all the dish that’s fit to print
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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while the stork is en route
Obscure cravings, recurring mood swings, and an ever-expanding waistline? When you’re expecting, the side effects can be less than glamorous. Thank goodness for these soothing babymoon packages, guaranteed to result in that oft-talked about motherly “glow.” So ladies, prop up those swollen ankles, sip on a decaffeinated beverage, and settle in for a few days (or even just an hour!) of much-deserved pampering. Oh baby!
Parrot Cay
Here’s your chance for a second honeymoon: Parrot Cay’s three-night Babymoon Package designed for couples to have some time together before the new arrival. Sink into an indulgent 75-minute prenatal massage, an hour-long private yoga session, and a COMO Shambhala Massage. Seeking some outdoor adventure? Book a snorkeling expedition, kayaking, diving, and fishing. Or snuggle up for some alone time with a castaway picnic or private tiki hut dining.
Prices start at $3,070 per couple. Package includes accommodation in a Garden View Room, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, return airport transfers on scheduled commercial flights, group yoga and Pilates classes, and non-motorized water sports.
Metropolitan London
Mum’s the word! Stop in chic London Town and book the Metropolitan London’s A Met Mum-to-Be offering. Upon arrival to your room, mother-to-be will find a lightweight COMO Shambhala tote bag (perfect for hauling around all those diapers!) and a Purify Hydrating Mist for refreshment on the big day.
Test out the Urban Escape spa for a COMO Shambhala pre-natal massage incorporating a specially-designed ‘Body Cushion’ for support and relaxation during your treatment. Packages from £319 per night for a Deluxe City Room include mineral water in the room at turndown and a healthy breakfast for two.
Rosewood Mayakobá
Story-telling, diaper-changing, and bathtub-splashing are the most excitement you’ll be seeing in your weekends for awhile. So take advantage of the freedom you have left with a few nights away at Rosewood Mayakobá!
Book the four-night Babymoon Package for two and receive daily buffet breakfast, a prenatal yoga instruction session with consultation for two, choice of a snorkeling excursion or a visit to the photo studio at the resort, and a romantic candlelit beach dinner.
Rates start at $1,183 per night including tax and service for a minimum five-night stay through December 15, 2010.
Nantucket Island Resorts
Frankly, strollers on cobblestones sounds like a painful endeavor. Steal away to the quaint historical streets of Nantucket while your load is still light! Reserve a Nantucket Babymoon Package for two nights at either The Wauwinet or White Elephant and a one-hour soothing prenatal massage at one of these properties.
And hey, mom’s not the only one in need of some pampering! Mr. Mom can use a “Daddy Coupon” of $25 towards any treatment at either spa.
Other package inclusions are the White Elephant’s signature “Trunket” stuffed elephant, celebration cigars for the big day, and complimentary gourmet Continental breakfast at The Wauwinet.
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
A working mom-to-be and can only get away for an hour or two? Reserve a Maternity Massage at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York. This gentle massage uses nourishing ESPA oils and is designed for mothers-to-be after the first trimester, relieving tension in stress-prone areas such as the lower back and hips.
Indulge in 60 minutes for $195 or 90 Minutes for $295. The Peninsula Spa by ESPA in both New York and Chicago also offer a special Pre- and Post-Natal Treatment. Using signature calendula-infused oil, Pink Clay Mud, and various nourishing creams, mommy or mommy-to-be will enjoy improved skin tonicity and complete relaxation. Cost is $320 for 90 Minutes of utter bliss.
ESPA at Acqualina Resort & Spa
While your growing belly might not be ready for an itsy bitsy bikini beachside, you can still snag some Floridian sunshine in a cover up and chic celebrity-esque shades. Book a room at the Acqualina Resort & Spa through December 23 and take advantage of the resort’s Babymoon Package and ESPA spa. Offering includes an 80-minute Maternity Massage and an 80-minute Deep Tissue Massage to work out any pregnancy-induced knots.
Need some extra TLC during your stay? Reserve an additional 90-minute prenatal treatment at the on-site ESPA spa. The nourishing treatment incorporates natural calendula-infused oils, muds, creams, and advanced massage techniques to relax and nurture.
From now through April 4, the Babymoon Package starts at $675 for an Intracoastal Hotel Room and includes daily continental breakfast for two with a minimum stay of three nights.
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tryst with a twist at met london
The sophisticated Metropolitan London presents a classic romance package – with a little spice. Book Rendez-Vous at the Met in time for Valentine’s Day, or any weekend that requires some sizzle.
For the chocoholic, the offering gets off to a sweet start with a tray of handmade bonbons waiting in the room upon arrival. Snuggle up together and select a complimentary film of your choice from the movie channel.
Later it is lights out, but not before taking a peek inside the “Seduction Bedside Box” for a selection of nighttime necessities: COMO Shambhala “Harmony” Massage Oils, a 20% discount off Coco de Mer goodies, a Luxury Suede and Silk Blindfold by Jimmy Jane, and other items.
Who doesn’t love lounging in bed all day? The Met ensures you will by providing a champagne breakfast for two the next day and extending the check-out time until 4 p.m. Cost is £329 for a City Room.
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afternoon tease at the metropolitan london
Thank you, thank you, thank you. That’s what your significant other is sure to say upon your return from the Metropolitan London’s latest version of afternoon tea – Cour-tea-san De-light. The hotel’s sophisticated Met Bar has teamed up with lingerie brand The Modern Courtesan to host a monthly sass-filled “Seduction Class.”
Participants can sip champagne and Modern Courtesan cocktails, and nibble a selection of treats from the aphrodisiac-inspired Afternoon De-Light menu – chili and chocolate macaroons, ginger muffins, and strawberry cupcakes.
Top industry experts, including best-selling authors, burlesque performers, erotic photographers and filmmakers, adult gift purveyors, and courtesans, will be on-hand to provide guests with their naughtiest know-how. Before rushing home to test out those sultry skills, stop by the ‘Seduction Boudoir’ to pick out a weapon of mass seduction or two.
Tickets are £50 per person and must be purchased in advance. Available dates are January 16, February 6, February 13 (just in time for Valentine’s Day!), March 13, and April 3. For further information please contact 020 7447 1025.
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getaways for the girls
It’s harder and harder to get quality time with the girls these days, and sometimes an ‘I miss you’ text is just not enough. So pick a date when your conflicting schedules align and take advantage of these relaxing and rejuvenating packages made just for you and your BFFs.
Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe
Best Friends Get the Best Deals
Santa Fe is great for off-the-cuff shopping, nature walks in and around the city, the majority of attractions are within a leisurely walk of the Inn, and the city itself is known for great and unique shopping.
Our Best Friends Package encourages friends to meet up in the City Different for an affordable vacation. Create lasting memories and start a tradition, all while sharing one of the best Santa Fe hotel deals! We make it easy for you with some extra amenities to help ensure an unforgettable experience. This friendly offer includes:
- Two (2) nights’ accommodations, in cozy accommodations, based on double occupancy
- The Inn’s lavish “Breakfast of Enchantment” each morning
- A complimentary wine-and-cheese reception each afternoon
- A pair of hand-crafted sweets from Todos Santos, creator of unique Santa Fe chocolates
- Two (2) 50-minute massages in the Inn’s massage room
- One (1) disposable camera to capture all the special moments you’ve shared together
Two-night package rates, based on double occupancy, range from $322 to $660, plus tax, depending on room-type and dates selected. The two-night charge for each additional person after two (2) in a room, is $100, with a maximum of four (4) people per room. This BFF package is not applicable for holidays or special events.
http://www.innonthealameda.com/
The White Elephant Hotel, Nantucket
Girlfriend’s Offer
Included in the Girlfriend’s Offer is:
- Accommodations in a luxurious 3-bedroom cottage for six of your special friends
- Full breakfast each morning
- Spa cocktail reception with express chair massage for all (now including foot bath, new for 2010!) – and weather-permitting, spa treatments will take place on the lawn of the White Elephant overlooking the harbor.
- A selection of romantic comedy videos
- Popcorn and other movie treats
- Hosted port, sherry, and cheese service in the afternoon
- Special spa welcome gift (a spa product made for the White Elephant Spa called Pineapple Body Crush – we have samples of this on hand if you’d like to test it out!)
Offer starts at $2400 for 3 nights; more info online at http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com/reservations/specials.php.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
Spa Indulgence Four-Night Package for Two
In ancient Mayan culture, one went into a sweat lodge, called Temazcal, to purify the body after battle. At the Sense spa at Rosewood Mayakobá (which is located on its own island in the middle of a tranquil lagoon), best friends can solidify their friendship with this age-old tradition!
The package includes: Daily buffet breakfast for two and the Ancient Mayakoba Journey: two Mayakoba Complete Body Therapies, two Mayakoba Ancient Massages, two Traditional Temazqual Journies, two Mayakoba Body Glow treatments and two spa gifts.
Offered through Apr. 30, 2010. Rates in U.S. Dollars start at $830 per night inclusive of tax and service; minimum 4-night stay.
http://www.rosewoodmayakoba.com/en/specialoffers.cfm
ESPA at Acqualina, Miami
Spa Party
The ESPA spa at Acqualina has a spa party room that girls can rent to host private spa get-togethers complete with mini treatments of choice and spa catering. The spa offers four different packages that range from two to four hours, and include up to four mini treatments of choice per guest. The space accommodates up to 25 friends, although parties of up to 35 will have use of the ESPA’s Ladies Relaxation Lounge as well. The price per person is reduced depending on the size of the party.
For a more one-on-one get-together for best friends, the resort offers a Girlfriend’s Getaway Spa Package for Two.
Includes:
- Two 50-minute ESPA Treatments
- Complimentary valet parking
- Spa lunch for two
- Minimum night stay requirement: 2 nights
Rates start at $675 from December 24, 2009 – April 4, 2010.
http://www.acqualinaresort.com/rooms-suites/special-packages/
Metropolitan, London
Tote-to-Toe Shopping
Call your best friend and go visit Union Jack. The “Tote-to-Toe” package includes overnight accommodation for two, £50 ($80!) worth of Selfridge’s vouchers, a bottle of champagne, and a priority reservation at the uber-trendy Japanese restaurant NOBU. The great shopping districts of Mayfair, Bond Street and Knightsbridge are within walking distance and as a guest of the hotel, you’ll have access to the chic members-only Met Bar. The package also includes:
- COMO Shambhala Aromatherapy Gift Set
- Access to London’s best connected Concierge
- Metropolitan London tote bag
- Healthy breakfast for two
- Late check-out until 4pm
- ‘Independent London’ by Moritz Steiger & Effie Fotaki, ‘VERYstyleguide for London’ and ‘VERYstylemap for London’
Costs from £309 per room per night in a Metropolitan Room . Offer subject to availability.
Visit http://www.metropolitan.london.como.bz/offers/tote-to-toe-shopping for more details.
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naughty or nice?
Choose naughty and save Santa the trip this year. Met Bar members can head to the Metropolitan London for a steamy “Baby It’s Cold Outside” Christmas Cabaret Spectacular on Wednesday, December 2, at 9:30 p.m.
Pin-ups Esme Bianco, Roxy Velvet, and Polly Cupcake will welcome you with a night of festive stripteases and burlesque performances on a custom-made silver sleigh. Before heading out, don’t forget to grab a bag of swag filled with Modern Courtesan lingerie and Hotel Chocolat sweets.
Members can RSVP to jamie.holloway@metropolitan.como.bz.
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a fashionista’s paradise at the metropolitan london
There’s nothing like a little retail therapy to brighten the gloom of these tough economic times. So, doctor’s orders, get glam and save big by booking the Tote-to-Toe at the Sales offering at the Metropolitan London and take advantage of the city’s bi-annual sales when some of London’s most popular retailers slash prices.
Guests will receive £50 in shopping vouchers for Selfridges. With top designer stores posted right at the Met’s doorstep, shopaholics can easily explore other London Town hot spots while strolling nearby Bond Street, Mayfair, Oxford Street, and Knightsbridge.
Post-shop-a-thon, one can always use a little pick-me-up, which is why the offering includes a complimentary COMO Shambhala Aromatherapy Gift Set, a bottle of chilled pink champagne, and a full night of beauty sleep in one of the King Park Guest Rooms (for two!)
Book from December 18, 2009 – January 10, 2010, and pay a reduced rate of about $435 (£259) per room, per night – a whopping 20 percent off the regular price.
Tote-to-Toe also includes:
- Metropolitan London tote bag
- Access to one of London’s best Concierges
- Priority reservation in NOBU
- Access to the famous members-only Met Bar
- Healthy breakfast for two
- Late check-out until 4 p.m.
- ‘Independent London’ guidebook by Moritz Steiger & Effie Fotak
- ‘VERYstyleguide for London’ and ‘VERYstylemap for London’ guidebooks
british airways rolls out seasonal savings
The world is on sale. Well, parts of it, that is. Thanks to British Airways’ latest World Sale offer, globetrotters can now book flights throughout Europe and the Middle East for a recession-friendly price.
One-way airfare from New York to London is now only $229 – the perfect excuse to bunk up at Andaz Wall Street in New York (opening in January 2010) and then jet set to the Metropolitan London just in time for Afternoon De-Light tea at the Met Bar. How about D.C. to Paris for only $243? Slumber in a luxe Park Suite at Park Hyatt Washington and then hop a flight to Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme for a sumptuous dinner at Pur’.
The offer applies to travel through March 28 (excluding December 21 – 23). Make sure to book from November 11 – 19 or the normal fares will apply.
Travelers must also satisfy the following to qualify for the deal:
- Book at least 7 days prior to the departure days
- Fly in both directions on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
- Stay over a Saturday night and stay no longer than 11 months
- No ticket cancellations
v-day vacays for couples and singles
LOVE to get away? In 2010, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day coincide, so take your partner or your posse on a trip without using all of your vacation days! It’s never to early to start planning a “True Love Tryst” or a “Singles Escape!”
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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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