all the dish that’s fit to print
woof cottages on the today show
Check out the Woof Cottages on The Today Show! Rates start at $175 per night AND you can bring Fido…even Matt Lauer is amazed!
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
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never say never…
Always wanted to drive a fast car around cornices (the fancy name for those roads built along the ocean, usually cut into the cliffs), like James Bond? Crystal Cruises can make it happen. This spring and fall, Crystal’s European sailings are bringing guests even more unique shore excursions, ranging from cultural experiences to thrilling explorations.
Go ashore in Scotland to during a round-trip London sailing from August 25-September 5 (11 days) for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual performance at Edinburgh Castle full of guns, drums and bagpipes. But you won’t be just any attendee – you’ll be sampling Scotch whiskeys, enjoying a three-course dinner and watching from a private box.
Unlock the mysteries of Italian cooking while you cruise from Venice to Barcelona on May 25-June 6 (12 days) by stopping by the palace home of Countess Lelia Passi in Venice. Visit the bustling Rialto fruit market to become more familiar with local ingredients before arriving at Tiepolo Palace where the Countess will share secrets of the aristocratic culinary tradition as you prepare a delectable meal in any food-lover’s dream kitchen.
And for those with the extreme gene, there is an independent tour of the French Riviera from, you guessed it, behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Maserati. Simple as that. When you disembark at Cannes, your sports car will be ready for you at the pier. Take her for a spin and do your very best to observe the speed limits. This excursion is offered on the Venice to Barcelona on May 25-June 6 as well.
Never say never again!
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congrats! you are engaged, now what?
Is it just me or is everyone getting engaged? Perhaps you love birds took advantage of Valentine’s Day falling on a long weekend this year. Congratulations if you are one of the lucky few we have spotted around town recently betrothed. Now let the planning begin! To help, here are few suggestions of locales to have the perfect destination wedding.
CARIBBEAN
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Getting married at a private island resort in the Caribbean is a fantastic kick-off to a new life. Parrot Cay offers two beachfront setting for wedding ceremonies – a boardwalk aisle that leads to an unspoiled beach, or the beachfront of a private villa available for rent. Parrot Cay also insists that stress need not be a part of the preparations; all weddings include the dedication of a planner to assist with all preparations, including reserving the dates, food and beverage details, music and entertainment, photography, and any other service requested. Parrot Cay can accommodate small, intimate weddings, or can be bought out for larger weddings (up to 120 guests).
Rosewood Mayakobá, Mexico
Weddings at Rosewood Mayakobá are all about choices – choose stunning outdoor venues like the white sand beach or the Plaza with views of the resort, lagoon, and tropical jungle. Three different restaurants are available to cater. Retreat to the privacy of a private plunge pool after the ceremony, or come down a day early with the wedding party and receive treatments at the resort’s spa, Sense, which is its own private island.
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spotlight on sue harmsworth
Today is International Women’s Day and it’s very clear that Mother Nature has been notified as it is the most gorgeous spring day here in New York City – finally!
It’s also a very appropriate day to recognize strong independent females, like Sue Harmsworth, the CEO and founder of the global spa company ESPA International. Sue has been working in the spa industry for over 40 years and has consulted on nearly 200 spas in over 60 countries worldwide since she started ESPA in 1993 – quite the accomplishment!
Here is a little advice and insight from Ms. Harmsworth for all women to absorb and consider: “I have a very female workforce globally and try to mentor them in how to deal with the stress of modern life. I believe that if you are straight with people it is much easier in the long run. The world is very small and any attempt to cover up will always be found out. If you don’t know something, don’t pretend that you do. Respect other cultures and don’t think our way is the best. Be open to new ideas and people who know better. We never stop learning; I learn something new every day. Have a curiosity about everything and everybody and be aware of everything around you. Assume nothing, what you say is often heard in a different way. Believe in yourself, many people can achieve great things.”
Right on, Sue, and Happy International Women’s Day!
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meditation in miami
Going to Miami for Spring Break ‘10? Recover from the Miami nightlife with the Vitality Day Package at the ESPA spa at Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles, just 20-minutes outside of the city. The package, valued at $307 but priced at $225, includes everything you need to feel relaxed and renewed, including:
- Choice of a 80-minute massage of facial
- Additional 15-minutes of guided meditation
- Full use of the spa’s steam rooms, showers, ice fountains, jet pools, roman waterfalls, and relaxation areas
- Valet parking
Choose from ESPA’s Swedish, Hot Stone, or Reiki Massage (Deep Tissue is available for an additional $10). Or, for guests more intersted in a facial, the spa offers three types of Super Active facials; ‘Toning, Lifting and Firming’ for those with maturing skin, ‘Calming and Soothing’ for those with sensitive skin, and ‘Repairing and Restoring’ for sunburned vacationers who might have forgotten their sunscreen at home.
The offer is valid until April 30, 2010. Book in March and guests are invited to participate in a complimentary yoga class hosted Saturdays at 9 a.m.
friday freebies, take two
Calling all boat lovers and Facebook FANatics! The Nantucket Boat Basin is now on Facebook. Help celebrate the marina’s 40th Anniversary by becoming a fan and entering the Boat Basin’s Become a FAN Sweepstakes.
The FAN prize includes:
- Two-night slip stay for one boat
- Dinner for four paired with house wine at Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant
- Four 60-minute spa treatments at the tranquil White Elephant Spa
- Four tickets to The Whaling Museum
To enter, visit http://www.nantucketboatbasin.com/ by April 1, 2010
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history repeats itself
Bodysgallen Hall (left) and Hartwell House
In anticipation of greener, warmer months, Historic House Hotels has organized its second year of guided garden tours. The 300-year-old, participating properties include Bodysgallen Hall & Spa in northern Wales and Hartwell House & Spa just outside of London. The historic homes were a gift to The National Trust in 2008. As such, members of the Trust’s U.S. affiliate, The Royal Oak Foundation, receive special concessions at the houses.
Enjoy spectacular views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle during a three-night stay at the 17th-century Bodysgallen Hall, nestled amidst 200-acres of wooded parkland in northern Wales. From May 18-21, guests can participate in visits to nine beautiful gardens, including the world-famous Bodnant garden and the exotic plant nursery of international plant hunters Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones.
Or channel your inner royalty with quick trip from Central London to the rural landscaped countryside of the stately Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire. Stay for three nights, June 21-24, and explore ten gardens, including the late Nancy Lancaster’s former garden near Oxford, Lord Carrington’s garden at Bledlow, plus some National Trust gardens at Cliveden and Waddesdon Manor.
Price per person sharing a double or twin bedroom is £1150 for either property. Cost includes accommodation for three nights, luncheon for three days, transport between the halls and garden destinations, dinners, breakfast, a tour of nine or ten gardens, and full use of the spa (including VAT).
The Royal Oak Foundation is the United States partner of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Royal Oak members gain free entry to over 300 important historic houses and gardens. The Foundation supports National Trust conservation projects and offers a series of lectures and other public programs across the US on topics including British history, architecture, gardens, and the fine and decorative arts. As a U.S. not-for-profit organization, membership dues and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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bye bye buyer’s remorse
Hyde Park at night (left) and the Belgravia Suite at The Halkin
Holding off on that dream trip to London? Delay no more. As the pound slumps in the world market (£1.00 is equal to about $1.50), one of the world’s more expensive cities is now more affordable for Americans than ever. Say goodbye to traveler’s guilt!
Book the Ultimate Savings offer at Park Lane’s chic Metropolitan London seven nights prior to your reservation date and take advantage of the irresistible exchange rate. With a minimum stay of two nights, rates start from £179 ($269) for a City Room per night (not including VAT).
Or pop over to The Halkin for an Extend that Weekend Feeling offer. Book three nights (Thursday—Sunday) and save a minimum of 20% on your stay against the best unrestricted available rate. This offer is based on a minimum of three consecutive nights and is applicable to all room categories. Both offers are valid until December 31.
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nantucket film festival has the golden (oscar) touch
The Academy Awards will be presented in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 7. But did you know the road to this year’s Oscars actually started at the Nantucket Film Festival?
Three Oscar nominated films, The Hurt Locker, The Messenger, and The Cove, all screened at the 2009 Nantucket Film Festival. Together, they have collectively garnered 12 Academy Award nominations.
Wait! There’s more! Nantucket Film Festival alumni of previous years are also nominated for Academy Awards.
Lee Daniels (Film Festival Alum 2007) is nominated for Best Director and Best Picture, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.
Jason Reitman (Film Festival Alum from 2000-2001) is nominated for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay (co-written with Sheldon Turner), and Best Picture, Up in the Air.
Stanley Tucci (Film Festival Alum 2001) is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, The Lovely Bones.
Celeb spotting during last year’s Festival included Ben Stiller, Meg Ryan, Ben Foster, Harold Ramis (a.ka. Egon from Ghostbusters), Kathryn Bigelow, Cheryl Hines, Paul Giamatti, Fisher Stevens, Peter and Bobby Farrelly, Lily Taylor, NBC’s Brian Williams and Chris Matthews, husband-and wife-duo (and part-time Nantucket residents) Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and director, John Hamburg.
This year, the 15th Annual Nantucket Film Festival will take place June 17-20, 2010, and will be filled with parties, screenings, discussion panels, awards, and more.
Stayed tuned to learn how one lucky couple can win a VIP Trip to the 2010 Film Festival and The Wauwinet!
For more information on the 2010 Nantucket Film Festival please visit http://nantucketfilmfestival.org/
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bunny hop to bali
Who can resist a dark chocolate bunny or a colorful row of marshmallow peeps? Escape from the Jelly Belly and those sugary Easter basket temptations by stealing away to COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali for a wholesome, healthful, three-night retreat. Guests will enjoy complimentary nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and Easter Brunch (excluding some beverages).
Then achieve total health with a holistic Wellness Consultation and 60-minute massage (your choice of treatment!). Feeling rejuvenated, set out for Ubud to explore Bali’s rich Hindu culture and dramatic landscape.
Rates start from $1,440 for a Garden Room (subject to 21% government tax and service charge), valid from March 26-April 7 and must include a stay over April 2. Package is also available in a 5-to-7-night program.
Package includes:
- Three nights of accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Easter Brunch
- Wellness Consultation
- 60-minute massage
- Return airport transfers
- One-time drop off and pick up service to sister property in Ubud
- Personal assistant services
- Participation in daily schedule of Estate’s Easter activities
- Use of steam room, sauna, and 25-meter lap pool
