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.
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.