive vacation! Whether it’s a snowy escape, a sunny getaway, or an urban adventure, there’s something for everyone.

SNOW
Where: Palace Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland
What: A Swiss winter wonderland
Why:  Taste world-famous Swiss Fondue and admire the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps from the windows of the oldest electric cogwheel-train as it climbs Mt. Rigi. Browse more than 45 stalls of holiday gifts and confections at the annual Christmas Market and wander the festively decorated medieval streets as carolers serenade in the distance during a winter escape to Lucerne, Switzerland. The Palace Luzern’s annual New Years Eve party will be the perfect start to 2012, and the hotel’s special New Years Eve package won’t break your budgeting resolutions for the new year!
When: The New Years Eve package starts at $844 (two nights, double occupancy) and is valid only December 30, 2011-January 1, 2012

Where: La Réserve Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
What: An enchanted holiday
Why: Spend the holidays at La Réserve Genève – explore the International Christmas Market, wave hello to Santa Claus at the Annual Electric Christmas Parade, and attend the annual Christmas Tree Festival where international artists display beautifully crafted sculptures and trees. For a special holiday evening, leave the kids with La Réserve Genève’s experienced babysitters, available for children aged 6 months to 13 years.
When: holiday rates start at $500 per night

SUN
Where: GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, Oracabessa, Jamaica
What: Who said the holidays had to be cold?
Why: Nestled on Jamaica’s north coast, GoldenEye Hotel & Resort was once the Jamaican home of author Ian Fleming and the site where he penned all 14 James Bond novels. Holiday festivities include dinner and entertainment on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a New Years Eve Extravaganza, Festive Afternoon Teas, and Champagne Cocktail Party. Guests can kick off the New Year in good health kindness of the hotel’s fitness and activity program, with offerings such as daily yoga, paddle boarding, and local runs through Oracabessa. Younger visitors can kayak, snorkel, or participate in the hotel’s coral restoration program.
When: Holiday rates start at $1,040 per night from December 15 – January 7

Where: Pacific Coast Holiday, Roundtrip from Los Angeles to the Hawaiian Islands
What: 14 days of culture, fun, and adventure aboard Crystal Symphony
Why: Leave the snow behind and tour the sunny Hawaiian Islands aboard Crystal Symphony. Sign up for private dance lessons, take a helicopter ride over Oahu, or discover the wonder of whale-watching near Maui. Children will love learning to snorkel, kayak, and surf in the beautiful, warm waters.
When: December 21, 2011 – January 4, 2012, two-for-one fares start at $7,050 per person, and include $500 per person all-inclusive “ As You Wish” shipboard credit, plus free, round-trip air and airport transfer from two dozen North American gateway cities (or generous air credit).  Restrictions apply.

CITY
Where: Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
What: A patriotic holiday
Why: Plan a Christmas visit to the Park, and start your stay with delicious homemade gingerbread cookies and Eggnog. For those revelers looking for the best place to bring in the New Year, the Park offers New Years guests two tickets to the hotel’s popular New Years Eve celebration in the Lounge. Extend the holiday cheer all winter long with the hotel’s Comfort and Joy package, which includes hot cocoa and fresh baked cookies to enjoy after braving the cold to attend the National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony on the White House grounds or visiting the National Christmas Tree, lit daily during December.
When: Christmas package rates start at $445 for the first night and at $245 for each additional night from December 22-26, 2011; New Year’s Eve package available December 27-January 22, 2012 (contact hotel for rates); and Comfort and Joy package rates start at $299 per night from November 28-February 29, 2012

Where: The Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe, New Mexico
What: 26^th anniversary celebration
Why:  Escape for a weekend at the Inn on the Alameda in Santa Fe, a city known for its dazzling luminaria displays! The Inn is turning 26 this year, and Santa Fe’s beloved and charming hotel is celebrating by offering a special anniversary rate.  Guests who stay at the inn for three consecutive nights between October 30 and December 12 will pay just $26 for the third night! To get in the holiday spirit, travelers can attend a festive Santa Fe Desert Chorale winter concert or check out the shops of the historic Santa Fe Plaza area.
When: Special rates start at $336 from October 30-December 12 (excluding November 23-26 and November 30 -December 5) 

Where:  Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York City
What: A rejuvenating ‘spa-cation’
Why: New York City is never more alive than at Christmastime with tree-lit ice skating at Rockefeller Center, enchanting carriage rides in Central Park, and lavish window displays at Saks. For people looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, the Peninsula Spa by ESPA is offering a day-long ‘spa-cation,’ including a 60-minute treatment, a special lunch, and complimentary use of the pool and fitness centre.
When: Spa-cation package is available Monday – Thursday weekly for $285

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running + reggae + the caves = marathon, jamaica-style

August 5th, 2011

So you didn’t make it into the NYC Marathon this year? Don’t fret! Forget running in the cold, start thinking about cool runnings instead and head south for the winter for the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica on Saturday, December 3, 2011. The Caves, a stunning cliff-side boutique hotel located near the race starting line, has it all wrapped up…

The shabby chic Island Outpost resort is offering runners their specially-created Reggae, Running & Relaxation package. The all-inclusive race-weekend package is complete with a pasta party, race transfers, spa treatment, and celebratory cocktail party. And guests who wish to stay on a little longer will receive 10% off any additional nights booked.

Not ready to go the full 26.2 miles? The Reggae Marathon offers a half marathon and 10K options as well. Registration is still open, so click here to sign up!

Here’s your race weekend itinerary:

Friday, December 2 – The Warm Up

Fly into Montego Bay, head down Lighthouse Road, and arrive at The Caves. You’ll be greeted with their signature Cliffhanger cocktail. (Hmm… one cocktail won’t hurt before the big day, right?). That evening, The Caves will provide roundtrip transfers to the annual “World’s Best Pasta Party” at Couples Swept Away.

Saturday, December 3 – Up Hill…

It’s race day, and the adrenaline is pumping through your body!  Rise early for your transfer to the starting line. You’re about to embark on one of the most breathtaking runs of your life – winding along the island’s north coast (on a relatively flat course!)

26.2 miles later, with the endorphins flowing, The Caves will meet you at the finish line for transfer back to the hotel.  That evening, let loose in the Blackwell Rum Bar (set in a candlelit cave) at a celebratory cocktail party.

Sunday, December 4^th – …Down Dale

Experiencing that stiff “I didn’t even know I had a muscle there!” feeling?  Head to the resort’s spa for a Blue Mountain Coffee Scrub to help ease the tension. Relax in the sun, and if you have a little bit of energy left, leap from one of the property’s cliff-edge jumping points (the highest is 30 feet) into the impossibly blue waters, or take a leisurely snorkeling tour through the limestone grottos.

Monday, December 5^th – The Finish Line

Reggae? Check! Running? Check! Rest and relaxation? Check, check! Now it’s time to check out… But for those who can’t tear themselves away from The Caves, extra nights can be booked with a special 10% discount.

REGGAE, RUNNING & RELAXATION PACKAGE DETAILS:

DATES: Friday, December 2^nd – Monday, December 5

RATE:

-          $1,500 per room, based on double occupancy (TOTAL SAVINGS = $300!)

-          10% off rack rate for any additional nights booked

INCLUDES:

-          All food and beverage

-          Tax and gratuity

-          Signature welcome cocktail

-          Round-trip transfers from The Caves to the annual pre-race “World’s Best Pasta Party”

-          Round-trip race day transfers between The Caves and the start/finish lines

-          Post-race celebratory cocktail party at Blackwell Rum Bar

-          Blue Mountain Coffee Scrub at the property’s Aveda Concept Spa

CONDITIONS:

-          Bookings accepted now through December 1

-          Based on availability

-          Airport transfers not included

For more information, visit www.islandoutpost.com/the_caves or call 1.800.Outpost

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black(tomato), blue(printcleanse), and a trip to jakes for two!

July 25th, 2011

Need a vacation? Black Tomato is offering an amazing prize that will make you feel good inside and out. Enter here to win a trip to Jamaica at the incredibly chic and Bohemian Jakes AND a three-day pre-trip BluePrintCleanse for you and your travel partner so you arrive beach bod ready. After sipping on six fruit and vegetable juices daily for three days, arrive at an Oceanfront Cottage for a four night stay, complete with a seaside scrub at the resort’s Driftwood Spa, courtesy of Black Tomato. Guests can explore the beautiful YS Waterfalls, lounge on the beach, or take a boat trip to the Pelican Bar (situated on a sand bar almost a mile out to sea). After a three-day juice cleanse that jerk chicken and watermelon sorbet served up at Jakes will taste like manna from heaven!

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jamaican melt-down protection for u.s. heat wave sufferers

July 22nd, 2011

Feel like a hair dryer is blowing directly into your face each time you step outside? Air conditioner ailing amid the 100 degree temperatures? And are you afraid that if you stand in front of your open freezer door one more time your electricity bill may look more like your monthly rent? Jakes in Jamaica feels your pain and has decided to share the recipe for their homemade sorbets, which launched this month at the chic bohemian resort.

Coming to the rescue of heat wave sufferers, Jakes offers the icy treat in unique flavors such as the island-authentic Soursop*, refreshing Cucumber & Ginger, as well as fruity classics, watermelon and passion fruit. (All produce used is grown locally in  the Treasure beach community.)

If you can’t make it to Jamaica this weekend, follow these simple steps to create your own frosty clouds of Jakes-tastic sorbet bliss.

Jakes Homemade Watermelon Sorbet

1. Place following ingredients into a mixing bowl:

-          4 cups of seeded watermelon (We recommend buying organic. Jakes uses only local produce, and we want this to taste as close to the real deal as possible!)

-          1/2 cup of sugar

-          1/2 lemon (peeled)

-          4 cups of ice

2. Blend at low and increase to high for 30 seconds until stiff peaks form. Serve immediately.

3. Tweet (@jakeshotel) a photo or comment about your creation (ours is below!).

With rates at Jakes starting at $95 per night this summer, there’s no reason not to head down to the island’s South Coast. It may be hot there too but it’s hardly a case of “out of the frying pan, into the fire” … I think we can all agree that taking a dip in the Caribbean Sea is the best way to beat the heat!

*What exactly is Soursop? Native to the Caribbean, this funny fruit may be prickly and green on the outside but inside is an edible white pulp with a is sweetly tropical flavor.

For reservations call 1.800.Outpost or visit jakeshotel.com

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drum roll please…

July 8th, 2011

The votes are in and Jamaica has been named “Best Island” by Beach Tomato’s People Choice Awards. We can’t say we’re not surprised … the island is known around the world for its breathtaking beaches, turquoise waters and rich culture (this was the birthplace of Bob Marley and reggae music after all!)

Jamaica has long been a beautiful island getaway, and this summer it’s definitely the place to be! With off season rates starting as low as $95 a night at hotels like Jakes in Treasure Beach, it’s now more accessible than ever. Take a trip down to Jamaica this summer and see what all the buzz is about! If a trip isn’t in your near future, follow Island Outpost hotels (@iohotels) on Twitter for all the deets on island happenings.

… And be sure to check out the complete list of Beach Tomato’s People’s Choice Winners here.

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happy birthday to the real 007

June 1st, 2011

Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, would have celebrated his 103^rd birthday on May 28 (had he not passed away in 1964). After a WWII mission brought him to the Caribbean, Fleming returned to “paradise on earth” and built his dream villa, GoldenEye.

While we can’t all spend the rest of our days soaking in the Jamaican sun like Commander Fleming did (although we wish we could), why not celebrate his birthday with a trip to the birthplace of James Bond. There’s no better time than now with summer rates starting at just $448 per night for a Lagoon Suite. If you’re in the mood to party, grab the whole gang for a blow out bash and rent the Fleming Villa with rates starting at $4,400 per night. When not swimming in the turquoise lagoon or lounging on the beach, be sure to chat up Ramsey Dacosta, resident historian of GoldenEye, having worked at the property since the days when Fleming was in residence. He certainly has some good stories to share…

Trade in your martini (shaken, not stirred) for a red stripe and your tuxedo for a new bathing suit and toast to our Commander in Chief’s 103^rd birthday!

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