August 16th, 2011
After Labor Day we’ll be putting away all our summer whites but not so fast with those Nantucket Reds, they’re alright! While Nantucket conjures images of quintessential New England summers and those famed weathered-looking pants, we recommend donning the slacks this autumn and heading to the Grey Lady. Forget high season crowds, in the fall the masses have dispersed and the rates have dropped. If that alone is not reason enough, here are another 14 Reasons to visit Nantucket in the fall.
1. Value
Fall rates at hotels on the island are greatly reduced in September, October, and November. For example, at the iconic White Elephant the lowest midweek July rate available is $550, while in September guests can stay overnight for as little as $375 with the Hot Dates, Cool Rates promotion.
2. Nantucket Restaurant Week , September 26-October 2, 2011
For a small island, Nantucket has a wide variety of renowned culinary establishments that include the new Brick Bistro, award-winning TOPPER’S, and the harborside Brant Point Grill, home to the Lobster Bloody. During restaurant week, three course dinners will be offered at these and other top Nantucket eateries from $25 – $45.
3. Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair, October 2011
Celebrate fall harvest at the Old Mill and learn about Nantucket’s agricultural heritage, play lively colonial games, and make traditional crafts such as cornhusk dolls or beeswax candles.
4. The Nantucket Project, September 30-October 2, 2011
Unlike crowded, impersonal meetings-of-the-minds like TED and the Aspen Institute, the first Nantucket Project will gather amazing speakers including Ed Crane, founder and President of the CATO Institute, a libertarian think tank, and Craig Ventor, biologist and entrepreneur best known for being among the first to sequence the human genome, for an intimate weekend of stimulating lectures and conversation held at the White Elephant.
5. Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival, October 8, 2011
Visit Nantucket’s famous cranberry bogs, generally closed to the public but open for a short time in October just when the berries are harvested. Partake in bog tours, hay rides, sheep-shearing, and, of course, fresh berries and delicious cranberry confections.
6. Golf
Nantucket’s top-notch Sankaty Head Golf Club’s coveted ocean views and links-style holes are usually only available to members. In the off season (October-May), for a fee, anyone can tee off.
7. Nantucket Slam, Cystic Fibrosis Benefit, September 11-13, 2011
This all-inclusive, two-day, competitive catch and release tournament is two days of competitive fishing for Bluefish, Bonito, Striped Bass, and Atlantic Bonito/False Albacore. To get a “Slam,” one must catch three of a designated species in the same day. All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
8. Scenic Hiking and Biking
Rent a bike and roll down the recently resurfaced 6.4 miles of bike paths of Nantucket and check out the beautiful fall foliage. Bike rentals typically cost around $30/day; complimentary bikes are available for guests of White Elephant Hotel Residences, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, and The Wauwinet.
9. Spooky Halloween at haunted Jared Coffin House
Every year kids can dress up and go trick-or-treating at the shops and stores lining Main Street. Enjoy a super spooky stay on Nantucket at the Jared Coffin House, said to be haunted by the ghost of the successful 19th century ship-owner after whom the house was named. Other ghosts are rumored to roam the halls and rooms of this historic property – room rates start at $125 October 23-31.
10. ACK Pink with Nantucket Island Resorts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2011
For the month of October, Nantucket Island Resorts will be donating $1 from every room night bought to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides against Breast Cancer charity. 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. Nantucket Island Resorts has committed to a $1000 donation for the Breast Cancer Walk. Those who join the team will receive a complimentary team tee-shirt. Additionally, proceeds from themed cocktails and treats on offer at The Wauwinet, the White Elephant, the White Elephant Hotel Residences, and Jared Coffin House will be donated to the cause.
11. Inexpensive Airfare
Think getting to Nantucket is difficult and pricey? Phooey! Fly Jet Blue direct from New York City to Nantucket starting at $69 this September.
12. Romance
If you took the kids to Nantucket this summer, come back in the fall without the little ones and stay at the romantic Wauwinet (open until October 29). The 32-room inn doesn’t allow children under 12, so there’s no chance of having a screaming baby just down the hall. Rates at this luxury inn start at just $225 in October.
13. Traditional New England Thanksgiving
Visit the state where the original Thanksgiving took place. The White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill hosts a special Thanksgiving buffet with all the comfort foods you’d expect at your grandmother’s house without all the cooking and dirty dishes. Brave souls can participate in the 10th Annual Turkey Plunge on Children’s Beach, where hundreds jump into cold Nantucket Harbor on Thanksgiving morning.
14. Fall isn’t all… Come in December for Christmas Stroll! December 2-5, 2011
Nantucket Island celebrates the entire holiday season with Nantucket Noel, a month-long celebration organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce that runs November 25-December 31. The highlight event is the Annual Christmas Stroll Weekend. Stores, shops, and restaurants open their doors for holidays shoppers, carolers sing favorite holiday tunes, and Santa Claus arrives via a Coast Guard Vessel. This is an authentic experience not to be missed! Several Nantucket Island Resorts properties are open for the Stroll Weekend, including the historic and centrally located Jared Coffin House, the iconic White Elephant, and the luxurious White Elephant Hotel Residences. These properties offer a variety of cozy accommodations for visitors to the island.
March 15th, 2011
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,
The Cottages, and the Jared Coffin House.
Inclusions:
- Transportation to and from the Annual Daffodil Tailgate Picnic, with chairs and a blanket
- Prepared picnic from Brant Point Grill for two with a bottle of wine
- Two official butter yellow baseball caps with an embroidered Daffodil Festival logo
Rates (based on two-night stay)
- White Elephant: $500 per room
- The Cottages: $450 per room
- Jared Coffin House: $370 per room
For more information, please contact janet@alicemarshall.com, 211 861 4031.
January 26th, 2011
Here are our picks for the best Valentine’s Day getaways…
Strawberry Hill
LOVEUP AT STRAWBERRY HILL ‐ Heavenly accommodation in a private Georgian‐style cottage with magnificent views ‐ Romantic room decor, including roses and candles ‐ An intimate couples massage in the Living Spa ‐ Bottle of champagne ‐ Romantic dinner on the restaurant terrace under the stars ‐ Breakfast with fresh Blue Mountain Coffee
Rates (One night): US $658.00/JM $55,930.00 per night based on double occupancy
LoveUp: OPTION 2 ‐ Heavenly accommodation in a private Georgian‐style cottage with magnificent views ‐ Bottle of champagne ‐ Romantic dinner on the restaurant terrace under the stars ‐ Breakfast with fresh Blue Mountain Coffee
Rates (One night): US $480.00/JM $40,800.00 per night based on double occupancy
VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND LUNCH AND SPA PACKAGE
Spend the day in heavenly bliss beginning with an intimate couples massage in the Aveda‐concept spa. Stroll through the lush tropical gardens or take a dip in the plunge pool and enjoy a delicious 3‐course lunch on the terrace of the Great House.
Price: US $300.00/JM $25,500.00 Available February 11th ‐14th.
VALENTINE’S DAY ROMANTIC CANDLE LIGHT DINNER WITH HAROLD DAVIS
A Romantic candle light 3‐course dinner on the terrace of the Great house. Gaze at magnificent views of the city skyline and Blue Mountain range with a canopy of stars shining overheard. While you dine on Strawberry Hill’s fabulous international‐Jamaican fusion cuisine, listen to the sensual and soulful sounds of Harold Davis.
Price: JM $5,900.00 + 10 % Service charge and a glass of wine per person.
Jakes
BREW LOVE THIS FEBRUARY AT JAKES!
Three Nights accommodation in our magical Deluxe Honeymoon suites
Two Brew Love bush bath satchels for use in your outdoor bathtub under the stars
Two Soothing Welcome Foot Ceremonies and 20% off on all couple’s treatments at Driftwood Spa
One bottle of our delicious house red wine
Price: USD$1290
Booking Code: BLOVE
Travel dates: February 1 ‐ 28, 2011
The Caves
FEBRUARY LOVE HIDEAWAY
Sneak away to sexy seclusion…
Book five nights, and get a special Romance offering of:
Two spa treatments ‐‐ either a couples massage, OR two blue mountain coffee scrub body polish treatments
A gourmet private cave dining under the stars
A breakfast in bed with mimosas
A private hot tub experience complete with Champagne and strawberries
An exciting snorkeling tour for two with a special tour of the caves and grottoes
Geejam
A GEM FROM GEEJAM FOR VALENTINE’S
Book a minimum of five nights, and receive a special Romance offering, consisting of the following: ‐ A romantic turndown, which includes petals, candles, wine and petit fours ‐ A two for one dinner either in your cabin or at the exclusive Bushbar ‐ with a champagne aperitif ‐ A moonlit rafting tour of the Blue Lagoon ‐ A bottle of wine ‐ Transfers to and from Kingston Airport, if required Terms and Conditions: Period of stay February 10th to 25th 2011. Book by February 14th.
December 2nd, 2010
For the 2010 holiday season, ESPA International has introduced new gift collections containing brand new products, festive packaging, and more approachable pricing. Four of the new gifts are listed below – two for her, one for him, and a new candle as well.
NEW FOR HER:
A FLYING START – $70
Includes
NEW Invigorating Body Reviver 200 ml
NEW Energizing Body Lotion 100 ml
NEW ESPA Duck
What better way is there to get off the ground in 2011 than with a duck; a purple, pink-lipped rubber ducky, to be exact! The duck a perfect addition to any bath tub ledge and completes the perfect bath time routine when paired with ESPA’s new Energizing Body Lotion and Body Reviver Scrub.
THE LITTLE BOX OF CALM – $18
Includes
Soothing Body Oil 15 ml
Soothing Bath Oil 15 ml
This soothing bath and body oil intro kit gets loved ones to relax after all that holiday pressure – a great stocking stuffer, definitely in the budget for those looking to scale back on December spending.
NEW FOR HIM:
SMOOTH ENCOUNTER – $76
Includes
Facialfoam 60ml
Shavemud 70ml
NEW Moistureboost 35ml
For the man who has everything…except an exceptionally smooth shave. Includes ESPA men’s Shavemud, the bestseller of the men’s products, as well as the gentle facial foam cleanser and the new deeply hydrating Moistureboost.
NEW CANDLE:
RESTORATION DRAMA – $46
200g, 40 hr burn time
When the stresses of the festive season become too much, relax and unwind with this delightful new candle fragrance based on the therapeutic oil blend used in the ESPA Restorative oils. Stress reducing myrrh, sweet orange oil, lavender, and palmarosa are combined to create a wonderfully soothing aroma to fill the house with a sense of calm.
December 1st, 2010
If the seasonal spirit and décor is calling you to London for a Christmas-Carol-esque holiday, The Halkin and the Metropolitan London have some treats to brighten your stay. Before a day at Harrod’s, take advantage of the Met’s complimentary breakfast to fortify you for your day of shopping. The Halkin is offering “Flights of Wine,” perfect for unwinding after a day of museum-exploration or strolling the Thames. This offer is valid from December 19-January 16 for online bookings.
Make sure to check out the festive lights in the West End when perusing the shops on Oxford and Regent streets.
November 24th, 2010
Celebrate the holidays on the shores of Lake Geneva, with some indulgent pampering, of course. La Réserve Genève is offering a special menu of spa treatments for the holiday season from December 1-January 15. And after a day at the spa, celebrate with Christmas Eve dinner or the New Year’s Eve fete, which turns into a DJ-fueled dance party at midnight. (For the little ones, Santa Claus will also be making an appearance on Christmas day.) Hotel rates from $422.
FOR THE LOVEBIRDS
“Easy Does It” for him and her
Enjoy some intimate relaxation with a sweet grenadine and Barbary fig exfoliation followed by an Asian massage, sweetened with orange flower. Snack on a fruit cocktail with lunch at the Café Lauren spa restaurant and take advantage of full access to spa equipment, indoor pool, steam rooms, sauna, and fitness facilities.
$393 per person (390 CHF)
FOR THE LAVISH
“Full Elegance”
The pure gold radiance treatment with Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold works by slowing down the degradation of collagen and elastin with pure 24 carat gold, making your skin bright, radiant, and firm. Afterwards, enjoy a manicure or pedicure followed by lunch at Café Lauren spa restaurant.
$393 per person (390 CHF)
FOR THE SPA AFICIONADO
“Quite an Agenda” (4 days)
The intensive personalized program is based on a preliminary evaluation of your acid-base, stress level, and concentration, as well as an osteopathic analysis and a breathing and cardiac test. Its goal is to combine nutrition, massage, treatments, and sports activity to cleanse the body, and to adopt new life habits so you head home in top shape.
This includes:
-4 hydromassage baths
-2 personalized body wraps
-1 body exfoliation
-1 skin scrub
-2 La Réserve “Better Aging” body massages (80 minutes)
-2 La Réserve “Better Aging” body massages (1 hour and 50 minutes)
-3 personal training sessions
-1 complete slimming/sculpting treatment (80 minutes)
-Daily sports activities (yoga, do in, stretching, Pilates, aquagym)
-Full board with 3 meals per day at Café Lauren (excluding beverages)
-Access to spa facilities
$3230 per person (3200CHF)
November 23rd, 2010
While the holiday season might mean last minute shopping trips and extended family gatherings for some, see how some of the Swiss will be celebrating for a lesson in true holiday R&R.
Where: Palace Luzerne, Switzerland
What: Another reason to move to Switzerland
Why: Swiss hospitality is extending its courtesies to local parents this Holiday season. The Goose ‘n Wellness package will pick-up Swiss moms or dads in a limousine for a day of spa pampering with an evening make-over for mothers and a ‘manly’ manicure for fathers, while hotel chefs prepare a traditional Holiday meal including roasted goose, mashed potatoes, and red cabbage. When ready to return home (we think it could be hard), the limousine will take refreshed parents home with the perfectly prepared meal back to an awaiting family.
When: December 24-26. 579 Swiss Francs per mother including wellness treatment, glass of champagne and Christmas dinner for four.
November 10th, 2010
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.
November 9th, 2010
Don’t know what to get your boyfriend’s mom? Or your best friend who already seems to have everything? COMO Shambhala’s Holiday Gift Boxes are the perfect present. They’re already beautifully packaged and are filled with signature essential oil blends crafted to calm, relax, detoxify, and rejuvenate. Each package comes with a small card explaining the step-by-step ritual to maximize the benefits of the simple but potent essential oils. Order soon – all orders before December 15 ship for free!
November 5th, 2010
Celebrate the eponymous antihero’s foiled plot to blow up British Parliament to restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. Though Fawkes was executed for his treasonous act, he is celebrated each year with fireworks and bonfires. Tonight and tomorrow night, London has celebrations throughout the city for firework watching and general reveling. Guests at the Metropolitan London and the Halkin can pop over to nearby Hyde Park for an uninterrupted view of the sky. Here are some gatherings if you find yourself in London Town.
November 6
Roundwood Park. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. Show starts at 8. Free admission.
Ravenscourt Park. Gates open at 6 p.m. Bonfire lighted at 7:15. Children’s show at 7:30, main show at 8. Five years old and over, £6; under 5 free; tickets available online.
Battersea Park. Gates open at 6 p.m. Bonfire at 7:30; main show at 8. Since this will be one of the largest of the firework displays in London there are numerous gated entrances, some of which will not be open until late evening. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tickets will be available at: Albert Gate, Chelsea Gate, Rosery Gate, and Sun Gate. Starting at 6 p.m. tickets can be purchased at: Albert Gate. Alexandra Gate, Beechmore Gate, Chelsea Gate, Ethelburga Gate, MacDuff Gate, Rosery Gate and Sun Gate. Adults, £6; under 10 years, £1.
Morden Park. Gates open at 5:15 p.m. Bonfires at 6:30 and 8:15; shows at 6:45 and 8:30. Sixteen years old and over, £7; under 16, £5; under 4, free; family ticket (two adults, two children), £20.