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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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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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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winter deals in caribbean and mexico
It’s that time of the year: the leaves are gone, and Starbucks has the gall to bring out its holiday cups. So, at the risk of getting ahead of ourselves, we wanted to send out two new deals for the Caribbean and Mexico for early 2010 (!) escapes.
On the Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakobá just announced its ‘5 for 4’ offer for stays from January 3 through May 10, 2010. This is available for all room categories. The fifth (consecutive) night is complimentary, and the only blackout date is March 3 to 7, 2010. The resort just won a Five Diamond Award for 2010, on top of a slew of others, but the real reason to go is the tequila library.
More details and reservations here or call 888-ROSEWOOD
In Turks & Caicos, Parrot Cay has several new offers for stays from January 10 through September 8, 2010: ‘7 for 5,’ ‘4 for 3,’ and then 25% off of any of its packages. These are applicable to all room categories. Its packages include the Stress Management Program and the Ayurvedic Program at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, the all-inclusive Sun and Seclusion, and then the new Babymoon and Romantic Runaway packages.
More details and reservations here or call 649-946-7788
After last winter, we are resolved to build in some warm sun & turquoise water getaways this year. After all, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte only gets you so far.
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under a rock
Beach at Parrot Cay
Not to make light of Eric Clapton’s famous rehab center, Crossroads, in Antigua, but the Caribbean beaches really do seem like the place that rock stars go to detox. Or at least sleep…
Case in point: Bono and the rest of the U2 crew just returned from Rosewood Mayakobá, where they took a few days’ breather from their concert tour (next stop: Pasadena on Sunday, October 25; the concert will be streaming live on YouTube). Paul McCartney was there last winter, no doubt taking a well-deserved break. It’s Friday, so we can’t think of a good “When I’m Sixty-Four” joke to insert here…there has to be one.
If you’re more a Stones person than a Beatles person, it’s worth noting that Keith Richards regularly appears at Parrot Cay, where he owns a villa, to soak up the Vitamin D and all those healthful effects of the salty ocean. Sometimes his assistant comes too, with her dog named Ruby Tuesday.
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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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‘3 for 2′ at rosewood mayakoba
While the fall is beautiful, let’s admit that we all experience some vacation withdrawal after Labor Day weekend. To help carry us over to the holidays, we try to plug a few weekend getaways into the calendar.
Our latest idea for the fall comes from Mexico. We just got a new offer from Rosewood Mayakobá, the gorgeous lagoon-swathed resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It’s simple – stay three nights and only pay for two for any bookings now through December 15, 2009. Full breakfast (lots of fresh, tropical fruits) is included. The only blackout period is over Thanksgiving (November 24-29), so you’re free to go down any weekend (or week) you like.
As you might know, the Riviera Maya is an easy hop, skip, and jump from most major airports – just fly into Cancún and drive a little ways down the coast. Rosewood Mayakobá is about forty minutes from the Cancún airport.
Check out this gorgeous spot here (by the way, it was just voted #1 resort in Mexico by Travel + Leisure readers). When booking, use ‘3FOR2’ as the promotion code. If you do book, please shoot us a note or comment!
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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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rosewood mayakobá, the movie
While everyone else has been busy chattering about the midnight Harry Potter premieres, we have been prepping for our own premiere: Rosewood Maykobá, The Movie. The video is just a quick seven-minute sneak peek at a Riviera Mayan vacation à la Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Enjoy!
This summer, stay for $395 per night, which includes breakfast for two daily, $200 resort credit per stay, and an upgrade at arrival based on availability. Quite the deal to stay at the resort rated by Travel + Leisure as the #1 resort in Mexico and #18 top hotel overall.
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