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.

Workshops and classes will be held at Bartlett’s Farm, Nantucket’s oldest and largest family farm. The Festival is offering an amazing array of classes with experiences including:

• Silence in Symmetry: Learn hidden techniques of movement and breathing that will create the dynamic stillness that ancient yogis claimed was our original nature.
• Yoga for Athletes: Understand various styles of yoga asana and pranayama for sport-specific performance and longevity.
• The Secret to Radiant Health, Ayurveda: Learn the difference between Ayurvdea and modern medicine and how they complement each other.
• Reclaim Your Life Force: Combine an all-levels vinyasa flow class and various pranayama exercises to awaken the inner body and clear the mind.

For a complete schedule of activities, click here.

In between channeling your chakras, unwind at Nantucket Island Resorts for the weekend, which includes the new Inn at the White Elephant Village opening mid-June. Round out your weekend of wellness with a rejuvenating treatment at Wauwinet’s Spa by the Sea or the White Elephant Spa.

Day and full weekend passes are available starting at $125 per day. For more information, tickets, and a full schedule, visit www.nantucketyogafestival.com/.

To book overnight accommodations, visit www.nantucketislandresorts.com. Rates start at $450 per night.

A trip to Nantucket doesn’t have to break the bank – Nantucket Island Resorts offers fantastic rates this spring and summer with their Hot Dates, Cool Rates. Think sun-filled days at the beach and evening clambakes on the dock!

Book a room with the Hot Dates, Cool Rates promotion and receive a dinner credit ($25 on $100 spend, or $50 on $150 spend) and two $25 spa treatment credits.

The Hot Dates, Cool Rates offer for 2012:

• Jared Coffin House from $125 | Relax at this historic inn just steps away from Nantucket’s Main Street
• The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin from $175 | Admire stunning views of the harbor and spend time with man’s best friend at the WOOF Cottages, the Cottages’ pet-friendly accommodations.
• White Elephant from $195 | Sip on delicious cocktails on the lawn overlooking the harbor, stroll the cobblestone streets and shop downtown.
• The Wauwinet from $225 | Retreat from the bustle of the town and take a trip to Great Point Lighthouse (located at the very tip of the island with no other soul in sight).
• White Elephant Hotel Residences from $350 | Enjoy all of the complimentary extras that the Residences offers, including access to the hotel’s private swimming pool (in season) and complimentary bicycles.

To book online, visit the website of the Nantucket Island Resorts property of your choice and enter the booking code HOV, or call 800.ISLANDS (800.475.2637) or 508.325.1000 and mention booking code HOV.

While there is something magical about that first snow of the season, let’s face it, the rest of winter is spent dreaming about sand between your toes and a warm sea breeze. And now, thanks to the National Geographic Top 10 Beaches, we’re dreaming in overdrive. While any beach sounds amazing, we’ve got a couple that we can’t stop thinking about. In fact, we’ve already dreamed up our spring, summer, and next winters’ vacations there.

First on our list, and number two on NatGeo’s list, is the Maldives. With over 1,102 islands, forming 26 atolls, there is plenty of beach to go around. We’re dreaming of a nice long stay in an over-water bungalow at Cocoa Island. Not only does the crystal clear water make for some of the world’s greatest scuba diving and snorkeling, there’s also surfing, fishing, and other incredible water sports to keep you busy. Then again, we’d be happy just to sunbathe on the pristine beach all day.

After spring break in the Maldives, we’re heading to number six, Nantucket, for our summer vacation. This magical little island 27 miles off the coast of Massachusetts is the ultimate place to visit, whether for a weekend or the entire summer. While the island itself is less than 50 square miles, there are over 80 miles of beaches, but our desired beach is located at our favorite inn by the sea, The Wauwinet. There are actually two beaches to choose from – one at the head of the Nantucket Harbor, for shallow water and no waves, and the other on the Atlantic Ocean, with deep, soft sand and gentle waves. Don’t forget to collect some shells, you’ll find some beautiful ones to take home with you.

Next December, we want our early Christmas present to ourselves to be a luxurious cruise aboard Crystal Symphony. The “South Pacific Sojourn” will stop at several incredible ports, but the one we’re most excited about is Bora Bora, number three on NatGeo’s list. Dubbed the “Romantic Island”, this lush little slip of land is protected by a lagoon and has 18 miles of white sandy shore. The beautiful lagoon provides a wide array of activities, from windsurfing to scuba diving, and the two towering peaks of sheer black rock make an impressive backdrop to the dazzling blue waters. While some consider it the most beautiful island in the world, we can’t wait to find out for ourselves!

Nantucket Island Resorts has launched a brand new weddings website (www.nantucketislandresortsweddings.com)!

Featuring The Wauwinet and the White Elephant, the new site includes tips from on-property and local area wedding planners, a list of preferred vendors, suggested activities for weddings guests, catering options, bridal package details, and more. The fully updated site is the perfect resource for any bride planning a wedding on Nantucket.

It’s true. Most people think of Nantucket as a summer destination, but the spring and fall seasons – or “secret seasons” as we like to say – are an amazing time of year to visit, and ideal for weddings. The weather is fine, the stores and restaurants are all open, and there is nary a crowd in sight. Not to mention, prices are low and the hotels aren’t completely sold out!

Here are just a couple of island-chic wedding ideas to whet your appetite:

For windswept romance…
With the magnificent view of the bay and Nantucket’s coastline as a backdrop, a Wauwinet wedding is an intimate and elegant affair. Say ‘I do’ on the private beach or on the raised Zen deck and enjoy Butter Poached Lobster and Parmesan Crusted Atlantic Halibut from TOPPER’S post-ceremony.

For preppy elegance…
The White Elephant offers equally stunning views of Nantucket Harbor. Opt for a ceremony on the lawn or get married downtown in one of the island’s quaint historic churches. Stroll along the cobblestone streets back to the hotel for a reception catered by Brant Point Grill and dance into the night with the glimmering lights of the harbor in the background.

Wine

To celebrate

In Argentina, Kaua Club & Spa at Park Hyatt Mendoza’s Wine Antioxident Spa treatment diminishes the effects of an extended afternoon wine tasting. Using grapes to rejuvenate and refresh recipients from head to toe, beginning with a Mendoza’s Wine Body Glow and followed by a facial of choice, aromatherapy massage with wine essence oils, and topped-off with a Grape Body Masque. Restoration is complete!

Passed hors d’oeuvres

Nuts, olives, and caviar

Rehydrate dehydrated skin with Guinot’s Hydra Cellulaire Serum featuring macadamia oil and give skin an extra boost with Guinot’s moisturizing Masque Hydra Beauté with olive wax.

For those indulgent snackers, in Nantucket, The Wauwinet’s Spa by the Sea’s Ultimate Caviar Facial is a 90 minute treatment that hydrates, lifts, firms, and smoothes the skin with protein-rich caviar.

Salad

Cucumber and carrot salad

Banish dark circles and puffiness with Guinot’s Anti-Fatigue Yeux with calming cucumber. To pamper maturing, dry, or stressed skin, spread on a soupcon of ESPA’s Regenerating Face Treatment Oil with carrot extract.

Sides

Cranberry sauce and wild yams

For a radiant complexion, apply Guinot’s Nouvel Eclat fresh radiance exfoliating peel-off mask, rich with cranberry extract, to give your face a “second skin” effect.

ESPA’s Deeply Nourishing Body Cream is the perfect winter moisturizer, deeply moisturizing skin with collagen-strengthening wild yam, along with liquorice, bearberry, and mulberry extracts.

Intermezzo

Ginger, to cleanse the palate

The Lanna Experience at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa in Thailand uses a species of ginger revered for its ability to cool inflammation, aid digestion, and combat joint and muscle aches during a foot ritual, scrub, body wrap, and massage.

Mains

Instead of wasting perfectly good seasonings on a turkey, use these aromatic herbs on yourself.

ESPA’s 24-Hour Balancing Moisturizer uses white thyme and lavender for a light moisturizing treatment for beautifully soft, clear, hydrated skin.

For an Eastern feast, ESPA’s Men’s Invigorating Body Reviver is bursting with the aromas of lemongrass and thyme – sure to be a hit with the ladies as well.

For a classic English herb, pour a capful of ESPA’s Energizing Bath Oil into your tub and sink back into an energizing rosemary-scented soak. For a double dose of rosemary, slough off dry winter skin with ESPA’s Relaxing Salt Scrub with rosemary and lavender.

Dessert

Pumpkin pie and fruit cake

No vegetable represents autumn quite like a big, orange pumpkin. Sub out the pumpkin pie for a radiant face with ESPA’s Skin Radiance Mask with pumpkin to enliven dull and tired skin.

For a decadent fruity spa treatment, pair Guinot’s Masque Hydra Beauté with its moisturizing fig derivative formula and ESPA’s Pink Hair and Scalp Mud with apricot kernel oil for silky, healthy hair and an immediate moisture boost for soft and supple skin.

Tea and Coffee

Chamomile, Rooibos, and Caffeine

Nothing soothes quite like a warm cup of chamomile tea, so extend that soothing feeling to pacify an irritated or red face with Guinot’s Crème Hydra Sensitive, loaded with calming chamomile.

En lieu of a toasty mug of Rooibos tea, slip on ESPA’s Calm and Soothe Mask, a deeply comforting treatment to help cool and mollify skin prone to redness made with Rooibos tea.

Liven up those limbs with a good dose of caffeine with Guinot’s Double Minceur Ciblée gel cream. The contouring cream helps tone and targets the initial process wherein fat starts to store itself.

Is your dream wedding set with the beautiful Nantucket Bay or Harbor as a backdrop, surrounded by fluffy hydrangeas and followed by a local seafood feast? It is entirely possible – and friends and family can now easily make the trip without breaking the bank. The Wauwinet and White Elephant have put together two seasonal wedding packages that provide major savings for those hosting a wedding on the island. These spring and fall wedding packages will make preppy wedding dreams come true without bankrupting the father of the bride.

The Wauwinet
Imagine having The Wauwinet Inn in its entirety as your private wedding venue, with welcome cocktails and rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception, and a farewell brunch. All 32 beautifully appointed rooms are reserved for your family and friends for the entire weekend. Meet for a casual clambake with a bonfire to welcome your guests on island and set the tone for this classic New England destination wedding. The following morning, after a leisurely breakfast, your friends can enjoy everything the island has to offer while you prepare for your special day. Ceremony and wedding reception will take place on the lawn with the bay view as your stunning surrounding. The package includes 32 round trip Hy-Line Ferry tickets provided to the couple upon booking and booking of the entire inn for a minimum or 2 nights at a special discounted group rate.

Dates available in 2012: May 5, May 12, June 2, October 13, October 20, October 27
Facilities and ceremony fees: $7,500 facility fee (discounted from $10,000) for exclusive use of TOPPER’S restaurant, harborside terrace, and lawn. Food and beverage minimum will apply.
Guests: Minimum of 70 guests, maximum of 150

White Elephant
Ceremonies at this harborside hotel can take place on the beautiful lawn with the expanse of the harbor and its bobbing boats as background. Couples can also opt to get married downtown in one of the island’s quaint and historic churches and guests can stroll along the cobblestones back to the White Elephant. Cocktails including a signature White Elephant cranberry cocktail can be served on the lawn accompanied by a sampling of hors d’oeuvres and a local seafood raw bar. Guests will then adjourn to dine al fresco under the awning-covered Terrace with its magnificent views of the harbor.  The wedding menus reflect the style and quality of the cuisine of Brant Point Grill – the freshest of local ingredients and seafood and quality steaks.  The wedding party might then dance into the night with the lights of the harbor as the ambient lighting. The package includes 25 round trip Hy-Line Ferry tickets provided to the couple upon booking and discounted rates for weddings guests throughout Nantucket Island Resorts properties.

Dates available in 2012: April 21, April 28, May 5, June 2, October 13, October 20, October 27, all of November
Facility and ceremony fees: $6,500 facility fee, $1,500 ceremony fee (discounted from $9,000 and $2,000 respectively), $15,000 food and beverage minimum will apply
Guests: Minimum of 70 guests, maximum of 150 guests

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.

JetBlue is offering roundtrip flights New York (JFK)/Nantucket (ACK) for just $98 from now until October 10. Take advantage of this great deal and enjoy everything Nantucket has to offer in the fall – beautiful autumn weather, dwindling crowds, and amazingly low hotel rates at Nantucket Island Resorts! Schedule your trip around the Nantucket’s Cranberry Festival, October 7-9, for a chance to see the island’s famous Windswept Cranberry Bog, one of the few certified organic bogs in the county and open for just a short time in October when berries are harvested.  Indulge in delicious cranberry creations and enjoy the seasonal bog tours, hay rides, and sheep-shearing. Burn off those extra calories with a bike ride down the recently resurfaced 6.4 miles of bike paths, tee off on Nantucket’s top-notch Sankaty Head golf course, or simply wander the cobblestone streets lined with pre-Civil War architecture.  Not only is the airfare low, the rates at some of Nantucket’s most popular hotels are also reduced throughout the fall, making a Nantucket trip a no-brainer.

• The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin from $175 | Enjoy the views of the harbor from the docks, where The Cottages are located on three wharves jutting out into Nantucket Harbor.
• White Elephant from $195 | Sip on delicious cocktails on the lawn overlooking the harbor (Lobster Bloody Mary, anyone?)
• The Wauwinet from $225 | Play a game of tennis, or engage in a cooking class with Chef Kyle Zachary in the kitchen of TOPPER’S restaurant.
• White Elephant Hotel Residences from $350 | Enjoy all of the complimentary extras that the Residences offers, including access to the hotel’s private swimming pool (in season) with daily fruit and ice cream service.
• Jared Coffin House from  $125 | Relax just steps away from Nantucket’s Main Street in this historic inn’s newly decorated guest rooms.  Additionally, guests of the Jared Coffin House receive 10 percent discount on brunch at the Brick Bistro, part of the Jared Coffin House.

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.