October 4th, 2011
Following the success of its inaugural art exhibit earlier this summer, Royal Mansour Marrakech is showcasing another local artist, Youssef Titou. The exhibit, entitled Fragments of Space, opens on October 1 and will be on display through November 30. Titou uses an assortment of techniques to create his exceptionally evocative and abstract images that are based on the elements of space.
Titou, a native of Fez, follows the showcase of French-Moroccan photographer, Leila Alaoui. Royal Mansour will continue to welcome the country’s top artists bimonthly, providing a unique platform to showcase their works.
These temporary exhibits join the hotel’s permanent art collection of over 80 contemporary Moroccan artists. The artwork is dotted among the hotel’s public spaces and private riads, seamlessly blending with the property’s stunning Moroccan décor.
For more information about Royal Mansour Marrakech, please visit their new website, www.royalmansour.com.
June 13th, 2011
Considered one of the world’s greatest theatrical festivals, not to mention the longest running in France, the Festival d’Avignon marks its 64th anniversary this summer! From choreographed dances to modern plays, the festival is sure to suit any art lover’s fancy. Taking place July 2-26, with over 35 performances in the beautiful Cour d’Honneur of the Pope’s Palace and multiple other outdoor venues, it’s hard not to get lost in the location’s rich history. This year’s shows include such works as La Paranoia by Elise Vigier and Marcial Di Fonzo Bo, Child by Boris Charmatz, and I Am the Wind directed by Patrice Chereau. (Click here for a complete list of programming.) Ticket prices range from free to €38 (approximately $54), allowing everyone an opportunity to participate in this historic event!
Need a place to stay?
Hotel Crillon le Brave, a mere 26 miles away, is the perfect place for festival goers to rest their heads. The property offers seven beautifully restored 16th and 17th century stone houses, accented by cobblestone walkways and hidden courtyards. When not immersing in theatrical performances, relax back at the hotel while sipping wine at the Grange bar, pedaling through the olive groves on complimentary bikes, or joining in a cooking demonstration with new head Chef John Ellis.
The hotel’s concierge is happy to assist with transportation arrangements and booking tickets to the Festival d’Avignon. Rates start at €290 (approximately $416) per night.
June 1st, 2011
Music festivals, world-class opera, hiking, biking, museum hopping, unique culinary adventures and art shopping – Santa Fe has plenty to offer this summer! Recently nominated by Travel + Leisure as one of “America’s Favorite Cities,” Santa Fe invites travelers from around the world to dive into its unique culture and exciting history.
Right in the heart of the city is the Inn on the Alameda, a charming, cozy inn as rich in history as the city itself. Located just steps away from some of Santa Fe’s most exciting attractions, the inn maintains a secluded serenity throughout its stone courtyards and peaceful patios. Authenticity radiates from the handcrafted finishes, adobe walls and southwestern décor, reflecting the essence of “the city different.”
Whether a relaxing getaway or adventurous fun in the Southwest sun, Santa Fe has it all!
For more activities in Santa Fe, visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau web site: http://santafe.org/perl/page.cgi?g=1067
May 31st, 2011
Capture the beauty and essence of majestic mountains, lush forests and ancient monasteries on a seven day tour through scenic Bhutan. COMO Uma Paro Resort is offering this amazing “Through a Lens” excursion June 22nd-29th. The unique experience is available to photographers of all skill levels, as guests will be guided by a skilled photographer through the distinctly different valleys of Paro and Punakha for a series of location shoots and once-in-a-lifetime moments to be caught on film.
After long days of capturing the splendor of Bhutan, guests will return to their comfortable lodgings at Uma Paro and a charming hotel in Punakha with accommodations provided on a full board basis. Guests can also enjoy complementary use of the swimming pool, library and gym at Uma Paro, as well as a 1-hour daily Yoga class.
For more information and a full itinerary, visit http://bit.ly/lgOLGo.
May 20th, 2011
Field trip to Morocco! Ditch the regular trip to the local museum and check out the modern art on display at Royal Mansour. In addition to the dazzling array of mosaic tile work and intricate designs adorning the property completed by the top local artisans, Royal Mansour Marrakech is now showcasing local artists in another way. The grand property, nestled within the medina walls, is hosting its first art exhibition this month, furthering its commitment to feature the very best of Morocco – both the classic and the new. Comprising a collection of striking images shot by French-Moroccan photographer, Leila Alaoui, the portraits pay homage to the painters, sculptors, and photographers who have created the works that currently line the walls and corridors of the hotel. Each black and while portrait captures the intriguing interaction between an artist and his work.
Following this inaugural exhibition (up until the end of June), Royal Mansour will continue to welcome the country’s top artists to the hotel, providing a unique platform to showcase their works to the hotel’s international clientele. These temporary exhibits will join the permanent art collection of the hotel, scattered among the public spaces and the riads, of 80 contemporary Moroccan artists.
February 24th, 2011
Two of the top names in travel and art – Orient-Express and The National Gallery, London – have teamed up to combine their fascinating and far-reaching train journeys and extensive art expertise, respectively. Art lovers will be on overload with the 13 NEW itineraries that launch this spring, as they receive an intimate tutorial of some of the world’s top works and experience the places that inspired them. Tours range from a three-day/two-night journey between London and Bath to a seven-day/six-night tour between London and Venice. Seven examine the classic works and figures of the Impressionist movement; four focus on the great works of Italian artists including Canaletto, Bellini, Titian, and Veronese; and two study the collections of the newly reopened Holburne Museum in Bath.
All tours begin at the National Gallery, where a specialist introduces a selection of masterpieces that will later be matched with the places and landmarks depicted within them. For instance, a viewing of Monets in London is followed by a trip to the artist’s home at Giverny; an immersion into the work of Canaletto is followed by roaming the very same canals and piazzas of Venice. Guests travel through art history in style aboard both the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and British Pullman, accompanied by the National Gallery specialist.
Itineraries include:
February 24th, 2011
Send home a postcard that is likely to stay on the fridge for months to come (not because of the clever picture or, sorry, your stories!). Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is offering a calligraphy workshop led by Khaled Al Saai April 7-9 with lessons in theory, history, and practical application. To avoid writer’s cramp, participants will also be given plenty of free time to enjoy the Abu Dhabi resort’s spa and hammam, desert activities, and dining facilities. Now that’s something to write home about!
February 17th, 2011
The Rubin Museum of Art in New York City is inviting families to create their own Himalayan towns and stupas this Saturday with clay, fabric, and mixed media. The museum will provide photographs of Himalayan villages, tents, temples, and stupas, but then it’s all up to the imagination! Get those creative juices flowing!
Or make the picture a reality on a family trip with Shakti. Customize an itinerary based on your families interests in three distinct regions of India’s North: Kuamaon in Uttarakhand; the tiny state of Sikkim, and Ladakh, in Jammu-Kashmir. Ideal for active and engaging family travel, guides will lead travelers on daily walks and exploration of temples and monasteries. In Ladakh, adventurous types can try their hand at rafting down the Indus River, camping out under the stars, or riding an indigenious Bactrian camel through the Nubra. You might need a few more supplies, but we’re certain the personal treks will leave all ages inspired.
February 4th, 2011
jwpjazz.com
Harlem is visiting the Himalayas tonight… or that’s what they are saying at the Rubin Museum of Art. Starting at 7 p.m., Aaron Diehl and the NJMH Allstars featuring trumpeter Dominick Farinacci will play at the Rubin for an intimate crowd. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy Big Band music in a contemporary setting. Tickets are $20 ($16.20 for members) and can be bought at the door. No excuse for no plans tonight!
January 4th, 2011
Maestro Valery Gergiev will conduct the first-ever World Orchestra for Peace concert in the Arab world hosted by UNESCO Artists for Peace to a sold-out audience tonight. The musicians hail from 62 international orchestras and 30 countries. The concert is a homage to humanity throughout the world.
Songs to be performed tonight include Rossini’s William Tell Overture, Prokofiev’s Symphony No 1, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. The event will be held at the Emirates Palace and is part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2011 which will feature concerts and performances of acclaimed artists throughout the coming year. We wish we could snag a ticket… both to the concert and Abu Dhabi for the show!