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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elephant tales from the polo pitch
Thailand is trumpeting the news of Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa’s annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament , coming up March 22-28. Be sure to stake out your spot on the polo pitch as these two-ton players go head-to-head (and trunk-to-trunk!) to win the coveted King’s Cup Trophy.
In just eight years, the tournament has grown from a small two-day affair to a week-long extravaganza featuring international competitors, making it Thailand’s sixth largest tourist event. It has raised over $250,000 for the National Elephant Institute, which provides medical care, sustenance, employment, and mahout training for Thailand’s elephant population. Proceeds from the 2009 event helped fund the world’s first ever elephant therapy program, Thai Elephant Therapy Project (TETP), a partnership with Chiang Mai University and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC) that investigates the benefits of using elephants as an alternative treatment for children with autism. This year’s event proceeds will go towards the continued funding of this groundbreaking research.
Reserve your seat and contribute to the cause by booking a Special Spectator Package. The offer includes one night of accommodation at Anantara Golden Triangle in a Deluxe Room or Anantara Suite, daily breakfast buffet, lunch buffet at the Polo Pitch, and transfers to and from the pitch. Package rates for a Deluxe Room start at $335 single occupancy, and $493 double occupancy, per night, inclusive of tax and service charge. Guests staying four nights or more will also receive a complimentary round-trip transfer from Chiang Rai to the resort.
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alternative holidays
Not looking forward to packing the beach gear or the skis this holiday season?
These unconventional end-of-year getaways will scratch the travel itch. Rounded up here are cozy and kid-friendly locales for families, unique spots for adventurers and enriching destinations for those craving cultural stimuli.
Family Festivities
WHAT: Getaway to a Country Cottage
WHERE: National Trust Holiday Cottages – UK
WHY: Because a trip to the English countryside with a family membership in the Royal Oak Foundation to see old castles and gardens (for free!) could just be the best present for the Harry Potter-loving kids (or parents).
DETAILS, DETAILS: With over 360 cottages from which to choose, here are a few:
- Emley Farmhouse in Surrey sleeps up to 10 and has a traditional country kitchen, perfect for that big Christmas dinner. A three night stay starts at $740.35, a seven night stay, $1416.75.
- 89 Church Lawn in Wiltshire sleeps up to seven and has exclusive access to the National Trust’s stunning winter gardens. You can even go fishing in the beautiful lake. A three night stay starts at $590, a seven night stay, $1065.50.
- Abermydyr in Wales sits on the banks of the River Aeron and sleeps up to six. Brings the kids here for the Christmas food and craft fair at Llanerchaeron, a Trust protected gentry estate. A three night stay starts at $493.50, a seven night stay, $957.30.
WHAT: Swiss Family Reunion
WHERE: The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – Interlaken, Switzerland
WHY: Christmas dinners, a Children’s Party for New Year’s Eve, and Dad treating Mom to a Festive Foam Bath with winter aromas and champagne all conspire for festive fun.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Splash Hour at the pool, the Zurich Zoo and the St. Beatus caves will thrill the kids, and fitness classes, Turkish baths, and professional childcare will restore their parents’ sanity. Rates start at $877 per night for double occupancy.
Adventurers Only
WHAT: Arabian Eco-experience
WHERE: Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa – Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE
WHY: It feeds the craving for sun while heeding the call of the wild.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Home to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest Arabian wildlife conservancies, guests can go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, take a game drive, or learn archery. Double occupancy rates start at $537 per night; book at least 30 days in advance to receive a 15% discount.
WHAT: Modern Day Pilgrimage
WHERE: Uma Paro – Bhutan
WHY: Because hiking to a Buddhist monastery sure beats waiting in line at a department store with frantic holiday shoppers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: One of its many active adventures includes a trek to Tiger’s Nest monastery, located in the sheer cliffs 2,700 feet above Paro Valley and a peaceful orchard picnic with spectacular views. For the month of December, double occupancy rates start at $330 per night.
WHAT: Chance to Step Foot on Antarctica
WHERE: Crystal Cruise’s Symphony departs from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile.
WHY: Due to an upcoming ban on cruise ships in the Antarctic Ocean, this will be Crystal’s final voyage to the area.
DETAILS, DETAILS: In addition to visiting amazing locales in South America, six thrill-seekers will take the rare overland trip to Antarctica to see remote villages, a petrified forest, and a penguin breeding ground. Rates start at $8,995, double occupancy.
Cultural Cravings
WHAT: Revelation in the Red City
WHERE: Royal Mansour Marrakech – Morocco
WHY: It will be impossible to miss the carolers when exploring Djemma El-fna, a square in the historical district of town known for having the best musicians, dancers and storytellers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: When in this city of cultural fusions be sure to visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the largest souk (traditional market) in Morocco to bargain for spices or clothing or tea pots. Riads start at €1,500 a night.
WHAT: Balinese New Beginning
WHERE: Uma Ubud – Bali
WHY: What better way to start the year then with the New Year package’s complimentary massage on the first day of 2010.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Guests will see the village decorated with traditional bamboo poles and banana leaves and enjoy a Balinese-inspired New Year’s Eve dinner, followed by a cocktail party with DJ at the pool bar. Rates start at $260 per night, double occupancy.
WHAT: A Resolution Well-Kept
WHERE: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand
WHY: Utilizing those new Thai cooking skills back home will keep the post-holiday gloom at bay.
DETAILS, DETAILS: The cooking lessons are just the beginning of the cultural immersion; at the Elephant Camp (part of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre), a 30-minute lesson will teach adventurers to drive an elephant. Rates start at $520, double occupancy.
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ampr on t+l’s world’s best
Shout out to all the AMPR clients represented on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best List 2009 (including three #1s!)
Out now in the August Issue!
- #1, Top 15 Resorts in Mexico
- #18, Top 100 Hotels Overall
- #1, Top 10 Large-Ship Cruise Lines
Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
- #1, Top 10 City Hotels in Central and South America category
- #11, Top 100 Hotels Overall
- #6, Top 15 Resorts in Asia
- #37, Top 100 Hotels Overall
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa
- #8, Top 15 Resorts in Asia
- #53, Top 100 Hotels Overall
- #15, Top 50 Resorts in US/Canada
- #39, Top 40 City Hotels in Asia
- 20 to Watch
- #14, Top 40 City Hotels in Asia
- #99, Top 100 Hotels Overall
- #6, Top 20 City Hotels in Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific
- #14, Top 20 City Hotels in Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific
- #39, Top 50 Resorts in US/Canada
humid day, cool pool
Undoubtedly one of the best ways to escape a humid day is to take a refreshing dip in a pool. And while the old backyard pool offers wonderful, chlorine-scented relief for the everyday, the swimming pool at Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand kicks things up a notch. The free-form infinity-edge pool is outlined by a stunning Bill Bensley designed garden, and the views from the pool deck include not one but three different countries (Laos, Burma, and Thailand, of course). And while we could go on forever about the pool, we think this picture speaks for itself…
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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and the winner is…
Team Audemars Piguet defeated SOCO International in a riveting 8-6 victory to take first place at the annual weeklong King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, held at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa near Chiang Rai, Thailand. Drawing a crowd of international spectators and dignitaries, twelve teams from around the world competed for the cup and for the bragging rights of being named top “ponies.” This year’s tournament raised $53,453 (or 1.9 million Thai baht) through the gala auction to benefit the National Elephant Institute and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Since its inception eight years ago, the tournament has raised over $200,000, which goes towards the medical care, sustenance, employment, and mahout training programs in support of Thailand’s elephant population.
Committed to the conservation of Thai Asian elephants, Anantara Golden Triangle serves as the northern chapter of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, running its own Elephant Conservation program and Elephant Camp. The Elephant Camp serves as an interactive way for guests to partake in the conservation movement, where they learn how to bathe, feed, and even “drive” the elephants.
For additional information on this year’s King’s Cup tournament, including player biographies and final scores, visit: www.anantaraelephantpolo.com.
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polo pachyderm style
Elephant polo players will saddle up for the eighth annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, being held March 23 – 29, 2009 at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa in Northern Thailand. Drawing teams and spectators from around the world, this charity event benefits the National Elephant Institute in Lampang, and invites guests to share in Anantara’s commitment to elephant conservation. Guests will even have a chance to ride an elephant at the resort’s Elephant Camp!
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pachyderms in action
One of Anantara Golden Triangle’s biggest draws is their on-site elephant camp, a conservation effort for re-habbing Thailand’s street elephants under the watchful eye of philanthropist John Roberts. Check out all the action here, on Anantara’s live elephant cam.
Read here for more on Anantara’s largest residents, and go here for information on John Roberts and the Asian Elephant Foundation.
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on the clock around the world
It’s a [ ] job, but somebodys got to do it. Whether it be training and caring for street elephants in Thailand, making rare salt one’s specialty, or tangoing the night away on a cruise ship in the Black Sea, some jobs – especially in Paradise – mean more play than work. For an intriguing angle on the global travel industry, let’s check in with the behind-the-scenes staff members that make these resorts tick:
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