On your next visit to London explore the legendary market at Harrods. Grab a picnic to go and retire to Hyde Park, where British artists (think Damien Hirst) have been commissioned to design the lawn chairs next to The Serpentine.
The White Elephant on Nantucket is introducing its latest guest amenity for the 2011 season in the form of a 1939 LaSalle convertible, manufactured by General Motors. This unique white LaSalle, featuring suicide doors, is one of only 185 of its kind built during that year. The antique automobile will be available to transport brides to and from the White Elephant hotel on their special days.
The LaSalle will debut during the Nantucket Daffodil Festival’s Antique Car Parade, an annual tradition where over 100 antique cars parade down Main Street decked out from tire to windshield in yellow daffodils. The Antique Car Parade begins at 12 pm on Saturday April 30, 2011.
The White Elephant, which opens for the 2011 season on Thursday April 21, offers all guests a one-of-a-kind experience, whether staying in one of the resort’s 54 guestrooms and suites, 11 garden cottages, or the White Elephant Loft. Located directly on the harbor and just steps from the boutiques of Nantucket Town, the White Elephant is the perfect spot to stay during a Nantucket vacation and a premier location to hold meetings, events, and other celebrations. The harbor side Brant Point Grill offers steak and seafood specialties and the serene White Elephant Spa offers a selection of signature massages and facials available in intimate treatment rooms overlooking Nantucket’s waterfront.
An award-winning property, the White Elephant recently received the top honor of #1 resort in Massachusetts in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2011; this is the second year in a row that the White Elephant was included on the list.
The White Elephant is part of Nantucket Island Resort’s unique collection of premier hotels, cottages, lofts, hotel residences, and marinas. The collection also includes The Wauwinet, White Elephant Hotel Residences, Jared Coffin House, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, and the Nantucket Boat Basin. For more information please visit www.nantucketislandresorts.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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While enjoying a round of golf on Nantucket seems to be the perfect vacation activity, red ropes at private clubs, long waits at public courses, and the relative absence of golf academies have kept island visitors from hitting the links.
Enter the Nantucket Golf Academy, offered by Nantucket Island Resorts as its answer to the golf gap on Nantucket. Packaged along with a three-day, two-night stay at the White Elephant, the Golf Academy offers a full day of instruction on the Miacomet Golf Course. The daylong session begins at 9:30 am on the driving range and in the short game area covering full swing, chipping, pitching and putting. After enjoying a lunch served on the course, golfers will hit the green for 18-holes in the afternoon – nine-holes with instruction, nine-holes without.
Fun extras include a Digital Video Swing Analysis DVD of each guest’s swing and a gift bag that includes a White Elephant hat, a Miacomet golf shirt, and a bag tag. Rental clubs will also be provided for those unwilling to lug their clubs from home.
The Nantucket Golf Academy package will be offer Sunday – Tuesday, with golf instruction occurring on the Monday of each stay. It will be available on the following spring and fall dates: May 15-17, May 22-24, October 2-4, and October 16-18. Included in the package rates are breakfast each morning at the hotel’s Brant Point Grill, spa and dinner credits, and transportation to and from the course. An additional day on the golf course on Tuesday is available at a reduced rate.
The Nantucket Golf Academy package starts at $1300 for two people. Room upgrades available upon request for a fee.
IN OTHER GOLF NEWS: All White Elephant guests can request priority tee times at Miacomet golf course and have off-season access to Sankaty Head Golf Course.
The countdown to warm weather is on! The first little crocuses are peeking out with their green leaves, and soon to follow will be the bright yellow heralds of spring, daffodils!
Nantucket honors the trumpeted bloom with its annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend. From April 29-May 1, the island celebrates with activities such as the Window Decorating Contest, the Antique Car Parade, the Children’s Parade, and the Daffy Hat Pageant, all culminating in the Annual Tailgate Picnic. Also be sure to eat at Jared Coffin House’s new Brick Bistro – opening just in time for the festival weekend.
In honor of the weekend, Nantucket Island Resorts has a special package available at the White Elephant,
Nantucket Island Resort’sHot Dates, Cool Rates are back! Guests who book Nantucket vacations by February 18 not only get their first choice of Hot Dates but also receive the lowest rate of the season with the Hot Dates, Cool Rates Guarantee.
Other benefits to booking early include a dinner credit ($25 on $100 spend, or $50 on $150 spend) and two $25 spa treatment credits.
The Hot Dates, Cool Rates for 2011:
Jared Coffin Housefrom $125 | Relax just steps away from Nantucket’s Main Street in this historic inn’s newly decorated guest rooms.
The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basinfrom $175 | Enjoy the views of the harbor from the docks, where The Cottages are located on three wharves jutting out into Nantucket Harbor. *Named Best Resort Location in the U.S. on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Gold List*
White Elephant from $195 | Sip on delicious cocktails on the lawn overlooking the harbor (Lobster Bloody Mary, anyone?) *Voted #1 Resort in Massachusetts in Travel + Leisure’s 2011 World’s Best Awards*
The Wauwinet from $225 | Play a game of tennis, take a boat ride on The Wauwinet Lady from late-June to mid-September, or engage in a cooking class with Chef Kyle Zachary in the kitchen of TOPPER’S restaurant. *Named 3rd Top U.S. Small Hotel in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards*
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.
Nantucket Island Resorts also offers add-on packages at any of their hotels to make your Nantucket experience as unforgettable as possible – these include family, couple, babymoon, girlfriend, and golf packages, or more “Uniquely Nantucket” activities like scalloping, lobstering, and seal- or whale-watching. Or choose to visit during one of Nantucket’s annual festivals including Daffodil Festival weekend (April 30-May 1), Wine Festival weekend (May 18-22), and the Nantucket Film Festival (June 22-26).
To book online, visit the website of the Nantucket Island Resorts property of your choice and enter the booking code GTDLOW, or call 800.ISLANDS (800.475.2637) or 508.325.1000 and mention booking code GTDLOW.
These two got engaged on a Kenyan safari, so we’re sure the honeymoon will be equally as cool and unique. Here are our picks for the Royal Honeymoon.
CARIBBEAN
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
The private isle is the ultimate place to hide away from the cameras and unwind after all of the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding.
Royal Treatment: Rent out the COMO Shambhala Cottage for a night of Champagne, spa treatments, and candlelit dining.
Rosewood Mayakobá, Mexico
Let loose after escaping to the beautiful Mexican Riviera hotel and test tequilas recommended by the resident tequila sommelier.
Royal Treatment: With Mayasutra, newlyweds can get intimate with a Moonlight Tantric Yoga class and a couples massage instruction session followed by 30 minutes of “alone time”.
Geejam, Jamaica
No stranger to celebrities, the luxury property was originally a residential recording studio where the likes of No Doubt and Amy Winehouse laid down some tracks.
Royal Treatment: Stay at the amazing Sanwood villa designed by British architect Anthony Wade in the 60s and relax in the private pool or bask in the Jamaican sun and take in the views on the sun deck.
GoldenEye, Jamaica
Next to the man in line for the throne, James Bond might be the most enviable Brit we know, so vacationing at this Jamaican hideaway where Fleming penned all the Bond books would be quite fitting.
Royal Treatment: Stay in the Fleming Villa for a private beach and the spirit of James Bond lingering in the air and compelling the swilling of shaken-not-stirred martinis.
The Caves, Jamaica
Dodge the paparazzi at the romantic Caribbean resort where couple feeling like a dip can leap off a cliff for a private swim.
Royal Treatment: It doesn’t get much more private than a candlelit dinner for two in a hidden cave looking out on the water.
Strawberry Hill, Jamaica
Following in his parents’ footsteps, William would love to vacation at this mountain resort where, besides Charles and Diana, the guests list boasts Mick Jagger and Bob Marley.
Royal Treatment: Get away from the photographers 3,100 feet above sea level and take in the sweeping views from the Blue Mountains.
Jakes, Jamaica
Kick off those shoes and lose the fancy cap; this charming seaside resort is the perfect antidote to structured courtly life.
Royal Treatment: Enjoy a private yoga session by starlight and listen to the waves.
NANTUCKET
White Elephant, Nantucket
What’s more fitting for English newlyweds than a trip to New England? This harborside Nantucket hotel is a classic (and classy) spot for postnuptial bonding.
Royal Treatment: Only on Nantucket (at Brant Point Grill) does a Bloody Mary come equipped with lobster.
THAILAND
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa,Chiang Rai, Thailand
The luxurious Thai resort is tucked away in the beautiful Golden Triangle, away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Royal Treatment: Take a romantic ride atop an elephant – sure beats a limo!
Anantara Phuket Villas, Phuket, Thailand
After the long awaited ‘I do,’ couples can celebrate the occasion with a wide selection of live entertainment – including a seven-piece band at this Thai property.
Royal Treatment: Hidden in the mangroves, the lavish villas have a 355 ft. sq. private pool, outdoor showers, and a terrazzo tub built to accommodate two (and only two).
These romantic spots embody what a honeymoon should be – nothing but sun, water, sand, and a newlywed couple pampered and sunkissed.
Royal Treatment: Answer to only your whims on a private a romantic island getaway with Anantara Dhigu, Veli, Naladhu, and the soon-to-be, Anantara Kihavah Villas opening in early 2011. The best part about Anantara in the Maldives is that at whatever resort couples choose to stay, free transfer is available between islands to enjoy the benefits of all.
Cocoa Island, Maldives
The private island resort in the South Male Atoll is just over 1000 feet long and is surrounded by pristine, turquoise water.
Royal Treatment: Honeymooners get a complimentary sunset cruise with vino and an antipasti plate.
SOUTH ASIABhutan
Uma Paro,
No tabloid photographers here; the remote mountain lodge is a great spot from which to explore Bhutan’s monasteries and temples and get spiritually in tune before returning to palace life.
Royal Treatment: After trekking through the country by bike or raft, couples can be pampered in the COMO Shambhala Retreat.
INDONESIA
Uma Ubud, Bali The luxurious retreat set in the tangled jungle is perfect for the couple that likes an exotic locale without giving up modern comforts.
Royal Treatment: The COMO Suite allows guests to have spa treatments in private in its private treatment area.
High Seas
Crystal Cruises
Couples can sail away on a luxurious cruise to spots around the globe – no need to pick just one. Romantic “must-sees” include Rome, Mykonos, and Casablanca, to name a few.
Royal Treatment: Enjoy a Couples Massage in the Feng-Shui inspired Crystal Spa or cozy up in the back row of the Hollywood Movie Theater and watch a first-run movie while sipping champagne.
Interested in heading to Nantucket for the island’s annual Christmas Stroll this December 1-5? We think it’s a fantastic idea, considering all the buzz Stroll has been getting lately, from Val D’Elia mentioning it on The Today Show and the great article by Annie Copps in the latest issue of Yankee Magazine.
To make the trip extra-special, book the White Elephant Loft for three nights over Stroll Weekend. The Loft is the premiere spot to take in all the holiday action, as it’s located right in Nantucket Town. At over 3,000 sq/ft the Loft has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, ample living space, a full kitchen, and even a wrap-around fireplace; it’s the most comfortable and convenient way to spend a some winter nights on Nantucket.
And, if booked for the three-night Stroll Weekend (either Thursday – Sunday or Friday – Monday), at the price of $6,000 for a total of six people, the price includes breakfast each morning at Brant Point Grill, a Four-Course Chef Tasting Menu served for all six guests in the Loft (any night other than Saturday), and a champagne and hor d’oeuvres reception at the White Elephant Spa on Saturday followed by dinner at Brant Point Grill.
Check out the photo tour of the loft to really get blown away, and call 800.ISLANDS or 508.325.1000 and book your magical stay. It’s a trip you’ll never forget.
The votes are in! Nantucket Island Resorts has announced the results of its first video sweepstakes, ‘Flip Out on Nantucket.’ Visitors were invited to submit one-minute long video clips made during their summer 2010 stay on Nantucket for the chance to win a grand prize vacation valued at $15,000.
Of the many videos submitted during the May 26 – September 6 entry period, Ben and Carly Kinberg’s award-winning video entitled ‘Nan-Took-It’ was one of 10 finalist videos selected by Nantucket Island Resorts’ panel of judges. Voting on the top 10 videos was then opened to the public for a 15-day voting period in which over 2,000 votes were cast. After all votes were tallied, the Kinberg’s ‘Nan-Took-It’ video was determined the winner receiving nearly 500 votes!
The lucky Kinberg couple stayed at the White Elephant for their honeymoon in May 2010. During their stay, Kinberg captured a video of a seagull ‘stealing’ a muffin from his wife while relaxing on the hotel’s harborside lawn. When reminiscing on their Nantucket vacation later in the summer, the couple came across details of the video contest on the White Elephant website and quickly uploaded their video for consideration.
The couple plan to return to Nantucket in June 2011 to claim their grand prize, which consists of a five-night stay at a Nantucket Island Resorts property along with two dinners, two spa treatments, jeep rental, harbor cruise, and $1,000 gift card.
Other prize winners included Chris Gale of New York, NY, and Sean O’Neill of Wellesley, MA. Runner-up Gale was awarded a $500 gift card for his ‘Mr Bear’s Nantucket Visit’ video, and O’Neill received an honorable mention prize of a $250 gift card for his ‘Griswold’s NIR Experience’ video.
Nantucket Island Resorts is a collection of premier hotels on Nantucket including The Wauwinet, White Elephant, White Elephant Hotel Residences, Jared Coffin House, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, and Nantucket Boat Basin.
Head to the Brant Point Grill this fall to check out the newest menu item, the Lobster a la Plancha. Now through September 26, enjoy a two lb lobster grilled a la plancha and seasoned perfectly with Chef Fred’s Secret Lobster Spice and accompanied by baby potatoes and French beans, all for $29.
Chef Fred Bisaillon of Brant Point Grill made a starring appearance on the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda this morning! What was on the menu? Grilled Watermelon “Steak” Salad and Lobster Bloody Marys, two very innovative cuisines offered at the White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill in Nantucket, MA. Watch the video below, and if it doesn’t work, click here to view the Today Show video.
