all the dish that’s fit to print
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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fall and winter travel deals
Didn’t have time for a summer vacation? Book a getaway for the fall or winter and take advantage of last-minute booking deals for the remainder of 2009. With the air getting chillier and the heat not yet turned on in New York City buildings, we think it’s a great time to explore Nantucket, Beaver Creek, or London (where the heat is on!), head south to the Riviera Maya and Turks & Caicos, or even east to Thailand. (more…)
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pilates for the people
Who says you have to be a celebrity to go on a wellness retreat? Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa in Thailand thinks everyone deserves some serious R & R, so they have designed two Wellness 360 Sentiré Retreat Packages that, from October 5-12th and 12-19th, include 7 nights for the price of 5.
Experience the powerful rejuvenating effects of Pilates with renowned A-List instructor Kirstin Ferrie, personal trainer to Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. A ten-year veteran of the craft, Kristin is the first teacher from the UK to be gold certified with the Pilates Method Alliance. Take daily yoga class and learn to meditate with Kate Guthrie, who is known for her creative, playful nature and relaxed classes that are accessible to students of all levels. Whether you need some deep-tissue work or want to try traditional Shiatsu massage, Dale Husted is your man. After an hour of his hands, you’ll be completely energized. And don’t forget your consultations with Naturopath Dr. Gopal and Ayurvedic expert Kavitha Hulmani. They’ll enlighten you about holistic medicine and the body’s ability to heal itself.
All this learning could work up an appetite, but who wants to ruin their new training with a burger and fries? Anantara has thought of everything; this package also includes a cooking class with Kelly Brennan, the resort chef, who will instruct on how to prepare “wellness” cuisine.
For more package details, see our original post.
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fun du jour at anantara si kao
Isn’t everything more exciting with a theme? Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa thinks so. In addition to its cultural activities such as Thai cooking and language classes, Anantara Si Kao offers special Theme Nights four times during the week to ensure that there is never a dull moment at the resort!
Tuesday nights are Starlight Infinity dinners where guests can enjoy a selection of fresh grilled seafood and meats at intimate candle lit tables surrounding the free form infinity pool, the perfect backdrop for dining under the stars.
On Thursdays, guests can go “camping” for dinner at the Forest Enchantment dining experience where they can chill out in teepees overlooking the Andaman while feasting on a campfire cookout.
Saturday afternoons provide a flurry of activity at Anantara Si Kao when the resort plays host to local street vendors and artisans at the Thai Village Market. Guests can shop for dinner and artisanal crafts right on the resort’s grounds and even sample the famous Thai street food without fear as everything is prepared in the resort’s kitchens.
Bringing the weekend to a close, Anantara Si Kao’s Sunday movie nights are a twist on an old classic. Acqua, the resort’s Italian restaurant, serves up local specialties including barbecued meats and seafood to guests as they watch a James Bond movie while lounging on beans bags right on the beach. The resort even provides the popcorn cart!
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in to africa
As easily as Meryl Streep and Robert Redford fell for each other in 20th century Kenya, Thailand-based luxury resort and spa developer, Anantara, makes its historic entry into North Africa, announcing the development of two unique hotels in Morrocco. Anantara Marrakech Resort & Spa and Anantara Mogador Resort & Spa, are both scheduled to open in 2011.
In addition to its expansion into Africa, Anantara debuts its second property in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, this fall. With 206 rooms, suites, and villas, Qasr Al Sarab will be the company’s flagship property in the U.A.E. In 2011, Anantara Al Madina A’Zarqa will open outside of Muscat, Oman, along the peninsula that bears its name.
Expansion seems to be the name of the game for Anantara, as in 2008, the company launched four properties in Asia and the Middle East: in April, Anantara Seminyak opened in the fashionable Island of the Gods district in Bali; in October, both Anantara Phuket on Mai Khao beach and Anantara Desert Islands on Sir Bani Yas off the coast of Abu Dhabi opened. In December, Anantara Si Kao along Changlang Beach south of Krabi opened, making it the company’s fifth resort in Thailand. In March, the company unveiled its newest addition to the family, Anantara Baan Rajprasong Serviced Suites, located in central Bangkok, making it the first of its kind for the Anantara group. For a list of all properties, please visit www.anantara.com.
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father’s day getaways
Wondering what to do with Dad for Father’s Day? Send him away! We love you, Dad, and you’ve been at that desk for too long. Time for a much needed vacation!
Golfing at sea on Crystal Cruises
WHAT: Not Your Average Cruise
WHY: Think cruising is just for elderly ladies? Think again. All of Crystal Cruises itineraries feature an impressive list of activities for men that extend way beyond bridge, shuffleboard, and marathon eating.
MAN-TIVITIES: In a single day at sea, activities abound: paddle tennis, golf lessons with a PGA professional, jogging around the wide deck, poker in a world-class casino, a work out in a fully equipped gym, and cigars and scotch during ESPN’s Top Ten of the Week, to name but a few.
GOLF SPECIAL: For men who are glued to the green, Crystal’s 2009 High Tea and Golf Tees 11-day British Isles voyage gives guys the option of onshore golf excursions at up to six different golf courses in England, Ireland, and Scotland. (more…)
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the early bird catches the deals in thailand
Thailand has always been a great value for travelers, and now more so than ever as luxury hotels and resorts are offering free nights and advanced booking discounts on accommodations, from the beaches of Phuket, to the mountains of the Golden Triangle, to the heart of Bangkok. So what are you waiting for?! Beat the rush and book ahead to take advantage of these incredible savings in the Land of Smiles…
Ultimate Savings at the Metropolitan Bangkok
The gist: Save up to 62% off nightly rates for a City Room; 60% off a Studio Room, and 53% off a Metropolitan Room with a two night minimum stay.
Fine print: Rates are subject to a 10% service charge and 7% government tax.
Nightly rates: $99 for a City Room; $119 for a Studio Room, or $150 for a Metropolitan Room.
Offer valid until: September 30, 2009.
Early Bird Discounts at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa
The gist: Book 40 days in advance and receive a 40% discount; 30 days in advance for a 30% discount; 20 days for a 20% discount, and 10 days for a 10% discount.
Fine print: Receive complimentary daily buffet breakfast for two for reservations made more than 10 days in advance.
Nightly rates: Rates begin at $199 for a Deluxe Sea View room.
Offer valid until: December 20, 2009.
Seven nights for the price of five at Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa
The gist: Book five nights and receive two additional nights complimentary and daily breakfast for two.
Fine print: Take advantage of the Early Bird special and book more than thirty days in advance to receive one complimentary aromatherapy massage per person.
Nightly rates: Rates begin at $466 for a private Pool Villa.
Offer valid until: July 31, 2009.
Free night and dining and spa discounts at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa
The gist: Book more than 50 days in advance for two nights in a room or suite and enjoy a third night complimentary.
Fine print: Receive daily buffet breakfast for two and 25% off meals at the resort’s restaurants and spa treatments.
Nightly rates: Rates begin at $253 per night for a room; minimum stay of three nights required.
Offer valid until: December 12, 2009.
Free night at Anantara Koh Samui Resort & Spa
The gist: Book three nights in a room or suite more than 30 days in advance and stay a fourth night free.
Fine print: Includes a 25% discount at the resort’s restaurants and spa treatments.
Nightly rates: Rates begin at $166 from now until July 15. From September 1 to December 26, nightly rates start at $199.
Offer valid until: July 15; September 1 to December 26, 2009.
Click here for all special packages from Anantara. For a list of Metropolitan Bangkok offers, click here.
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underwater wedding
Want your marriage to literally “make a splash?” Imagine this: you, your loved one, and a Divemaster, making things legal out there beneath the Andaman Sea. Anantara Si Kao in Thailand offers this very unique wedding experience as a way to bypass all the hoopla that surrounds a wedding ceremony and instead get hitched in an aquatic, intimate ceremony. That is, of course, if you don’t mind the audience of sea creatures that are sure to swim by for the big day.
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our very own ‘top ten’ summer deals
It was a long winter. We won’t try to predict the rest of 2009, but we do know one thing for sure: we will all need a break this summer. Now that spring is here, let’s start daydreaming.
To help plant a few seeds, so to speak, we have gathered up the newest, best hotel deals for this summer. This is our very own “Top Ten.” One suggestion from us: this is the moment to rethink spots that were always seen as prohibitively expensive. Like Nantucket. London. Switzerland. Even Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos.
Some of these deals have already started, so if you want to just skip spring and go straight to a summery vacation, be our guest…
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Deal: A little something called “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” from Nantucket Island Resorts, which owns The Wauwinet, the White Elephant, the White Elephant Hotel Residences, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, and the Jared Coffin House.
Breakdown: Specific dates throughout the high summer season have seriously low rates.
For example:
- Jared Coffin House: Normal summer rates start at $155 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $105
- The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin: Normal summer rates start at $490 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $175 per night
- White Elephant: Normal summer rates start at $615 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $195 per night
- The Wauwinet: Normal summer rates start at $680 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $225 per night
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because Nantucket is one of the prettiest islands in our country, and it has never been more accessible than it is this year. Once there, spend idyllic days bicycling, beach reading, and picking your own strawberries.
Fine Print: Rates are subject to change after April 15, so keep checking the website to see the latest dates and rates.
Book here
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Deal: “Muy Sabrosa” package at the Inn on the Alameda adds not only value but culinary spice to a stay in this kooky, lovely city.
Breakdown: Package rates begin at $376 for a two-night stay and include a two-and-a-half hour cooking demo and lunch at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, a $40 gift certificate to Mucho Gusto (a cozy Mexican café next to the Inn), plus breakfast and afternoon port and cheese daily.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: To get lost in the flowers at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Plus, Santa Fe averages 325 days a year of blue skies and sun, and is one of only nine cities in the world to be designated a “Creative City” by UNESCO.
Fine Print: Package is available for Sunday- Tuesday and Wednesday- Friday stays during specific dates through the year.
Get more details or call 888-984-2121 to book
Turks & Caicos
Deal: Parrot Cay’s ‘4 for 3‘ and ‘7 for 5‘ offers have just been extended through December 20, 2009. Summer rates go down, so you can stay longer for even less.
Breakdown: Nightly rates begin at $575 this summer (rather than $775 in the winter), which means two can stay four nights and pay $1,725. That rate includes daily breakfast, return airport transfers, and complimentary Pilates and yoga.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because this resort is like rehab for the soul. The private island spans 1,000 acres, with white sand beaches and turquoise water in every direction. You can bone-fish, consult with the Ayurvedic doctor, or float in the pool all day.
Fine Print: You have to play it cool when swimming next to Bruce Willis and his newly-betrothed.
Book here or call 649-946-7788
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Deal: Rosewood Mayakobá just announced a “Spring Getaway” promotion for the month of April. Rates have been reduced by 25% for stays April 1 through 30, with no minimum stay, no advance booking requirement, and no blackout dates.
Breakdown: Lagoon Suites are now $590/night, Deluxe Lagoon Suites are now $790/night, and Deluxe Overwater Suites are $850/night. This rate includes daily breakfast for two (not normally included).
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because this is for April, and last we checked New York still isn’t 80 degrees and sunny. Plus, does your apartment have its own private plunge pool and butler? Thought not.
Fine Print: Must be paid in full at the time of booking, and non-refundable. In other words: just go.
Book here or call 888-ROSEWOOD
London, England
Deal: Now through September 6, 2009, the Metropolitan and The Halkin are offering super-low fixed U.S. dollar rates. And we mean super-low.
Breakdown: A “City Room” at the Met is $199/night, rather than ₤375. A “Double Room” at The Halkin is $299/night, rather than ₤390.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because London is less expensive than New York to visit and live in for the first time since 2002. And with current exchange rates, it’s 25% less expensive for Americans to visit now than it was last year. So you can see London at its greenest, sunniest, and cheapest.
Fine Print: Two-night minimum stay and an advance booking requirement of seven days. Must be paid in full at time of booking. Non-refundable.
Book the Met here and The Halkin here
English Countryside
Deal: Members of The Royal Oak Foundation get 25% off rates and breakfast at England’s three Historic House Hotels, plus a complimentary room upgrade.
Breakdown: Nightly rates begin at £160 (about $230) before the discount, so stay three nights for about $540, including the cost of Royal Oak Foundation membership.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because we don’t have many lush gardens and lovely estates like these in the U.S. This is a true escape from modern stressers like Blackberries, E-ZPass, and MetroCards. Just pack that novel you’ve been trying to read.
Fine Print: Valid for stays through October 31, 2009, with certain blackout dates
Book: There are three steps to this one, but they are well-worth it.
- Call 800-913-6565, ext. 205 to become a Royal Oak Foundation member (it’s $55 and there are many benefits).
- On the same call, ask for the promotional code needed to receive the member discount at Historic House Hotels.
- Reserve your stay in England.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Deal: The Victoria-Jungfrau is offering an ongoing “Internet Special” with steeply discounted rates. This is like a Swiss sample sale.
Breakdown: While normal nightly rates for two begin at €613 (about $786), “Internet Special” rates for two begin at € 250 (about $320).
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because this legendary resort is nestled right smack in the middle of the Swiss Alps. Take one of the hotel’s mountain bikes, head for the hills, yell “Ricola!” at the top of your lungs, and then chill out in the 60,000-square foot spa.
Fine Print: Two-night minimum stay, non-refundable.
Book here
European Cruises
Deal: Book Crystal Cruise’s “European Celebration” promotion available on most Mediterranean and Baltic cruises this summer and save up to $1,500 per person. Plus enjoy the new “All-Inclusive, As You Wish” $2,000 per couple spending credit on twelve of the Med and Baltic sailings to spend on virtually anything while on board.
Breakdown: “European Celebration” fares start at $4,245 per person for 11-day Baltic cruises $4,080 per person for 12-day Mediterranean cruises. Savings is determined by cabin category selected; on most qualifying cruises, save $1,500 per person on a penthouse suite, $1,000 per person on a verandah stateroom, and $750 per person on a deluxe stateroom.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because the convenience of unpacking once and traveling to multiple ports on a single itinerary will beat couch-surfing the Travel Channel every time.
Fine Print: “All-Inclusive, As You Wish” shipboard credit cannot be used for cruise deposits or casino gambling
Book at 888-799-4625 or contact a travel agent
Last but not Least: Two Far-Flung Spots That Won’t Break the Bank
Trang, Thailand
Deal: Stay three nights for the price of two at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa.
Breakdown: Nightly rates start at $169, so a three-night stay is $338.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because the resort is on Changlang Beach, one of the most pristine of all Thai beaches and part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park. Dive into the waters of the Andaman Sea and rub shoulders with the sea cows, famous in this region.
Fine Print: Valid until October 31, 2009
Book here
Ubud, Bali
Deal: The “Ultimate Savings Offer” at COMO’s Uma Ubud means rates start at $195, including breakfast
Breakdown: Rates normally start at $260.
Why Should I Leave My Air-Conditioned Apartment?: Because just breathing this pure air is worth the trip. The hotel looks out over Tjampuhan valley in the deep lush forest of the Balinese hills, where you can pick your own orchids. We’ll resist the temptation to insert an Eat, Pray, Love reference here.
Fine Print: Two-night minimum stay and an advance booking requirement of seven days. Must be paid in full at time of booking. Non-refundable. This isn’t valid from July 15- September 15, but otherwise is available until December 31, 2009.
Book here or call +62 361 972 448
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om shanti om
Every once in awhile we need to break away from the rat race to find peace and balance in life. And what better way to rediscover your chi than stretched out in downward facing dog along Changlang Beach on the Andaman coast of Thailand at the new Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa. The resort is extending its signature “Wellness 360″ program to include two week-long retreats October 5-12 and 12-19, 2009. Each retreat features instruction and consultations with leading experts in the fields of Pilates, yoga, and Ayurveda. Work with specialists to cultivate healthier choices to encourage the balance of mind, body, and spirit, which can be incorporated into a daily routine and practiced beyond the resort if you ever find the courage to return home!
Included in the Wellness 360 Retreats package:
- an Ayurvedic consultation with practitioner Kavitha Hulmani and resident naturopath Dr. Gopal
- a “wellness cuisine” cooking class with the resort’s resident chef, Kelly Brennan
- one Anantara massage
- one additional spa treatment of choice
- five days of yoga
- all meals
Rates begin at $3,592 per person, which includes: seven night’s accommodations; round-trip airport transfers; all meals; daily classes, and selected therapies and consultations. For additional information, please visit http://sikao.anantara.com.
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