all the dish that’s fit to print
friday freebies, take two
Calling all boat lovers and Facebook FANatics! The Nantucket Boat Basin is now on Facebook. Help celebrate the marina’s 40th Anniversary by becoming a fan and entering the Boat Basin’s Become a FAN Sweepstakes.
The FAN prize includes:
- Two-night slip stay for one boat
- Dinner for four paired with house wine at Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant
- Four 60-minute spa treatments at the tranquil White Elephant Spa
- Four tickets to The Whaling Museum
To enter, visit http://www.nantucketboatbasin.com/ by April 1, 2010
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delightfully daffy on nantucket
photographs courtesy of Nantucket Chamber of Commerce/Michael Galvin
From early April to mid-May, over three million daffodils of every color, shape and size will bloom on Nantucket. This blossoming, and the arrival of spring itself, is the focal point of celebration during Daffodil Festival Weekend. This year the festival will take place over the weekend of April 23-25. The Festival’s grand event is the Antique Car Parade, which features more than 100 antique cars (decorated with daffodils, of course!) After winding through town and across the island to the charming village of Siasconset, participants join residents and visitors for the Daffodil Tailgate Picnic. This“Nantucket-Style” tailgate picnic showcases traditional New England fare ranging from gourmet meals served on fine china to boxed lunches and burgers.
Other Daffodil Festival Weekend highlights include the Nantucket Garden Club’s Daffodil Show, The Annual Daffy Dog Parade, Children’s Daffodil Parade, and The Daffy Hat Pageant. Not only does springtime on Nantucket bring delightful weather ideal for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and fishing, but it also brings delightful deals such as Hot Dates, Cool Rates at the Jared Coffin House with rates starting as low as $125 per night. Book by April 1st and guests will also get the added bonus of spa and dining credits!
For more information about Jared Coffin House and their Hot Dates, Cool Rates Guaranteed promotion, please visit http://www.jaredcoffinhouse.com/.
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no april fools on nantucket
Some say there are no guarantees in life. Fortunately, Nantucket Island Resorts and Crystal Cruises beg to differ!
Hot Rates, Cool Dates Guaranteed
Hot Dates, Cool Rates by Nantucket Island Resorts are back! For 2010, guests who book by April 1, 2010, get the lowest rate guaranteed at each property.
No April Fools here. If the rate goes lower at any time before a guest’s stay, Nantucket Island Resorts will honor the lower rate. In addition to the guaranteed rate, guests will also receive:
- Spa Credit: Two $25 spa treatment credits at the White Elephant Spa or The Spa by the Sea at The Wauwinet
- Dinner Credit: $25 dinner credit when $100 is spent, or $50 dinner credit when $150 is spent, at either Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant or TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet
Rates start as low as $125 at Jared Coffin House, $175 at The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, $195 at White Elephant, $225 at The Wauwinet, and $500 at White Elephant Hotel Residences.
When making reservations online, book and then enter special request code GTDLOW, or call 800.ISLANDS (800. 475.2637) and mention special request code GTDLOW
Crystal Cruises’ Price Guarantee & Assurance
In addition to Crystal Cruises’ Price Guarantee, which protects guests who have already booked by giving them the best applicable fare if it drops, the Crystal Assurance Plan also includes reduced cancellation periods from 75 days to 45 days prior to sailing without penalty, and extended deposit requirements, from three to seven days before deposit is due.
Plus, to celebrate Crystal’s 20th Anniversary in 2010, guests will enjoy 2-For-1 Fares for all destinations, All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard spending credits of up to $1,000 per guest, free round-trip air with most cruises, and business class air for Penthouse categories in Europe.
For information and reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.
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nantucket tops country for recycling
October 26, 2009, Cape Cod Times announced that a national advocacy group recently named Nantucket as the top recycling community in the country, knocking San Francisco off its perch. Thanks to an adaptation of a “zero waste” recycling program a decade ago, Nantucket leads the way in recycling and composting, and is ingraining “green” values within younger generations in the community. (Trust us. Ask any islander about the “Take it or Leave It” pile, which has become a hot gathering spot to find anything from furniture to good beach reads.)
Recycling and caring for the environment is now second nature to islanders. Everyone plays an important role. Here is how the Nantucket Boat Basin is helping:
- Reducing Pollution from Vessel Sewage Discharges – Raw or poorly treated sewage can spread disease, contaminate shellfish beds, and lower oxygen levels in water. Nantucket is a no-discharge harbor, and the Boat Basin offers complimentary pump-out services at all three of its wharves. Recently, The Clean Waters U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service recognized the Nantucket Boat Basin for participating in the most “pump-outs” of any marina in the U.S. The Boat Basin’s clean facilities and “clean boating” educational efforts were also recognized.
- Welcome and Educate – Upon arrival to the Nantucket Boat Basin, all incoming vessels receive a lovely welcome bag dedicated to Nantucket & the environment. Information on how to recycle, the proper use of environmental materials and where to properly discard each, is included. Boaters looking to refuel are given an absorbent donut to affix around fuel nozzles, to reduce leakage into the water. Guests also receive a small jar of biodegradable soap to wash their boat with, all in an effort to keep the surrounding water clean.
- Waste Has a Place! – The Nantucket Boat Basin has a zero-tolerance policy for mixed, or non-complying rubbish. There are 35 sets of large recycling bins to sort aluminum, plastics, and glass located throughout the 30 docks of the marina. Cigarettes can be extinguished in 50 dedicated areas, and there are 190 decorated rubbish barrels that blend with the décor of the island. Pet owners can even “dispose” at the Boat Basin’s Animal Needs Park with complimentary biodegradable bags.
- Time and Dedication – The Nantucket Boat Basin provides environmentally- friendly staff dedicated to removing, sorting, and cleaning the marina’s waste each day. Four or more marina attendants are on hand daily just to clean and maintain the 18 bathrooms and shower facilities.
For more information on the Nantucket Boat Basin and its environmental efforts, please visit http://www.nantucketboatbasin.com/
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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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nantucket’s farmers & artisans market
Courtesy of Nantucket Farmers Market (via Flickr)
Find yourself on Nantucket some Saturday morning? Lucky duck.
Do yourself (and the island) a favor and wander over to the Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market, happening each Saturday through October 17 from 9 am to 1 pm. Cambridge and North Union Streets, right by the Starlight Theater, are closed to cars for the market.
Spotted this past Saturday was Karin Sheppard of Island Weaves, with her beautiful blankets of alpaca, silk, and mohair, David Berry of Nantucket Honey Bee Company with his light and dark honeys (the color changes depending on whether the bees are pollinating summer or fall flowers), and Dylan Wallace and Claudia Butler of Nantucket Native, with their organic fruits and vegetables – and chocolates. There were plenty more stands, all full of locally made and grown goodies.
A tip for those who wander in unprepared: there’s an ATM around the corner, on the bottom of Main Street.
If you want to book a trip to the island this fall (one of the lovelier times to go), check the Nantucket Island Resorts website for the latest “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” offers.
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father’s day getaways
Wondering what to do with Dad for Father’s Day? Send him away! We love you, Dad, and you’ve been at that desk for too long. Time for a much needed vacation!
Golfing at sea on Crystal Cruises
WHAT: Not Your Average Cruise
WHY: Think cruising is just for elderly ladies? Think again. All of Crystal Cruises itineraries feature an impressive list of activities for men that extend way beyond bridge, shuffleboard, and marathon eating.
MAN-TIVITIES: In a single day at sea, activities abound: paddle tennis, golf lessons with a PGA professional, jogging around the wide deck, poker in a world-class casino, a work out in a fully equipped gym, and cigars and scotch during ESPN’s Top Ten of the Week, to name but a few.
GOLF SPECIAL: For men who are glued to the green, Crystal’s 2009 High Tea and Golf Tees 11-day British Isles voyage gives guys the option of onshore golf excursions at up to six different golf courses in England, Ireland, and Scotland. (more…)
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calling all dogs
Nantucket Island Resorts has just added three more pet-friendly cottages at The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, bringing the total of Woof Cottages to eleven. Pets are a welcome addition at the Nantucket waterfront hotel where, upon check-in, pets receive the VIP treatment with a welcome basket of pet treats and play toys, food and water bowls, personalized pet tags – even Doggie sunscreen (15 SPF).
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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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nantucket sample sale
Nantucket has always been seen as a playground for the rich; this spring, Nantucket Island Resorts reminds us that its a destination for all tastes and budgets. To prove the point, certain dates throughout the year have been named “Hot Dates” when each property offers significantly lower rates. Check www.nantucketislandresorts.com regularly to determine which dates qualify.
Jared Coffin House: Spring rates start at $220 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $99
The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin: Spring rates start at $210 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $125 per night
White Elephant: Spring rates start at $275 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $175 per night
The Wauwinet: Spring rates start at $380 per night; Hot Dates start at $225 per night
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