all the dish that’s fit to print
summer showers
When packing for Santa Fe in the summer most travelers think of sunscreen and sundresses, but this time of year an umbrella is just as important! The summer season is referred to by locals as the “monsoon” season for its daily – albeit normally brief – showers.
Inn on the Alameda’s resident naturalist and concierge shares a little history on these summer storms.
tweet tweet, hear all about it
AMPR ticker tape…AMPR ticker tape…AMPR ticker tape…AMPR ticker tape… AMPR ticker tape…
Hot off the press…
AUGUST 2010
Here is our monthly news in tweetable form.
New and Notable
- Up up and away for #BalloonFestival! #HotelParqCentral opens on 9/23/10. Rates starting at $179/night including breakfast and other treats.
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas
- #AnantaraBophut in Koh Samui, #Thailand will be getting an upgrade! And we have the pics (http://bit.ly/cSwDte) to prove it!
shop like a chef
Everyone wants to shop where the chef’s shop, and Richard Ruben – chef and author of “The Farmer’s Market Cookbook” – has just listed his favorite farmer’s markets. On the list was the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market, known for its amazing variety of chili peppers. Visit this market in style with the Fresh Santa Fe package at the Inn on the Alameda. Stock up on habaneros, chipotle peppers, and other piquant peppers to add some heat to your chili or some kick to your bbq sauce.
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weekend trip around the world
If you can’t make up your mind about a summer retreat location, don’t worry because Santa Fe will offer you a one-stop cultural extravaganza. During the weekend of July 9th-11th, the Santa Fe Folk Art Market will be available for your viewing pleasure. It is the largest folk-art market in the world, hosting over 130 artists from 52 different countries this year. So why decide between an exotic vacation in South Africa or a spiritual retreat to Japan, when you can take a trip to Santa Fe and experience a taste of both and more! With the Inn on the Alameda right around the corner, you won’t have to worry about finding a place to stay!
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not merely a flower painter …
A bit of abstraction seems to have crept its way into the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. Famously known for her representational depiction of flowers, O’Keeffe is delighting fans with a new style. Comprised of over 100 pieces, the Georgia O’Keeffe : Abstraction exhibit features nearly blank canvases broken up with perfectly placed strokes of color. Viewers agree that this unknown side of O’Keeffe has allowed her to truly capture the essence of her subject, as well as highlighting the relationships between the different works of art. The 4,000 attendees on opening weekend agree that this abstract collection is a must see.
Need a place to stay in the “city different”? After checking out the museum, head back to the Inn on the Alameda where guests can indulge at the daily afternoon wine and cheese reception.
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getting fresh in santa fe
Can’t get enough of a local farmers’ market? Take a trip out west and sample the Southwestern flavors at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market, ranked among the Top 10 in the country. Inn on the Alameda invites locavores to stroll through the colorful and scent-sual market in their new Railyard home, while enjoying the extras thrown in with the Fresh Santa Fe Package. After stocking up on hand-crafted cheeses, fresh produce, and numerous artisanal products unique to New Mexico, wander along Canyon Road and take in the art scene. (American Style magazine just ranked Santa Fe #2 for the top 25 Art in Small Cities, and the Inn is the closest hotel to Canyon road.)
Included in the package is:
• A three-night stay in an accommodation of your choice, based on double occupancy
• $20 per person in Farmer’s Market tokens
• A gift certificate for $40 for lunch at Il Piatto, a downtown trattoria with a passion for local ingredients
• A pair of Santa Fe Farmers’ Market caps and re-useable market bags
• A sumptuous daily continental breakfast
• A daily wine and cheese hour
Fresh Santa Fe is available for a three-night stay on Sundays through Wednesdays until the end of October, with rates ranging from $531 to $1041. To book, please call 888-984-2121.
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“travel my way, take the highway that is best”
Every road tripper dreams of a drive along historic Route 66. This iconic American stretch of road inspired the eponymous tune sung by everyone from Nat King Cole to the Stones to John Mayer. In its heyday, this was the major roadway that beckoned travelers to the west and sunny California. Since replaced with generic interstate highways, one can still cruise down stretches of road marked “Historic Route 66” or discover the bits that have turned into local roads. The movement to preserve the gas stations and motels and other Americana lining the original route takes motorists back in time.
Planning to go get your kicks on Route 66? If so, the new Hotel Parq Central in Albuquerque – opening in October – will be right en route. Located on a stretch of Route 66 passing through New Mexico, this historic building would have been part of the scenery for westbound travelers. In Santa Fe, the Inn on the Alameda sits just off the iconic roadway and its prime location lets drivers leave the car in the parking lot and stretch their legs strolling along Route 66 to nearby restaurants and galleries.
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last minute memorial day getaways
Think you missed the boat on getting out of town for the long weekend? Think again. We’ve rounded up some great escapes that are still available, whether you’re craving beach or mountains, culture, or calm.
Where better to spend Memorial Day than in Lower Manhattan, the most historic part of the city? Stay at Andaz Wall Street, brand new in January, and take in some American culture, Manhattan-style. Federal Hall, where George Washington took the oath of office, is just down the street. Visit the cobblestoned streets of the South Street Seaport and its new Water Taxi Beach, pay homage at the grave of Alexander Hamilton at Trinity Church, or to capitalism at the New York Stock Exchange. And you’re at the ideal point of departure for sightseeing tours of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Andaz, meaning ‘personal style’ in Hindi, is not your average hotel. Here guests can imprint their own styles on their experiences, starting with check-in. This takes place in the Andaz Lounge where service is simplified, without the middlemen of doorman, bellhop, and concierge at the desk – just one “host” for each incoming guest. Full of clever features like a rotating closet that can open either into the bathroom or the bed chamber, and which innovatively incorporates a hanging area, full-length mirror and minibar and a vanity mirror on the back of the 42-inch flat screen television, Andaz Wall Street is ahead of its time, and has not forgotten the classics like a complimentary shoe shine, suit press, and the day’s paper (The Wall Street Journal, of course).
Rooms start at $275/night, click here for more details.
Think it’s impossible to get a good rate over Memorial Day weekend? Not at Inn on the Alameda, where rates start at just $215 a night and include the lavish “Breakfast of Enchantment” served each morning and wine and cheese reception each afternoon. Located in the heart of Santa Fe, it’s ideal for a weekend of relaxation, great Southwestern cuisine, and history. With classic Pueblo-style architecture and attentive personal service, the old-world ambiance of Santa Fe flows throughout the comfortable 71 rooms and communal areas. Mexican tile, handmade furniture, hand-woven rugs, local artifacts, and traditional Kiva fireplaces contribute to the hotel’s warm and inviting atmosphere. Amenities include complimentary parking for guests, two outdoor hot tubs, fitness facility, guest laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas, coffee service, and toll-free and local calls at no charge.
Over Memorial Day, experience the arts and culture by gallery hopping and shopping at the Jemez Red Rock Arts and Crafts Show, or catch a showing of Hitchcock’s Vertigo at The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 29th.
For reservations and information, contact the Inn on the Alameda at 1-888-984-2122 or 505-984-2121 or at www.innonthealameda.com.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Colorado
The Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival, taking place over Memorial Day weekend in Beaver Creek, Colorado, is the unofficial start to summer in the Rockies. Celebrate the long weekend with an escape to Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, which hosts the largest tasting of Colorado microbrews in the state on Saturday, May 29. Featuring more than 80 special concoctions from 35 breweries, the Colorado Microbrew Tasting has become one of the highlights of festival.
The hotel’s restaurant, 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill, has joined in on the festivities by offering a special “Featured Brewers Menu” that will pair beer creations from the microbreweries with special dishes.
Package includes:
- Accommodations at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, located in the heart of the festivities
- 2 entry tickets into the Blues, Brews and Barbecue Microbrew Tasting
- 2 commemorative tasting mugs
- 30% off services at Allegria Spa
Rates start at $219 per night. To book this package, click here or call 866-471-7658. For tickets to the Colorado Microbrews Tasting at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, call 970-827-6505. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door.
Enjoy the Caribbean this Memorial Day without the crowds –or prices – of the high season. Instead of enduring the goose bumps that come after throwing on summer clothes and hoping for warm weather, celebrate on Parrot Cay and kick the summer off early. Check out the amazing deals, all available through September 8, 2010, and if you bring them, kids eat free.
- Four for three deal, starting at $2088
- Seven for five deal, starting at $3480
- 25% discount on packages – applies to all packages, which include the Sun and Seclusion, Parrot Cay Honeymoon, Dr. Perricone COMO Shambhala Experience, Wellness programs, and the brand new Babymoon and Romantic Runaway packages.
newlyweds rejoice!
The high season for weddings has begun! Below find a round-up of honeymoon packages to suit all kinds of couples, from the couple who wants to just do nothing together to the couple that wants to do everything together.
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.
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oscar winner jeff bridges is crazy about santa fe
Jeff Bridges is on a roll. Coming off of his Oscar win for Crazy Heart, he’s getting right back on that horse (literally) to reprise John Wayne’s Oscar-winning role in a remake of the 1969 Western, True Grit. The day after the 82nd Academy Awards ceremony, Bridges hopped on a plane to Santa Fe to begin filming with the Coen brothers. There must be something about Santa Fe, because it was also a primary filming location for Crazy Heart. Could this be two in a row for Jeff?
Book a stay at the city’s most popular small hotel, Inn on the Alameda, and see what all the fuss is about. Hey, maybe you’ll run into Jeff in between takes.
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