all the dish that’s fit to print
the magic of the holidays at park hyatt zurich
“Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, Thy leaves are so unchanging.” Not true at Park Hyatt Zurich this season when the hotel lobby’s decorative evergreen becomes a “Wish Tree” in support of the local Children’s Spitex Canton Zurich foundation (Kispex) – an organization that helps sick children access outpatient care so that they might live in the comfort of their homes.
In addition to the typical trimmings of ornamental balls and garlands, a variety of colorful handmade red stars are sparkling on the tree’s boughs. Kids of Park Hyatt Zurich employees have tapped into their artistic energy and decked out one side of these stars with festive coloring. The other side has a brief description of Kispex.
From now until Christmas, guests of the hotel may select a star from the tree and choose to make a monetary donation to Kispex at the front desk. And in the true spirit of the season, Park Hyatt will collect all of the donations, double them, and give the total amount to the organization.
Pick up a star and make a holiday wish come true during your next visit to Switzerland!
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naughty or nice?
Choose naughty and save Santa the trip this year. Met Bar members can head to the Metropolitan London for a steamy “Baby It’s Cold Outside” Christmas Cabaret Spectacular on Wednesday, December 2, at 9:30 p.m.
Pin-ups Esme Bianco, Roxy Velvet, and Polly Cupcake will welcome you with a night of festive stripteases and burlesque performances on a custom-made silver sleigh. Before heading out, don’t forget to grab a bag of swag filled with Modern Courtesan lingerie and Hotel Chocolat sweets.
Members can RSVP to jamie.holloway@metropolitan.como.bz.
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the envelope please…
Alexandra Champalimaud, designer of the new White Elephant Hotel Residences on Nantucket, was named “Designer of the Year” at the 29th annual Gold Key Awards at The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York.
From the exterior, the White Elephant Hotel Residences are quintessential New England cottages. On the inside, however, Alexandra Champalimaud has fused the traditional aesthetic that is so very Nantucket with a distinct European touch. This design vision, coupled with plenty of modern conveniences (a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a high definition flat screen television, and a panini maker, to name a few) is clearly the recipe for a great getaway.
As for that quintessential New Englandness, it is in full swing at the annual Christmas Stroll Weekend. A part of Nantucket Noel, a month-long community celebration organized by the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, the Stroll features carolers in Victorian Costume, bell ringers, student choirs, and even Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage, arriving via Coast Guard vessel, of course.
Visit http://www.nantucketislandresorts.com/ for more information.
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oh tidings of comfort and joy at park hyatt washington
Head to our nation’s capital and book a cozy holiday getaway with the Comfort & Joy Winter Package at Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
Enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a Park Deluxe room, where guests can spend a frosty evening snuggled up under a fluffy down comforter. Before lights out, chase away the chill in your bones and settle in to a steaming hot bath in the Park Deluxe spa-inspired bathroom.
Then savor the flavors of a revitalizing pot of tea from the hotel’s famously unique Tea Cellar. Boasting more than 50 rare teas from regions of China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and the Himalayas, the Tea Cellar is sure to please anyone in need of a soothing night-cap. If the kids are in tow – or you’re craving something a bit sweeter – ask for a complimentary pot of rich hot cocoa and a batch of freshly baked cookies.
As for the best part? There’s no need to worry about getting to bed early – check-out time for this special seasonal package is pushed back until 4 p.m. for a little extra hibernation.
The offer is available from November 29, 2009 through February 28, 2010. Rates start at $349 per room.
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stuffing galore on nantucket
Let someone else baste the turkey this year and relax with a few great, last minute holiday deals from Nantucket Island Resorts. Stay at the White Elephant, where Hot Dates, Cool Rates will get you a room for $150 per night from November 25-29. Then feast with the family at the All-day Thanksgiving Buffet at Brant Point Grill for $65 adults, $32.50 kids 6-12yrs and $5 for 3-5 yrs.
Book online or call 800.ISLANDS and mention “Hot Dates, Cool Rates.”
Visit http://www.nantucketislandresorts.com for more information.
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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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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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