The Wauwinet, White Elephant

Celebrate Nantucket Island’s rich literary past, present, and future at the island’s first Nantucket Book Festival, June 15 – 17. The weekend’s celebration will include panel discussions, readings for adults and children, pig roast at Cisco Brewery, and opportunities to meet notable authors in person, plus much more.

A handful of local Nantucket authors will be participating including Elin Handbrand, whose books are ideal beach reads, Nancy Thayer, author of 21 novels with her latest Heat Wave due out in June, and Nathaniel Philbrick, New York Times bestselling author of seagoing books.

Stroll down Broad Street and pop into Nantucket Bookworms to buy a book for your literary-themed weekend. (May we suggest Moby Dick?). Rest your head at The Wauwinet or at the White Elephant, both which offer cozy libraries – perfect for leafing through your new book, with a complimentary glass of port of sherry in hand.

To book overnight accommodations, visit www.nantucketislandresorts.com.

For more information about the Nantucket Book Festival, click here.

Forget the Hallmark card or the flowers and take Mom away for a real treat. We’ve put together some suggestions for a Mother’s Day she won’t soon forget.

Where: One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico

What: Get Mom a weekend of spa treatments in paradise.

When: Mother’s Day Weekend

Why Mom will love it: Mothers and daughters can unwind in the privacy of a double Spa villa at the ESPA spa complete with private garden, rain showers, outdoor Mexican daybeds, and whirlpool baths to relax in after a treatment. Special for the weekend are Mother-Daughter Soul-to-Soul moments ($640 for two) that include a Mother-Daughter yoga or salsa experience, an ESPA age-defying radiance facial or intensive facial, a spa lunch, and full use of the heat experience and relaxation area, or the Enduring Memory Mother’s Day Experience ($355) with a two-hour holistic body ritual, an in-villa 30-minute experience including a foot ritual, bath, and relaxation time, a spa lunch, and full use of the heat experience and relaxation areas. And all of this with her now favorite child.

Where: Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe, New Mexico

What: Show Mom how much you care by sending her to the welcoming Inn on the Alameda for a weekend of adult-only relaxation.

When: Mothers Day Weekend

Why Mom will love it: With the Please Your Parents Package, Mom and Dad can enjoy a weekend away from the kids in Deluxe Accommodations at the Inn, including the Inn’s signature continental breakfast, afternoon wine hour, and one box of yummy bizcochitos, the official New Mexico state cookie.

Rate: Nightly rate is $220 plus tax per room per night. With a regular rate of $270 plus tax, this package has $50 nightly savings and applies to the Inn’s Deluxe Rooms only. The stay must include Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13, 2012, but there is no minimum night stay requirement. The offer is subject to hotel availability.

Where: The Peninsula Spa, New York

What: An amazing ESPA “Spa-Cation” without leaving the island

When: Perfect for the week before or after Mother’s Day

Why Mom will love it: Play hooky and take your mama out! Without hopping on planes trains, or automobiles, have a spa-cation right in the city. You and mom can indulge in a 60-minute treatment, a special lunch, and complimentary use of the pool and fitness center. It’s available Monday-Thursday for $285 per person.

Where: White Elephant and Brant Point Grill, Nantucket, Massachusetts

What: Breakfast in bed is a nice gesture, but we bet Mom will enjoy the “Best Brunch on the Island” even more!

When: Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Why Mom will love it: From the Benedict Burger to the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar, a Sparkling Station for mimosas, and a brand new tapas station, this brunch is complete with all of Mom’s favorites.

Rate: Brant Point Grill’s Mother’s Day Brunch is $55 for adults, $25 for kids ages 6-12 and $5 for kids ages 3-5. Combine your brunch with a stay at White Elephant and enjoy special Hot Dates Cool Rates, starting at $195 per night.

Where: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Avon, Colorado

What: Located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this luxury chateau-style resort features many amenities, including the 30,000 square-foot Allegria Spa, with a full-service fitness center, slopeside pool and hot tubs. This world-class spa is offering the “Her Day, Her Way Mother’s Day” package, an exceptional package for moms to unwind on their special day.

When: Mothers Day, Sunday, May 13, 2012.

Why Mom will love it: Spoil Mom with an extra luxurious spa escape with the “Her Day, Her Way Mother’s Day” package that includes a 50-minute Swedish Massage; choice of one of three select treatments (25 minute Sweet Lavender Body Scrub, 30 minute Custom Facial or Express Manicure & Pedicure); champagne; take-home spa gift; and access to Aqua Sanitas, the health club, the pools and hot tubs.

Where: Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

What: Max and relax with Mom for a stress-free weekend away

When: Mothers Day Weekend

Why Mom will love it: Stress is a fact of life for mothers and daughters alike, which is why Parrot Cay has designed a Stress Management Wellness Package to target and relieve sources of tension and worry. Professional consultants will take things down a few notches with deep relaxing therapies, enlightening outdoor pursuits, and smart tips to put some of the carefree “island life” of Turks & Caicos into the home routine. Let the experienced personal fitness trainers convert pent-up stress into a productive mother-daughter workout, and follow it up with mind- and body-balancing yoga and meditation.

Guinot’s new Gel Douche Soleil to the rescue! This NEW shower gel, made especially for bathing after sun exposure, is here just in time for Spring and Summer 2012. Sun, salt, and chlorine dry the skin, while sunscreens leave minerals behind. This shower gel has been formulated to dissolve sunscreen residues and UV filters while neutralizing the effects of chlorine and salt water. While all things relating to a day at the beach or pool tend to cause skin dehydration, so, too, do many ordinary soaps and cleansers. This after-sun superstar has Jojoba Oil to moisturize and soften, preventing dehydration and making it gentle enough for sunburned skin.

TO USE:Lather with Gel Douche Soleil in the shower to wash away sunscreens, salt, and chlorine.

Gel Douche Soleil comes in a 300ml bottle priced at $30.  Guinot products are carried in over 1,000 spas and salons within the US.  To locate a spa, visit www.GuinotUSA.com.

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.

Little (and big) Francophiles don’t have to stop learning this summer just because the school year is over. The charming Pavillon de la Reine, set in the heart of Paris’ Marais, is offering a new getaway package that includes daily French lessons.

Dormir (Sleep): The impossibly chic Pavillon de la Reine is the only hotel located on the historic Place des Vosges. Originally built in the 1600s as part of the Place Royale by King Henry IV, each of the 54 individually designed rooms are a brilliant combination of antique pieces and sleek contemporary design – cozy yet stylish, sophisticated but comfortable.

Apprendre (Learn): Enjoy 20 minutes of fun and engaging daily French instruction, as well as a French-English dictionary, so one can expertly declare, “je voudrais un croissant” or ask, “où est Le Louvre?”

Jouer (Play): The beloved ivy-clad hotel is steps away from the three-Michelin-starred Ambrosie restaurant, and close to such landmarks as the Pompidou, the Picasso Museum, and Notre Dame. Pavillon de la Reine is ideal for those who love the life and activity of the Marais – not to mention the amazing cafés and boutiques in the neighborhood – perfect for that caffeine boost before a day of shopping in Paris’ oldest designed square in the city.

Rates start at €350 including accommodations, French lessons, dictionary, breakfast and private parking. The package is available July 15-August 15, 2011 and can be booked by calling 33(0)1 40 29 19 19 or visiting www.pavillondelareine.com.

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

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa

Where: Chiang Rai, Thailand

What: Elephant Camp

Why: Kids eight years and older can learn how to care for the endangered Thai Asian elephants at Elephant Camp under the tutelage of skilled mahouts who will teach them how to feed, bathe, and ride these gentle giants.  Guests can contribute to helping their elephants with a donation to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, Anantara Golden Triangle’s charity.

Summer Perk: Summer is, contrary to popular belief, a lovely time to visit Northern Thailand, as the short bursts of rain cool the air and keep the flora lush and green. And there are deals to be had and far less tourists to contend with!

Rates: Anantara Golden Triangle offers a special Mahout Discovery package that includes accommodation in a room with daily breakfast and a three-day mahout training course. Rates for this special package begin at $402/night (not inclusive of taxes) for a Deluxe Room, double occupancy (children under 12 sharing a room with parents are free of charge and receive 50% off the daily breakfast).

Jakes

Where: Treasure Beach, Jamaica

What: Caribbean fun

Why: Kids have a variety of activities, such as a mosaic tile workshop led by the artist who is largely responsible for the unique mosaic design found throughout the property as well as watercolor painting classes. There are interactive cooking lessons to teach aspiring young chefs Jamaican cuisine, trips to stunning waterfalls where kids can jump from a rope swing Tarzan-style into the water, and Farm Tours where they follow the food from farm to table.

Summer Perk: Book four nights at Jakes and receive the fifth night free.

Rates: Starting at $95 per night for a garden room

Shakti

Where: Ladakh, India

What: Little ones in Little Tibet

Why: Outfitter of bespoke village walking tours, Shakti introduces children to snow-crested landscapes untouched by Western influence through a culturally-sensitive tour replete with colonial-style creature comforts. Guides lead guests on walks and activities such as monastery visits, rafting, and sightseeing between Himalayan villages, while porters supply day packs with lunches.* Families retire to Shakti’s fully staffed (and thoughtfully renovated) homes rented from villagers. Kids as young as six will love riding the region’s indigenous two-humped camels, while older ones may prefer to raft the Upper Indus, one of the great rivers of India.

Summer Perk: The weather is consistently sunny and dry on this high altitude plateau.

Rates: A seven-night walk with customizable itinerary and luxury homestead accommodations starts at $530 per night/per person, based on two to three adults, including meals, activities, guides, and ground transportation. A two-night Shayok River Rafting Journey offers ‘glamping’ in luxe-bedded tents; Western-style loos and showers is an optional add-on. Children between three and 16 will pay 50% of the adult rate.

White Elephant Hotel Residences

Where: Nantucket, MA

What: Classic New England Summer

Why: Kids can enjoy the surf at the nearby Children’s Beach and Jetties Beach – both beaches have swing sets, slides, and climbing equipment. There are also numerous activities such as whale-watching, fishing, biking, golfing, and bird-watching. The cabanas by the new members’ pool come equipped with pool toys, towels, and sun screen, and after a day at the beach, children can eat from their special menu at the delicious Brant Point Grill.

Summer Perk: Can’t beat the charm of Nantucket or the miles of beaches surrounding the island.

Rates: Starting at $350 in June for a King room with the Hot Dates/Cool Rates promotion

Crystal Cruises

Where: Alaska

What: Family friendly programming, excursions, and eats

Why: Crystal Symphony offers children’s programs and activities on select sailings including the Fantasia playroom and the Waves arcade, complete with a Sony Playstation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ and Xbox 360™. A daily newsletter, tailored by age group, provides details on kid-friendly activities, like sushi making with Nobu-trained chefs, bridge and galley tours, ice cream parties, scavenger hunts, and Computer University@Sea® classes.

Summer Perk: The Alaska Summer Series has allied with the National Park Service where Park Rangers come aboard to teach children about natural history; kids and teens can even become Junior Rangers!

Rates: Children 11 and younger pay 50 percent of the minimum fare when accompanied by two full-fare paying adults. Throughout the year, the line occasionally sets special promotions in which children can sail free when sharing a room with two adults.

Royal Mansour Marrakech

Where: Marrakech, Morocco

What: Joujou Kid’s Club

Why: Along with the idyllic playroom, everyday there is a schedule of events including an Arabic course, arts workshop, writing games, modeling clay, swimming pool games, dress up, and reading. Parents can also arrange for outings around Marrakech, including camel rides through the Palmeraie.

Summer Perk: Take the whole fam to check out the Festival National des Arts Populaires where Berber music, folk dance, and street performers fill the streets of Marrakech and provide wonderful – and free – entertainment.

Rates: Rates for a full individual riad start from €1,650 per night.

Parrot Cay
Where: Turks & Caicos

What: Caribbean fun

Why: The resort introduced children’s offerings based on input from guests, with a range of tailor-made activities including shell painting, tie-dying T-shirts, making necklaces from fossilized shark teeth, organized scavenger hunts, and sailing trips around the island. These activities are particularly popular since they allow the kids to make friends with others on the island.

Summer Perk: Now through October 31, with the Extend that Summer Feeling offer, guests at Parrot Cay get four nights for the price of three or seven nights for the price of five, including breakfast. AND kids eat free all summer!

Rates: Starting at $450 per night for a Terrace Room

La Réserve Genève

Where: Geneva, Switzerland

What: La Petit Réserve

Why: Children can explore the world of La Petite Réserve and let their imaginations run wild. The property features a creative ensemble of tree huts and an open air playground on the beautiful lawns.

Summer Perk: La Réserve Genève’s exquisite wooden speedboat is the perfect way to get out on the lake and take in the Swiss scenery and the city views.

Rates: Rates start at $682 for a superior king room

GoldenEye Hotel & Resort

Where: Oracabessa, Jamaica

What: James Bond-style Family Vacay

Why: The watersports program at GoldenEye is supervised by trained lifeguards and will teach children about water safety, snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking, and expose them to the amazing undersea world of extraordinary creatures and corals. Kiddies can carve coconuts, embark on nature walks, learn bonfire building and fishing with Ramsey (who has worked on the property since the days of Fleming), or stay up to stargaze with Brian, resident astronomy buff.

Summer Perk: Families save 46% off high season winter rates.

Rates: Starting at $448 per night for a Lagoon Suite

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Where: Beaver Creek, Colorado

What: Teen & Tween treatments at Allegria Spa

Why: Tweens and teens can ditch the ‘rents for some much deserved pampering at the Allegria Spa. Eight-12 year olds can indulge in the ‘Diva Deluxe,’ which includes a bubbling footbath, nail and toe art, a primadonna updo, and sweetcheeks makeup application. 12-16 year olds can recreate their favorite makeover scene with the Uptown Girl package, which includes a cranberry orange scrub, Swedish massage, teen facial, and makeup application.
Summer Perk: Fridays at the Park, a free weekly event with snacks, live music and activities for kids and the whole family.

Rates: Diva Deluxe- 70 minutes for $125, and Uptown Girl- 120 minutes and $250

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.

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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!)

Nature lovers of all ages are invited to explore the wildlife found in the Himalayas this Saturday through the paintings, sculptures, and other objects on display at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York. After seeing all the species which call the diverse terrain home, guests are welcomed to sculpt their favorite animal of the day as part of a collaborative installation.

Want a preview?  Sikkim is home to the endangered red panda, snow partridge, Himalayan cuckoo, snow and clouded leopards, and over 650 species of butterflies, while Ladakh has native populations of red fox, ibex, snow leopard, Tibetan gazelle, and Chiru antelope.  Kumaon is within the Corbett National Park and the natural protected habitat of the snow leopard, blue sheep, and mountain goats. Shakti can arrange walks through each of these areas for the best chance of spotting these animals in their natural habitat.

Food for thought, the likelihood of seeing the peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, is the same as seeing a tiger in the jungle… about 70 percent.