all the dish that’s fit to print
cheap flights to londontown
Just this morning Iceland Express announced that summer and fall fares to London, Copenhagen, and Luxembourg are on sale for just $399 round trip! There are a limited amount of seats, so if you’ve been toying with the idea of a late summer trip to London to catch the festivals, or a fall getaway in a cozy English cottage, now is the ideal time to book.
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tongue-‘thai’ed
This summer, David Thompson, following the success of nahm at The Halkin in London, will be opening a second edition of the restaurant at the Metropolitan hotel in Bangkok – a return to the city that inspired his culinary path. Following a soft opening in mid July, the restaurant will officially open by the end of the month. Launched in 2001, nahm was the first Thai restaurant in Europe to be awarded a Michelin star. With the move, Thompson and nahm up the ante for diners, using local ingredients and letting the infamous Thai markets guide the menus. Key dishes will include a jungle curry with snake-headed local fish known as pla chorn indigenous to the clear waters of rice paddies. The restaurant will also be open for lunch and, for a fun take on a popular Bangkok tradition, will feature “street food” dishes. (Speaking of which, don’t miss the September release of Thompson’s second cookbook, Thai Street Food.)
Ma hor Crushed prawn curry with turmeric and coconut
The restaurant will occupy the former Cy’an and will be designed by Japanese interior architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, who also designed Uma Ubud in Bali and Aoki, a heralded Japanese restaurant in Singapore. It will feature natural wood, including screens for privacy, and warm oranges and browns with shimmering bronze plates on tables. The space will be steeped in natural daylight and, in the evening, enriched by the soft lighting of the nearby outdoor pool. Other features include a private dining room and terrace dining.
David Thompson is universally acknowledged as a leading authority on Thai food. Originally from Australia, he first travelled to Thailand in 1986 and moved to Bangkok a year later. When he returned to Sydney in 1991, he opened his iconic Darley Street Thai restaurant, and, in 1995, he followed with Sailor’s Thai, which continues today.
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august pond-hopping
While Londoners flock down to the Mediterranean, August is the time for a Yankee invasion. Restaurants aren’t as crowded, it’s easier to get tickets to coveted West End shows, and Buckingham Palace opens its doors to visitors (see our full round-up below). Two of the city’s hottest hotels, the Metropolitan and The Halkin, are also offering discounted rates, making it easy to hop across the Atlantic for a British mini-break. The hotels sit in a prime locale, sandwiched by Hyde Park and the Buckingham Palace Gardens, perfect for summer strolls and picnics.
At The Met, book ahead with the “Ultimate Savings” offer to get a City Room from £179, roughly $257 (compared to the standard rate of £390, a savings of 55% and roughly $305) with a minimum of two nights. (Must be booked at least seven nights in advance, valid through December 31, 2010.) Over at The Halkin, “Extend that Weekend Feeling” is discounting weekend rates by 20% when guests stay three nights. A double room starts at £450 a night, roughly $650. Three nights at that rate would £1350, or roughly $1950, but with the discount it’s only £1080 ($1560), making it a savings of about $390. Use that little bonus to load up on Top Shop must-haves or to procure tickets to a West End show. After a day of finding quirky antique treasures on Portobello Road or numerous crossings of the Thames, relax and take in the green views from one of the 51 rooms overlooking Hyde Park at the Metropolitan. At The Halkin, fill up on Thai fare at Chef David Thompson’s nahm, the first Thai restaurant in Europe to be awarded a Michelin star.
Herewith, our round-up of August’s key events…
Music Festivals
What: a two-day festival featuring artists Kings of Leon, Passion Pit, Imogen Heap, and many more
When: August 21-22
Where: Hylands Park and Weston Park
What: celebration of 80s music, dressing up encouraged
When: August 20
Where: Remenham, Oxon (about an hour from London)
What: David Guetta, Audio Bully, and more pump out dance music in the last summer festival at Victoria Park
When: August 27
Where: Victoria Park
What: The last concert in August promises to be one of the best parties of the summer.
When: August 29
Where: Clapham Common
Hyde Park in the summer
Art Exhibits
What: An exhibition celebrating the artist’s influence in 20th century sculpture
When: Through August 15
Where: The Tate Britain
Victoria & Albert: Art & Love in London
What: An exhibition featuring over 400 works from the Royal Collection gathered during the lives of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
When: Through October 31
Where: The Queen’s Gallery
What: An exhibition focused on the new and exciting artists coming out of the UK in the past few years
When: June 2-October 17
Where: The Saatchi Gallery
West End Shows
What: David Hirson’s fun 1991 play tells the story of a dramatist leading an acting company in the 17th-century court of Prince Conti, starring Joanna Lumley, aka Patsy from Ab Fab.
When: June 28-August 28
The Merry Wives of Windsor at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
What: Enjoy this comedy in Shakespeare’s own Globe Theatre.
When: August 14-October 2
Into The Woods at London’s Open Air Theatre
What: Watch the celebrated Sondheim play outdoors in Regent’s Park
When: August 5-September 11
New Restaurants
Bar Boulud – Knightsbridge
This New York gem opened a British outpost in May with two bright rooms, a charcuterie counter, and a lounge.
Petrus – Belgravia
Gordon Ramsey’s French restaurant opened in March and boasts a glass wine case with 2,000 bottles.
Viajante – Bethnal Green
Opened in April, this eclectic new spot is in the former Bethnal Green Town Hall.
The Milroy – Mayfair
Just opened in May to the public, the restaurant serves up modern European fare and occupies the space that once housed Henry VIII’s hunting lodge.
More
What: A huge street fair set up by London’s West Indian population, full of food carts, steel drum bands, and crazy costumes.
When: August 29-30
What: Operas in the open air, set in beautiful Holland Park.
When: La Forza del Destino, August 4, 6, 10, 12, 14 at 7:30pm
Francesca da Rimini, August 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 at 7:30pm
Fantastic Mr. Fox, August 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14 at 7:30pm
What: Take advantage of summer sales at this fashion forward hot spot. The chic flock here for the latest from Lanvin, YSL, and Rodarte.
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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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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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deals for labor day and beyond
Wondering where to go to snag the best vacation deals this fall? HotelChatter recommends Parrot Cay’s three for two deal over Labor Day weekend and we’re adding a few more great deals into the pot for fall vacations in Nantucket, London, New York, Miami, and Mexico.
Walking to the beach on Nantucket
Nantucket: As the days get shorter, New England gets 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.
DEAL: Stay at the Wauwinet for $395/night on September 11, 19, 25-26, and for $475 on October 1, 4-6, and 8-11. Or stay at the White Elephant for $575/night on September 8, 15-16, 20-23, $425/night on Sept 28-30, and $450/night on October 1, 4-8, 11-16, 18-19, 22-31. Details here.
Leaves in Hyde Park
London: Interested in visiting “Old” 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.
Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York
New York: Stay in the city and day-visit the Peninsula Spa by ESPA.
DEAL: Purchase one spa treatment and get 50% off the second, or bring a friend and share the savings. Valid Mon-Wed until September 9. Details here, or call (212) 903 3910.
Steam room at Acqualina
Miami: Sure, Miami is hot, but the ice fountain at ESPA at Acqualina, Miami is ice-cold.
DEAL: Acqualina has a three for two deal now through October 31st, 2009. Rates start at $375/night. Huge bonus: guests receive $40 spa credit for each night booked. ESPA at Acqualina is also offering a day pass to the spa for just $55, which includes a 20-minute boutique treatment of choice.
Beachside pool at Rosewood Mayakobá
Riviera Maya: If you missed out on SB 2009, try a ” fall break” instead. Rosewood Mayakobá s refined luxury is just a little different from MTV pool parties in Cancun…
DEAL: The Rosewood Escapes package at the resort offers rates starting at $395 a night, a $200 resort credit per stay, and upgrades upon arrival. Now through Sept 30, 2009. Details here.
***Need help fleshing out fall travel plans? Contact our favorite travel agent, Ellie Colin of Ovation Travels at 1-800 431 1112, or email info@ovationtravel.com.
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hen weekend at the halkin
The wedding season is here; just take a glance at the calendar to see weekends into September blocked off for “I do’s”. For those brides-to-be who still have a few weeks or months to go, it’s time to take a break from invitations, registries, and seating charts; to leave the florist calls for Monday; and to gather the girls for a London getaway and indulging in “Brides Maid-up” at The Halkin. Think of it as one last fling before the ring!
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sheep alternative
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Mosquitoes are not in the air (yet), but there is a “buzz” among hoteliers to promote the perfect night’s sleep for guests. For example, Park Hyatt hotels teamed up with renowned Brazilian nutritionist, Patricia Teixeira, to combat problems plaguing the weary business travelers with specialty nutritional smoothies and juices. The program debuted last year in Paris, Dubai, and Moscow and is now being launched all over. With a background in Physiology and Sports Biochemistry, Teixeira has counseled and prescribed personalized diets for well-know international sports figures. For Park Hyatt, she tailored the ingredients to target specific ailments such as jet lag. Anti Jet Lag Juice guarantees the first step to a productive day – a good night’s sleep. This drink combines kale’s phytonutrients with pumpkin seeds to trigger tryptophan, the body’s sleep hormone, as well as carrots and apples to balance sugar levels. Consuming 30 minutes before bedtime is the optimum time to help avoid insomnia. (more…)
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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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printemps peepers
Frugal fashionistas are flocking to London to take advantage of the amazing deals at Metropolitan and Halkin hotels. If you too are planning to travel across the pond, AMPR’s Beauty Marshall suggests trying an affordable trend from spring and summer runway beauty: play up eyes with thick black lines, 80s influence, smoke, and bold colors. And to remove the crop of shadows, liners, and mascara that are stronger than Michelle’s arms, try ESPA’s Deep Cleansing Eye Gel. This chamomile and lavender-rich gentle eye makeup remover that is perfect for taking off all paints and powders, even waterproof formulas and lipstick. Fear not liquid-savvy travelers – the tiny tube is less than an ounce, leaving plenty of room other beauty necessities.Shop for Deep Cleansing Eye Gel ($36.00) and other ESPA products at www.espaonline.com or at ESPA spas worldwide including: The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York; The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, Chicago; and ESPA at Acqualina in Miami.
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