Escape the bustling city for an evening of Thai beauty by checking out Pichet Klunchun Dance Company’s Chui Chai. The dance combines contemporary moves with Thai khon, a royal palace style.  The women, beautifully composed in ornate headpieces and shimmering gowns, flow gracefully around Pichet Klunchun, who shows off his perfectly sculpted body by only wearing jeans.

Through dance, the performers convey stories from the Ramayana, which is a religious Hindu text that explores human nature and the existence of dharma. The story follows Rama, an incarnation of the Supreme god Vishnu, who loses his wife to Ravana, the evil demon king of Lanka. Chui Chai, which The New York Times calls “gorgeous from start to finish,” truly captures the emotional journey of Rama as he tries to save his captured love.

The performance takes place July 24th & 25th during the Lincoln Center Festival at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College. Find yourself wanting more after the show?  Check out some of the special promotions offered at Anantara properties throughout Thailand, or the Metropolitan Bangkok’s Bouncing Back promotion.

At the beginning of the month, celebs took a break from their usual red carpet to attend the Elephant Parade charity auction, of which Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is a strong supporter. Stars including Elizabeth Hurley, Goldie Hawn, and Princess Beatrice of York hit the grass to show their support of the protection and conservation of endangered Asian elephants. Despite the rough terrain, fashion did not suffer. Sporting colorful dresses and forever high wedges and heels, these celebs looked almost as good as the painted model baby elephants (all of which were on sale at the event, including Anantara’s own ‘Little Bird’). The auction marked the end of the Elephant Parade in London, which earned over $1.5 million dollars for this great cause!

Remember when we told you about the Elephant Parade, the installation of model baby elephants scattered around London? Run by Elephant Family, the goal of the charity is to raise awareness of the declining population of the Asian Elephant.

‘Little Bird,’ the baby elephant representing Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, is somewhere throughout London.  Now there is a little extra incentive to finding her, as the Director of Elephants at Anantara Golden Triangle, Mr. John Roberts, has announced that he would give out a free dinner to the first person to send in a photograph of themselves with ‘Little Bird’.   And that’s not all!  Elephant Family is offering the chance to win a vacation for two to none other than Thailand’s Anantara Golden Triangle where the lucky winners will train with mahouts at the resort’s famed elephant camp and learn about these gentle creatures. To enter, visit http://www.elephantfamily.org/how-can-you-help/events/competition/, fill out the petition, correctly answer the questions, and tweet a message to encourage your followers to sign the petition. The competition closes on July 9^th, so hurry before it is too late!

The elephants are on the move! As the Elephant Parade comes to a close, 62 of these life-size, model baby elephants will be migrating from their positions around the city and congregating in Leister Square. July 3rd will mark the end of the parade, when these magnificent pieces of art will be auctioned off in hopes of raising over $2 million!

The Elephant Parade officially began in London this month. How will they fit, you might ask?

Well, the Elephant Parade is actually an open air art installation of life-size, model baby elephants positioned around the city. Elephants are painted by artists and celebrities, such as Diane von Furstenberg, Isaac Mizrahi and Lulu Guinness to inspire awareness of the plight of the Asian Elephant. With a current population of only 1,500 in the wild in Thailand (down from 300,000 at the turn of the last century), they face a severe risk of extinction.

Run by the small charity Elephant Family, these efforts require serious support from their patrons, which include Goldie Hawn and Sarah, Duchess of York. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is a sponsor and champion of this cause, and has a little baby of its own, known as ‘Little Bird,’ placed somewhere around Londontown. All elephants are for sale by auction and Elephant Family aims to raise over $2 million.

This is London’s biggest outdoor art event on record and runs from May to July 2010. If you are hanging out in Trafalgar Square or Green Park, these colorful creatures will be impossible to miss. So, enjoy the exhibit because it may be the only time you see an Asian elephant in London!

With the weather warming up, it’s time to head to the farmer’s market to indulge in the season’s finest locally grown produce. But what happens when we eat out? With the growing trend of on-site herb and vegetable gardens, restaurants and hotels are turning over a new leaf and guests are reaping the benefits with fresher food, straight from the garden.

North America

NoMi at Park Hyatt Chicago

In the middle of bustling Chicago, NoMi has created a garden sanctuary. Its lush landscaping sits on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt, affording diners dramatic views of the city. At night, soft candlelight makes this urban oasis the perfect spot for sharing small plates and sipping carefully crafted cocktails. With summer coming up, NoMi has created a tomato-inspired menu with dishes like BLTs with vine ripened tomatoes and caprese salads with colorful heirlooms.

Chef’s pick: Composition of Heirloom Tomato with buffalo mozzarella, shallots, and Chianti vinaigrette.

TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet, Nantucket MA

Along with savoring the delectable cuisine of Chef David Daniels, guests at TOPPER’S get an extra fresh flavor note from the herbs gathered in the chef’s own garden. Chef Daniels keeps a plot of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme growing right outside The Wauwinet.  Diners who opt for the more casual TOPPER’S Deck get a primo view of Daniel’s little Eden, so they can be assured that the seasonings are fresh and those basil leaves resting atop the spaghetti pomodoro were just plucked from their stems moments before.

Chef’s pick: Simple Spaghetti Pomodoro, with chili flakes and fresh basil leaves.

Caribbean

Strawberry Hill, Blue Mountains, Jamaica

This 50-acre mountain top resort in Irish Town, Jamaica, originated as an 18^th century coffee plantation.  Today, the resort still boasts extensive gardens and orchards yielding copious fresh produce daily. Aromatic varieties of mint are used at the Strawberry Hill Living Spa, and lemongrass and basil spice salad dressings and teas. Bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and other local fruit grow on the property, giving guests a variety of fresh produce.

Chef’s pick: Strawberry Hill Jerk Style Lamb Rack, with lamb reduction and a guava glaze.

Europe

Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Interlaken, Switzerland

Between the luxurious ESPA and the outdoor tennis courts lies a garden replete with all sorts of herbs. By mid-May, this chef’s garden supplies the hotel restaurants with coriander, lavender, basil, sage, and others, including edible blooms like fiery red nasturtiums. Torsten Goetz tends to the garden, making sure all of those delicious flavors flourish and make it to the kitchen to spice up the chef’s cuisine.

Chef’s pick: Saddle of Irish lamb with Indian spices, “Cama di rapa,” sweet and sour mango pearls, and lightly smoked lamb jus.

Asia

Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, South Male Atoll, Maldives

Imagine eating dinner while the wafting aromas of lemongrass and hot peppers float in the air. Now imagine this garden in paradise. At Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa in the Maldives, guests can do just that with the addition of a new chef’s herb garden. A lone hut stands among Thai, Indian, and Maldivian chilies, wild rocket, Chinese cabbage, and other edible greenery, so locavores can rejoice in the fact that herbs and veggies are no more than a few feet away, bringing new meaning to “farm to table”.

Chef’s pick: Tom Yam Pho Teak, a spicy seafood soup with fresh lemongrass and hot basil. 

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

The organic vegetable garden at Anantara Golden Triangle supplies the restaurant and on-site cooking school with fresh produce year round. The resort also organically cultivates its own rice paddy, and the rice harvested is entirely consumed at the property. Showing its green thumb, Anantara Golden Triangle uses natural fertilizer on all its crops, courtesy of the resident elephants.

Chef’s pick: Thick, creamy chicken curry, filled with herbs and spices such as sweet basil and kaffir lime leaves. 

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, Changlang Beach, Trang Province, Thailand

At Anantara Si Kao, the herb garden holds a world of local flavors. Somewhat common names such as lemongrass, Thai basil, and chili grow next to the more exotic hot holy basil, galangal, and kaffir lime. No idea how to use them? Take a Thai cooking class – each class starts in the garden, gathering herbs for the recipes. Also check out the weekly Market Night when vendors from the local Trang Market set up stalls on the resort grounds and sell their wares, including local produce, vivid spices, and even the famous Thai street food (safely prepared in the resort’s kitchens so you don’t have to worry).

Chef’s pick: Pla Nueng Si Hio, steamed seabass fillet with ginger, garlic, chili, and light soy.

For the laidback couple: beach time

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Rosewood Mayakoba  knows that running around town to pick up save the dates, sample wedding cakes and find the perfect dress is hard work, even with the help of a great wedding planner or maid of honor so the five-night “Honeymoon Mayan Romance” package begins with top-shelf tequila upon arrival, and is all about chilling out. Take a Tantric Yoga class and enjoy a Moonlight Massage for two on your suite terrace. Glory in your private plunge pool and butler and end the day in an Aroma Bath with champagne and chocolate. You’ll also get a Couple’s Massage instruction session with 30 minutes of “alone time.” Let stress slip away at this gorgeous resort, nestled between the Yucatán jungle and Caribbean Sea that marries high design with serious luxury. Rates start at $1152 per night.

Visit www.rosewoodmayakoba.com or 888-ROSEWOOD for more details.

Maldives

At Naladhu, the Island Romance package begins before you even reach the property. A speedboat will meet you as you leave the airport to take you directly to this Maldivian island resort. A House Master will lead you to your private house, where Champagne cocktails and fruit are waiting. Spend the day by the pool or snorkeling in the reef then relax with a complimentary coconut milk bath for two. As if that wasn’t enough, chocolate cake to share is included!  Nightly rates for the Island Romance package begin at $1,475 per night with a four-night minimum (rate excludes service charge and Maldivian government bed tax).

 For the stress-crazed couple: inner peace

 Bali

Begin your journey together in Bali’s spiritual heartland, at the COMO Shambhala Estate, with a Wellness Program tailored to your needs. Give your marriage the brightest possible beginning by learning how to stress-battling techniques based on the philosophies of Yoga, Chi Kung and Tai Chi. Then let the experts in holistic healthcare go to work using massage, acupuncture, Ayurvedic therapy and hydrotherapy (using water from the Estate’s sacred, mineral-rich spring). Rates begin at $2,100 for a three night Stress Management program in a Garden Room. Visit http://www.cse.como.bz/rates-2010 for more details.

Turks & Caicos

Stay at Parrot Cay and simply ‘be’ as a couple in one of the few pristine places in the Caribbean: a 1,000-acre private island where the spacious, teak-filled bedrooms spill out onto a mile of powder soft beach. Recover from the pre-wedding jitters with complimentary extras like Pilates and yoga classes and use of windsurf boards and catamarans. A seven-night Parrot Cay Honeymoon also includes 60-minute couples massage, a candlelit dinner in the COMO Shambhala Cottage and a bottle of champagne on arrival. (BONUS: The COMO Shambhala Stress Management program is available here as well!) Rates start at $6,012 per couple.

For the classic couple: New England whimsy

 Nantucket, Massachusetts

The Wauwinet, a natural, stunning waterfront setting in Nantucket, is perfect for the couple that doesn’t want to go stray too far from home. Newlyweds can stay at one of the Wauwinet’s charming garden cottages, just slightly removed from the main buildings. Arrive at the hotel via the Wauwinet Lady, the hotel’s private charter, then indulge in couples treatments at The Spa by the Sea. With Nantucket Island Resort’s Hot Dates, Cool Rates promotion, rates at the Wauwinet start at $225 for 2010.

For the foodie couple: Southwest seasoning

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Stay at the Inn on the Alameda and explore our oldest capital city’s culinary and cultural delights for your honeymoon. With the Taste the City Different package, couples can take a three-hour walking tour around beautiful and historic Santa Fe with a chef guide to introduce you to the city’s most unique dining destinations. The next day, see who’s got better mincing skills with a cooking class and lunch to follow. When you’ve had your fill, the hotel’s Kiva fireplaces, triple-sheeted beds, and afternoon wine and cheese will be waiting. Don’t forget to bring home those authentic Southwestern recipes ‘por dos.’ Rates begin at $675 for a three-night package.

 For the adventurous couple: exotic escapades

Bhutan

Honeymoon in the largely unspoiled kingdom of Bhutan, and participate in adventurous activities that include rafting, archery, camping and fly-fishing at Uma Paro. Then hit the road with biking and trekking courses that visit local monasteries and villages for a slice of culture.  And don’t forget, the Bhutanese measure their wealth in Gross National Happiness, so the joy of recently married duos will certainly spike that statistic! Stay in a Como Suite and you’ll have a stunning 180 degree view of the Paro Valley. Rates start at $595 per night.

 Chiang Saen, Thailand

High in the rolling hills of Thailand’s north, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa  is the perfect locale for the adventurous honeymooners to hang their hats before setting off for an unforgettable adventure.  Never a dull moment at the resort, couples can learn to ride, bathe, and feed Thai Asian elephants at the on-site elephant camp.  Choose the Mahout Discovery package for a three-day intensive mahout training course and learn all the sublties of elephant driving, or partake on a tri-country expedition on the Mekong through northern Thailand, Laos, and Burma, with the Three Country Discovery package.  Nightly rates for the Mahout Discovery package begin at $480 for a Deluxe Room, double occupancy, and at $682 for a Deluxe Room, double occupancy, for the Three Country Discovery package. Certain restrictions and conditions apply. Please refer to the package links for details.

For the couple who wants it all: beach, adventure, culture

Changlang Beach, Trang, Thailand

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa in Thailand will satisfy the couple looking for an unforgettably full cultural experience. Try pretty much every water sport imaginable, from sailing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, waterskiing, to even swimming with sea cows! Need something to hang beside the marriage certificate? Get scuba-certified on site with the resorts 5-star PADI scuba diving center. And you both can learn how to prepare a full Thai meal with staff-led cooking classes.  More creative couples can partake in the art of Kae-Sa-Luk, Thai fruit and vegetable carving.  Book your stay online 40 days in advance between now and December 20, and receive 20% off and daily breakfast buffet for two with the Early Bird Bonus special package. Nightly rates begin at $270 for a Deluxe Garden Terrace room.

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. 

NANTUCKET

White Elephant, Nantucket
The landmark White Elephant offers the perfect venue for an in-town wedding with 64 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, and stunning spa.  The hotel can also accommodate guests in the newly added White Elephant Loft, a luxurious three-bedroom, four-bathroom Loft complete with gourmet kitchen, gas fireplace, exquisite living room and dining room, sitting room, and massive skylights.  Also new this year are the White Elephant Hotel Residences – a collection of 25 one-, two-, and three-bedroom Hotel Residences just steps from the White Elephant.  At White Elephant, Nantucket Island Resorts can arrange for an array of ceremonies, from the sandy beaches of Brant Point Light to the green lawn overlooking Nantucket Harbor. The Sun Deck at the Brant Point Grill caters to up to 60 guests; for larger receptions of up to 300 people in the spring and fall, couples have the option of reserving the entire hotel and holding the reception under a tent on the lawn.   And if the soon-to-be newly-weds need to relax from all the hectic planning, guests can go off to town for shopping and biking, or the 32 miles of beach, while the couple can relax at the White Elephant Spa, complete with champagne and strawberries.


The Wauwinet, Nantucket
For those couples seeking a truly intimate experience, The Wauwinet offers an unrivaled location for the most elegant and classic weddings. Wedding season at The Wauwinet is in May or October, and the inn can accommodate up to 150 guests. Located nine miles outside of town on the peacefully secluded northeast tip of the island, guests can relax in one of the 28 guest rooms with bay or garden views or in one of the four garden cottages.. With a backdrop of Nantucket Bay at sunset, those who wed at The Wauwinet are hard-pressed to find a more romantic location. The Wauwinet offers the services of the highly-lauded TOPPER’S Executive Chef David Daniels who caters food to a pristine tent on the lawn overlooking the Bay.   Pre-wedding jitters can be taken care of with a couples’ massage at The Wauwinet Spa by the Sea.

THAILAND

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Perched amidst luxuriant tropical forests, Anantara Golden Triangle is culturally rich and naturally beautiful – a meaningful setting for an intimate garden wedding.  The resort offers two wedding packages that include everything necessary to make it a celebration to remember. The “Regal Elephant” wedding adds a Thai touch to the ceremony as the bride and groom share a memorable elephant ride.  

Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Thailand
The gentle lull of rolling waves and rose petals strewn on golden sand makes a wedding at Thailand’s original seaside resort paradise a favorite.  The “Western Wedding” at the Anantara Hua Hin provides a ceremonial cabana for the wedding, along with cake, decorations, and music.  For a more traditional Thai ceremony, The “Thai Wedding” includes sacred chanting by Buddhist monks during the “Rod Nam Sang” well-wishing holy water ceremony. 

Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand
Choose a stylish indoor ceremony or a beachfront exchange of vows at Anantara Bophut. Awaken to the sound of jovial drumbeats and the festive “Hae Khaan Maak” parade, as the groom escorts his bride from her chamber. Adorned in traditional Thai costumes and flower garlands, tie the knot in front of family and friends, followed by blessings from Buddhist monks and well-wishers during the “Rod Nam Sang” ceremony.

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, Thailand
Glide into marital bliss on a catamaran weaving through the islands of the Andaman Sea off the coast of Trang. Anantara Si Kao offers these exotic options for exchanging vows.  For those looking for a more traditional approach, the resort also arranges for land ceremonies and receptions.

MALDIVES

Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa and Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, both in the Maldives, offer several different packages for unique destination weddings.  Wedding experiences offered include getting hitched aboard a yacht sailing through the sea, or walking down a torch-lit aisle to the beat of island drummers.  Both resorts provide for all the necessities of a wedding ceremony; from photographers to flowers and cakes to spa treatments for bride and groom.

Cocoa Island
A private island in the South Male Atoll, Cocoa Island has just 33 suites and villas – so forget about crowds of strangers peering in on the ceremony.  Weddings are Cocoa Island are purely ceremonial (not recognized by law), so maybe the perfect place to take those gorgeous wedding photographs after a less aesthetic wedding at City Hall.

SOUTH ASIA

Uma Paro, Bhutan
Take part in an intimate and spiritual marriage blessing ceremony at the magnificent shrine of the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Wed amidst the splendor of this 7th-century temple’s magic orange trees, bearing fruit year-round. During the two-hour ceremony, 20 monks will conduct prayers, accompanied by drums, horns, and cymbals.

INDONESIA

Uma Ubud, Bali
Choose a legal marriage, commitment ceremony, or even a simple, traditional Balinese blessing in the quiet, culture-rich countryside of Bali. Arrange for your ceremony to take place in the remote meditation bale, a site for some of Bali’s most inspiring views of the River Oos and the Tjampuhan Valley. Let the resort do the work for you, covering everything from table settings, to flowers, even traditional masked fire dancers and Balinese music.

Last minute for the fall…

Nantucket / As the days get shorter, New England becomes even more delightful; the water is the warmest it’s been all summer, reservations at restaurants are easier to come by, and the crowds have returned to the city.  Nantucket Island Resort’s “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” makes Nantucket an affordable fall destination. DEAL:The Wauwinet from $380, White Elephant from $280, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin from $195, The Jared Coffin House from $125, White Elephant Hotel Residences from $500

…and into the winter.

London / Interested in visiting “Olde” England?  The Metropolitan and the Halkin in London are great spots to stay when checking out Hyde Park’s fall foliage. DEAL:Book seven days in advance and receive Ultimate Savings at The Metropolitan with rates starting at £199, and at the Halkin rates from £229.  That’s almost £200 off of normal rack rates.  Valid through December 31, 2009, Sun-Thurs.

United Kingdom / Before heading across the pond, spent $55 to join The Royal Oak Foundation, the U.S. affiliate of the UK’s National Trust, and receive perks aplenty. DEAL:Royal Oak membership grants FREE entry to all UK National Trust properties.  Right now members also receive 25% off rates at the three Historic House Hotels in England and Wales as well as complimentary room upgrades. These include Hartwell House outside London, Middlethorpe Hall in Yorkshire, and Bodysgallen Hall in Wales.

Santa Fe / Escape to Santa Fe for those amazing blue skies, and stay at Inn on the Alameda, the charming inn located right in the heart of the city. DEAL:From October 25, 2009 to February 28, 2010, stay three consecutive nights and get the third night for just $24 in celebration of the Inn’s 24th anniversary.  Details here.

Riviera Maya / Missed out on Spring Break 2009?  Rosewood Mayakobá’s refined luxury is just a little different from MTV pool parties in Cancun… DEAL:The ‘3 for 2 Special Offer’ allow guests to stay an extra night…for free! Rates include breakfast and are exclusive of tax/resort fees and subject to availability/blackout dates.  A minimum consecutive two-night stay is required.  Package available now through December 15, 2009.  Details here.

Turks & Caicos / Parrot Cay says “Extend that Summer Feeling” into the winter with free nights at this private island paradise. DEAL:“4 for 3” or “7 for 5” includes breakfast and return airport transfers.   Expires December 20, 2009; certain blackout dates apply.  Rates start at $930/night and are reduced to $698/night with the “4 for 3” deal and $665/night with the “7 for 5” deal.  Details here.

Bangkok / The Metropolitan Bangkok, the Asian-equivalent to the Met London, offers chic Bangkok accommodations for under $100! DEAL:Book seven days in advance and receive Ultimate Savings with rates starting at $99. Valid through December 31, 2009, Sun-Thurs.  Details here.

Pacific to Atlantic / Start in Valparaíso and take in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Chile, spend a day transiting the fascinating engineering feat of the Panama Canal, and relish the clear blue seas of the Caribbean. Deal:Join Crystal Symphony’s 15-day sailing from Valparaíso to Miami (#0201), January 8-23, 2010, and enjoy 2-for-1 pricing with fares beginning as low as $3,620/person, plus an “All-Inclusive, As You Wish” shipboard spending credit of $1,000 per person, good toward anything but cruise deposits and casino gaming.  Details here.

Changlang Beach, Trang Province, Thailand / The early bird catches the deal at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa. There’s no better time than the present to book that flight… DEAL: From now until December 20, book 40 days in advance, get 40% off the rate of a room or suite; 30 days in advance, 30% off; 20 days, 20% off, and 10 days, 10% off. Rates start at $191 for a Deluxe Sea View Room, and include tax and service charge and daily breakfast for two. Details here.

Beaver Creek / Park Hyatt Beaver Creek’s Technique Week deals for this ski season include accommodations, individual training by Ski Ambassadors, ski evaluation with video analysis, lift tickets, ski rentals, 15% discount on treatments at Allegria Spa, two dinners, two après ski parties, and take home amenities. ***New this year: book by November 15, and you can upgrade the lift ticket to an Epic season pass for $599, which gives you unrestricted (no blackout dates) and unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Heavenly.

• Week One: December 9th-13th, 2009. 4 Nights, 3 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,299 per person or $3,899 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $2,799 per person or $4,699 for two people (double occupancy)

• Week Two: December 13th-18th, 2009. 5 Nights, 4 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,899 per person or $4,699 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $3,199 per person or $5,399 for two people (double occupancy)

• Week Three- January 6th-10th, 2010. 4 Nights, 3 Days Skiing. Regular Package: $2,799 per person or $4,299 for two people (double occupancy). Package w/EPIC Pass rather than lift tickets: $3,199 per person or $5,099 for two people (double occupancy)

To book a Technique Week, call Hotel Reservations at 970.827.6634 or e-mail resbeave@hyatt.com

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 5-12^th and 12-19^th, 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.

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!