May 7th, 2012
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 20th 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 60th 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.
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
Park Hyatt Tokyo
- Stay high and dry on the 41st 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.
March 13th, 2012
We’ve survived the winter and have been rewarded an extra hour of sunlight in the afternoon. To celebrate this warming trend, we wanted to share a spicy recipe courtesy of Yannis Marineau, Head Chef aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, to heat up the kitchen for spring.
Tom Yam Cappuccino with Fennel and Celery (served 10)
Ingredients:
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
Just under 1 lb fennel bulbs, sliced and chopped
7 oz celery root (celeriac), sliced
3½ oz leek, large
3½ oz white onion, peeled
3½ oz potatoes
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
12/3 cup chicken stock
2 cups milk
(more…)
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.
October 26th, 2011
Escape the humdrum of the holidays and leave behind the crowded stores, traffic, gift-wrapping, and tangled lights in exchange for a stress-free season at one of these 10 alternative spots. Whether it’s close by or halfway around the world, it’ll surely be unforgettable.
Enjoy the holidays stateside…
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Where: White Elephant and Jared Coffin House
What: A New England holiday
Why: Nantucket Island celebrates the season with Nantucket Noël, a month-long celebration that runs November 25–December 31. The highlight event is the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend, December 2–4. Stores, shops, and restaurants open their doors for shoppers (almost everything on the island is on sale!), carolers sing favorite holiday tunes, and Santa Claus arrives aboard a Coast Guard vessel. Steps from historic downtown, White Elephant is the perfect place to spend the weekend. For a longer stay, the Jared Coffin House is ideal. Open all season long and built in 1845, this historic hotel will have you feeling the spirit of the holidays.
When: White Elephant rates start at $195 per night from December 1–5. Jared Coffin House rates start at $155 per night during this special season.
Jump the pond…
Provence, France
Where: Hotel Crillon le Brave
What: A traditional French holiday experience
Why: Hidden in a tranquil town in France, Hotel Crillon le Brave is the perfect place to go for a peaceful escape. Festivities start on December 23 with a classical music concert in the local village church. On Christmas Eve, the hotel hosts an elaborate dinner that is sure to get guests into the Christmas spirit, who are also invited to celebrate the New Year with champagne in La Grange, the cozy bar, followed by a decadent dinner in the restaurant by a roaring log fire.
When: Holiday rates start at $329 dollars per night from December 23–January 2.
Salisbury and Canterbury, U.K.
Where: Onboard Orient-Express British Pullman
What: Festive seasonal journeys that rival the magical Polar Express (and you don’t have to go as far as the North Pole!)
Why: Hop on the British Pullman and enjoy the caroling in Canterbury or Salisbury’s world famous cathedrals. Following the concerts, guests are welcome to roam freely through the festive cities. With each excursion, they can look forward to a delectable brunch served with a Bellini on the outward journey and a four-course meal with wine and champagne on the way home. To make the trip even more unforgettable, upon return to London, guests visiting Salisbury may choose to stay overnight at The Goring, a luxurious hotel adjacent to Buckingham Palace, where Kate Middleton spent her last night as a commoner.
When: Rates begin at £350 ($550) per person and include brunch and a four-course dinner with champagne and wine. Dates for the Canterbury journey are December 6 and 13, 2011, and for the Salisbury journey, on December 15, 2011.
Paris, France
Where: Le Pavillon des Lettres
What: A cozy Parisian getaway
Why: The new Le Pavillon des Lettres is housed in a classic Haussman townhouse in the 8th arrondissement. The hotel features 26 rooms – each devoted to a letter of the alphabet and an international writer corresponding to that letter. Shakespeare, Baudelaire and Rousseau are among the authors whose quotes are elegantly scrawled on the walls en Français. Settle down in the hotel’s library, next to the fireplace, and spend the holidays relaxing and reading while sipping a sumptuous cocktail from the honesty bar.
When: Rates start at £250 ($345) per night.
Farther still…
Marrakech, Morocco
Where: Royal Mansour Marrakech
What: A Rockin’ Moroccan New Years
Why: Spend the advent of a new year in utmost relaxation unwinding in a private riad, a Moroccan style house decorated with luxurious hand-done tile work and mosaic-covered courtyard floors. Visit Royal Mansour’s own traditional-style hammam, while the children are entertained at the exciting Kids Club, before a luxurious meal with menus created by three Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, or escape into the city of Marrakech for a bite while soaking in the unique rhythms of the centuries-old city.
When: Holiday rates start at $2,228 for a one-bedroom riad from December 15 to January 7.
As far as you can get…
Paro Valley, Bhutan
Where: Uma Paro
What: Ten days of exploration in this culture-rich Himalayan Kingdom
Why: With sweeping mountain views, there is no shortage of adventure at Uma Paro. Bring the whole family during Uma Paro’s 10-day holiday program and attend lectures on Buddhism, go for hikes in the Himalayas, watch an archery contest, or participate in candlelit yoga sessions. There will also be a special mask performance, a Bhutanese film night, and an evening of traditional music and dance. Children 12 and under who are sharing a villa with their parents stay free.
When: rates start at $330 until December 31, 2011.
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Thailand
Where: Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa and Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa
What: Two island experiences for the price of one
Why: For anyone wanting to get away for a week of relaxation and exploration before the holiday season kicks into high gear, the “Two Island Experience” package from Anantara is a perfect fit. The six-night island hopping adventure begins with a three-night stay at Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa on beautiful Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, to be whisked away by speedboat to the more remote yet infamous island of the full moon parties, Koh Phangan, for an additional three-night stay at Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa.
When: rates start at $578 through December 20 and include accommodations, daily breakfast, speedboat transfer, and roundtrip airport transfers.
Bali, Indonesia
Where: Uma Ubud and COMO Shambhala Estate
What: A Balinese escape for the mind, body, and soul
Why: The holidays can be exhausting, so treat the family to a well deserved break at Uma Ubud. This exotic retreat overlooking a valley is the perfect place to unwind and explore with its lush forests, sweeping rice paddies, and COMO Shambhala Retreat spa. Nearby in the town of Ubud is COMO Shambhala Estate, a secluded, residential health retreat with a focus on wellness and relaxation. The Discover COMO Shambhala program allows guests to design their own wellness experiences at the retreat and is the perfect way to decompress during this stressful season.
When: Holiday season rates start at $290 per night from December 20–January 6 at Uma Ubud, and the Discover COMO Shambhala program at COMO Shambhala Estate starts at $1,400 for three nights.
Uttarakhand, India
Where: Shakti Kumaon Village Experience and Shakti 360° Leti
What: A unique getaway that’s far off the beaten path
Why: Experience the culture and beauty of India this fall with Shakti’s Kumaon village walking experience followed by a stay at 360° Leti, the boutique hotel set at 8,000 feet elevation.
When: Season is from October 1 until April 30, 2012.
A four-day, three-night Shakti Kumaon village experience is $1,307 per person, based on two or three adults, and includes accommodations, food and beverage, activities, English-speaking guide and porters, car at disposal, and roundtrip transfer between Kathgodam train station or Pantnagar airport and village houses, and taxes. Rates for a three-night, four-day package at 360˚ Leti start at $1,916 per adult, based on two traveling on a twin/double share basis. Rates include accommodation in a private cottage, all food and beverage, activities, English-speaking guide and porters, car at disposal, roundtrip transfer between Shakti Kumaon village experience and Shakti 360˚ Leti, and all taxes.
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Where: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa
What: An elephant adventure in Northern Thailand
Why: For anyone seeking an unforgettable holiday adventure with the whole family, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa’s Mahout Discovery package is just the ticket! Learn how to feed, bathe, and ride these gentle giants through the forest during a 3-day mahout training course. Perched on a lush hillside near the borders of Burma and Laos, the resort, so rich in culture, is a blissful escape for adults and children alike.
When: rates start at $342 per night based on double occupancy through December 31.
October 14th, 2011
United Kingdom
Where: Orient-Express’s British Pullman
What: A murder mystery filled with tricks and treats at every turn!
Why: Halloween can be awfully spooky with ghosts out to play and witchcraft in the air. But when you add murder to the mix, all bets are off! Leave the trick-or-treaters at home for this thrilling and chilling journey aboard the Orient-Express’s day train, the British Pullman. Inspired by Agatha Christie’s famous novel Murder on the Orient Express, the Murder Mystery Lunch will keep you on the edge of your seat. Hop aboard and travel back to 1933 where love and intrigue set the mood. Piece together the clues during an exquisite five-course lunch, accompanied by a glass of champagne and a half-bottle of wine, as you watch the mystery unfold.
(This journey departs November 11, 2011, rates start at $460 per person)
Nantucket
Where: Jared Coffin House and the White Elephant
What: A supernatural encounter
Why: Nantucket is the perfect place to take the family for a Halloween escape! Every year kids can dress up and go trick-or-treating at the shops and stores lining Main Street. Stay at the White Elephant, a family-friendly hotel located just a few blocks from the action. For a super spooky stay on Nantucket, the Jared Coffin House, built in 1845, is said to be haunted by the ghost of the whaling captain after whom the house is named. The ghost of Jared Coffin is rumored to appear in room 223, and guests of room 609 have claimed to see an apparition of a little girl. Other ghosts are also believed to roam the halls and rooms of this historic property, including the ghost of an old man who sometimes sits near fireplaces when a fire is roaring. Come see for yourself if the stories are true!
Paris
Where: La Reserve, Le Pavillon des Lettres, Pavillon de la Reine and Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme
What: A haunting visit to the Catacombs of Paris
Why: For a chilling and historical Halloween experience, work up your courage and climb down into the Catacombs of Paris, where the bones of millions of people rest. Transferred from Parisian cemeteries in the late 18th century, the remains line the walls of the underground labyrinth. Wander through at your own pace for an eerie peek into the past. After your tour, unwind at La Réserve, located in the ultra-chic 16th arrondissment. If you love literature, stay at Le Pavillon des Lettres, the Didier Benderli-designed hotel located just steps from the Champs-Élysées. Its sister hotel, Pavillon de la Reine, is located on the beautiful Places des Vosges in the Marais, Paris’s Jewish quarter. Head over to the quintessential Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and sip mulled wine at Le Bar. No matter which hotel you choose, this is sure to be a Halloween you’ll never forget!
Guinot and ESPA
Where: at home!
What: A special Halloween face mask
Why: Even if you’re not planning on dressing up for Halloween and knocking on neighbors’ doors, you can still wear a mask! Try Guinot’s NEW Hydra Sensitive Face Mask to soothe and strengthen the skin after a week of munching on candy at every meal! Or, try ESPA’s NEW Skin Radiance Mask, made with pumpkin to enliven dull and tired skin. So, carve a pumpkin to make a spooky jack-o’-lantern for your front door and continue the pumpkin party with this radiant mask!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Where: Inn on the Alameda
What: Diá de los Muertos and a few ghost sightings
Why: There’s nothing like a dark autumn night, a huge harvest moon, and a few ghouls to get your heart pounding. In Santa Fe, All Hallow’s Eve coincides with a Mexican celebration, Diá de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, when souls return to Earth and are greeted with feasts, music, and dancing. The spirits here are in full gear when Halloween comes around. Take advantage of the Inn on the Alameda’s 26th Birthday rate that begins on October 30 and be on watch for La Llorona, the weeping woman who appears mysteriously, crying for her lost children, according to an old New Mexico legend. Perhaps you’ll bump into Julie Shuster Staab, the former lady of the manor who haunts La Posada, or Geronimo Lopez, who’s still hanging around his 18th century home.
October 14th, 2011
An autumn chill is in the air, and it’s time to break out our fall plaids! Orient-Express has dressed up this cool-weather classic for guests aboard Orient-Express’s The Royal Scotsman. Guests can sport their very own kilts handmade by no less than the Queen of England’s own kiltmaker. The train introduced a NEW authentic custom-made tailoring service using the train’s very own tartan – perfect for those wishing to take a bit of Scotland back home with them.
The Highland Dress tailoring service is offered in partnership with Kinloch Anderson, a family company renowned for its superb service and superior quality since 1868. Kinloch Anderson is also celebrated for its Royal Warrant of Appointments as Tailors and Kiltmakers to Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. These bespoke garments will be made out of The Royal Scotsman’s own pure wool tartan, an elegant blend of navy, plum, and mulberry hues. Guests with a family tartan may opt to use it instead.
Before boarding the train, guests who’ve chosen this service will be invited to Kinloch Anderson’s showroom for a personalized fitting for their special outfit – including kilts, argyle cut jackets, and tartan trousers or waistcoats for men and “Highland Fling” long skirts or a-line “Tea” skirts for women.
Those who use the service need not worry about searching for a formal evening outfit on the train as they will be able to borrow a set of Highland Dress from Kinloch Anderson, and their made-to-measure garments will be sent to their home addresses within 8-10 weeks. Prices start from £190.00 ($310); an appointment can be made upon booking.
To do so, contact Orient-Express Centre, The Americas, Trains & Cruises at 800-524-2420 or email greatjourneys@oeh.com.
September 15th, 2011
If you thought it was too late to take a ride on the Polar Express, think again! Book a trip with Orient-Express this holiday season and remember how it felt to be a kid on Christmas morning. Throughout November and December, Orient-Express’s U.K. day trains, the British Pullman and Northern Belle, will offer a collection of seasonal journeys that include some of Britain’s finest Christmas markets, carols at historic cathedrals, exclusive shopping events, and delicious fare. With each excursion, guests can look forward to a delectable brunch served with a Bellini on the outward journey and a sumptuous four-course meal with wine and champagne on the way home.
Shopping on the Rails
Get all holiday shopping done without ever leaving the cozy comfort of the British Pullman. This unusual twist on Christmas shopping is designed to relieve the stresses and strains of finding the perfect present. Guests will travel through the British countryside in the festively bedecked vintage carriages of the British Pullman, where a host of the very best of British luxury brands will be displaying their products and offering advice to guests looking for inspiration for gifts for family and friends. Expect to see Harrods, Brora luxury cashmere, Cath Kidston, Ettinger leather gifts, Miller Harris perfumes, Liberty, gun makers Holland & Holland with a range of gifts and accessories, Astley Clarke jewelry, and Daniel Sandler, makeup artist to the stars.
Included: Bruch with a Bellini and a four-course dinner with champagne and wine
Rates: from £300 ($470) per person
Departs: London Victoria
Dates: December 1, 2011
Wander the Shops in Edinburgh and London
For a more traditional yet equally cheery shopping experience, the Northern Belle will be whisking guests away to either London or Edinburgh for a day at the famous shopping streets of these historic capital cities. In London, guests can wander Brompton Road, Sloane Street, and Beauchamp Place and take in the extravagant window displays at famous stores, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols. In Edinburgh, guests can explore the quirky boutiques and galleries while taking in the views of the beautiful Edinburgh Castle, the famed Scott Monument, a tribute to the Edinburgh writer Sir Walter Scott, and the 17th-century Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Included: Bruch with a Bellini and a four-course dinner with champagne and wine
Rates: from £310 ($460) per person
Departs (London journey): Doncaster, Leeds, Sheffield, Macclesfield, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington
Dates (London journey): November 12, 2011, and December 3, 2011.
Departs (Edinburgh journey): Chester, Crewe, Liverpool, Preston, Birmingham, Derby, Sheffield, and Bolton
Dates (Edinburgh journey): November 11, 18 and 26, 2011, and December 10, 2011.
Listen to Carols in Canterbury and Salisbury
Hop on the British Pullman and experience the joy of Christmas at carol services in these world famous cathedrals. Following the concerts, guests are welcome to roam freely through the charming cities for a truly magical holiday adventure. To make the trip even more unforgettable upon their return to London, guests visiting Salisbury may choose to stay overnight at The Goring, a luxurious hotel adjacent to Buckingham Palace (and also the place where Kate Middleton spent her last night as a commoner! ).
Included: Bruch with a Bellini and a four-course dinner with champagne and wine
Rates: from £350 ($550) per person
Rates (Salisbury journey including a night at The Goring): from $780 per person
Departs: London Victoria
Dates (Canterbury journey): December 6 and 13, 2011
Dates (Salisbury journey): December 15, 2011
Stroll through a Christmas Market
There is no better way to get in the holiday spirit than by visiting a traditional Christmas market. The Lincoln Christmas Market, located near the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral and Norman Castle, is one of the most famous of its kind in Europe. Tucked in a medieval square, the market boasts over 250 stalls and attracts more than 160,000 visitors every year. With the aroma of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts hanging in the air, guests can roam these cobblestone streets to find extraordinary treasures for friends and family.
Included: Bruch with a Bellini and a four-course dinner with champagne and wine
Rates: from £370 ($580) per person
Departs: London Victoria
Dates: December 2, 2011
Christmas Lunch
When all of the shopping is done, simply sit back and enjoy a Christmas lunch aboard the British Pullman or the Northern Belle. Festive feasts will be offered throughout December and will be served in the enchanting carriages of these cozy trains as they pass through the lovely British countryside. To make the trip even more unforgettable, guests may choose to spend a night at The Goring.
Included: Lunch
Rates: from £210 ($330) per person
Rates (including a night at The Goring): from $700 per person
Departs: various stations throughout UK
Dates: December 1- 3, 6-10, 12- 18, and 20-21, 2011
Christmas Dinner
In addition to lunch, the Northern Belle is also offering a special Christmas dinner where guests will truly feel the magic of Christmas in the comfort of the beautifully decorated carriages.
Included: Dinner
Rates: £210 ($330) per person
Departs: Dundee and Perth
Dates: December 16, 2011
June 29th, 2011
Woody Allen’s current hit Midnight in Paris takes audiences to the city’s Jazz Age of the 1920s, and now the British Pullman is doing the same across the channel in jolly old England. Who doesn’t wish they could be transported back to the jazz and flappers and Gatsby-esque world of the roaring twenties? On October 27, 2011, for the FIRST TIME, the British Pullman will host The 1920’s Dinner, an evening of old-fashioned glamour. Ladies are encouraged to don their tasseled flapper dresses, jeweled headbands, and feathers, while gentleman sport their best cut suits topped with a fedora. The décor of the Pullman – deco paneling, lamps, and furnishings – perfectly evokes the glamour of the decade, and guests can leave behind the 21st century – just like Owen Wilson! – for an evening of fine dining from a bygone era. Sit back in an armchair as the train rolls through the British countryside. Who knows, maybe Gertrude Stein or F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald will be your dining companions?
Included: Four-course dinner with champagne and wine
Rates: $560 per person
Departs: London Victoria
Other fall departures evoking yesteryears include the following:
The Golden Age of Travel on the British Pullman
Stepping aboard the British Pullman is like stepping back in time, for every detail – from regal carpets, woven brass luggage racks, and mahogany glass-paneled doors to silken lampshades and velour tapestry armchairs – transports guests back to back to a more gracious age. The journey follows a circular tour, with a champagne reception in Whitstable, the iconic seaside town in Northeast Kent famous for its oysters.
Dates: October 7 and 28, November 11
Included: Five-course lunch, glass of champagne, and bottle of wine per couple and a champagne reception at Whitstable.
Rates: $410 per person
Departs: London Victoria
Rat Pack on the Tracks Dinner on the Northern Belle
They were the coolest cats of all time: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. Be carried back to the 1950s and 60s and the days of hip, cool, and style.
Date: November 25
Included: Dinner with champagne and wine
Rates: $310 per person
Departs: Crewe, Liverpool, and Warrington
To book, contact Orient-Express Centre, The Americas, Trains & Cruises at 800-524-2420 or email greatjourneys@oeh.com.
May 20th, 2011
Hercule Poirot? Yes. Orient-Express? Yes. Murder? Not so much… Feeling low since the ending of the latest Upstairs Downstairs? Counting down the days until the next installment of Downton Abbey? Ease your Masterpiece cravings this weekend with everyone’s favorite detective Hercule Poirot. The main character of Agatha Christie’s epic Murder on the Orient-Express is about to board the train once more. Actor David Suchet (known for playing the savvy Poirot) will be traveling from Calais to Prague, stopping off in Venice, aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for PBS’s documentary David Suchet on the Orient Express: A Masterpiece Special. Suchet will trace the history of the Orient-Express, from its elegant beginnings to its tumultuous final days, and explore what made it the perfect setting for one of Christie’s most recognized novels. Break out the pipe and slippers and tune into Masterpiece Theatre on May 22 (check local listings for the time).