ANDBEYOND LAUNCHES EXPEDITION YACHT IN GALAPAGOS

February 13th, 2024


Conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Named the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38 m (124 ft) yacht will operate on two 7-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands. Boasting just six suites and cabins, the yacht will cater for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure.

“A uniquely biodiverse environment with the highest number of endemic species in the world, the Galapagos is a natural choice for the further expansion of our portfolio in South America. We are absolutely thrilled to finally have the opportunity to bring our brand of responsible tourism to this precious part of the world, which the Ecuadorian government has protected from over-tourism by strictly limiting the number of operating licenses issued,” says andBeyond Executive Chairman & CEO, Joss Kent.

“We have long believed that the best way to encourage our guests to help protect the world’s wild places is for our skilled guides to help travelers not only fall in love with those places, but also to gain an understanding of the threats that they are facing. This is what we are aiming to do through the introduction of our luxury yacht, where two knowledgeable guides will host just twelve guests, showcasing the wonder and mystery of this exceptional destination.”

With only 12 guests on board, the elevated guest-to-staff ratio makes the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive yacht operating in the islands. In addition to the highest level of guiding, the vessel will also offer beautifully appointed spacious indoor and outdoor guest areas, as well as four exquisite cabins and two luxury suites. Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment of its interiors, the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer will set sail on its first departure on June 17, 2024.

Situated on the equator, the Galapagos consists of 18 main islands, three smaller islands, and 107 rocks and islets. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1878, the islands are home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else on earth. Notable species include the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguana, and blue-footed booby. The islands also feature unique geographical features, and each has created a distinct ecosystem of its own, with strict conservation measures in place to preserve the delicate balance. The Charles Darwin Research Centre, located on Santa Cruz Island, focuses on conservation efforts and conducts scientific research to protect the rare biodiversity of the islands.

Operating on two different 7-night itineraries, the andBeyond Galapagos Explorer will offer the choice of discovering the east or the west of the main cluster of islands, while including the highlights of the destination in both. Highlights of the eastern itinerary include the magnificent formation of Kicker Rock, located just off San Cristóbal Island, as well as sightings of the critically endangered waved albatross in Gardner Bay on Española Island. The western Itinerary features highlights that include exploring the geographical center of the Galapagos Islands, Sombrero Chino Island as well as close encounters with the rare Santa Fe land iguana on Santa Fe Island.

Both itineraries present plenty of opportunities for land and sea adventures such as snorkeling, hiking and birdwatching, as well as a plethora of unique and interesting land, air and marine species. Rates for both itineraries begin from $10,950 per person sharing per 7-night cruise.

In keeping with its stated mission to leave our world a better place, andBeyond will apply its ethos of Care of Land, People and Wildlife to its new base of operations. The company plans to extend its Oceans Without Border initiative into the area and hopes to be able to review and implement projects that support the Galapagos’ incredible land and wildlife. Furthermore, in line with its dedication to community development, it also aims to train and upskill local residents, as well as to highlight local procurement opportunities.

For more information or to book, log on to andbeyond.com or contact your preferred travel provider.

ISSUED BY: media@andBeyond.com

T +27 11 809 4300 | F +27 11 809 4511

www.andBeyond.com

ABOUT ANDBEYOND

Established in 1991, andBeyond strives to leave our world a better place through the delivery of extraordinary travel experiences and our care of the land, wildlife and people. We are bespoke tour operators for sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America and Antarctica. We also own and manage 29 extraordinary lodges and camps across three continents. We positively impact 75 communities and directly conserve our primary footprint of 1 million acres. Our 2030 vision is to scale our impact through partnerships to support the conservation of an associated 40 million acres of key biospheres and to double our 2020 impact investment, while offering discerning travelers a rare and exclusive experience of the world as it should be.

PONANT Launches Festive New Voyages in the Arctic Circle for the Winter 2024-25 Season

November 3rd, 2023

Winter is coming! In honor of the festive season, PONANT has designed seven unforgettable voyages in the snowglobe-like worlds of Lapland, the Gulf of Bothnia, and the Baltic Sea to launch during the Winter 2024-25 season. Activities will immerse guests in the frozen beauty of these northern landscapes while setting the festive mood: reindeer-pulled sleigh rides, ice-fishing, Scandinavian Christmas markets, and glimpses of the Northern Lights are among the highlights of these seasonal itineraries.

From the Northern Lights to the Polar Light

This all-new 12-day PONANT journey navigates along the jagged coastlines of Norway to the ice-covered reliefs of Spitsbergen in search of the exhilarating spectacle of the Northern Lights. In Lapland, guests will have the opportunity to meet people from the Sami nation, one of the last European Indigenous people. As travelers take photos of the dancing night skies, VIP guest Ian Dawson, a British Photo Ambassador, will share tips and tricks for getting the perfect shot.

One departure in 2024; from October 18-29. More on the voyage HERE.

Polar Lights: From North Cape to the Lofoten Islands

Dramatic fjords, dolomite cliffs, traditional fishing villages, boreal forests, snow-covered peaks, viewings of reindeer and seabirds — this and more is a part of the experience during this 10-day Polar Nights voyage starting in Lakselv and journeying all the way up to the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe. VIP guest Ian Dawson, a British Photo Ambassador, will share his tips for getting the perfect shot of the frozen scenery and the Northern Lights. One departure in 2024; from October 29 to November 7. More on the voyage HERE.

Scandinavian Wonderland & Christmas Markets

This brand-new 10-day itinerary whisks guests to the most enchanting cities along the Baltic Sea, including Stockholm, Gotland, Gdansk, and Helsinki. It’s a magical time to visit, with snow-dusted scenery and the smells of mulled wine, cinnamon, and gingerbread drifting through Christmas markets. Other activities include marveling at gothic and baroque architecture, attending a private concert at the Polish Baltic F. Chopin Philharmonic, and exploring the old town of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two departures in 2024; from December 2-11 and December 11-20. More on the voyage HERE.

Christmas Magic with Renaud Capuçon

On this nine-day trip itinerary, musician Renaud Capuçon and radio presenter Alain Duault will team up with Radio Classique to provide the soundtrack for a one-of-a-kind journey through

Scandinavian cities, little-known archipelagos, snow-capped peaks, and boreal forests in Finland, Stockholm, and the north of the Gulf of Bothnia. Activities might include dog sledding, ice fishing, Christmas markets, and a visit to the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi. One departure in 2024; from December 20-28. More on the voyage HERE.

Musical New Year in the Gulf of Bothnia

Also in partnership with Radio Classique, this nine-day New Year expedition will sail around the Gulf of Bothnia and the Scandinavian region, with visits to the fairytale towns of Rauma, the church-town of Gammelstad, and the neoclassical city of Oulu. A highlight is embarking to  the High Coast archipelago—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and an unforgettable journey among the skerries of the Stockholm archipelago, with an overnight stay opposite the bright lights of the old town. One departure in 2024; from December 28 to January 5, 2025. More on the voyage HERE.

 

ABOUT PONANT

PONANT’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. For more than 35 years, PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism and voyages of exploration which have meaning. The French-flagged fleet comprises 13 small capacity ships equipped with state of the art environmentally friendly equipment. With PONANT, exploration is refined, authentic and a source of inspiration. The company sails to the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as in the Atlantic and North Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Oceania and South Pacific, the Caribbean, North, Central and South America. For more information, visit  https://us.ponant.com or call 1-844-747-2873 or contact your travel advisor.

Black Friday + Cyber Monday Travel Offers

October 31st, 2023

From Black Friday (November 24) to Cyber Monday (November 27), here are eight unmissable travel deals, ranging from international adventures to domestic getaways.

INTERNATIONAL

40% Off | andBeyond | Africa + South America

Save up to 40% on a 2024 andBeyond booking by purchasing one of a limited number of Cyber Monday $4,000 travel vouchers for $3,000. These $4,000 vouchers can be redeemed off any new andBeyond lodge booking providing an additional $1000 of savings to any other offers applied in the booking.

  • Booking Dates: Only November 27 (Cyber Monday). Payment will be processed by November 30.
  • Voucher Terms and Conditions:
  • The vouchers are redeemable for travel for up to three years.
  • Only applicable to new andBeyond lodge accommodation bookings in Africa and South America where a minimum of four nights at any combination of andBeyond lodge or camp are booked.
  • The voucher is a payment method that can be used on a booking containing any of andBeyond’s other offers.
  • There are a limited number of 50 vouchers available for sale. A maximum of one Cyber Monday voucher redeemed per booking, and sales are limited to one voucher per person.

 

30% Off | Almanac Hotels | Barcelona, Prague, Vienna

Almanac Hotels, the family-owned boutique hospitality brand including Almanac Barcelona and newly unveiled Almanac Palais Vienna and Almanac X Alcron Prague, are offering 30% off the best available room rate, including complimentary breakfast, WiFi, and access to spa and gym facilities.

  • Booking Dates: November 24 – 27, 2023
  • Travel Dates: November 28, 2023 – March 15, 2024. Blackout dates apply. Two-night stay minimum in Barcelona and Prague.
  • Booking links, per property:
  • Almanac Barcelona: here
  • Almanac Palais Vienna: here
  • Almanac X Alcron Prague: here

 

Up to 50% Off | Dromoland Castle | Ireland

Dromoland Castle, a stunning 16th-century fortress nestled in the picturesque County Clare, Ireland, boasts a rich history is offering up a great deal. Enjoy a discounted two-night accommodation in the Queen Anne Classic or Deluxe Bedroom, full English breakfast daily, and 10% discount on a 60-minute treatment at the brand-new Barbara Sturm Castle Spa.

  • Booking Dates: Only November 27 (Cyber Monday).
  • Travel Dates: January 3 – March 31, 2024. Two nights stay minimum.
  • Starting Price:
  • Queen Anne Room: €680 total for two nights (inclusive of offer)
  • Deluxe Bedroom: €810 total for two nights (inclusive of offer)

 

30% Off | Tenuta di Murlo | Umbria, Italy

Tenuta di Murlo, the enormous 18,000-acre estate has been in the Carabba Tettamanti family since the 16th century and the current generation have spent a decade restoring, renovating, and designing the medieval farmhouses dotting the estate. The property is offering a 30% discount on a two-night stay minimum including daily breakfast and one dinner at Il Caldero. The offer applies to any of the eight villas which can accommodate anywhere from two to 12 guests.

  • Booking Dates: Only November 27 (Cyber Monday)
  • Travel Dates: Can be applied through April 30, 2024.
  • Starting price: €950

 

30% Off | Gili Lankanfushi | Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi the luxurious, eco-friendly resort situated in the Maldives, renowned for its overwater villas, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters is offering a 30% discount on the Best Flexible Rate, including complimentary half-board inclusions and a 60-minute spa treatment per person per villa once per stay.

  • Booking Dates: November 24 – 27, 2023
  • Travel Dates: December 1, 2023 – December 20, 2024.
  • Blackout dates: December 29, 2023 – January 7, 2024 and March 25 – April 3, 2024.
  • Booking link here OR contact the reservation team via email (reservations@gili-lankanfushi.com), WhatsApp +960 793 77 99 or phone call +960 664 0304. Use promo code CAMP-GILIBLACKFRIDAY2023.

 

25% Off | GoldenEye | Oracabessa, Jamaica

GoldenEye, the former home of Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, is offering up to 25% off when booking a minimum two-night stay (up to a maximum 14-day stay). Rates are not valid for 3 rooms or more per guest.

  • Booking Dates: November 23 – 28, 2023
  • Travel Dates: January 4 – March 31, 2024
  • Starting Rates: $650, per night (without the discount) or $489 with the 25% offer. This is available for all room categories, excluding Fleming Villa.

 

DOMESTIC

25% Off | White Elephant Resorts | Nantucket, Massachusetts + Palm Beach, Florida

The White Elephant Resorts portfolio, including Jared Coffin House, The Cottages, The Wauwinet, and White Elephant in Nantucket, and White Elephant Palm Beach in Florida, will offer a fourth night free when booking a minimum three-night stay. The offer will be available for both the Nantucket and Palm Beach properties with an extended booking period from Black Friday through December 1. When booking, use the code: Cyber24.

  • Booking Dates: November 24 – December 1, 2023
  • Travel Dates for Nantucket: April 11 – October 26, 2024; blackout dates may apply
  • Travel Dates for Palm Beach: January 1 – October 31, 2024; blackout dates may apply
  • Starting Prices and Booking Links:
  • White Elephant Nantucket: $425. Booking link here.
  • Jared Coffin House: $220. Booking link here.
  • The Wauwinet: $395. Booking link here.
  • The Cottages at the Boat Basin: $180. Bookling link here.
  • White Elephant Palm Beach: $495. Booking link here.

 

40% Off I Parker Palm Springs I Palm Springs, California

Parker Palm Springs, a desert oasis nestled in the heart of Palm Springs known for its chic retro aesthetic, is offering 40% off the best available rate on any villa reservation as well as a $200 credit per villa per booking that can be claimed at the Palm Springs Yacht Club spa or for at Mr. Parker restaurant. Minimum three-night stay required.

  • Booking Dates: Only November 27 (Cyber Monday)
  • Travel Dates: Through December 31, 2024; blackout dates may apply
  • Starting price: $399 per night

 

30% Off I The Roundtree I Amagansett, New York

A hidden gem of low-key luxury in the Hamptons, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City, The Roundtree Amagansett is offering guests a 30% discount off of regular room rates.

Journey to Equilibrium – Nayara Resorts Launches Sukha Wellness Retreats

October 23rd, 2023

Nayara Resorts, nestled in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest, just launched two new holistic wellness retreats scheduled for August 12-18 and October 9-15. The six-night retreats offer an opportunity to reset and recharge surrounded by the serene rainforest surroundings.

Guests will immerse themselves in a range of activities, including yoga, sound healing, and sunset meditation, all conducted in outdoor pavilions cantilevered over the rainforest. In addition to the activities, guests have spa treatments and access to the wellness amenities, including the thermal mineral hot springs.

The wellness retreat industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, as individuals seek respite from the daily grind. Nayara’s retreats align perfectly with this trend, grounded in the scientifically-proven benefits of nature.

“Our retreats draw inspiration from the Sanskrit term ‘sukha,’ representing ‘equilibrium.’ They are thoughtfully curated to help guests reconnect with nature and rediscover their inner essence,” explains Jonathan Rojas, Marketing Manager. “Each retreat coincides with the New Moon, symbolizing new beginnings. Additionally, our October retreat offers a rare chance to witness the spectacular annular solar eclipse, known as the ‘ring of fire.’”

“Nayara’s retreats go beyond mere activities; they focus on nourishment too,” adds Constanza Navarro, Sales & Marketing Director. “Our award-winning culinary team has thoughtfully crafted a menu featuring locally sourced, organic ingredients, guaranteeing a healthy and authentic dining experience.”

Nayara’s wellness retreats promise a transformative journey towards enhanced health and balance. As spots are limited and demand is expected to be high, interested individuals are urged to secure their reservations promptly

Guests can book HERE

Aqua Expeditions adds Four Additional Peruvian Amazon Sailings in February 2024

August 11th, 2023

In response to traveler demand, Aqua Expeditions, the leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, is pleased to announce four additional seven-night Amazonia departures in February 2024 on the 20-suite Aqua Nera. There are also options for three- and four-night sailings.

For almost 15 years, Aqua Expeditions – named the ‘World’s Best River Cruise Line’ in 2023 by Travel + Leisure – has been sailing around Peru and the Amazon Rainforest, leading guests through the world’s most biodiverse ecosystem. Since 2021, Aqua Nera, best described as a floating boutique hotel, has been sailing alongside her sister ship Aria Amazon, taking guests to some of the most remote parts of the Amazon with their private military grade skiffs. Days are structured much like those of land-based safaris with naturalist-led twice-daily excursions ranging from jungle walks and piranha fishing to exploring hidden lakes and lagoons and spotting exotic wildlife.

CEO and Founder of Aqua Expeditions, Francesco Galli Zugaro, is pleased to see such an uptick in demand for this particular destination, “It is our pleasure to release these additional Aqua Nera sailings in February, a month that sees the Amazon truly come to life with an abundance of opportunities for our guests to witness more wildlife than ever and take part in immersive cultural adventures and local festivities,” he said.

Available dates:

February 3-10, 2024

February 10-17, 2024

February 17-24, 2024

February 24-March 2, 2024

These new sailings allow travelers to plan a comprehensive Peruvian holiday and experience notable festivals, including the Carnival of Cajamarca (February 10-14, 2024). February is also an ideal time of year to visit Machu Picchu while avoiding the usual tourist rush.  While on board, guests can expect world-class cuisine curated by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, SpaceX’s high-speed Starlink satellite internet, a river-facing gym, outdoor plunge pool, and more.

For more information, visit: https://www.aquaexpeditions.com/amazon-river-cruise/

About Aqua Expeditions

A recognized global leader in luxury small ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish contemporary design. Venturing into unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature and wildlife, Aqua Expeditions sails to remote destinations with minimized human interaction, secluded from crowds. Expect tailored five- star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with personalized service, acclaimed cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and small group expert-guided adventure activities and excursions for all ages, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship. Aqua Expeditions currently operates river explorations on the Amazon (Peru), the Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam), and coastal yacht voyages to Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands, as well as Raja Ampat (East Indonesia), with the latest superyacht sailing the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) from June 2022.

 

Join the celebration in London

April 19th, 2023

Rooms available for the coronation of King Charles

The coronation of King Charles is fast approaching! (May 6, 2023!) The new monarchs are planning for a smaller scale celebration than the one for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The city is abuzz with festivities for the big day, and luckily for royal fans this side of the pond, there are still accommodations to be had!

The Bloomsbury, The Marylebone, and The Kensington – the three London hotels from the family-owned Doyle Collection – all have rooms available. To celebrate the coronation, all three have created a series of cocktails inspired by the two things about which King Charles is most passionate: Sustainability and the ‘Best of British’ produce. The BloomsburyThe Marylebone, and The Kensington have each created one zero-waste cocktail using British spirits and sustainably sourced produce, channeling the English countryside. Think herbaceous Cornish gin, juicy British strawberries and fragrant local Elderflower…

What else is happening at these hotels?

The Great Garden Escape with The Newt and RHS Chelsea Flower Show – available May 26 or 27

  • Guests booking this package can enjoy the gardens of the famous RHS Chelsea Flower along with access to The Newt’s invite-only hospitality suite, complete with live music and food, along with cider and wine tasting throughout the day.
  • This two-day experience includes a day at The Newt’s Great Garden Escape and a day at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Starting with a First-Class train from London with a freshly baked breakfast onboard, followed by exploring picturesque gardens and ancient woodland, delicious food sourced on property and freshly pressed cider, followed by afternoon tea on the train back to London.

Offer Includes:

  • Full English Breakfast
  • 2 tickets to The Newt’s Great Garden Escape on 26th or 27th May
  • 2 tickets to RHS Chelsea Flower Show and exclusive access to The Newt’s Hospitality suite on May 26th or 27th

A Night at The Donmar

  • The Bloomsbury has teamed up with local theater, The Donmar Warehouse. The package starts with a three-course dinner with champagne and then two tickets to the latest show at The Donmar Warehouse in the heart of Seven Dials. Click here to view the latest shows.

This includes:

  • Accommodation for 2 people in a suite
  • A la carte breakfast each morning
  • 3 course dinner and glass of Champagne
  • Two tickets to the latest show at The Donmar Warehouse

The Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto Exhibition Experience

  • This fall, the Victoria and Albert Museum is hosting the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, charting the establishment of the House of CHANEL and the evolution of her iconic design style which continues to influence the way women dress today.

Guests who book this package at The Kensington will get:

  • Full English Breakfast
  • 2 untimed tickets to the Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition
  • Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto Coffee Table book for suite bookings

 

Discover Alaska with PONANT: 2024 Small Ship Expeditions

March 20th, 2023

Where else in the world can you watch black bears catch salmon in glacier-fed creeks, sail through ice-carved fjords, and learn about the local way of life in traditional fishermen settlements? Alaska is a state of wondrous beauty, with rich culture, spectacular wildlife, and astonishing natural landscapes. And now that PONANT is unveiling four itineraries and ten departures for 2024, travelers will get to discover the 49th state like never before.

With departures from Vancouver, Seward, and Sitka, the sailings will range from 7-11 nights, making it possible for guests to be acquainted with Alaska’s vast beauty and glimpses into Alaska’s history. All itineraries will feature a crew of naturalists specializing in geology, ornithology, glaciology, marine mammals, botany, and ethnology. For even more on-board discovery, travelers can opt for two co-branded expeditions in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys—the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex—providing a deep-dive on Alaska’s history, landscapes, and wildlife.

The seven- and eight-night sailings will explore the Inside Passage, with local boat landings and outings, humpback whale sightings, and tours of natural areas teaming with ancient conifer and resinous trees. With a focus on forests and fjords, travelers will enjoy close-up views of some of Alaska’s most extraordinary wildlife: black bears, orcas, bald eagles, sea lions, and more. As the ship navigates the narrow Endicott Arm fjord, views of the magnificent Dawes Glacier will unfold along with the 653,000-acre Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness nature preserve.

A 10-night sailing departing from Sitka — with its eclectic blend of Alaska, Russian and American history — to Vancouver will offer all the highlights of the shorter voyages, with more of an emphasis on community experiences, such as conversations with a local of Elfin Cove, who will speak to the local way of life in the quaint fisherman settlement. Off the west coast of British Columbia, guests will meet with the local Kwakwaka’wakw people—the original inhabitants of the Northern Vancouver Island area—to experience a traditional cultural dance in a log house. The 10-night sailing comes with more opportunity to discover British Columbia’s coastal landscapes, including the Johnstone Strait and the Pearse Islands.

Finally, the 11-night voyages (from Seward to Vancouver/Vancouver to Seward) offer a complete Alaska experience. Expect chatting with local fishermen in the “Little Norway of Alaska;” meeting the Tlingit peoples of Kake, home to one of the largest totem poles in Alaska; diving into the gold rush history in Skagway; glimpsing mighty peaks like Mount Saint Elias, the second-highest mountain in Canada and the United States; and cruising the Prince William Sound—the jewel in the crown of the Pacific Northwest—to spot orcas, grizzly bears and humpback whales and marvel at the Harvard and Bryn Mawr glaciers.

For more information, visit https://us.ponant.com/destinations/alaska

ABOUT PONANT

PONANT’s “Explore to Inspire” mission is centered around exploration to better understand, learn, share and protect. For 35 years, PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism and voyages of exploration which have meaning. The French-flagged fleet comprises 13 small capacity ships equipped with state of the art environmentally friendly equipment. With PONANT, exploration is refined, authentic and a source of inspiration. The company sails to the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as in the Atlantic and North Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Oceania and South Pacific, the Caribbean, North, Central and South America. For more information, visit  https://us.ponant.com or call 1-844-747-2873 or contact your travel advisor.

 

 

White Elephant Nantucket Will Unveil Complete Renovation for 2023 Season

March 20th, 2023

White Elephant has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. Built as a series of rustic cottages, the harborfront landmark has evolved into the island’s most timeless resort, with a collection of chic accommodations showcasing the very best of the beloved destination. On May 5, 2023, in time with the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million dollar restoration and renovation of its 54-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages.

Elizabeth Lowrey, Principal at Elkus Manfredi Architects, the design firm who brought us the multi-award-winning White Elephant Palm Beach, has conceived of a bright, airy, residential-inspired refresh, drawing on the essence of Nantucket—its history, the quality of light, its natural landscapes, the colors, textures, and artistic legacy—to breathe new life into these historic accommodations. All materials and finishes will be replaced, from the carpets to the fixtures and the furnishings, with an emphasis on design details that are authentic to place and exude effortless sophistication. The patterns of the textiles will draw on the island’s rich history of basket weaving; exterior shiplights evoke Nantucket’s deep seafaring traditions; and a color palette of Labrador blues and seafoam greens are inspired by the coastal surroundings. The brand’s deep heritage will be woven throughout, with brass elephant knockers on doors, elephant door and drawer pulls, and elephant needlepoint pillows in rooms.

Ranging from 375- to 450-square-feet of living space, guestrooms will be awash in a coastal color palette, with rattan textiles, white oak desks, scalloped lampshades and headboards, and grass cloth wall coverings that evoke the island’s dune grasses. Of the 66 accommodations, 25 of the rooms and 25 of the suites provide direct access to the harborside lawn and the coastal surroundings.

Like the distinct patterns that make up an exquisite quilt, the 11 cottages—which span 400 to 900 square feet—will all be individually decorated and styled after plants indigenous to Nantucket: Bayberry, Hydrangea, Daylily, Beachplum, Honeysuckle, Holly, Arrowwood, Marigold, Rosa Rugosa, and Snapdragon. Each cottage will take a plant as inspiration, with color palettes and artworks that evoke the flora—tones of buttery yellow for the Honeysuckle room, pale lavender for Beachplum, and pale pink for Rose. The two-bedroom cottages feature decks with coastal views, while the one- and three-bedroom cottages are set in a newly landscaped verdant garden area complete with pathways that crisscross the central lawn.

The White Elephant will also debut a redesigned lobby, drawing in local elements like a basket weave carpet design that nods to the surroundings. The lobby has been reimagined with an expanded retail space and more approachable concierge and reception areas. A centerpiece of the new lobby is a large-scale commissioned artwork by Israeli painter Orit Fuchs (who created an acrylic artwork for sister property White Elephant Palm Beach), depicting a harborside scene of a woman (dressed in Nantucket reds) in a rowboat, floating by the White Elephant.

New original art will be installed throughout the rooms and corridors, resulting from the brand’s all-new Artist in Residency Program, launched in August 2022. New York based art consultant and curator Emily Santangeloworked closely with White Elephant’s owners, the Karp family, to create a residency made up of acclaimed artists from around the world. The artists spent two weeks exploring the island to gather inspiration for their works, venturing to some parts of the island only accessible by boat.

Among the featured artists include painter Mary Chandler, who created watercolors of the indigenous Nantucket flora for which the cottages are named; installation photographer Thomas Jackson, who shot a series of colorful beachside photographs,  the Maine-based landscape painter Greta van Campen, known for her contemporary hard-edged landscape scenes; Swedish artist Clara Hallencreutz and painter Renée Levin, who is best known for her depictions of coastal and natural objects.

Seasonal nightly rates start at $375 for a guestroom, $675 for a suite, $775 for a one-bedroom cottage, and $1,275 for two- and three-bedroom cottages.

For more information, visit https://www.whiteelephantresorts.com or call 1.800.475.2637.

About White Elephant Resorts

White Elephant Resorts is a collection of premier hotels and resorts on Nantucket, MA and in Palm Beach, FL that specialize in bringing their award-winning combination of service, design, and amenities to today’s discerning traveler. Properties include The Wauwinet, with access to both bay and ocean beaches and home to award-winning TOPPER’S restaurant; White Elephant, the iconic hotel located right on Nantucket Harbor with the Brant Point Grill; Jared Coffin House, a historic hotel in Nantucket Town and its restaurant, Tap Room; The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, private waterfront cottages; and Nantucket Boat Basin, a 240-slip full-service award-winning marina. White Elephant Palm Beach debuted in November 2020 in Palm Beach, FL with Nantucket-favorite LoLa 41 restaurant. The Wauwinet was ranked in Travel + Leisure’s T+L 500 awards. In 2021, The Wauwinet was recognized by Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards and both White Elephant and The Wauwinet were recipients of Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. TOPPER’s is AAA’s only “Five Diamond” restaurant on Nantucket and has been a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for 25 consecutive years. Following its debut, White Elephant Palm Beach has also been recognized as the  #1 Resort in Florida in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards.

 

Coronation Celebrations in London, Ireland, and Scotland

March 20th, 2023

From commemorative teas and Royal Warrant shopping guides to zero-waste cocktails

and princess experiences, here are seven hotels getting in on the excitement.

The Beaumont in Mayfair, which will see an extension by Thierry Despont later this year, will offer an in-room “coronation pack” for guests overnighting on Friday, May 5. The contents will include a map of the big day’s events, Union Jack flags, a Union Jack hat, and a commemorative mug. In addition, the afternoon tea for the entire month of May will give a nod to the extraordinary precious and semi-precious stones found in the Crown Jewels with gemstone-hued pastries (think rich ruby red and grassy green of emeralds) that are flavored with the scents of English spring gardens (such as red currants, rose, and elderflower).

L’oscar is housed within a Baroque-style, Grade-II listed former church in Bloomsbury. Taking inspiration from Oscar Wilde, Jacques Garcia (a Michel Reybier favorite who designed La Réserve in Paris and Geneva and is currently working with the brand’s property in Ramatuelle) restored the interiors with sumptuous fabrics and jewel tones while retaining some of the original touches, including two fireplaces with royal Doulton terracotta panels. This is the place for those who would like to be near the theater and shop like a royal. The property under the Michel Reybier Hospitality group (hotels in Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Zermatt, Interlaken) will provide a map of Royal Warrant Holders nearby.

To celebrate the coronation of King Charles, The Doyle Collection’s London properties will create a series of cocktails inspired by the two things about which he is most passionate: Sustainability and the ‘Best of British’ produce. The BloomsburyThe Marylebone, and The Kensington will each create one zero-waste cocktail using British spirits and sustainably sourced produce, channeling the English countryside. Think herbaceous Cornish gin, juicy British strawberries and fragrant local Elderflower…

In nearby Ireland, Dromoland Castle lets its youngest guests celebrate their owncoronation with their Princess Package. This entails a day of lessons in deportment, song, and traditional dance, a trip to the spa for hair and nails, and culminates with a coronation in the great Kincora Hall with a crown and certificate (and of course a royal afternoon tea!).

The Fife Arms in Braemar, in the heart of Royal Deeside, is the perfect location to mark the historic event. Royal Deeside has a rich and longstanding connection with the Royal family, stemming from the 1850s when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built Balmoral Castle as a family home, just nine miles from the property. Over the coronation weekend, guests will enjoy a special Afternoon Tea including classic Victoria sponge and coronation chicken, picnic at the Highland Games Centre, as well as a Royal whisky tasting in Bertie’s Whisky Bar, featuring a flight of King Charles’ favorite drams.

 

We are now working with all of the Park Hyatt properties in Japan!

March 20th, 2023

After many years of working with Park Hyatt Tokyo, we are thrilled to now be working with Park Hyatt Niseko and Park Hyatt Kyoto! Japan has had a bit of a spotlight on it this year since reopening post-Covid. Cherry blossom season is nearly here! This year, visitors can celebrate the fragrant blooms by booking a flower-filled escape to Japan. As part of the festivities, the Park Hyatt hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Niseko are rolling out unique events and menus inspired by the season—from picnic baskets and art installations to zipline experiences!

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Park Hyatt Tokyo was put on the map by Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in September!

Dining updates for spring:

  • To appreciate the Cherry Blossoms up close, guests can take a lunch box to go. The Sakura edition features pink-colored goodies like smoked salmon sushi and hazelnut financiers topped with Sakura green tea cream, while late spring treats include matcha-bread sandwiches and mini quiches prepared with green asparagus and smoked bacon.
  • The Girandole restaurant is launching a menu by chef Thibault Chaumont in collaboration with chef Kojiro Tsutsumi. Dishes will marry French techniques and seasonal Japanese ingredients, including spring clam and a colorful array of fresh vegetables. From Friday, March 24 to Wednesday, April 26.
  • KOZUE restaurant (known for its traditional Japanese fare) will also offer a special seasonal dinner, starring the prized Kano-gani crab, which is only available during winter and early spring.  Tables are available for two weeks only, with limited servings per day; From Monday, March 6 to Sunday, March 19.
  • The New York Grill’s “Spring Harvest” will focus on the award-winning Hakata Wagyu beef—the winner of the most recent Wagyu competition in Japan. From Tuesday, March 21 to Friday, June 9.

 

Park Hyatt Kyoto

Located close to the Kodai-ji Temple and boasting panoramic views of the multi-tiered Yasaka Pagoda and the city’s tiled roof skyline, Park Hyatt Kyoto is a magical escape no matter the time of year. But spring and summer are especially popular times to visit. Hotel guests enjoy VIP tickets to the annual Aoi Matsuri festival (May 15), where hundreds of participants don traditional clothing from the Heian period as two processions make their way to the Kamo Shrines. Guests also have preferred seating at the Gion Matsuri—Kyoto’s biggest annual festival—which takes over multiple days in July and features traditional float parades and the “Yoi-yama” street party events.

On property, guests can enjoy Japanese tea pairing at the exquisitely renovated Kyoyamato, a traditional Japanese restaurant run by a seventh-generation Kyoto family, complete with a Soyotei ­­teahouse from the Edo era. For wellness, guests may opt to go on a guided tour of the grounds led by a Shinto priest, or enjoy a seated Zazen meditation at nearby temples that are off-limits to the general public.

Park Hyatt Niseko

It may be a favorite wintertime destination (and is known for its excellent skiing), but come spring, the Park Hyatt Niseko entices guests with plenty of seasonal happenings. For the second year, the resort will activate the art installation “Mountain Lights” by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. A spectacle of 180,000 shimmering fiber-optic plumes of light, the installation blankets the foot of Niseko Annupuri Mountain — visible from all 100 guestrooms.

The Hanazono Zip World—East Asia’s longest zipline—will also reopen for the season. Stretching 1.6 miles from the base of the resort halfway to the peak of the Niseko United ski mountain, the zipline allows guests to soar over the forested mountains at speeds exceeding 110 kilometers per hour on the Black Diamond Superfly.

Back at the hotel, guests may consider retreating to the award-winning spa to relax in the 80-foot heated indoor pool and hot spring onsen baths.

 

 

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