1. Value

Fall rates at hotels on the island are greatly reduced in September, October, and beyond.  For example, at the iconic White Elephant hotel the lowest midweek July rate available is $550, while in September guests can stay overnight for as little as $265.  Quite a bargain!

2. Nantucket Restaurant Week , September 27- October 3, 2010

For a small island, Nantucket has a wide variety of esteemed culinary establishments – just to note, two of the island’s restaurants are actually up for James Beard Awards this year!  Three course dinners will be offered at top Nantucket joints from $25 – $45.

3. Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair, October 2, 2010

Celebrate fall harvest at the Old Mill and learn about Nantucket’s agricultural heritage, play lively colonial games, and make traditional crafts such as cornhusk dolls or beeswax candles.

4. Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival , October 9, 2010

Visit Nantucket’s infamous cranberry bogs, generally closed to the public but open for a short time in October just when the berries are harvested.  Enjoy bog tours, hay rides, sheep-shearing, and of course, fresh berries and delicious cranberry creations!  

5. Annual Chowder Contest, October 16, 2010

What is a New England vacation without “chowdah”?  Taste and vote for your favorite Nantucket Chowder, held right in the center of it all on Main Street in Nantucket Town.  This event costs $7, all-you-can-eat!

6. Scenic Hiking and Biking

Traverse the many different trails of Nantucket and check out the beautiful fall foliage.  For speedier tours of the island, rent a bike and hit the newly resurfaced 6.4 miles of bike paths.  Bike rentals typically cost around $30/day; complimentary bikes are available for guest of the White Elephant and The Wauwinet.

7. Golf

Nantucket is home to many top-notch golf clubs including the world-class Sankaty Head Golf Club.  Play is limited to members during the summer; however the public is allowed to play in the off-season (October-May) for a fee.

8. Inexpensive airfare

Think getting to Nantucket is difficult and pricey?  Phooey!  Fly Jet Blue direct from New York City to Nantucket starting at $49 this September.

9. Romance

If you took the kids to Nantucket this summer, come back in the fall sans the little guys and stay at the romantic Wauwinet (open until October 26).  The 32-room inn doesn’t allow children under 12, so there’s no chance of having a screaming baby just down the hall.  Rates at this luxury inn start at just $225 in October.

10. Traditional New England-style Thanksgiving

Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets of Nantucket and you’ll feel like you traveled through time back to the 18^th century!  The White Elephant’s Brant Point Grill hosts a special Thanksgiving buffet with all the comfort foods you’d expect at your grandmother’s house without all the work.

What’s new in the Caribbean? LOTS! Our hot list includes new villa rentals in Turks & Caicos, a glamorous new hotel, authentic Farm Dinners and Reggaelates (the new fitness craze) all happening in Jamaica, as well as moonlight yoga classes in Mexico, and an exclusive jazz-themed Caribbean cruise itinerary. Read on to find out more…

Parrot Cay

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Escape to a private paradise and rent one of Parrot Cay’s two new three-bedroom villas. Just three minutes from the main resort by buggy, each villa has its own stretch of white sand beach and lush landscape, creating the perfect secluded retreat, equipped with personal butler service. Designed by Cheong Yew Kwan, the villas are spacious and airy with soaring 20 foot ceilings and a great room for lounging and dining. All have three bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with a study, kitchen, and separate pantry.

What’s New? Live in the lap of luxury for a week as the villas are not only for sale but now are part of the Parrot Cay rental pool.  Parrot Cay’s COMO Shambala Retreat now offers Guinot signature Hydradermie facials.

Rates: Rental rates start at $5,808 in autumn (November 1-December 20).  Villas can be purchased for $10 million.

GoldenEye Hotel & Resort

Oracabessa, Jamaica

The new GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, nestled on Jamaica’s North Coast, will open on 10.10.10. GoldenEye was originally the home of author Ian Fleming and the location where he penned all 14 James Bond novels. In 1976, the now Island Outpost property was purchased by Chris Blackwell, Jamaica-raised founder of Island Records.  Following a two-year complete overhaul, the 52-acre property opens this October.

What’s New? Eleven new Beach Cottages and six new Lagoon Suites have been added to the hotel’s accommodations. The original Fleming villa (

where Fleming’s own desk still resides) and the five villas built by Blackwell in the 70s have all been artfully refit. Two new restaurants and the new lagoon-side FieldSpa at GoldenEye round out the offerings, as well as an array of fun, fitness, and wellness experiences – ranging from Jet Ski Leg and Ab workouts to Stretch and Snorkel classes, which will be lead by Jamaican Olympic athlete, Iona Wynter. GoldenEye’s Beach Cottages and Lagoon Suites are also available for purchase. An added perk – private planes can easily land on newly extended runway in Oracabessa (only a quick 8 minute drive from the resort).

Rates: Introductory rates start at $536/per night, valid from 10.10.10 through 4.29.11, excluding blackout dates and based on availability. Rates are based on double occupancy and include full breakfast. Tax and service charge are additional.

Jakes

Treasure Beach, Jamaica

Jakes, a boutique bohemian resort, located in the quaint fishing village of Treasure Beach offers a collection of vividly decorated villas, suites as well as spacious cottages. The hotel is just a few barefoot steps away from the Caribbean Sea, where guests can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, fishing and canoeing on the private beach. Jakes also offers interactive cooking lessons and tile mosaic class, led by the artist who is largely responsible for most of the unique design found throughout the properties.

What’s New? Farm Dinners are now offered monthly on the Saturday closest to the full moon and feature savory organic dishes prepared and served on-site at local farms. The program supports the small independent farmers of Jamaica’s “breadbasket, the Pedro Plains.

Rates: Room rates start at $95/per night based on double occupancy and does not include tax and service charge.

The Caves

Negril, Jamaica

Perched above Negril’s natural formed volcanic caves, the hotel offers thirteen exclusive accommodations including cottages, suites and one distinctive villa overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Although the resort is located near Jamaica’s central hub, the ten-acre property is well secluded and feels like a tropical castle set above a vibrant town center. Quaint stone pathways wind through the limestone cliffs dotted with palm, sea grape and dogwood trees.

What’s new? One word: Reggaelates – A unique Jamaican fusion of Pilates and reggae music. The hotel will also offer adventure excursions to nearby attractions such as YS Falls and Appleton Rum Estate in the fall.

Rosewood Mayakobá

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Rosewood Mayakobá offers lush comforts in the Riviera Maya. The resort spans a large part of the 1,600 Mayakobá enclave, nestled in the Yucatán jungle and along the Caribbean coastline.

What’s new? The boldly romantic can now take moonlight Tantric Yoga classes as part of the “Honeymoon Mayan Romance” package.  Follow a private yoga session for two with a romantic moonlight massage on an in-suite terrace, then DIY after a couple’s massage tutorial with 30 minutes of “alone time”.  Unwind with an aroma bath for two, including champagne and chocolate, indulgences the Mayans would approve of.

Rates: Rates start at $1152 per night inclusive of a daily buffet breakfast for two, and tax and service, until December 15, 2010; minimum 5-night stay.

Crystal Cruises

 “Jazz Exploration” Caribbean sailing

Crystal Serenity’s “Jazz Exploration” itinerary, with visits to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Bart’s, and Grand Turk.  From soft and soulful to bright and boisterous, the vibrant sounds of jazz musicians, expert and novice, permeate the ship on a relaxing voyage through idyllic Caribbean isles. Escape the crowded malls, jam-packed streets, and general pre-holiday stress with this jazz-themed sailing.  The bonus? Duty-free shopping in the islands – beats the in and out from cold weather to over-heated stores!

R/T from Miami, December 11-21.

What’s New? 2-for-1 fares on the 10-day sailing!

Rates:  Rates start at $3575/person based on double-occupancy

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Crowded beaches… Sun-burnt skin… Sand in inappropriate places… Sigh. Ditch the hand-held fan and take a detour from the average getaway this summer with an unexpected vacation. Bundle up in the southern hemisphere and experience Australia and Argentina’s winter season, discover the cool misty air in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, or take in the beauty of the snow-capped peaks in India.

What: Park Hyatt Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

Why: Park Hyatt Melbourne welcomes guests with a night of indulgence, called “Winter Warmer”. Enjoy decadent dessert treats, glasses of Moscato, a full buffet, breakfast for two in radii restaurant, and valet parking. Access to the Park Club Health & Day Spa is included complimentary.

Itinerary: Sip high tea in the afternoon and dine on a special Chef’s Table menu in the evening. The special “winter” Chef’s table menu lets guests taste their way through six seasonal courses, with an optional wine pairing, prepared by Executive Chef Sean Cumming and presented by a personally dedicated server.  Rates start at $518 USD. Six course meal costs $175 USD. Include wine pairing for an additional $120 USD.

Ideal for: Globetrotters missing the coziness of chilly winter nights.

What: Park Hyatt Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina

Why: With views of the snow covered Andes and a spa that pampers visitors with local wine-inspired treatments, Park Hyatt Mendoza is certainly an unexpected way to beat the heat. Located in one of South America’s most famous wine regions, it is the perfect place to escape the summer crowds.

Itinerary: Indulge in a “Mascara Corporal de Uvas” (Grape Body Masque) that combines mud from a local mountain chain with essential oils and fresh crumbled grapes. This treatment has a number of surprising benefits that include exfoliating, detoxifying, toning and enhancing circulation. It is applied on the body with a Thai massage and “wrapped” afterwards to lock in the results.

The “Brillo Vino de Mendoza” (Mendoza’s Wine Body Glow) is a body treatment applied from the neck to the toes with Thai massage techniques, providing deep hydration and infusing the skin with antioxidants through the combination of crushed grape skin and seeds. Rates start at $177 USD per night.

Ideal for: Relaxation junkies and oenophiles.

What: Strawberry Hill, Irish Town, Jamaica

Why: On an island known for its sandy beaches visitors will discover another side of Jamaica with a refreshing escape to Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, 3,100 feet above sea level. While beach bound crowds swelter, guests of Strawberry Hill unwind with cool mountain air and views that sweep from countryside to coastline. Guests who book four nights at the hotel, enjoy the fifth night free, with rates starting at $195 per night now through December 15.

Itinerary: The adventuresome can literally take a hike (or mountain bike excursion) on one of the many surrounding trails, tour the island’s premier coffee estate, or visit the Cinchona Botanical Gardens – a rare high-elevation botanical garden. Those seeking to refresh body and mind can take a dip in the negative- edge freshwater pool, channel their inner chakra at the yoga pavilion, or enjoy a holistic treatment at the full-service spa. And of course every guest can just take it easy on the private terrace of their own Georgian-style cottage, of which Strawberry Hill has 12.

Ideal for: Travelers looking to beat the heat but still get a taste of the tropical.

What: Shakti Village Experiences, Northern India

Why: India in the summer? Late spring through early fall is THE season for places like the Ladakh region of the northernmost point of India in the stunning Indian Himalayas.  Shakti Village Experiences can get you there, offering private, guided walking tours throughout villages in the India’s North – such as the Shakti Ladakh tour, which takes guests through the natural wonders of the region known as ‘Little Tibet.’ With an elevation of 11,000ft, Shakti has made it possible for the leisure traveler to enjoy a Ladakh experience that is usually the domain of the backpacker – just the ticket for the jaded traveler looking for a new escape.

Itinerary: As guests of a Shakti walking tour, you and your private group will be accompanied by dedicated local porters and guides as you go on ‘soft adventure’-style walks between the villages during the day, and at night, stay in traditional village homes which have been gently spruced to provide proper comfort without compromising authenticity.

Ideal For: Culture worshippers seeking the road less traveled, but with a sherpa for their luggage.

What’s in your garden?  Anantara Dhigu divulges the juicy scoop on the resort’s chef’s garden. Check out the growing there. Not only do the 12 varieties of organic herbs and vegetables add punches of flavor to food and several offer holistic benefits. This may be inspiration for starting a backyard garden, or at least planting some herbs on the fire escape.

Lemongrass

As an ingredient: used to give soups and sauces a sharp lemony flavor

For good health: works as a diuretic, emmanagogue, and is anti-flatulence, anti-flu, and antimicrobials

Thai Chili, Maldivian Chili, Indian Chili, and Hot Pepper

As ingredients: used to make curries spicy and give varying levels of heat to many Thai dishes

For good health: Chilis contain capsaicin, a chemical that benefits the respiratory system, blood pressure, and heart. Eating lots of chilis also raises body temperature which can speed up metabolism.

Arugula

As an ingredient: used in salads and as a garnish, this zesty leaves has a horseradish flavor

For good health: While arugula seeds are historically thought to be an aphrodisiac, its leaves are known to stimulate digestion and promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Bok Choy

As an ingredient: this Chinese cabbage is great for soups, salads, and stir-fry

For good health: The leafy green is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K and promotes improvement of vision and the proper growth of bones and teeth.

Thyme

As an ingredient: adds an earthy taste and rich scent to stews and sauces and grilled meats

For good health: it’s said to aid in the digestion of fats

Sweet and Thai Basil

As an ingredient: both basils provide a fresh, flavorful note to dishes, with Thai basil carrying a stronger anise taste

For good health: basil can help digestion and stomach health

Ginger

As an ingredient: adds a spicy kick to lots of Asian dishes and makes a great soothing tea

For good health: this root has many perks, thought to be an aphrodisiac and known to help upset stomachs and calm nausea from motion sickness and morning sickness.

Cherry Tomato

As an ingredient: sweeter than its bigger cousins, these tomatoes are great in salads

For good health: they’re a great source of Vitamins E, C, and A

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]]> http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/06/21/underground-surf-scene-on-nantucket/feed/ 1 http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/05/25/to-the-victor-go-the%e2%80%a6camels/ http://www.alicemarshall.com/2010/05/25/to-the-victor-go-the%e2%80%a6camels/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 17:54:38 +0000 janet http://www.alicemarshall.com/?p=2083

Last week New York Times’ T magazine took note of the annual Mazayin Competetion, AKA Camel Beauty Contest, which takes place in the desert two hours outside of Abu Dhabi.

Part of the Al Dhafra Festival, this seemingly oxymoronic tradition (Camels? Beautiful?) is actually highly competitive. There are, of course, millions of dollars in prize money to be had, but it is the old family rivalries that really get the blood flowing. There are last minute camel swaps and deals being brokered as camel owners from all over the UAE  strategize to win the ’50,’ or the title of having the most exceptional group of 50 camels.  The panel of judges will critique each camel individually, then score the contestants based on criteria from the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Al Dhafra is all about celebrating Bedouin culture and is an ideal time to visit the region.  The desert is full of festivities: a traditional souk is set up where visitors can shop for handmade crafts and sample native dishes, there is a date-wrapping competition, a poetry contest and even camel races!

The festival takes place annually in late January into early February. We’ll be checking back once the drama begins to unfold.

Anything is possible in Abu Dhabi. That is why we are not surprised that the stately Emirates Palace, with its iconic roofline and dramatic, gold plated lobby, added more bling to the decor…  Gold to go, to be exact!  As if the hotel needed more that glittered and dazzled, the lobby has now been outfitted with none other than its own gold-dispensing machine.  Simply feed cash into the ATM-like apparatus and bam! Out comes a bar or customized coins of gold. Sound bizarre?  Not really when you are traveling in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

After all the time spent lugging gold bars around town, why not head to the Anantara Spa and unwind with a massage or in the traditional hammam.

At more than $1,245 an ounce, why wouldn’t you go for the gold?

Don’t miss the last chance for the lowest available rate at Nantucket Island Resorts! Hurry and book by April 1 (we’re not fooling) and guests will have the added bonus of the lowest rate guaranteed at the following properties: Jared Coffin House, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, The Wauwinet, White Elephant, and  White Elephant Hotel Residences. If the rate goes lower at any time before your stay, the resort will honor the lower 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 you spend $100, or $50 dinner credit when you spend $150, at either Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant or TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet

Offer is subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers, and is not applicable to groups. To receive the guarantee, you must book by April 1, 2010. Click here for other restrictions.

To book online, visit the Nantucket Island Resorts property of your choice and enter the booking code GTDLOW, or call 800.ISLANDS (800.475.2637) or 508.325.1000 and mention booking code GTDLOW.

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 82^nd 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.