With temperatures dipping below freezing and a snowstorm in October, it’s no secret that winter came much too soon. While we can’t control the weather, we can certainly run from it! Ditch the snow boots, pack your warm weather gear and escape with top luxury line, Crystal Cruises, instead.

Voted World’s Best more than any other cruise line in history, Crystal Cruises offers a diverse collection of itineraries exploring the Panama Canal, South America, Caribbean, and the Pacific Coast. Book before December 31, 2011 and receive up to $4,000 per couple in additional savings! But hurry, Crystal Cruises’ Book Now Fares don’t last forever.

Other exclusive offers, available for a limited time, include 2-for-1 fares, special savings for repeat Crystal Society guests, families and friends traveling together, new-to-Crystal savings, early full payment savings, and generous savings for back-to-back combination cruises. So, pull out your bathing suits and sun block, put away your hats and gloves, and book now to save!

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 10^th 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.

Need a vacation? Black Tomato is offering an amazing prize that will make you feel good inside and out. Enter here to win a trip to Jamaica at the incredibly chic and Bohemian Jakes AND a three-day pre-trip BluePrintCleanse for you and your travel partner so you arrive beach bod ready. After sipping on six fruit and vegetable juices daily for three days, arrive at an Oceanfront Cottage for a four night stay, complete with a seaside scrub at the resort’s Driftwood Spa, courtesy of Black Tomato. Guests can explore the beautiful YS Waterfalls, lounge on the beach, or take a boat trip to the Pelican Bar (situated on a sand bar almost a mile out to sea). After a three-day juice cleanse that jerk chicken and watermelon sorbet served up at Jakes will taste like manna from heaven!

NOW until Thanksgiving, Parrot Cay is offering an amazing saving of $1500 per day for those renting a Private Residence.  Other benefits include:

• Full board – with the option of dining in the resort’s two restaurants for all meals or in the privacy of the villa (breakfast and lunch from room service and dinner created by  a personal chef from a selection of menus)
• Dedicated butler service
• Housekeeping
• Full team of Parrot Cay Private Residences support staff
• Full resort privileges, including preferential restaurant and spa reservations
• Children under 12 stay and dine gratis off of the children’s menu

Further, guests have the opportunity to stay in the NEWEST addition to the estates, the stunning Tamarind villa, a beautiful villa divided into two distinct houses of three bedrooms and two bedrooms that can be rented individually or rented together as five bedrooms. The main house has a deck and swimming pool along with an ocean-facing gym and butler’s quarters, and the guest house also has its own sun-drenched deck and pool.

Rates start at $4,000 per night for a three-bedroom Island Villa. (This offer can also be combined with the 7-for-5 or 4-for-3 deals for increased savings.)

Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, would have celebrated his 103^rd birthday on May 28 (had he not passed away in 1964). After a WWII mission brought him to the Caribbean, Fleming returned to “paradise on earth” and built his dream villa, GoldenEye.

While we can’t all spend the rest of our days soaking in the Jamaican sun like Commander Fleming did (although we wish we could), why not celebrate his birthday with a trip to the birthplace of James Bond. There’s no better time than now with summer rates starting at just $448 per night for a Lagoon Suite. If you’re in the mood to party, grab the whole gang for a blow out bash and rent the Fleming Villa with rates starting at $4,400 per night. When not swimming in the turquoise lagoon or lounging on the beach, be sure to chat up Ramsey Dacosta, resident historian of GoldenEye, having worked at the property since the days when Fleming was in residence. He certainly has some good stories to share…

Trade in your martini (shaken, not stirred) for a red stripe and your tuxedo for a new bathing suit and toast to our Commander in Chief’s 103^rd birthday!

Caribbean

Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

What: Bring the family and rent one of Parrot Cay’s airy beach villas. The one-, two-, and three- bedroom villas each have a pool and are just a few steps away from the pristine white sand. For a little indulgence, try the Tamarind Villa – the newest property in the Parrot Cay Estates section comprises two complexes – one with three bedrooms and one with two bedrooms – that can be rented together or separately. When renting separately, rental includes butler service and other standard amenities.  When renting as a whole unit, the estate will include two butlers, standard amenities, a gym, and a private chef. Both houses have a private deck and pool.

Why: The Caribbean is often thought of as a winter destination, which is what makes it such a secret gem in the summer. While the beach is never crowded, in the summer the resort is even more peaceful than usual and rates are at their lowest – plus from June through October, kids eat free!

Camp/Activities: Adults can partake in daily yoga and Pilates and relax at the COMO Shambhala Retreat while kids can take part in activities like treasure hunts and making shark tooth necklaces.

Rates: From June 1-October 31, 2011:

One-bedroom Beach Villa: $3,146

Two-bedroom Beach Villa: $4,114

COMO Beach Villa (three-bedroom): $4,840

Tamarind: Main House/3 Bedrooms – US$12,100 inclusive of tax (for all seasons)

Guest House/2 Bedrooms – US$6,050 inclusive of tax (for all seasons)

GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, Jamaica

What: Vacation like James Bond and rent out Ian Fleming’s villa (or a beach cottage just down the way). The Fleming Villa, where Ian Fleming wrote all of the James Bond books, can accommodate up to 10 people in its original three-bedroom home plus two new poolside cottages, with luxe amenities like a private swimming pool, media room and bar, sunken garden, and direct access to the private Fleming Beach. For a smaller group, consider the barefoot-chic one- and two-bedroom Beach Cottages, situated on Low Cay Beach, that open directly onto the sand.

Why: Who’s cooler than James Bond? Jet ski through the beautiful Caribbean waters pretending to be in the cast of Dr. No, or just relax at the newly opened Bizot Bar and sip a cool Red Stripe in the sun.

Camp/Activities: Jamaican Olympic triathlete Iona Wynter leads the fitness program so guests can stay in shape with activities such as Cardio Kayaking or Stretch and Snorkel sessions. Kiddies can carve coconuts, learn to fish, or stay up to stargaze with Brian, resident astronomy buff.

Rates: May 1-October 31, 2011:

One-bedroom beach cottage: $780

Two-bedroom beach cottage: $960

Fleming Villa: $4,400

Jakes, Jamaica

What: Relax in the quiet seaside town of Treasure Beach in one of Jakes’ island-chic private villas. The three villas – Calabash Bay Villa and Cottage, Hope House, and Cave Canum – are all close to Jakes and guests have all the benefits of the resort (such as the Driftwood Spa and Dougie’s Bar). The villas each have a private pool, although they’re so close to the ocean the pools might be overlooked, and come with a housekeeper and private chef.

Why: With all the benefits of a hotel but the privacy of your own house, these villas are perfect for a family vacation: the little waves lap up just feet from the house, nanny service is available, and they’ll even stock the fridge upon request so you can try your hand at jerk chicken, or maybe just some corn flakes.

Camp/Activities: Kiddies can run down to Jakes and take part in daily activities such as cooking classes and mosaic tile workshops, and the whole family can enjoy one of Jakes’ monthly moonlit farm dinners made with all local produce and set outside on a farm.

Rates: Rates start at $500 per night.

U.S.

The Cottages at the Boat Basin, Nantucket

What: The ideal rental for a traditionalist, these quintessentially New England one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages all feature a full kitchen, dining area, living area, and many have a private deck.

Why: The Cottages are steps away from downtown, great for walking and avoiding that infamous Nantucket traffic. Also, if a family trip just isn’t the same without Fido, stay at one of the WOOF Cottages where man’s best friend is treated to dog beds, toys, and a list of pet-friendly spots on the island. (Keep an eye out for Forrest, the Cottage’s new black lab puppy and mascot!)

Camp/Activities: Borrow bikes and pedal around to see the beaches, bogs, and legions of grey shingled houses. Guests at The Cottages also have access to sister hotel’s White Elephant Spa, so one can get a Maritime Seaweed Body Revitalization after a day at the beach.

Rates: With the Hot Dates/Cool Rates promotion…

May: $185: May 1-5, 8-12, 15-18
$235: May 22-26, 30-31

June : $235: June 1-2, 5-8, 13-16

July : $405: July 7, 10-14, 17-21

August: $410: August 28-31

White Elephant Hotel Residences, Nantucket

What: Rentals with all the comforts of a hotel located right on the edge of Nantucket Town. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences are great for families of all shapes and sizes, ranging from 750 to 1,525 square feet.  Designed in classic Nantucket style with a sleek, modern tilt, each residence features a flat screen TV, sub-zero refrigerator, and Pratesi by Rivolta Carmignani linens on the four poster beds.  With all the space, grandparents and grandchildren are welcome to experience a pampered Nantucket!

Why: A great place to avoid traffic while still being close to Nantucket Harbor, Jetties Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, along with all the stores in town. In case cooking at home seems daunting, take advantage of priority reservations at Brant Point Grill.

Camp/Activities: A day at the beach couldn’t be easier, with beach towels, chairs, and towels provided by the White Elephant and being within walking distance of Children’s Beach (a harbor beach with no waves). If lounging by a pool is more your style, the Residences have a beautiful private pool complete with cabanas, pool toys, and daily fresh fruit and ice cream service.

Rates: With the Hot Dates/Cool Rates promotion…

July: $1,200 July 5-6, 10-14, 17-21

France

La Réserve Ramatuelle, Côte d’Azur

What: These beautiful 4-6 bedroom villas each have a private garden, a pool, and an open view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Why: Along with the privacy of a house, the villas come with all the benefits of being at La Réserve (housekeeper, personal chef upon request, and access to the hotel and spa services).

Camp/Activities: Like heading off to day camp, those at the villas can troop up to the spa for à la carte treatments including a few designed exclusively for the resort by La Mer, or sign up for the 6-day program – one that focuses on weight loss, body sculpting, and revitalization through spa treatments and personally prescribed activities like yoga or hiking..

Rates: 4 bedroom villas start at 15,000 euros for 7 nights (4,000 euros per night on a nightly basis)

Maldives

Anantara Kihavah Villas, Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa Atoll

What: Live like a true jetsetter with an extended stay on the resort’s private island. The newly opened 78 overwater villas all feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and oversized bathtubs for two, ooh la la!

Why: If the Maldivian sun isn’t temptation enough, the resort is home to the longest pool in the Maldives (161 feet), an underwater restaurant and wine cellar, and is the only place in the Maldives to go whale shark and pink coral diving.

Camp/Activities: Guests can take traditional cooking and weaving lessons or a day trip to Seabird Island to visit the sea crane nesting ground. For a more relaxed activity, try a signature coconut treatment in an overwater spa suite with an aquatic viewing panel below the treatment beds. The Thiththi Boli Kids Club has plenty of daily activities (such as arts and craft and locally inspired games) to keep the 12-and-under guests busy from sunrise to sunset.

Rates: From June 1-October 31, 2011:

Beach Pool Villa: $2,200

Overwater Pool Villa: $2,450

Two-bedroom Overwater Pool Villa: $7,150

Two-bedroom Beach Pool Villa: $7,500

Thailand

Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa, Koh Samui

What: Host the ultimate summer BBQ at your temporary residence along one of Koh Samui’s most famous and longest beaches, Chaweng Beach. The Royal Lawana Pool Villa is 3,229-square-feet and designed in remembrance the area’s ancient Chinese merchant settlers. The design is a fusion of Chinese-Thai contemporary styles with unique Chinese rooflines with vaulted ceilings.

Why: The expansive outdoor sala is ideal for summer gatherings, and Lawana provides a private chef, waiters, and bartender to create the perfect party. All rooms overlook the beach, and the private pool and sundeck are just the spot for taking in the setting sun.

Camp/Activities: Anantara Lawana offers Thai cooking classes, yoga lessons, water sports, and an expansive fitness center. Don’t fret if leaving the 9-5 causes a little separation anxiety; the business center and library are available for high-speed Internet access (or just borrowing a new book or DVD)!

Rates: Royal Lawana Pool Villa rack rate between June 1 and October 31, 2011 is 58,000 THB/night (approximately $1,899/night).  The ‘Best Available Rate with Breakfast’ is 42,800 THB/night (approximately $1,401/night) and is available through October 31.

Are you tired of constantly giving people your autograph? You’re in luck, because in 2012, vacations on Crystal Cruises‘ Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will be All Inclusive, which means no more signing for complimentary fine wines and premium spirits. Crystal’s new All Inclusive plan will also include pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff, including the Penthouse butler service and service in all of Crystal’s fine specialty restaurants and sushi bar. Now you can travel like a celebrity, without being bothered like one.

The new benefits will begin with each ship’s first Trans-Atlantic cruise next year: Crystal Symphony’s “Beyond the Sea” sailing from Miami to Lisbon on March 19, 2012, and Crystal Serenity’s “New World to Norway” voyage from New York to London on May 8, 2012.

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.

sitka.net

Just in case you still need another reason to consider a Crystal Symphony sailing to Alaska this summer, how does helping rebuild the state’s famous salmon population sound? As part of the line’s You Care, We Care program, interested guests will visit the Sitka Sound Science Center and help with the operation and/or maintenance of the salmon hatchery or marine-life exhibits. The hatchery is the only of its kind in Alaska and provides training for hatchery professionals and releases up to 2.5 million fish, including four species of salmon each year. (The grizzlies will appreciate the efforts too!)

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!